In Praise of the Surf Photo

One of surfing’s greatest assets is its visual appeal. Compared to most other activities the surfing aesthetic is particularly enchanting. Capturing this aesthetic via still and video photography provides different gratifications. Surf video captures movement and the dynamic interplay between the surfer and the wave and a still image crystallizes the moment allowing the viewer to take the time to study every aspect in detail. Magazines are well suited to, among other things, the presentation of still photography. Their large format, physicality and permanence means that beautiful photos can be enjoyed at a slow pace, in great detail, and will still be there when you come back to it another time. A surf photo in a magazine or book will grab and hold your attention, and because of this, surfers display an unusual affinity for the analogue in this increasingly digitised world.