A Surf Shoot And Interview With Photographer Daeja Fallas

We are big fans of photographer Daeja Fallas, so when she asked if she could do a photo story featuring some of our swim pieces, we jumped at the chance! The New York City based photographer traveled back to her hometown in Hawaii to shoot a surf-inspired endless summer story. Check it out and read more about what inspires her below!

Pictured above: Underwire Corset Top, High Waisted Colorblock Bottoms.

free people swim

San Gorgonio Pass Cover Up

free people swim

San Gorgonio Pass Cover Up, Solid Underwire Crop Top, Solid Bottoms.

free people swim

Underwire Corset Top, High Waisted Colorblock Bottoms.

What kind of camera do you shoot with?

That depends on my mood! I really love my canon AE-1 for walking around the streets of NY and my Polaroid 195 for instant gratification and a Hasselblad for when I need a change from 35mm. I shot these photos with a Canon 5D MK11.

What is your favorite subject to shoot?

That also depends on my mood. I really enjoy working with and meeting new people. I am always inspired by different things. Though, for this shoot I knew I was going home to Hawaii and was inspired by where I grew up and the surfing images from the 70’s to 90’s by photographers like Jeff Divine, Jeff Hornbaker, Dewy Nicks, and Art Brewer.

Did you always want to be a photographer?

No, when I was a kid I wanted to be a meteorologist, I loved watching the clouds and the stars… then I started taking pictures…

free people swim

Solid Underwire Crop Top

free people swim

How would you describe your personal style?

I’d say my personal style is feminine with a touch of tomboy.

What do you love most about Free People’s surf collection?

I like that you can actually wear the pieces surfing!

Do you have a favorite piece from the collection?

The Half Top Bikini is my favorite because when you are done on the beach all you have to do is throw a cute skirt on and you are ready to go!

free people swim

free people swim

As someone who’s always on the go, what essential items are always in your carry-on?

Cameras; Kiehl’s Ultra Moisturizing Eye Stick; iPhone; YSL Rouge Volupte in Extreme Coral; cute socks; a sarong I got in Bali (because a sarong is perfect for planes and beaches!); I can’t go without a toothbrush and if I can find it in the airport, Vogue Paris.

What albums are on your soundtrack for summer?

I’m loving Zola Jesus and the new album by Langhorne Slim and the Law and I always fall in love with Steely Dan for long summer evenings in NY, watching the sun go down from the rooftop…

What does free mean to you?

We are free when we are able to be true to ourselves. Anything is possible as long as we trust ourselves and follow our hearts.

Check out more of Daeja’s work here!

Visit our Swim Shop.

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Shop high-waisted bikinis at Free People :)

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11 years ago

Amazing photography.
I love the last response <3

The Lovelorn

Ja
11 years ago

Daeja! Amazing job! Mahalo for sharing your beautiful eye!

11 years ago

THREE OF MY TALENTED HAWAIIAN PEEPS IN ONE BLOG ENTRY?
i could die. you girls are making Hawaii proud everywhere you go.
keep spreading aloha through your work and beautiful faces.

love you girls, B

11 years ago

Beautiful images and a very interesting interview!