How to Take the Best Surfing Pictures

Surfing itself is an art form, and the surf photographer's job is to capture the grace and style that wave riding embodies. Though it can be difficult, with time and practice (as well as the right equipment), an amateur photographer can learn to take great surf pictures.

Things You'll Need

  • On land:
  • Digital or manual camera
  • Tripod
  • Telephoto zoom lens (advisable)
  • In the water:
  • Waterproof camera
  • Waterproof housing (if camera is not waterproof)
  • Fins (advisable)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Assemble the right equipment. For shooting on land, a reliable digital or film camera is a must. Surfline photo editor Larry Moore recommends the powerful Canon EOS1V, which can be paired with a variety of lenses. A telephoto lens, like the Nikkon Zoom Nikkor, will allow you take long range detailed shots, while wide angled lenses such as the Canon EF, can incorporate more background (such as the line up) into your shot. Moreover, a tripod will help steady your shot, especially if you are shooting from a long distance, or if you are using a fast shutter speed.

      Shooting from the water requires specialized equipment. Surf photographer Ryan Cardon suggests both underwater "point and shoot" cameras such as the Pentax Optio, as well as more complex SLRs (which can utilize a variety of lenses and films), such as Nikons or Canons. However, he does suggest that if you use an SLR camera, keep it dry with an underwater housing.

    • 2

      Shoot from land. Set up your tripod in a spot that grants you unobstructed view of your subject. A long telephoto lens will give you more options as to where you can take your pictures (i.e on the sand, in the parking lot, from a far away vantage point). However, if you do not have a long lens or a tripod, then be resourceful. Take your pictures as close to the action as you can, such as on top of a pier or a jetty.

      Be aware of your subject. If you are shooting a fast-moving shortboarder, be prepared for a lot of quick movements. Use a camera with a high shutter speed and the ability to take quick bursts of images. Keep your shots fresh and varied. Change your position, use a variety of camera angles or even different wave conditions to diversify your shots.

    • 3

      Shoot from the water. Position yourself on or near the wave that the surfer is trying to ride. For example, position yourself either on the shoulder of the wave, behind it or underneath it. By sitting on the shoulder (the spot on the wave next to where it begins to curl), you can capture the surfer up close as he takes off, prepares to do a trick or moves further down the line. Surf filmmakers often shoot behind the wave to highlight certain tricks such as the "aerial" or the "off-the-lip".