About Me

Jason Shanahan, owner and photographer at Wandering Surfer Photography

People often ask me, “Why did you become a photographer?” and to be honest, it’s kind of a long story…

I served in the Marine Corps for almost a decade before putting down my rifle and picking up a camera for the first time. After my time in the military, I moved home to Maryland, went to college and began a career in water treatment. That job gave me great opportunities to travel, and I took them all. My old career was a decent one and I made a good living, but I just didn’t feel that desire to get up every day and go to work, so I started thinking about what really makes me happy. I always had a love for nature, the beach, and creative art, so photography really seemed like the natural path to take. I got a cheap point and shoot camera and started creating photos of everyday things around me, and before too long, I realized that I really had something special. After having my friends tell me “You should do this for a living” I thought, well, yea, maybe I will! That day, it just clicked, literally! Why not turn my new passion into a career, and so I did! I quit my job, moved to the beach, and opened my first studio.

I have developed a unique coastal style over the years, and that comes through both when you meet me, and when you look at my work. I love to incorporate bright, natural light and a true to life, film inspired editing style so that those who view my art can get a true sense of the power, beauty and inspiration all around us here at the beach.

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“Highly recommend Jason and Wandering Surfer Photography. He is professional, prompt, easy to work with and dependable. Most of all- his pictures are amazing! He understands the real estate business and recognizes what shots are important and how critical the timing is in this market.”

Lisa J ★★★★★

“We used Jason and Wandering Surfer Photography for some new professional photos at our hotel and we had a great experience. The quality, responsiveness, and overall product was amazing. Would highly recommend!”

Nathan L ★★★★★

“We booked an evening sunset session and could not be more satisfied. From the time we met at the point til we left everything went great. Photographer has a great personality and especially with the kids. Took his time and had patience with them. I proposed during the shoot, and he had a great idea of making it all come together. Great quality at a great rate. Highly recommend Wandering Surfer Photography”

Dusty S ★★★★★

“We had an AMAZING experience with Jason!! He captured such special family moments and even got my toddler and newborn to cooperate for photos! We love our photos and will cherish them forever! He is incredibly kind and responds right away to all questions and concerns.”

Cortney G ★★★★★

“Jason was so great! He was fun to work with and totally understood everything I was asking for. He even finished our shoot in the rain. Very responsive, super helpful, veteran owned, all around nice guy and great to work with!”

Sarah B ★★★★★

“I have used Jason recently for my real estate listings and he is fabulous! He's fun to work with, very prompt and the pictures are professional. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a reliable photographer who really knows what he's doing!”

Caroline H ★★★★★

“Sincerely appreciate the professionalism of Wandering Surfer Photography, and the effort Jason made in making a last-minute photo session request happen! Truly a pleasure to work with Jason and his pictures turned out fabulous!”

Ammie A ★★★★★

“The wedding video he did for us was absolutely amazing! We probably have watched it 100 times! We couldn’t have asked for our special moments to be captured any better!”

Charles O ★★★★★

“Jason took photos of our family and they turned out amazing! It was the perfect way to capture our annual vacation to Holden Beach. He was great to work with and we got the pictures back quickly. We highly recommend him!”

Hayley H ★★★★★