Surfers and surf photographers have a somewhat paradoxical relationship. Professional surfers need photos and footage to earn a living. Amateurs look to them to give a glimpse of far-away breaks that they might never actually get to see in their lifetime, or help them experience a hint of the stoke when they’re out of the water. On the other hand, surf photography brings attention to previously unknown breaks, which can attract unwanted interlopers, crowds, and the ire of locals.
Perhaps the greatest example of that paradox is Logan Murray, the first New Zealand surf photographer to make his way into American surf magazines . At once revered and hated, Murray is integral to the development of New Zealand as an international surf destination. His idyllic photos of waves at “Puni’s Farm” on Matakana Island put Aotearoa on the map for the surfing community. However, while the stunning photos adorned the walls of young New Zealand surfers, they also eventually forced Murray to hide his identity to escape vengeful locals spurred on by death threats from southern hemisphere surf mags.
Recently, New Zealand’s 1 News filmed a profile on Murray, detailing his contentious influence on NZ surf culture. It’s worth a look.
