Shooting Surfing Photos From in the Water

Posted by CHAZ CURRY | 2 Comments

Regardless of how much I get paid doing it, I shoot surfing simply because I love it. I can’t put into words that fleeting moment between a surfer and I while we share the same existence in the belly of a wave, it’s indescribable. The only thing I can say is that you’ll have to experience it for yourself.

On most days I opt out for my telephoto lens and monopod; there just isn’t the kind of connection between the surfer, the sea, and myself when I shoot from land. To me, it’s lifeless and uninspiring.

MY CAMERA GEAR
* Nikon D3
* Fisheye 16mm lens
* SPL Water Housing
* GoPro HD Video Camera
* Viper fins
* Rip Curl Wetsuit

 

TECHNICAL JARGON
* Shoot in burst/continuous mode
* Use a FAST shutter speed (ex. 1/1000)
* Set your aperture to f/5.6 or f/8
* Get as close to subject as possible
* Watch out for the wave!

 

Sunset Surfers by Chaz Curry
Camera: Nikon D3
Focal Length: 16 mm
Shutter Speed: 1/1000 sec.
Aperture: f/8
ISO/Film: 250
Location: South Carlsbad, California
Talent In The Water: Scott Poupis, Grant Eads

 

Glass Tube by Chaz Curry
Camera: Nikon D3
Focal Length: 16 mm
Shutter Speed: 1/1000 sec.
Aperture: f/8
ISO/Film: 100
Location: Huntington Beach, California

 

Surfing Nicaragua by Chaz Curry
Camera: Nikon D3
Focal Length: 16 mm
Shutter Speed: 1/1000 sec.
Aperture: f/9
ISO/Film: 100
Location: Nicaragua
Talent In The Water: Scott Poupis

 

Soul Surfer by Chaz Curry
Camera: Nikon D3
Focal Length: 16 mm
Shutter Speed: 1/1000 sec.
Aperture: f/8
ISO/Film: 100
Location: Huntington Beach, California
Talent In The Water: Scott Poupis

 

Chrystal Jade by Chaz Curry
Camera: Nikon D3
Focal Length: 16 mm
Shutter Speed: 1/1000 sec.
Aperture: f/8
ISO/Film: 100
Location: Huntington Beach, California

 

Moody Huntington Beach by Chaz Curry
Camera: Nikon D3
Focal Length: 16 mm
Shutter Speed: 1/1250 sec.
Aperture: f/5
ISO/Film: 800
Location: Huntington Beach, California
Talent In The Water: Scott Poupis

 

Barrel Time by Chaz Curry
Camera: Nikon D3
Focal Length: 16 mm
Shutter Speed: 1/1250 sec.
Aperture: f/8
ISO/Film: 500
Location: Newport Beach, California
Talent In The Water: Scott Poupis

 

Last Bit of Light by Chaz Curry
Camera: Nikon D3
Focal Length: 16 mm
Shutter Speed: 1/1000 sec.
Aperture: 5.6
ISO/Film: 100
Location: Newport Beach, California
Talent In The Water: Scott Poupis, Rachael Trapp

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About the author:
I'm a photographer & filmmaker from Los Angeles/Orange County. When not on a photo shoot or buried in post production, I enjoy shooting surfing in the water & playing ice hockey. Website | Blog | Twitter | 500px
  1. Kathleen Crossley says:
    11:58 am August 4th, 2011

    “Stunning” Thank you kindly for posting! :)

  2. Stephanie S. says:
    2:08 pm August 4th, 2011

    Wow. I’m a photographer and template designer from Michigan, and there are just some things I would never think to shoot. These are stunning. I would love to have to opportunity to shoot from in the water like this some day. Thanks for posting!

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