Inside Wave Pool Surf Photography with Grant Winter

Grant Winter began taking pictures within the water as a result of he needed to remain near the lineup. Bodysurfing led to a handplane and a GoPro, and earlier than lengthy he was catching waves with one hand and framing pictures with the opposite. It was extra curiosity than ambition. The gear bought higher, however the strategy stayed the identical: preserve it easy, keep in place, listen.

He’s not making an attempt to reinvent something. His pictures aren’t overly processed or determined for drama. They have a quiet rhythm—clear traces, delicate gentle, small moments. A surfer adjusting their stance mid-wave. Spray curling again into the pocket. The method a session feels in your shoulders earlier than it reveals in your face.

At Lost Shore, the surroundings is generally gray. It’s not a spot that arms you an ideal picture. Grant is aware of the great things often reveals up between the apparent angles, and he’s realized to attend for it.

What is your pictures background?

I’ve been excited by Surf Photography because the ’80s taking a look at surf mags, however in 2020, I began bodysurfing greater than browsing and bought a hand aircraft with a GoPro and began messing about getting pictures of mates browsing. 

Shooting from the water meant I might nonetheless be within the line up, ducking waves and being with the crew, but additionally seize some views to share that in any other case ‘we’ solely get to see. 

I invested in a ‘Proper’ Sony digicam and SeaFrogs water housing. I began with an APS-C 6100, then a 6500, then jumped to full body A7mk3 & A9, together with varied Lenses, however primarily shoot with Sony now.  

Tell us a bit about browsing in Scotland

I’m based mostly on the different finish of the nation, on the south coast of England, however Scotland has all the time been recognized for its hard-core locals, high quality waves, and rugged shoreline. Scotland has miles and miles of shoreline dealing with all instructions, so a thriving hardcore surf scene. Summers are heat, winters brutally chilly! 

Over the years, like all locations, the numbers have grown, and a few ‘easy’ spots get crowded, however there are nonetheless numerous extra distant spots that may be loved away from the crowds with a bit of additional effort. 

How did you begin taking pictures pictures at Lost Shore?

An area Surfer/Shaper Andy Fielding places on the George Greenough Surf movie UK tour occasions, and he was heading as much as Lost Shore for a movie premiere night time, with surf legend Eric Davies, who was additionally displaying his movie, and I bought invited alongside to the occasion to shoot.

The days we had been there, we met up with surfers from the USA, Portugal, Spain, in addition to lots of the native Scottish crew.

What is the vibe like at Lost Shore – tremendous severe or playful?

The vibe may be very, excellent! It’s relaxed out of the water with nice views, meals, and firm. Once within the water, it may be extra severe, however there are many waves to go round – and every session has some wave selection which retains everybody on their toes. 

What is the perfect factor about taking pictures a wave pool?

The ‘certainty’ of the waves is a giant plus. I’ve performed numerous journeys the place the situations don’t come collectively or do, however for the briefest of instances, so it’s a stress. With the pool, at 4 pm it is going to be 3-4ft and enjoyable and at 6pm greater and hole!

Going to mattress on the finish of the day, figuring out within the morning it’ll activate once more – is an odd feeling – particularly whenever you get to take a seat by the pool within the night and it’s useless flat!

What is the worst factor about taking pictures a wave pool?

I assume the consistency means which you can get caught in the identical spot, so it is advisable to work laborious to get distinctive views – and I assure on the best way residence you’ll assume up a greater composition for a shot!

What’s your favourite factor about Lost Shore?

The Pool is tucked into the nook of a quarry, so even when there are native winds, the shelter from the quarry partitions means the wave maintains its nice form. 

The lodges overlooking the pool are ace – you possibly can watch the waves breaking, and they’re very effectively outfitted. It was so good to get out of the water and stroll just a few yards to vary and refuel, and recharge for the following session. I can’t wait to return once more, I’ve bought a ton of concepts for brand new pictures!

Check out Grant Winter’s pictures web site at this link. You can follow Grant’s work at Lost Shore and past on his Instagram web page.