Photographer Amber Mozo Shoots Pipeline Where Her Famous Father Died

When Jon Mozo, an acclaimed surf photographer based on O’ahu’s North Shore, died in 2005 at the age of 33, he was doing what he loved best: photographing Backdoor Pipeline, which is considered to be one of the world’s deadliest waves. Among the four children he left behind is a daughter, Amber, who has followed in her father’s footsteps, photographing surfers, and recently visiting and photographing the very place where her father lost his life.

Amber Mozo was only 9 years old when her father crashed into one of the reefs that create the huge waves at Pipeline that are famous among surfers. In the years since, she has traveled worldwide, photographing the ocean and the athletes surfing its waves. However, only recently, with the help and training of friend and fellow photographer Zak Noyle, was Amber able to face her fears and visit Pipeline herself.

Noyle had met Jon Mozo and looked up to him as a sort of mentor, admiring his photography and shooting style. Amber knew that Noyle would be the one who she could trust to lead her on the journey she wanted to take, to walk in her father’s footsteps and understand his love for capturing the thing that ultimately cost him his life.

In the video above, Amber and Zak discuss their passion and preparation for this meaningful journey into Pipeline. Be sure and click each name to view more of the work of Jon Mozo, Amber Mozo, and Zak Noyle.