Learning to Shoot Surf From the Water

Here's Clay Pollioni airing into the sunset. Light wasn't this bad. I just turned my shutter speed up to underexpose the shot. Photo: Ben Currie

Here's Clay Pollioni warming up on my paddle out. I told Clay that my first shots in the water of him are always so good that we should just get out after the first wave. Of course I wasn't serious, but we have been nailing great shots straight out of the gate. We've had waves every day here in NJ this July which is extremely rare and is so perfect for me to learn the ropes fast. Blessed. Photo: Ben Currie

6:15 am. Photo: Ben Currie

This backdrop is nothing like it used to be, and in the next two years, it will under go more reconstruction due to a devastating blow from Hurricane Sandy. Casino Pier, Seaside Heights, New Jersey, USA, with Clay Pollioni. Photo: Ben Currie

Clay Pollioni looking at me in disbelief that there are actually waves here in July. Photo: Ben Currie

First big lesson: This could have been a beauty, although everyone tells me they love this shot. I'm not so convinced. Photo: Ben Currie

Clay Pollioni punting for the future of surfing here at the Billabong Sam Hammer Surf Camp in Lavalette. Photo: Ben Currie

Clay with a little chip shot in 1ft surf. Photo: Ben Currie

Clay paddling back out as we talk about the shot we just got. He asks me, "how close to fill the frame or how close do you want me or what kinda shot are you looking for?" We have been shooting 7 days straight here and I've never seen work ethic like this kid's, and I have to say it makes the transition from land to water that much easier. Most pro surfers should know about good lighting and bad lighting. Clay does and that makes for a great shoot. Photo: Ben Currie

This was my seventh day shooting water. I was feeling really good swimming around and not as sore as I was the first few days of shooting. Photo: Ben Currie

I watched Clay as a grom grow up surfing the Casino Pier and it's so awesome to be shooting him now 20 years later. Photo: Ben Currie

Wasn't sure how the waves would look early in the morning here as the sun rises from the back of the waves. Faces were actually dark so I just tried shooting the lip as they were beautifully backlit. Photo: Ben Currie

Here's Clay Pollioni on my second day of shooting. Clay's expression here exemplifies how much he loves surfing and shooting. Photo: Ben Currie

I love this shot because it conveys just how much I love being in the water and how much I love the ocean. So thankful to Clay for giving me the opportunity to shoot water by lending me his housing and helping me out with getting started. Thanks, Clay. Photo: Ben Currie

Getting as close as possible without risking injury to myself or the housing port is going to be my problem. Photo: Ben Currie

Punching out the back. Photo: Ben Currie

Best day of surf that I got to shoot in. 3-4 foot and absolutely perfect. The sunset was out of this world. I couldn't wait to get home and view the shots. Joe Risen setting up for a roundhouse into the sunset. Photo: Ben Currie

Here's Rob Cloupe during Hurricane Arthur looking for a section to unload his raw power onto. Photo: Ben Currie

Heres Donald "DT" Wagner. Up and coming super grom who lives just a few steps away from one of the best waves in New Jersey. Photo: Ben Currie

Up close and personal is what I'm all about in the water. I have had plenty of time to think about my shots I would take in the water while I was sitting on land wishing I had a housing and wishing I was in there getting some close-up shots of the action. Photo: Ben Currie

Another one of Clay that hurt to see out of focus. I have a feeling I'm going to have this happen again, but I will do everything possible to make sure that it doesn't. Photo: Ben Currie

Brian Robinson. Photo: Ben Currie

I'm strictly against selfies, but in the water, I'm all about them and my son Noah and my wife Meghan love them. Or, I should say, they love to laugh at them. Photo: Ben Currie