Wave Photography - How to Capture Amazing Photographs of Waves

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Episode 156

Wave Photography – How to Capture Amazing Photographs of Waves with Tom Schifanella

Surfers and Waves

• Check weather and surf forecasts – Surfline.com
• Waves are fickle, they could last anywhere from 6 hours to several days.
• Watch and wait for just the right wave conditions – then look for good light.
• Move along the surf line to get into position – usually waist to chest deep in the water.
• Get a feel for what the surfer is doing – stay out of their line!
• The best shots have the sun highlighting the backs of the waves while the fronts are in shadow.
• A three-quarter angle helps give a sense of depth and includes background.
• Surf housing allows for unique points of view from within the waves.

-Different from Underwater housing.

-Lighter, allows for one-handed control.

Tom’s Gear

• Sony Alpha a6500 mirrorless crop frame camera
• 16mm f/1.4
• Aluminum housing – custom made for the camera – SaltySurfHousings.com

Wave Tips

• Become familiar with the waves and the surfers.
• Look at weather forecasts and wave conditions. It can be dangerous out there!
• Get the best housing you can afford if you want to take your photography to the next level.
• Be PATIENT and PRACTICE! There is a HUGE learning curve.

 

Drone Photography

• DJI Mavic 2 – excellent Hasselblad camera
• Shoot in RAW mode for easier manipulation in post-processing.
• Able to take single shots or use in burst mode.
• Gimble can be adjusted to change the angle of your view.
• Steep learning curve – practice, practice, practice!
• Research is very important!

- You are the pilot of an aircraft and must follow the rules and regulations for that airspace.

- Apps and online sites are available to look up restrictions for each area. (DJI FlySafe)

- Drones are ILLEGAL in some countries and will be confiscated (and quite possibly never returned to you).

- Google Earth is a great tool to find amazing locations for aerial photographs.

 

Drone Tips

• Read the manual 3 times.
• Watch YouTube videos.
• Think like a pilot.
• Prepare – know the applicable laws for the areas you plan to visit.
• Be patient and practice. Use beginner mode to learn controls.

 

Getting Published

• Join National Geographic YourShot.

- Your submitted images are stored in an online gallery on their site -FREE.

- Editors leave constructive comments that help you grow as an artist.

- The captions you submit can be just as important as the images.

• Check out calls for entries for photographers.

- Look for exhibits or shows that fit your work.

- Submit images based on themes for contests and galleries all over the world.

- Lenscratch.com , CallForEntries.com , Aperture.org …

 

Finding Tom

TomSchifanella.com

Instagram – @Tom.in.abf

Nat Geo YourShot

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