Just wondering whether you would pay for a good surf photo of yourself? I'm asking the question as I run a small part time surf photography business in Noosa. I've also surfed for over 30 years and the only image I have of myself (apart from self filmed Go Pro) is from when I was 12 riding a foamy. It was a lousy photo taken on a cheap instamatic camera by my Dad. He was a great builder, but a crap photographer. I'm sure many of you have the same issue, unless you know a mate who owns a good lens or waterhousing, has a good eye and is prepared to sit on the beach while you score waves!
I've run this little part time business for several years but have only recently (last 6 months) made a decent website / online store, concentrated on my facebook presence and done a lot more shooting. I specialise in getting good shots of local surfers /SUPers and average everyday punters and tourists around the Noosa area - guys who may not usually see themselves in action. I don't chase business, and there's no pressure on anyone to buy, I just offer a service and if people are interested they'll contact me. I do get a few orders here and there but I'm certainly not flat out! As mentioned it's not my full time gig, more a fun hobby.
And despite having taken some great shots of local guys cruising into big glassy barrels, pulling airs, smashing lips etc (photos which I'd be stoked to have on my wall if they were of me) the response has been meh..... which surprises me a bit. My rates aren't expensive ($15 for a digital up to around $300 for a massive 100 x 150cm quality canvas)
So, just wondering whether you would pay for a good shot of yourself, if so what sort of shot would it need to be (land based /water based /barrel /air / race etc)?
Thanks in anticipation for the feedback! Dave
ps by the way if you want to check out my facebook/webby go to www.facebook.com/surfshotsnoosa or www.surfshotsnoosa.com
Great idea......I would be keen except for the ditch between us I think the "from the water" perspective is best. A shot from the shore is always just a shot from the shore
There"s a guy in Hawaii that goes out on his Boogie with Hawaii Surf Shots .com plastered on his Gath helmet takes random shots all day then posts ghosted images on his site that you buy with your credit card,great quality and worth buying
Yeah, I would pay! I have surfed for 40 years and no photo's. Would love some, from any perspective, but I think water based would be the best wouldn't it. I would also like some video footage. That's a good service you offer! Cheers, Ken.
For sure did menties trip on MV addiction they had full time photographer cost us 200 US each there were ten of us and all took it up Came back with amazing shots close to 350 shots that's a lot of waves plus he did some awesome land and boat shots for us all
Like many here, in a 40+ year surf career I have only seen pics from 3 days. It kinda bummed me out.
This last time I got lucky with someone like you. I was super psyched and bought one print and six digitals and it wasn't even a good day.
My advice, snap away and post lots giving the client more choice. An Internet site would be an important plus. Mark your self on the beach or in the water so those interested know to check you out.
I'm still hoping to see the guy here on a good day. Good luck.
I was lucky enough to have a surf photographer out with us in Bali a few months back who was there taking photos of a chick we were surfing with.
He snapped off more of me on the day and I ended up paying a measly $40 for a round 20 digitals. Stoked :)
So my answer...yes! It would be awesome to have someone out there on a clean day where you are surfing well on your home break. Definitely pay some dough for a few snaps!
My profile pic was a photog out there with his go pro mucking around on his goat boat. Didn't pay for the pic but very appreciative! Don't know how many times I tried explaining what it was like out there at sunset now I have the pic to show.
most of the pics of myself havent ended up on my wall, but love to have some good pics of myself.
Id pay 30-40 for a good photo of myself. but less if the photo wasnt that good. Hi res (or medium res)
most photogs have discount for multiple photos
and make sure you promote yourself! people need to know where to buy photos from! Ive been snapped in the past by a guy who clearly knew what he was doing but was not a pro, but didnt know where to look for the pics
Hi Davey, yep I would pay for a nice shot or two. Though it would be pretty hard to get a good one of me I reckon. I will keep my eye out around Noosa for you. Hey also Dave are you the dude who went to school withTony B the personal trainer? Cheers ET.
For sure did menties trip on MV addiction they had full time photographer cost us 200 US each there were ten of us and all took it up Came back with amazing shots close to 350 shots that's a lot of waves plus he did some awesome land and boat shots for us all
Would love some, from any perspective, but I think water based would be the best wouldn't it. I would also like some video footage.
