Unveiling the Art: Craig Levers’ Insights into Surf Photography

Craig Levers has been photographing surfing for over thirty years and is the official photographer for Surfing New Zealand’s national championships.
Photo: PhotoCPL / Craig Lever

Taking outstanding images of surfing is less about the gear or skill and more about seizing the perfect instant to click the shutter, as per one of New Zealand’s most esteemed surf photographers.

Craig Levers from CPL Photography has dedicated more than three decades to surf photography and serves as the official photographer for Surfing New Zealand’s national championships, concluding in Taranaki on Saturday.

“I believe it resembles any sport where there’s that pivotal moment, the decisive instance where the surfer or athlete reaches an absolute point of no return.

Craig Levers entered surf photography at the age of 22 and a few years later became a staff photographer at New Zealand Surfing Magazine.
Photo: Robin Martin

“Perhaps they’re at the brink of losing control just before regaining it, and other surfers will perceive that instance, and seizing that moment is what defines a remarkable surf photograph, in my opinion.”

At 57, Levers started his journey into surf photography as a 22-year-old and shortly thereafter became a staff photographer at New Zealand Surfing Magazine, where he remained for 15 years before launching his own publishing venture.

“Initially, I was a surfer, and fundamentally my goal was to promote a surfing lifestyle, merging my two passions of photography and surfing felt like a tremendous idea.

“However, of course, when you’re capturing images of surfing, you’re not actually surfing. So maybe it wasn’t such a brilliant vocational choice.”

The tools have evolved over the years, Levers noted.

“Absolutely, man, we started out with manual focus cameras, transitioned to auto focus, and initially, we all shot on film, specifically Velvia slide film, then we progressed to digital.

“There’s a certain nostalgia associated with shooting on film, yet digital photography offers incredible benefits.”

Levers employs a wooden tripod.

“While the wooden tripod may appear to be a vintage piece, it is actually quite contemporary.

“I capture many landscapes too, and I initially chose a wooden tripod because wood absorbs vibrations superiorly. Thus, during long exposures, it minimizes movement in the image.

“Additionally, wood performs exceptionally well in a harsh beach environment. Unlike carbon fiber and aluminum, which can deteriorate, wood, if maintained properly, is actually more suitable for the beach.”

Levers has journeyed around the globe for surf-related work, but one location remains his favorite.

“Undoubtedly, the pinnacle of my career was the opportunity to visit Teahupo’o in Tahiti.

“Last year, I was lucky enough to accompany our Olympians, Billy Stairmand and Saffi Vette, and document part of their training.

“It was exhilarating to return to Teahupo’o. I had previously visited twice but not in a long while, so returning with our Olympic aspirants was fantastic.”

Levers has traveled the globe on surfing assignments.
Photo: PhotoCPL / Craig Lever

There remains only one persistent regret.

“For surfers, it is indeed challenging because you are often missing out on surfing during the prime conditions.

“Do I have any regrets? Certainly, whenever it’s offshore … but honestly, no, I have no regrets.

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to witness glorious moments in New Zealand surfing, and also notable periods in surf magazine culture, when there was no internet and print was the dominant medium.”

He mentioned that the camaraderie at surf competitions is what keeps him returning.

“Oh, it’s essentially the same thing. It’s about promoting the surfing lifestyle. I still get to immerse myself, especially at the nationals and similar events, in surfing at an elite level.

“I cherish the surfing community. I enjoy reconnecting with old friends and making new acquaintances.”

The finals for the Surfing New Zealand national championships in both women’s and men’s categories are scheduled for Saturday.

Subscribe to Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter compiled by our editors and delivered directly to your inbox on weekdays.