When shooting surf events, the focus is on the waves. We’re typically seeking to capture the gnarly cutback or fins-out move off the top. As a surf photographer with over two decades of shooting, I will tell you that it is easy to forget to look at the scenes on the beach as well. But…

While not in the water, most surfers still have their eye on the waves. They may be watching their friend or simply mind-surfing an empty wave, no doubt seeing themselves as a young AI shredding the lineup. And it is in these innocent moments that many great images are made.

The other great place to keep your eye on is the water’s edge. There is just something about groms heading into the water. They simply can’t help but smile. Also, they have a tendency to look back at their parents or friends on the beach as soon as they get about knee deep. So one strategy is to track them as the enter the water and wait for the look-back!

Remember, the closer you get to your subject, the more intimate it is for the viewer. Even though I have a long lens on to capture the action in the water, this same lens and a shallow depth of field gets me into their zone without them even knowing.

Also, be sure to keep an eye out for juxtapositions. Signage like “Please do not stand in front of the judges” make for some pretty funny images!

So overall, today’s thought is keep your head on a swivel. Watch the beach behind you, watch the groms as the enter and exit the water, and use your focal length to get up close and personal!

These images were all shot in a 2 hour window at the CalStateGames surfing contest on July 13. To see the full gallery, please visit here: CALSTATEGAEMSSURFING