The Short Guide to Becoming a Surf Photographer

Introduction: Why Become a Surf Photographer?

Surf photography is a beautiful way to capture the natural beauty of waves and surfers. And it’s an on-the-go career that you can do anywhere across the globe.

It's a challenging and competitive profession, but with perseverance and creativity, you can find your niche of surf photography. It's not just about taking photos - photographers have to have a good understanding of the dynamics of the ocean as well as surfing itself. This is where many aspire photographers lack knowledge or experience in this area of expertise.

The Three Waves of Surf Photography

The first wave of surf photography began in the late 1800’s with the invention of the camera. It wasn’t until George Greenough’s invention of the breakaway waterproof plate that surf photography began to flourish.

The second wave came about in 1964 with Bruce Brown’s film “The Endless Summer.” This film showcased surfing life in California, South Africa, and Australia. It was also during this time that surfboard design became influential for shaping what was captured by photographers on the water.

The third wave of surfing photography is characterized by digital cameras available to everyone and social media channels like Instagram and Facebook which provide instant access to photos throughout the world, whether they are taken at a professional level or just for fun.

What are the Best Camera for Surf Photography?

The first thing to consider when shopping for a camera for surf photography is how much you want to spend. The best cameras range from $ 500 to $ 3000 for their price, but many people are looking to spend up to $ 1000 which offers the best quality.

Depending on the level of quality you are looking at, you must consider what type of camera will be right for your needs. If you are looking for a point-and-shoot camera, then there are plenty on the market that will allow you to take beautiful pictures of surfing and other water sports without worrying about losing your equipment in the ocean.

What Gear Do You Need to Start a Career as a Surfer Photographer?

Surfing, also known as wave surfing, is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. It’s easy to see why with its beautiful waves and extreme sport action. Photographers have been capturing this sport for many years now but it is now getting more popular than ever before because of Instagram and other social media platforms that are loved by millions worldwide.

A surf photographer needs to have a love for all things surfing and water because they are constantly on the water. The best camera for this job is usually waterproof so they can take pictures underwater without worrying about damaging their expensive equipment.

Many surf photographers take their equipment in the water with housing to protect it from the elements, this would include waterproof camera housings which allow the photographer to take their DSLR or Mirrorless camera into the water without damaging them.

How Can I Build My Network as an Up-and-Comer in the photography Industry?

Networking is a crucial skill for up-and-comers who are looking to enter the photography industry. There are many ways you can do this. You can join a group, take on a side hustle, or even just try to meet people at events you attend.

Surfing photography is a competitive sport, but the benefits of having a large network in the industry cannot be overlooked. If you're a surfer photographer and you want to build a network that will help your business, here are some tips.

You can also begin your journey on other social platforms like Facebook/Instagram and TikTok. This allows you to get your work in front of many people who would have never seen your images before.

Join a few photography forums and get feedback on your work. Be prepared, you will very likely get harsh criticism in the early days. This is not because the members are mean, it’s because they want you to be better.

Some Bonus Surf Photography Tips.

Surf photography is not an easy task because it requires perfect timing, patience and equipment. However, with the right knowledge and skills, it can be a lot of fun. I'm going to share some of my favorite surf photography tips that will help you take better pictures for your surf-themed blog or other surf-related ventures.

1) Get close to the subject

2) Take photos at different angles

3) Choose the right time of day between morning and evening

4) Be patient and wait for the perfect wave ;)