Surf photography is about “the spot” just as much as the person your tracking in your lens. I try to get as much of the surrounding area into the frame as possible in order bring out its distinctive features. However, every now and then you need to get up close and capture the raw talent that is out there.

There are several elements that can bring a photo together. On occasion you can get a good looking shot with only couple elements that are simple yet still pleasing to the eye.

It’s that perfect time of the year when the golden rod is in bloom and the dune grass is green that makes your backyard saturated with color when the low light hits it.

I took this shot on Cabey Point while in Peter Island. This is my favorite spot that I’ve ever taken a picture. The tall sheer faced jagged rocks I climbed down immediately level out into a small cove that is open to the ocean. I wish I had a shovel because I would bet money there was treasure buried down there.

I bought a Hobie Circa ’71 about four years ago and like all beautiful things I had to shoot it. The light was just right when I went outside. This photo reminds me of a first person view after a long session at the end of the day.

Just because the light is gone does not mean you call it a day. Low light conditions allow you to take more creative shots such as panning with a longer exposures. Pushing your abilities in different situations enables you to only get better. Pictured here is Brian Robinson, owner of Tron surfboard repair.

Shooting in the early morning is challenging because the sun is directly in your face. Many people don’t even bother shooting at this time but if you position yourself right you can capture some fantastically backlit spray off the waves.

This photo incorporates the experience we all know. We can all relate to the position of surfer as well and the group in the line up getting rained on by the back spray.

If you want to get some amazing colors you need to get up early. The Juno Pier offers a perspective like no other. The leading lines in this photograph shoot your eyes straight through the center of the photo and almost give it a 3D effect.

Hurricane Bill’s leftover swell down in Bay Head. Hurricane Hanna produced sets at least four to five feet larger that this in some places.

A typical late in the day lighting condition off the back of the house.

Sunrise ripples rolling in early in the morning. The fluidity and abstractness of this photo looks great when printed out in a large format such as a 24x 36 and printed on canvas.

On a early morning in February about four years ago I woke up just as the sun peeked over the horizon and took some panning shots of waves rolling in. The ISO setting and long exposures picked up colors that are unnoticeable with the human eye. The colors in this photo were not enhanced in any way.