Felix Oceanart: Surf Photographer
Beyond The Frame
Welcome to another episode of Surf Bank's Beyond The Frame where we dive into the captivating world of surf and ocean photography, going beyond mesmerising captures exploring the backstory of many talented photographers. In this episode we will be hearing from passionate surf photographer Felix Citteri, originating from Milan he now spends winters in Portugal and summers on the Italian coast. Beyond the frame aims to inspire and inform future surf photographers and ocean lovers being your backstage pass to detailed insights from the minds behind stunning surf shots.
What Did Your Childhood Look Like?
I used to skate a lot because i lived in Milan, looking back was really difficult to be so disconnect from nature. Growing up the city became more claustrophobic and my anxiety became worse, until i met surfing and everything changed.
What Came First, Surfing or Photography?
Photography comes before surfing, it was always a passion for me.
How Did You Get Into Surf Photography?
I wanted to have some shots of me surfing to promote a surfboard brand of a friend and i don't know how but i found myself with a gopro in one hand shooting my girlfriend, other surfers and empty waves. Needless to say that my friends surfboard brand only got only few amatuer shots of me surfing due to me being so busy capturing every wave rolling down the beach!
Where Do You Normally Shoot?
I'm usually split my time between winter in Portugal and summer in Italy, living the best of both worlds!
Where Do You Shoot? Water or Land?
Most of the time water, I would say 99% of the time. I always want to do more lineup shoots from the land but once i see a wave rolling I find myself with the wetsuit on and the housing in my hand. When it gets big i'm happy to shoot from the land but always asking myself how it would be from inside.
What Makes The Perfect Image?
I don't think there is a perfect image or a perfect wave to be chased around the world, but I live for surfing and photography as a way to live for the Ocean and capturing a frame of life at the beach.
How Did You Become So Involved In The Surf Scene?
Coming from skateboarding i've always been curious of surfing but never figure it out that I could do that by driving 150km from Milan until at 21 years old, one of my friend got back from a trip in Australia and brought me to Liguria to try surfing. That changed all my life and finally gave me a way to enjoy nature.
Do You Have A Favourite Photographer That Has Inspired You?
I have a lot of them starting from John Hook with his film photography of Hawaii, Tom Pearsal from the heavy face of Australia. But more than everyone I have been inspired by Henrique Casinhas a photojournalist from Portugal, that has his own way of making art without distorting the reality but giving it the right emphasis of the moment.
What's Your Biggest Challenge To Overcome When Shooting?
I would say the cold, Portuguese water is really cold and some sunrise session in winter are really painful after 1 hour of shooting even if you have good 5.4mm wetsuit!
Felix's Equipment List
Camera & Lenses
Felix sticks with his Sony Alpha 7IV using a 24-105mm F4 lens.
Felix's Favourite Shot Taken
Gem shape, from Praia Do Guincho, Portugal. The wave I captured came from nowhere in a normal session and happened only once, breaking in an unusual bank. Praia Do Guincho, it's a magical location and sometimes a scary place that makes you feel on a remote island even though it's only 15 minutes from the city!
Personal Message
Find a way to have peaceful session, even if all the spots around the world are getting crowded.
Felix's Future Plans
Buying a sailboat and shooting around the world!
@felixoceanart
You can keep up to date with Felix's new projects and recent captures on his Instagram and direct message him anytime!
Do You Want To Be Involved In Beyond The Frame?
Are you a surf photographer wanting your story told? You may be our next Beyond The Frame feature! Please get in touch with us over email so we can get a conversation going: info@thesurfbank.com
