Titus Haug

Interview by Glenn Sakamoto

California-based Titus Haug is a man of many talents. From his successful music career to his work with the Nikonos V in the water, he combines his many unique experiences from his past to create stunning and surprising work for today. We caught up with Titus to learn more.

You were born and raised in Japan until you were 16. Can you tell us what that was like?

Growing up in Japan was a really good experience for me. My parents moved there in the ‘80s as missionaries and fell in love with the people and culture. By the time I was born they had fully established themselves in a city called Shimonoseki, which is located in Southern Honshu. When I was growing up I would go to public Japanese school during the day and then come home and speak English with my family. My sisters and I were the only Americans in attendance at our local school so we were really immersed in the culture. It was a unique upbringing for sure, but for us it just felt like normal life. Growing up there definitely shaped who I am and how I think.

Do you remember your first green wave? 

When I was 16 my family visited Hawaii for the first time. I caught my first green wave there on a small reef break and was immediately blown away by the sensation. That’s where my surfing journey began.

What’s special about surfing for you?

Surfing encourages me to stay humble, to steward the earth and to be joyful. It’s a gift that I don’t take for granted. 

Who/What inspired you to begin shooting images?

During college I worked at a coffee shop called Bird Rock Coffee Roasters in San Diego. One day, Todd Glaser walked in with a water housing in hand and I asked him a bunch of questions about shooting images in the water. I’m not sure Todd remembers meeting me, but he really inspired me to get serious about water photography that day. He suggested that I start shooting with a Nikonos V and so I purchased one about a year later and began shooting in the water. Looking through the archives of photographers such as John Witzig and Art Brewer have also been a huge source of inspiration for me in surf photography.

What do you look for in a good photograph?

A good photograph captures a feeling. Usually it’s the combination of a good story, good light and good location that makes the best images.

Tell us about shooting in the ocean with film and the Nikonos V…

Shooting film in an era where digital cameras are readily available may seem odd to some, but I really do think that film still has a lot to offer. It has a feel that is hard to replicate digitally. I flooded the first three cameras I owned before I got one good roll with the Nikonos. Eventually I figured out how to use the camera and have been really enjoying shooting with it. Shooting in the ocean can be hectic at times and you definitely have to be aware of what’s going on around you. There was a huge swell at Blacks earlier this year that really pushed my limits with swimming and shooting. The forecast was calling for triple overhead swell with offshore winds. I could hardly sleep the night before knowing that it was going to be big and clean the next day. When I swam out that morning and felt the energy and power of the waves, it was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.

You are also a recording artist. Can you tell us a bit about your music?

I was a music lover from an early age. There are photos of me as a little kid playing guitar with my dad and the passion has only grown over the years. I played in a few bands growing up and eventually started releasing music under my name, Titus Haug. It’s still a relatively small operation but I’ve been working hard on writing, recording and touring as much as possible.  

Where can we hear your music?

You can listen to my music on Spotify, Apple Music and most streaming platforms available.

Of all the places you have traveled to, what place in particular stands out for you?

That’s a tough one. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit many epic places over the years, but Thailand definitely stands out among them. My late teenage years were spent there and it’s where I feel that I came into my own in some ways. I really started diving deeper into music, board sports and art while I was there and I think the culture as a whole is really rad.

What brings you the most happiness in the world?

God, Friendship, Music, Surfing

Who are some of the people you feel are shaping the path for surfing today?

Bryce Young, Stephanie Gilmore, Kai Lenny, John John Florence, Dave Rastovich – just to name a few.

What is your favorite board? Your favorite surf spot?

I have a 9’6 Pintail Nose-rider from Kurtis Woodin that I love surfing. For days with more size, I enjoy riding a 6’1 Twin Keel Fish that my friend Dominique Picone shaped for me. 

I live in Point Loma and there are a couple of reefs in the area that I really enjoy surfing. Always a good time.

What's your favorite meal?

It’s a Northern Thai dish called Khao Soi. Insanely tasty. 

What are you most grateful for?

I am most grateful for God’s love, the friends and family that I am surrounded by, the gift of music, surfing, a healthy body… there are so many things. 

What’s next for Titus Haug?

I’d like to keep honing my craft as a photographer, musician, and surfer. I have a few projects in the works with photography and music that I am excited about. Mainly I hope to continue growing in the path that I am on. 

Find out more about Titus at his website or follow him on Instagram @titus_anthony