Its April 2023 and I just got back from the Scottish Surfing Championships(yep we have surfing in Scotland) and it was so great to take a break from the mountains and get back to photographing sport again. Surf Photography isn’t something I haven’t done too much of lately but it is a thrilling experience even if you are just watching, but for photography it requires skill and patience to capture breathtaking images. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, here are some tips on how to photograph surfing.

Know the waves

To capture great surfing photos, it is essential to know how the waves work. It’s worth arriving early, as I did, to observe the wave movement and flow, as it helps to understand when and where the next wave would break. It also helps to be able to recognise when the tide will change as this helps with changing position when needed. The best surfing photographs are usually taken at the peak of the waves or at the point where the surfer is carving in the water.

Get to the best vantage point

This one is dependent on the terrain, you need to find the best vantage point beforehand. This will vary depending on the location and the size of the waves. Often times its about looking for a high vantage point, such as a pier or a cliff, that will give you a clear view of the waves and the surfers. Observe the surfers and the path of the waves to determine the best angle and distance to capture the action. Be aware of your surroundings and keep a safe distance from the surfers. Personally though I prefer to get as low as possible at least some of the time so I’m often down at the shore, sometimes lying on the rocks, to get just below or at least at eye level. This is a crossover from photographing wildlife but I’ve found it works well with action sports.

Pick the right equipment

Like most action sports, you need a camera that can keep up. The right equipment is essential when it comes to surfing photography. So a camera that has a high shoot rate, and preferably one that is weather-resistant. I shoot mainly from the shore and I typically use my Canon R5 and 100-500mm lens which does an amazing job. A zoom lens between 70mm and 200mm is ideal for capturing environmental surfing photos, as it allows you to get close enough to the action without being too far away. A polarizing filter can also be helpful in reducing glare from the sun and the water.

Timing is key

As much as you need a fast camera Timing is still everything when it comes to capturing unforgettable surfing photographs and even a fast camera can still occasionally miss the best moment. It’s about anticipating the moment and that only comes from time spent watching. You need to wait for the perfect moment when the surfer is in the right position and carving the wave. You may have to take several shots before you get the perfect shot but knowing when to press the shutter button is key.

Use a fast shutter speed

Surfing is a fast-paced sport, and you need to use a fast shutter speed to capture the action. The ideal shutter speed for surfing photography is around 1/1000th of a second or faster. For the shots here I was shooting 1/1000th to 1/4000th as the light was constantly changing from overcast to sunny. This will help to freeze the action and keep the surfer sharp and in focus.

Consider the lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in surfing photography.Like much outdoor photography the best time to take surfing photos is during the golden hour, which is the first and last hour of sunlight in the day. This time of day offers a soft, diffused light that can create a magical glow on the waves and the surfers. But to be honest you can get good images whatever the weather if you prepare for it.

Experiment with angles and compositions

Don't be afraid to experiment with angles and compositions when taking surfing photos. Try different perspectives, such as shooting from behind or in front of the surfer, or from the water, and different compositions, such as cropping in tight or using negative space. This image below I got down flat on the rocks to get this shot at eye level with the surfer.

Edit Your Photos

Post-processing is an essential part of any photography but personally I tend to keep it minimalist. I prefer slight green tones to the water in my surf photos unless I’m trying to sell it as a winter scene. It’s important to find your own style so use editing software to adjust the exposure, contrast, and colour balance of your photos but use it sparingly. Also - I have no issues removing any distractions or imperfections in the image. This will help enhance the beauty and impact of your photos.

In conclusion, surfing photography takes a lot of patience, dedication, and skill but it’s not as hard as you might think. Knowing the waves, finding the best vantage point, using the right equipment, having good timing, understanding the lighting, and experimenting with angles and compositions are key to capturing stunning surfing photos. With practice and perseverance, you can create a portfolio of breathtaking surfing images that tell a story of this exhilarating sport.

A GUIDE TO SURFING PHOTOGRAPHY