There were no less than six surfing photos in the final fifty images in the Red Bull Illume Image Quest 2007, and for a sport so well documented, it seems appropriate that there are now movies about the surfing documenters, not just the athletes.
Fiberglass and Megapixels is the new documentary from Craig and Derek Hoffmann, focusing on surf photographers based on the North Shore of Hawaiian Island of Oahu.
For the uninitiated, if you’re into surfing, the North Shore is where it’s at. During the winter months hundreds of surfers come to ride the consistently high waves, and the snappers are there in droves to shoot the action too.
The film talks to dozens of riders and photographers from Jordy Smith to Fred Patacchia and Scott Aichner to Brian Bielmann who explain why everyone is there, and how the action is captured.
There are a number of incredible scenes with literally dozens of surfers packed into the waves surrounded by countless photographers bobbing around in the water clutching their cameras. Meanwhile, the beach is rammed with even more photographers sporting rocket-sized long lenses.
This hectic image is a world away from the cruisy lifestyle associated with surfing, but, as it becomes clear, it’s the job.
In a nutshell, surfers need sponsors, sponsors need exposure and photographers take pictures of surfers, some of which end up in magazines, therefore completing the circle.
“If I’m not getting shots for my sponsor, I’m not worth anything,” says pro-surfer Mark Healy. “There are no handouts. If you’re not doing your job, you get fired.”
However, while there is a serious multi-million dollar industry hard at work on the North Shore, both groups genuinely express their love for what they do.
Bielmann, a surf photographer with 30 years experience, who had no less than three images in the final 50 photos in the 2007 Image Quest, tells the viewer, “Back in the 70s you couldn’t make a living being a surf photographer. You can now, so if you look at it in that aspect, I have a great living, I’m enjoying myself.”
“It’s definitely one of the best places in the world to work,” says Jeff ‘Mana’ Walthall. “It’s an honor to be down there and work with the people I get to work with.”
Danger is also part of it. Aside from possible shark attacks and monster waves that could crush anyone foolhardy enough to underestimate them, photographers also have to watch out for the surfers themselves.
Despite the incredible professionalism on all sides, accidents happen and bumps on the head are common, hence many of the photographers wearing helmets when shooting in the water. Cinematographer Larry Haynes recounts a horrifying tale of being smashed against a reef under a huge wave and having an outer-body experience, while surfer Healy lists an impressive number of injuries he has sustained during his career.
This is an interesting, well-produced and nicely shot movie, appealing to sports enthusiasts and photographers alike. While there could have been more technical details from the guys taking the photos on their shooting methods or equipment, the film will make you look twice at the next surfing photo you come across and wonder exactly how it was made.
Fiberglass and Megapixels will be released shortly. Visit the film’s website at www.fiberglassandmegapixels.com for more information and to view a trailer.
Film Review: Fiberglass and Megapixels
Review: Fiberglass and Megapixels
Still from the film Fiberglass and Megapixels ©Sandy Beach Productions
