Another surf trip, this time to the Philippines, on the island of Siargao in December 2018. I went to visit my friend Julie, who lived there. I’d seen her surf videos pop up online in September—perfect waves, turquoise water—and I booked my tickets on the spot.

What I didn’t realize was that December is rainy season. The vibe was nothing like those sun-drenched clips I’d seen, and the sun barely made an appearance. But the trip still delivered. The light, even on cloudy days, was incredible—soft and dramatic in a way I’d never seen before. Every shot with my Fuji XT2 felt elevated somehow.

This series is a collection of the moments and faces that made the trip unforgettable, even without perfect weather.