Angles for surf photography make the difference between an average shot and a great shot, get some tips on where to take photos from and how to mix it up.
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Resources
- Scott Harrison from dailysalt.com.au has written an ebook which goes through some specific approaches to shooting surfing and waves from the beach
- 10 Essential Landscape Photography Composition Tips For Better Shots – These are some more general landscape photography tips, but they can easily be applied to surf photos from the land
- Lens Compression: Perspective Distortion in Surf Photography – A post I wrote about making a usually standard angle of a local beach more interesting
Angles for Surf Photography
Regardless of the type of lens you’re using, make sure to experiment with different angles to capture more interesting shots. Surf photography is often done in beautiful locations, so take advantage of the surroundings to create unique perspectives.
Tips for Finding Different Angles
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Explore the Area: Venture beyond the usual spots and try to find angles that people don’t typically see.
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Consider the Tides: Be mindful of the tides and how they affect the waves and your access to different shooting locations.
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Vary Your Height: Try shooting from different heights, either lower to the ground or higher up on a cliff or building.
Examples of Different Angles
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Low Angle: Shooting from a low angle can make the waves appear larger and more powerful.
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High Angle: Shooting from a high angle can provide a sweeping view of the coastline and the surfer.
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Parallel to the Waves: Shooting parallel to the waves can create a sense of motion and depth.
Additional Tips
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Use a Tripod: A tripod can help you stabilize your camera and capture sharper images, especially in low-light conditions.
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Be Safe: Always be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid accidents, especially when shooting near cliffs or in the water.
By following these tips, you can capture more interesting and unique surf photos from the land.
Lessons related to Land Surf Photography Introduction
Land Surf Photography Basics