Why a Metal Print Suits a Surf Photograph
If you ask me which material I would pick for The Stairwell, I will say metal, and I will say it quickly. The photograph is built from glassy green water, a gold sunlit brick wall, and cool blue ocean, and I think metal makes all of it pop. But metal is not the right answer for every wall or every budget, so let me walk you through why I like it and when I would choose something else.
This print comes from Santa Cruz, CA during the string of summer swells in 2026. I noticed the wave aligning with the stairwell while scouting a place to surf. At the time, nobody was surfing the wave, but I decided to head back to my van for the camera.
I waited for almost an hour in the stairwell for a surfer and wave to align.
Thankfully, I stuck out the wait as I love this image.
Additional Information:
Please allow 5-10 days for printing and shipping.
I have the ability to print custom sizes and material (like wood, gatorboard, etc.). If this interests you, please reach out to dj@dalton-johnson.com for a free quote with the size and material you desire.
Here is the picture. A surfer rides a green wave in the distance, seen through a gap between two concrete walls in Santa Cruz. The brick on the left catches the sun and glows gold. The other wall sits in shadow. A few blurred leaves float in the top corner. I shot it in early summer 2026, from 100 to 200 yards away, after standing in the stairwell for about an hour waiting for the tide and a rider.
Metal prints tend to make color and fine detail stand out, and this image is rich in both. The green of the wave, the warm brick, and the sparkle on the water all have room to shine. Metal is also durable, and it resists UV light well, which matters if the print will live in a bright room, a beach house, or anywhere near strong sun. It does not need a frame to look finished, so it has a clean, modern feel. For a coastal home, a surf shop, or a beach rental, that durability is a real plus.
There are tradeoffs, and I want you to know them. Metal is usually the most expensive option, and it can throw a lot of glare. Before you hang it, look at where your windows and lamps are. A wall that catches a direct reflection will make the image harder to enjoy. Placing the print across from a window, or on a wall with softer light, helps a lot.
Paper is the budget friendly choice. It shows detail and natural color, and it is the cheapest way to hang this print, especially with a frame. The catch is that paper needs a frame to look finished, and it is more delicate than metal. If you like a classic look, a simple wood or white frame can look wonderful, and paper is a smart pick for a hallway or a bedroom with gentle light. I choose the paper for every order myself.
Canvas gives a softer, textured look with little glare, so it can work in a bright room where metal would reflect. It costs more at larger sizes because of the construction and shipping, and it can fade if it sits in strong direct sun. For this image, which is all about vivid light and color, I would still lean toward metal or paper first, but canvas is a fair choice if you love the textured look.
Size is the other decision. The print is horizontal and comes in 8x10, 8x12, 11x14, 12x18, 16x24, 20x30, and 24x36. A larger metal print makes the wave feel immersive. A smaller one is a nice accent. If you want a custom size or a different material, such as wood or gatorboard, you can ask for a free quote.
The Stairwell is an open edition, and I try to sign each one, though I cannot guarantee it. It is a human made photograph, and it starts at $26.95.
Go check out all the prints by Dalton Johnson.
About the Author
Dalton Johnson is a photographer, writer, and filmmaker who tells stories about real people pushing themselves in the outdoors, from the High Sierra to the far reaches of every continent. He has shot and written for brands, tourism boards, and editorial outlets, including Nike, Patagonia, Four Seasons, PBS, GoPro, and Ford, with more than 160 campaigns and hundreds of published articles to his name. Off assignment, he bikepacks, trail runs, swims open water, chases big waves, and rock climbs.
