articles/Sports/surfnturf-page1
by James Gunn Published 01/08/2011
Societies' 2010 Sports Photographer of the Year, James Gunn talks about shooting in the Highlands
James' tips for taking surfing photos
There are three choices for photo styles: · Putting camera in a water housing, donning a wetsuit and getting in the water for dramatic, low-angle close-ups - this can be very dangerous and exhausting, but magazines love these shots · Standard lens for wide shots that take in a whole seascape ·
Super telephoto lens for tight close-ups of surfer from a distance
I prefer the tight close-up shots.
Depending on the tide and access to the beach/foreshore, a minimum of 400mm focal length is needed, 600mm is ideal and 800mm is best if you can afford it. Hiring for a few days is a viable option. There is no need for a fast, f2.8 lens as there are no distracting backgrounds to worry about, just a wave and the sky.
In fact, having a dramatic wave spray in focus along with the surfer and his board can enhance the shot. I recently hired a Canon prime 400mm f5.6L USM lens for use during a week-long international surfing event, the O'Neill Cold Water Classic at Thurso, Caithness.
There are 129 days to get ready for The Society of Photographers Convention and Trade Show at The Novotel London West, Hammersmith ...
which starts on Wednesday 15th January 2025