In the break
Apr, 2015Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This was taken during a surf photoshoot in Bali, Indonesia. I spent most of the week above the water (barely) and really wanted to capture the drama beneath the surface.Time
Of all the photos that week, this probably has some of the best drama. It was blazing sunshine, so from an 8am start all the way to finish, the light was bright and harsh. The blue-green water however, added a mysterious and almost ominous contrast to the dazzling surface.Lighting
Well there is only one light source: the sun. However, because of the violent and messy structure of the wave and the water, each ripple and droplet seconds as a new light, casting its own shadow to build a really unique texture you only get from waves.Equipment
All week I used the Canon 1DX in the water, mostly coupled with the 16-35 L IS f4 lens. The ability to shoot wide all the way up to 35mm is great for fast changing conditions and achieving different kinds of shots without having multiple cameras.Inspiration
For years I'd seen these amazing photographers take amazing photos of amazing waves, deep inside the barrel, witnessing shapes and lights and sensations most people never will, and I wanted to be part of that. I also really wanted to have 'my own' photos from the shoot, aside from surfers and paddle boarders, I wanted a more artistic and atmospheric image that was essentially just for me.Editing
Once I got the RAW file into Lightroom, I played a little with the curves to try and show the wrinkles and dimples in the surface water and the barrel of the wave. By adjusting the blacks and toning down some of the whites, it enabled me to show the drama, from the rolling barrel to the crash of white water you see in the centre of the image.In my camera bag
My airplane carry on bag is a Lowepro Flipside 500 AW, so it's pretty big. This holds the gear I most frequently use. I have my 1DX, EF 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II USM, EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, and 16-35 L IS f4 lens. I also have a Nikon D600 which is great as a secondary camera or for handing to someone else, with a 50mm 1.4 and 24-85. I also have a couple of flashes, a small tripod, pocket binoculars and a Macbook Pro. All in all a very heavy but very useful bag.Feedback
I'd say go big. The bigger the wave the more time you'll have and the more epic the results will be. Also you won't be so close to the razor sharp reef on the bottom so the initial risk is reduced (unless you get caught in a tumble). Then I'd say shoot wide. This image is shot at 20mm and I wish I had used the extra 4mm, it sounds like a small amount but at that width it would have allowed for more of the wave drama.
