Editor’s Note: We’re excited to partner with longtime contributor and esteemed photographer Tom Woods of ST Images on the release of his new water photography course. If you’re interested in improving your surf and water photography chops, check it out here. You can find more photo tips and stories on The Inertia at Tom’s author profile here
Water started to drain off the already shallow reef and pushed me in towards the power source of the wave. There were four or five of them looking at it, but I was secretly hoping Camo (Cameron Lindsay) was in line for this one. I knew this was going to be the moment that the whole trip had been heading towards… if we were going to get the “hero shot” it was going to be this wave. Camo put his head down and started to paddle. Even before he got to his feet I knew this one was going to be the picture that would hang in his lounge room forever, only a perfect tube could follow what was unfolding before me.
The scene couldn’t be much better. A steamy afternoon on a blue water reef, with the Sumatran jungle lining the shoreline and there was only our crew out there!! About four or five of Camo’s best mates on holiday and hooting each other into the best waves we got over the 10 days in the Telo Islands. These are the times when the airports, sea sickness, the coin, the reef cuts, and the time away from the family all are worth the sacrifice to get those pinnacle moments in the ocean, miles from anywhere and miles from any thoughts other than the present moment.
As Camo scooped off the bottom the whole wall jacked up and I was in just the perfect spot, no adjustments needed. Camo picked his line and then came flying past me in the tube and kicked out way down the line as I let out a hoot that shocked myself – I think it was a mixture of stoke and relief as I knew I had the shot that I came to get.
I will always be super grateful to the guys on that trip that all put in to get me and my camera gear to the Telo Islands and experience the amazing waves and blue warm water of this Indonesian dreamscape. Proud to say this picture is now hanging large in Cameron Lindsay’s lounge room, which makes me so happy. And it actually even made the cover of a surfing magazine! An Australian magazine that honors the everyday surfer.
Camo’s abilities are definitely above the skills of the average surfer, but he is what would be considered just a Regular Joe or a recreational surfer. And this makes it so much more special than just capturing a professional that is expecting to get the shot. I think it’s more meaningful and appreciated and treasured and that’s a great gift and experience to be a part of.
CAMERA INFO:
I used the Canon 7D, 8-15mm Canon lens and AquaTech water housing : shutter speed 1/1250 sec, aperture F-5.0, with ISO set at 200.
Recording special moments in your own way is what photography is all about and to share that with an athlete or model makes for a team effort that is worth pursuing. So go out and create moments and pictures that have a story behind them that will stand the test of time past just a 15-second scroll on Instagram. Get your pictures into a print or book or magazine that gives the moment you captured the attention that it deserves.
For more surf, water, and travel photography tips check out Tom’s free 40 minute webinar, or join him on a full-length course and use the code ‘INERTIA100’ to get $100 off the full price.
