What’s the only thing better than getting barrelled?
Getting barrelled in front of your mates!
These days, it feels like almost anyone can take a decent photo. Photography has never been more accessible, especially with nearly everyone carrying a phone equipped with a decent camera.
But when I first started shooting on film, things were different. Now, the world is flooded with imagery. Capturing a technically good photo is often easy; what’s truly challenging, and far more rewarding I reckon, is capturing something completely unique.
That pursuit of the unique shot is what really drives my passion for photography. It’s not just about taking ‘good’ photos in a technical sense, but about creating images that have a story, or that offer a perspective not normally seen. These are usually the kind of shots that demand a fair bit of effort, experience, and that knack for being in the right place at the right time. It’s a world away from just another selfie for the ‘gram.
For me, it’s more about earning the shot. It’s a similar mindset, I reckon, to wildlife photographers who might trek for days for a single shot, or landscape photographers who brave harsh conditions for that perfect light. It’s also about seeking out those unexpected, almost abstract details that can be hidden in plain sight, even in familiar environments.
This particular shot was taken with a GoPro 13, mounted to a bodysurfing handplane that I hand-shaped in my garage here on the Gold Coast. It certainly wasn’t just a case of good luck. Years of surfing barrels, learning to read the ocean, understanding waves, and constantly working on my timing all culminated in this specific moment being captured. It’s the sum of countless hours in the water and behind the camera.
These are the photographs I truly appreciate and value the most, the ones that can’t be easily replicated, created from a blend of passion, persistence, and a deep connection to the subject. They hold more than just pixels; they hold the experience.
Camera: GoPro 13
Location: Surfers Paradise
When: January 2025
