As a photographer, one of the hardest things to do is to develop your own distinct style. Photographer Toby Harriman’s goal was to do just this and in order to separate himself a little from other surf photographers he focused on creating fine art rather than journalism-style photos. The Red Bull Illume team caught up with Toby to discuss his ongoing Modern Surf collection…
“One day after finishing up some of my black and white architecture shots, I decided to try a similar technique on my surf photos and experiment with long exposure surf shots. I have seen it done before, so I knew it was do-able. Just needed to find my style for it. That blurred look you see is mostly created in camera, by doing a shutter drag, leaving the shutter open and basically tracking the surfer trying to keep him in focus and everything else blurred,” says Harriman.
"The surf photographer explains how he further developed his technique with post-production: “I then use software like Photoshop or Lightroom to give it that dark mono look which I like to call 'Modern.' I am always trying to perfect and adapt this style, which gets me excited to keep it going. When I look at this series, it really allows me to focus in and to see the connection between the surfer and the power of the ocean, which is what I am trying to create for the viewer. Something with deeper meaning and something that makes people look at a subject in a whole different perspective!”
Visit Toby Harriman’s website here and catch up with him on Facebook.
Developing a Unique Surf Photography Style
Developing a Unique Surf Photography Style

© Toby Harriman