Dual Perspective: The Photography of Dave "Nelly" Nelson

Live in the Gallery | Friday, August 7 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

If you’ve picked up a surf magazine or followed the culture over the last two decades, you already know Dave "Nelly" Nelson’s work. As a veteran photographer with countless global covers to his name, Dave has spent years capturing the raw energy of the lineup for the world's elite athletes and major brands—including Vans, O’Neill, and Reef.

On Friday, August 7 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Sunny California is proud to host an open-house gallery exhibition celebrating his incredible archive of heavy-water imagery, sharp action photography, and iconic surf culture.

Behind the Lens

Capturing high-quality surf photography from the water is an art form that requires deep surfing knowledge, specialized gear, and an expert eye for wave mechanics. Because of this, authentic water shots are incredibly rare to obtain, and seeing them up close through the lens of an industry veteran like Nelly is a special opportunity.

Beyond his global photography career, Dave is a cornerstone of the Santa Cruz community. He is dedicated to his family and serves as a true role model, helping pave the way for the next generation of young talent coming out of NorCal. This gallery exhibition brings that deep local connection and premium action imagery straight to our walls.

Event Details

Come out to view the prints, grab a drink, and celebrate our local surf community.

• What: Dave "Nelly" Nelson Gallery Exhibition & Open House
• When: Friday, August 7th | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Where: Sunny California Surf Club | Santa Cruz, CA
• Admission: Free

Exclusive Book Signing

We are stoked to feature a live book signing during the opening exhibition. Meet Nelly in person and grab a signed copy of his acclaimed photo book, Dual Perspective—a stunning collection capturing the unique counter-balance of heavy ocean environments and intimate coastal moments.

The In-Water Surf Photo Experience

Nelly’s work with Sunny California goes beyond the gallery show. We partner with Dave to offer the ultimate In-Water Surf Photo Experience—giving surfers a rare opportunity to share the lineup at iconic Pleasure Point with a world-class veteran capturing their waves.

Whether you want to analyze your form, commemorate your time in the water, or score the ultimate profile picture, Nelly will be right there in the surf zone to document your ride from the best possible angle.