Surf Photography Tips

Surf photography is not an easy task to undertake. The combination of dealing with the water, maintaining your balance and a steady hand, fluctuating light and hard to predict timing means there are many elements to be taken into consideration and many things which can go wrong. Below you will find a few hints and tips to help make your surf photography more successful.

1. Shoot, shoot, and shoot again!

Timing is all important in surf and water photography, so the more photographs you take, the better! If you're new to surf photography taking your expensive new camera in an equally expensive waterproof housing isn't necessary. A number of manufacturers make disposable waterproof cameras, this is a good place to start while you find your feet and decide whether you want to make a hobby out of photography in the water. To stop the lens getting droplets on it and ruining the shot apply a camera lens water wax or simply lick the lens. Keep reapplying regularly.

2. Experiment with light...

Many surf photographers say the rule is to always have the sun at your back when shooting water photography, though we have come across some excellent shots for canvas print with the sun at other angles. The time of day will also have a major impact on the lighting in your photography. Many professional shots taken for posters and canvas prints are taken at sunrise or just after. Shooting at dusk will also give you a more creative look and feel to your photographs, and colours will appear deeper.

3. Work on your timing...

Timing is everything in surf photography, get to know your equipment and how long it takes between button press and the shot being taken. Your subject is not able to stand still and let you take a hundred pictures to get exactly the right shot, your photography is all action and movement, the same moment can never occur twice so you need to be ready and tuned in to the timing of your equipment.

4. Double, then triple check!

Is your camera securely attached? Does it have a fully charged battery in it? Is the memory card free? Don't risk missing 'the' shot due to poor preparation!

With time and many shots you should start to get the feel of the timing and conditions necessary to get the look and feel you want from your images. This is a tricky area of photography where every millisecond counts. Luckily, it is also one of the most enjoyable and satisfying types too!