Raised away from the coast, Michal Pelka rekindled his connection to the ocean as a young adult after moving to South Holland. Immersed in surfing and freediving, he found inspiration in the ever-changing moods of the water, which soon became the heart of his artistic expression. His time in Western Australia proved transformative. Living near the Indian Ocean, Pelka ventured into water photography, blending his passions for surfing and capturing the ocean’s raw essence. “I jumped in the ocean and didn’t look back,” he reflects. This passion quickly evolved into an obsession to portray the timeless rhythm and energy of the waves.

Pelka’s photography combines artistic precision and physical endurance. His minimalist style isolates subjects—whether a breaking wave or a lone surfer—while light and shadow bring depth and emotion. Preferring the golden hours of dawn and dusk, he captures striking contrasts and vivid hues. The North Sea, with its cold waters, turbulent storms, and fleeting beauty, serves as both his muse and a proving ground. “Being in the ocean allows me to disconnect from daily life and connect with nature,” he explains. “It’s a rhythm that feels timeless and disarming.”

Pelka’s work has earned international acclaim, with features in National Geographic, IGNANT, and other publications worldwide. For Michal Pelka, photography is more than a craft; it’s a way of connecting with the world and sharing its beauty. “The sea has a way of making you live in the moment,” he reflects. Represented by SWELL ART, his work captures the enduring allure of the ocean, inspiring viewers to appreciate its vastness and vitality.