The Visionary Behind 805SEA
Driven by Surf, Defined by Art
Rooted in the Ocean
Where Surf Shapes Vision
Every journey has a starting point. For Monte Crofts, it began long before a camera was ever part of the picture. A lifelong surfer raised near the Pacific, Monte experienced the ocean as both playground and teacher. Decades spent in and around the water taught him to interpret change, seek nuance, and appreciate the rare moments that most overlook. Armed with this perspective, Monte spent over 25 years immersed in creative industries - working behind the lens for surf, action sports, fashion, music, and entertainment. Each assignment was underpinned by the same force: the ocean as constant subject and inspiration.
805SEA grew from this lineage. It reflects not only Monte's technical mastery but a lived understanding of ocean culture and a respect for nature's inherent restraint. The brand stands apart by capturing the spirit of California's coast with depth and clarity, offering a perspective shaped from within rather than observed from a distance. The result is a catalog of work that is true to the roots of surf culture and committed to the highest standards of authenticity, always emphasizing quality and genuine connection over mass appeal.
From Water to Lens
Turning a surfer's intuition into art is both practice and philosophy. Monte's approach to photography is drawn directly from time spent reading currents, watching for invisible breaks, and feeling the rhythm of tides. Where many see the ocean as décor or backdrop, he treats it as a subject with infinite complexity - demanding patience, precise timing, and respect. Every image emerges from this discipline: a focus on light, composition, and the unseen patterns that define the coast.
This visual language is marked by restraint. Each photograph is the product of selective observation and careful execution, never rushed or contrived. The goal is to capture what the ocean offers by its own rules, creating work that feels both immediate and timeless. The philosophy carries forward into everything 805SEA produces, forming the foundation of an editorial style that is confident, unhurried, and always grounded in direct experience. This is ocean photography shaped by genuine participation - inviting every viewer to glimpse the world from inside the waterline.
Monte Crofts
Artist & Founder
Monte Crofts brings over 25 years of experience as both surfer and photographer to every aspect of 805SEA. Shaped by countless hours spent in the Pacific, his vision stands apart through deep immersion in surf, action sports, fashion, and entertainment industries. Monte's portfolio includes recognition from the International Photography Awards and features in publications such as National Geographic, Surfline, Stab, and Digital Photographer. His limited edition and original prints reside in private villas, collector homes, and corporate spaces worldwide. Grounded in coastal California, Monte treats the ocean not as backdrop but as main subject, infusing each photographic work with the authenticity and restraint that define the brand's identity. As founder and primary artist, his commitment to integrity and documented provenance guides every image and every partnership at 805SEA.