Documenting the Surf Life
Great surf photos capture the energy, beauty, and emotion of wave riding. Whether you're shooting from the beach or in the water, these tips will improve your results.
Camera Gear
From the Beach
- DSLR or mirrorless with telephoto lens
- 70-200mm minimum, 100-400mm ideal
- Tripod for stability with heavy lenses
- UV filter to protect from salt spray
In the Water
- Waterproof housing essential
- Wide-angle lens (fisheye popular)
- GoPro for beginners
- Swim fins for positioning
Camera Settings
Action Shots
- Shutter speed: 1/1000s or faster
- Aperture: f/5.6 - f/8
- ISO: Auto or adjust for exposure
- Focus: Continuous AF, tracking mode
Creative Options
- Slow shutter for water blur
- Wide aperture for bokeh
- Silhouettes against sunset
Composition Tips
- Rule of thirds - don't center everything
- Lead room - space in front of surfer
- Include environment for context
- Capture spray and energy
- Look for unique angles
Best Lighting
- Golden hour: Sunrise/sunset warmth
- Side lighting: Creates texture on waves
- Backlight: Spray glows, dramatic
- Midday can be harsh but works for some shots
Beach Shooting Positions
- Elevated position shows wave shape
- Water level perspective is dramatic
- Jetty or pier access if available
- Move around to find best angle
Water Photography Safety
- Know the break intimately
- Use fins for mobility
- Stay aware of incoming sets
- Don't obstruct surfers
- Build swimming fitness
Post-Processing
- Straighten horizons
- Crop for impact
- Enhance colors subtly
- Dodge/burn for drama
- Keep it natural-looking
Phone Photography
Modern phones can capture great beach shots:
- Use burst mode for action
- Clean lens before shooting
- Waterproof cases for water shots
- Edit in Lightroom Mobile or Snapseed