When the surf has been cranking for a time and everyone is in the flow, a text from a keen photographer is always welcome.
This was the case when Tony from Magnum Photography, (who’s photo’s have graced past in the pipeline articles) got in touch to get among the action.
With a clean solid South-East swell and a few hours until the tide is right and it is time to close the surf shop a young Josh Taylor walks in to sound out a new board.
Josh is one of those groms with loads of natural talent and great parental support and while humble, is deserving of his spot on the shop grom team.
He was stoked to be asked if he wanted photo’s done with a professional photographer and the meeting place was set for the reef at about 5:30.
Waiting at the beach, Tony was checking the surf with all his gear and young Josh Invited his friend Perry along for the ride. The surf was pumping.
When working with a photographer, the game is a little different from the usual just go for a surf.
Like a team the surfer and photographer work together to get the shot. Waves are caught closer in to shore so that the equipment is not laboured in terms of focus and clarity. Also try to stay as close to the photographer as possible for the same reason, if there is a drift work to stay in position. Although the photographer will follow if the choice is made to surf the next bank down the beach. Once the batteries are out or the memory card/ film is run out, then we can paddle right out the back and do the norm.
In this case the call was made to check Banks Ave as this is a perfect place for photos. The wave wraps around Rabbit Island and forms a wedging Nacho-Chip to attack and boost on.
With the swell direction not really making into this corner, it was off to check the Main as this day was sure to have bombs coming in at the surf club end.
Young Josh & Perry were buzzed. It was their first time with a real photographer and they were ripping.
The main was a good call. Sets of a solid four foot were booming in left and right.
The paddle was a hard task but the waves were good and having a photographer soon gets you back out there for another.
After some epic walls of water the boys said thanks to Tony and myself for setting up the shoot, and went home knackered.
As this can be fun for all Tony is available for your photo shoot with shots being available to show up in this column.
Also for surfers who already have the shot or a cool surfing story, please contact me via the SurfCheck website and go for it.