A Beginner’s Guide to Becoming a Surf Photographer

Surf photography had a big moment in the 2024 Olympics. 

New heights were reached with a now-iconic shot of Gabriel Medina posing midair after catching one of the best waves of the heat under near-perfect conditions. Medina’s joy and victory were immortalized in a single frame– showcasing the power, grace, and raw energy of competitive surfing. This unforgettable moment not only highlighted Medina’s skills but also the unique ability of surf photographers to freeze these seconds of triumph. 

Garrett McNamara, in the HBO documentary 100 Foot Wave, also highlighted the courage and dedication of surf photographers. He mentioned how photographers in big-wave surfing are often positioned in challenging environments, constantly working to capture the right moment while navigating the unpredictability of the ocean. Their persistence and dedication makes them an integral part of the sport. 

This is indeed very true. In order to win competitions—especially big wave competitions where the height and size of the wave are determined by the photos captured of surfers riding it—surfers need photographers just as much as the photographers need surfers. 

Of course, having the right equipment to capture surfers on waves is essential. There’s also much more than just equipment to consider before diving into surf photography. Surf photography is more than just a technical trade; it is an art. Like any art form, it requires dedication, practice, and passion to really become proficient. But nothing beats the feeling of giving a surfer an image that they will forever appreciate and be grateful for. 

Despite being such a unique and oftentimes challenging role for a photographer, there are definitely ways to speed up the learning curve with surf photography. In this guide, we’ll dive into what it takes to become a surf photographer and give all the tips and tricks we know to get started either on land, in water or in the air.

Essential Gear for Surf Photography 

To capture the best surf photos, having the right gear is essential. Here’s a breakdown of the important tools you need for each type of surf photography:

1. Camera Bodies

For both in-water and land surf photography, you’ll first need a camera with fast autofocus and continuous shooting modes, such as a DSLR or mirrorless camera. Mirrorless cameras allow the photographer to see the image being captured on screen in real-time, whereas DSLR cameras do not offer this feature, making mirrorless cameras the preferred camera for most professionals and amateurs alike. Both have full frame and compact options available, depending on the size you want for shooting surf photos. Full frame cameras have better sensors and image quality; however, compact cameras are easier to use in the water due to being more lightweight. 

DSLR cameras can be more affordable than their mirrorless counterparts. There are many good options for any budget, and the perks of a DSLR camera are the wide availability of different lenses for different brands on the market. Mirrorless cameras, while revolutionary, can often be more expensive.

There are many excellent options for mirrorless cameras in regards to sports photography. The brand of Sony cameras are excellent for sports photography because of their fast autofocus systems, high burst shooting rates, and reliable image stabilization, which help capture fast-moving action with precision and clarity. Nikon, Canon, and Fujifilm are other great brands as well. 

With such a wide range of high-quality mirrorless camera options available, it is recommended to find a camera body that suits your budget while also offering fast autofocus and image stabilization to meet the specific needs of surf photography. 

2. Water-Based Surf Photography Gear

Shooting from the water brings you closest to the action, but it also comes with some challenges and limitations. What makes water-based photos so special is their ability to get close to the action and the subject and provide angles that really showcase how a surfer is positioned on a wave. It also provides a great perspective that feels like you are surfing right there along with the surfer.

Camera Housing: Brands like AquaTech and Ikelite offer housings that allow full control of your camera’s settings while keeping it safe from saltwater. Investing in good quality water housing is essential, because it protects your investment from water damage and the elements (such as sand and humidity). Even the tiniest of housing leaks can cause damage, so it’s important to make sure that the housing is specifically made for the type of camera and lens that you are using. Brands such as Seafrog’s Salted Line Series also have leak detection sensors that will alert you to any water leaks inside of your camera housing, as well as vacuum seal pumps that ensure everything is sealed off from water damage. 

Wide-Angle Lenses: In the water, you want to capture the expansive scene, which means wide-angle lenses (like a 16-35mm) are your best bet. They allow you to frame the surfer along with the ocean, giving a sense of scale and movement. Fisheye lenses, while providing very unique shots, can oftentimes distort the action of surf photography. However, depending on the type of shot you want (whether that be solely action-focused or more artistic), there are many excellent camera lenses available for surf photography.

Ports: There are two different types of lens ports (a case that protects the lens of a camera) that are used for in-water photography: dome ports and flat ports. For split shots (half underwater, half above water), a dome port attached to your housing helps create really interesting compositions that blend the surf and underwater world. While dome ports are excellent for underwater and scuba diving photos, we recommend flat ports specifically for surf photography. It minimizes distortion and gives a more crisp and accurate-looking shot of a surfer riding a wave. Don’t forget to match your lens port to the correct size of your lens! 

Keeping it Afloat: Holding on to your camera is essential in rough conditions. A neat trick is to use boogie board leashes attached to your camera and the wrist strap attached to your wrist. This way, if a wave comes and washes your camera out of your hands, you won’t lose it. Handle grips and trays that attach to your camera housing can also allow you to grip the camera firmly while in the water, which can also help you get your desired shot. 

Wetsuit and Fins: You’ll be spending long hours in the water, so wearing a good wetsuit will keep you warm and comfortable. For our cold water photographers, there are many excellent wetsuits available that are also environmentally friendly. In the tropical waters here in Costa Rica, we are very lucky to have warm water and warm weather year-round. One essential item for surf photography in the water is swim fins. Fins will help you maneuver in the water while keeping up with fast-moving surfers. We recommend DaFins brand, which is often used by bodysurfers, to help you maneuver through the waves and get back to shore safely if needed.

Other Must-Have Equipment: We recommend always carrying a dry bag for equipment, especially in locations that are prone to rainy weather. Dry bags are very useful because they can also keep sand and dirt off your equipment. Another recommended piece of equipment is a good water helmet for water surf photography. When you are out there in the lineup, it can be difficult for surfers to spot you due to being eye level with the water and their surfboards. Protecting yourself is the most important consideration to make while shooting in water. So, a good surf helmet is a very wise investment, especially as a beginner surf photographer. We recommend the brand Gath helmets, for their comfort, durability, and excellent protection. 

3. Land-Based Surf Photography Gear

Shooting from land offers a different perspective, allowing you to capture the entire wave, the surfer’s line, and the beautiful surroundings. It is often the starting point for beginner surf photographers before they begin to transition into water photography.

Here’s the essential gear that you can use when shooting from land:

Telephoto Lenses: Since you’ll likely be positioned at a distance, a telephoto lens (like a 70-200mm or 100-400mm) is key to zooming in on the surfer without sacrificing image quality. The longer the lens, the more detail you can capture, even from the beach or from far away. Some brands even offer up to 600mm lenses, although they are often way too over budget for most photographers. Using a teleconverter attached to a lens can help you get that extra reach, although you might have to sacrifice your aperture to do so. There are a lot of outstanding telephoto lenses on the market, but just remember that the lens often has to match the specific camera brand. 

Tripod or Monopod: Surf photography often requires long hours of holding a camera steady while waiting for the perfect moment. A sturdy tripod or monopod helps stabilize your camera and reduces fatigue, especially when using heavy telephoto lenses. For land-based surf photography, adjustable legs for uneven terrain (like sand or rocks) and a fluid or ball head for smooth panning to track surfers are always very important. Long hours on the beach exposing your tripod to sand and salty air can wear down the material, so try and look for a carbon fiber tripod, which is known for its durability. 

Lens Filters: The ocean’s surface can cause reflections and glare that obscure your shots. Polarizing filters cut down on this glare, allowing you to capture clear images with richer colors and details. We recommend Urth filters, though there are many other excellent and professionally reviewed brands that can be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers. 

3. Drone Photography Gear

Drone photography has become a popular way to capture surfing from above, offering a unique aerial view of surfers carving waves and showcasing the ocean’s scale.

A High-Quality Drone: There are many drone options on the market these days, but finding drones specifically tailored to sports photographers is the key to being able to capture those fast-moving shots. Drones like the DJI Mavic series or the DJI Air 3 are great options for surf photography. Look for a drone with a high-resolution camera (at least 4K video), gimbal stabilization, and strong battery life to ensure smooth, sharp shots from the sky. A drone with a telephoto lens built-in will allow you to get closer to surfers without risking any water damage to your drone.

One thing to take note of: drone sessions can be short due to battery limitations. Bringing extra batteries will help maximize your time in the air and give you more chances to capture the perfect shot. Flight time per battery is roughly 40 minutes. Keep in mind that it may take some time for a surfer to catch a wave, especially a more inexperienced surfer. 

Camera Settings and Techniques for Surf Photography 

When shooting surf photos, your camera settings will vary depending on whether you’re in the water or on land. In both, shutter speed is key. Balancing aperture with fast shutter speed and appropriate ISO is key to capturing sharp, well-exposed surf photos. A wider aperture is generally more common for action photography, as it allows faster shutter speeds and isolates the subject better. Here are some key principles to get great shots in both environments:

In-water settings: To capture sharp, action-packed shots of surfers, use a fast shutter speed—typically 1/1000s or faster—to freeze motion. Set your camera to continuous autofocus to track moving subjects and ensure they stay sharp as they ride waves. A wide aperture (around f/2.8-f/4) helps blur the background and isolate the surfer while also allowing more light in. 

Land-based settings: For land-based surf photography, using a telephoto lens (200mm or longer) helps you get close-up shots from the shore. Similar to in-water photography, a fast shutter speed is essential to capture the action. Use burst mode to take a series of shots in quick succession, increasing your chances of getting the perfect moment. Set your ISO higher in cloudy conditions or early mornings, ranging from 400-1600. 

Learning to Read the Ocean and Anticipate the Shot 

Learning to read the ocean is crucial for capturing great surf photography. As a beginner, you need to observe the rhythm of the waves, tides, and conditions that surfers rely on. Pay attention to how waves form, break, and where the surfer positions themselves. Anticipating the right moment is key—whether it’s just before the surfer drops into a wave or mid-turn. 

Understanding the timing of sets and the behavior of different breaks will help you predict action and position yourself for the best shot. Practice watching the ocean, and you’ll improve your ability to capture the perfect moment. It also really helps to build a rapport with local surfers, to get inside knowledge about the waves you’ll be shooting, and what types of shots surfers are looking for. 

There are also some important safety considerations to consider when shooting in water. Be aware of the conditions, including wave size, currents, and tides, and know your limits as a swimmer. Avoid getting too close to surfers to prevent collisions, and always respect the lineup and surf etiquette. It’s helpful to have a spotter on the beach who can monitor conditions. 

Remember to always stay aware of your surroundings—ocean conditions can change quickly, and your safety comes first before getting the perfect shot. Learning about rip currents and different types of surf breaks is also essential to staying safe in the water. There are many Bodhi Blog resources to help you out with safety and knowing the risks of being out there in the waves. 

Final Thoughts

Becoming a surf photographer comes with patience, practice, and passion. Becoming a surf photographer is about blending technical skill with creativity, and a deep understanding and appreciation of the ocean. 
The best thing you can do to jump-start your surf photography is to get out there in the water or to start visiting beaches around the world to train your eye. Here at Bodhi, we offer immersive bodysurfing clinics and surf packages that will completely transform your relationship with the ocean and help you get inspired to get out there and start capturing those very special moments. And, our most important final words of advice: have fun! Whether you are a hobbyist or looking to become a professional, surf photography (like surfing) is all about the joy we experience when we become connected with Mother Earth.