Surf & Action Event Photography

Settings

• Shutter: 1/1000–1/2000 s to freeze action and spray; drop to 1/125–1/250 s for deliberate motion blur / panning.
• Aperture: f/5.6–f/8 keeps surfer and wave sharp with background context.
• ISO: Auto ISO (ISO AUTO) with a ceiling (~800–1600) for changing light.
• Drive Mode: high-speed continuous.
• Focus: Continuous AF (AF-C) with tracking; a single point or small zone kept on the surfer.

Position & lenses

• Beach-based: long telephoto (300–600mm) to track along the wave line — the Tamron 28-300mm gives shore-based versatility.
• In-water: wide (14–35mm) in a water housing for curvature and barrel shots (safety first).
• Pier/jetty: a 70–200mm mid-range when closer to the break.

Light & timing

Golden hours give texture and warmth; backlighting emphasises spray and outlines; front light brings out colour; harsh mid-day suits high-contrast graphic frames (white spray on blue). Position so waves break toward you and the surfer's face is visible. Use a polariser to cut glare and reveal water texture.

Compose & anticipate

Catch peak action — bottom turns, cutbacks, tube rides, wipeouts. Include context (line-up, waiting surfers, boards on sand). Use wave crests and shorelines as leading lines. Study the break and watch a few sets to learn the rhythm, then anticipate the moment of maximum tension. Keep lens hoods and microfibre cloths handy for salt spray.

Consolidated from notes: Surfing Event Photgraphy; surf event photgraphy