From the water

The Journal

Technique articles written from the lineup, not the couch. Everything here is how I actually shoot, and every article pairs with a guide or preset pack if you want to go deeper.

Surf photography camera settings: how I set up before every swim

The camera settings I use for surf photography, from a working WSL tour photographer. Manual mode, f/4, 1/1250 and faster, and why high ISO is fine.

Water housing for beginners: what you actually need to start

A working surf photographer's guide to your first camera water housing. The ladder from phone case to pro housing, and the habits that prevent floods.

How to shoot surf photography from the water (a working method, not a gear list)

A working method for in water surf photography from a WSL tour photographer. Intention, positioning, timing, and the swim itself.

How to keep water spots off your port

The question every water photographer asks. My palm rub method for a clean port, plus the squeegee, wax, and saliva alternatives, from years at Waikiki.

Speed blur surf photography: the shutter ladder from 1/100 down

How to shoot slow shutter surf photography without a card full of mush. The shutter ladder from 1/100 down to 1/25, and why you aim at the hips.

Swim fins for surf photography: what I wear and why

The fins, socks, and leashes I actually swim with as a working surf photographer, and how to choose your own without overthinking it.

Editing surf photos: how I get my water color

How I edit surf photography, from exposure habits in the water to the TP presets I finish every shot with. The 80/20 that makes the color hold.