CAPTURING THE THRILL

A Guide to Action Photography

Surfing, Windsurfing and Wingfoiling embody the spirit of adventure and adrenaline. As the sun glistens off the waves and the wind whips through the air, there's a palpable energy in the world of watersports.

Who doesn’t like a nice picture of themselves, doing what they love? To share with friends and family, or to look at years later and remember that awesome day? Good watersports images are often hard to come by, as they require a few ingredients:

First you need that dedicated person sitting on the beach for hours to capture that special moment.
Second ideally that person has an eye for the sport they are photographing, otherwise they are missing that all important move of yours!
Third that person requires a good camera and last but not least, needs to know how to drive it.

Regarding the first two points, we cannot really do a lot about (unless you come on one of our Surfari Trips, then we supply the professional photographer!). All of the pictures that we use on social media and most of the pictures on our website are our own. Over the years, Bevan learned a lot about the art of surf, windsurf and wingfoil photography from the beach. For those looking to capture these exhilarating moments through photography, mastering the art of action shots is essential. Whether you’re a budding photographer or a seasoned pro, here are some tips to help you capture the perfect shot in the world of surfing, windsurfing and wingfoiling.

Camera Equipment

When it comes to action photography in watersports, having the right equipment can make all the difference. Here are some recommendations for camera gear:

Waterproof Camera: Given the nature of watersports, investing in a weatherproof or waterproof camera or housing is crucial to protect your equipment from the elements.

Telephoto Lens: To capture the action from a distance, a telephoto lens with a focal length of around 70-200mm is ideal. This allows you to zoom in on the action without getting too close to the water.

Action Camera: For capturing up-close and personal shots, consider using an action camera like a GoPro. These cameras are compact, durable, and perfect for mounting on surfboards or helmets.

Sturdy Tripod or Monopod: To stabilize your shots, especially in windy conditions, a sturdy tripod or monopod can be incredibly useful.

Framing the Shots

Composition plays a crucial role in action photography, and framing your shots effectively can make them more dynamic and engaging. Here are some tips for framing action shots in surfing and windsurfing:

Rule of Thirds: Use the rule of thirds to create a balanced composition. Place your subject off-center to add visual interest to the image.

Leading Lines: Look for natural lines in the water or the horizon to lead the viewer’s eye towards the action.

Foreground Elements: Incorporating foreground elements like waves or surfboards can add depth to your photos and provide context to the action.

Anticipation: Anticipate the movement of the surfer or windsurfer to capture the most exciting moments. Keep your finger on the shutter button and be ready to snap the shot at the perfect moment.

Camera Settings

Choosing the right camera settings is essential for capturing sharp and well-exposed action shots. Here are some recommended settings to get you started:

Shutter Speed: Use a fast shutter speed (around 1/1000 sec or higher) to freeze the action and avoid motion blur.

Aperture: Opt for a wide aperture (lower f-stop) to create a shallow depth of field and isolate your subject from the background.

ISO: Keep your ISO as low as possible to minimize noise in your photos, especially in bright conditions.

Continuous Shooting Mode: Set your camera to continuous shooting mode to capture a series of shots in rapid succession. This increases your chances of getting the perfect action shot.

Raw vs. JPEG

When it comes to file formats, photographers often debate between shooting in RAW or JPEG. Naturally this will be dependent on your camera of choice. Here are some pros and cons of each:

RAW:
Pros: Offers greater flexibility in post-processing, allowing you to adjust exposure, white balance, and other settings without loss of quality.
Cons: Larger file sizes and requires more storage space. Requires post-processing to convert into a usable format.

JPEG:
Pros: Smaller file sizes and ready to use straight out of the camera. Suitable for quick sharing and printing.
Cons: Limited flexibility in post-processing, as the image data is compressed and lossy.

Ultimately, the choice between RAW and JPEG depends on your preference and workflow. If you’re shooting for professional purposes or want maximum control over your images, RAW is the way to go. However, if you prefer convenience and smaller file sizes, JPEG may be more suitable.

What is in my kit bag?

As a young boy I started on my photographic journey with my fathers equipment, which just happened to be Canon. And for no other reason in particular, this is what I have now so for shooting I use the following:

Canon 7D mkII DSLR camera body
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM zoom lens
Canon EF Extender 1.4x III lens extender
Monopod, that’s homemade from an old carbon windsurf mast (why not!)

The 7d mkII body is well suited for this type of shot, it’s relatively light weight, weather resistant, excellent focus response, and a blistering 7 shots a second high speed shutter. I started out with the 70-200mm zoom lens but found, particularly in Taranaki, much of the action is a bit further away than desirable, so soon I upgraded to the 100-400mm zoom. Then I added a 1.4x extender to the zoom which brings the lens to 560mm! This is useful as the outgoing tide pushes the action further away. The extender does make managing light challenging as my minimum f-stop becomes f/8, so ISO and shutter settings need to be watched carefully as light changes constantly (clouds etc). I find I only use the monopod occasionally, my equipment is not that heavy.

In conclusion

Action photography in surfing, windsurfing and wingfoiling presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. By choosing the right equipment, framing your shots effectively, adjusting your camera settings, and selecting the appropriate file format, you can capture the thrill and excitement of these exhilarating sports with stunning clarity and detail. So grab your camera, head out to the beach, and get ready to capture some epic shots that will leave viewers in awe of the beauty and power of the ocean.