Growing up along the northern coast of Perth, Tom’s bond with the ocean was forged early on. His father, Mel, a pioneering surfer in the area, and his mother, Rhonda, a tenacious swimmer who completed the iconic Rottnest Channel Swim solo at the age of 60, both inspired his deep connection to the sea. For Tom, the beach was always home.
While Tom’s childhood was deeply intertwined with the rhythms of the ocean, his teenage years were marked by a bit of aimlessness; surfing, playing footy, and enjoying the freedom of youth. However, when his family relocated to Busselton, Tom found himself grappling with the change, holding on to his life and friends in Perth. He bounced between various odd jobs before it slowly dawned on him that without a major shift, he was headed down a path he didn’t want to follow.
At 25, a life-changing moment came when Tom worked as a surf guide in the Mentawais at Pitstop Hill. There, he met photographer John Barton, who ignited Tom’s interest in photography. “I saw what he was doing and the ember that had been smoking all my life for a creative outlet was lit. Photography.” Tom borrowed money, bought the gear, and dove into the world of surf photography.
It was Joe Knight of One Ocean International who helped Tom take his photography to new depths. Through intense breath-hold training and years of mentorship, Tom gained a profound understanding of shooting in challenging conditions. This was the foundation for his rise in surf photography, capturing the world’s heaviest waves with an eye for both beauty and danger.
His travels took him to remote locations from Namibia to Norway, often alongside fellow adventurer Luke Saranah. “We valued our independence, but life responsibilities catch up quick,” Tom recalls. “Spending every dime on trips only lasts so long, so I had to pivot.”
Photography began to take on new dimensions when Tom expanded his focus to commercial work. The rise of social media opened doors for him to capture not just surf but also the lives of craftspeople, wine producers, and entrepreneurs. This led to the creation of Marlei, his business, which he runs with his wife, Amalie.
Now, splitting their time between Margaret River and Copenhagen, Tom finds balance between his career, family life, and his love for surfing.
“The place. Wow, it's hard to describe. The illustrations of the seasons. The land stripped of any disguises, showing its bones and beauty alike. It gets under your skin. Any time I get close enough to smell that humus of the forest floor. I know I'm home."
For visitors to the South West, Tom has a few recommendations: “Anything to do with the ocean”...“Exploring the rock pools at Surfers Point. Finding your "own beach" when taking a gamble on a four wheel drive track in Boranup Forest. Simply witnessing the incredible energy of a Winter Front. The beauty of having three coasts is that there is always a little spot somewhere to enjoy.
Tom’s work has appeared in major publications, including Surfer’s Journal, where his surf photography recently graced the cover. His proudest moments, however, are tied to the personal photos—the ones that carry a deeper meaning for him alone and that most publications and people would scroll past. “Only I know what it took to get to that place at that time. What it took physically and emotionally. I think any photo I've taken that can somehow express that without anyone knowing the back story is one I'm proud of.”
Looking ahead, Tom’s future projects involve even more adventure. “I have my sights set on some frigid areas of the world. I can’t say much more,” he teases.