Joel Trevett Surf Photographer
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 the talented Joel Trevett surf photographer from Dorset in the South West of England.
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.
Joel Trevett Surf Photographer Gallery
What Did Your Childhood Look Like?
I was born & raised in the South West of England, in a small town in Dorset close to the ocean. I was always in the water when I was growing up as my dad was heavily into the surf & skate scene so I was always surrounded by surf videos, archive magazines and family holidays based around surf and skate.
What Came First, Surfing or Photography?
Surfing came first when my family and I travelled to Australia and America at a young age. However, surrounding myself with the surf and skate culture definitely helped develop a natural progression into photography.
How Did You Get Into Surf Photography?
A friend of the family was a professional photographer, I used to show interest from a young age so she let me use her equipment which felt natural. I found my dads old camera and started just shooting random pictures but very quickly managed to make them stand out over others. I soon started to get positive feedback which acted as a catalyst motivating me to actually start taking surf photography seriously. A few years later we took a family holiday where I met a photographer that was following his passion into his career which motivated me to develop further.
Where Do You Normally Shoot?
Most of the time I shoot in Cornwall & Devon as it is not too far away for me to travel too and has the best waves locally, but for the future I'm always researching and planning for my next trip overseas.
Where Do You Shoot? Water or Land?
I’m always looking for clever angles on land trying to capture not just waves but the coastal shots with the surfers walking into the water. I do enjoy using the drone as you can get the aerial shots and the angles you could never get by hand. Recently I have purchased an underwater housing so now I can shoot in water which is going to open up new opportunities and angles to be captured.
What Makes The Perfect Image?
For me a perfect image is an image that you can look back on many times and it still gives you that buzz. Sometimes when editing I will start an edit and come back to it a few days later and change bits around the images I revisit are always my best.
How Did You Become So Involved In The Surf Scene?
Mainly my Dad I would say by surrounding me my whole life within the surf culture. Having surf images, art and boards on the walls at home inspired me to think what if they were my own images? This pushed me to take it further and to start getting my own work printed. I love surfing as my hobby personally and enjoy a road trip to combine the thrill and creative aspect.
What's Your Biggest Challenge To Overcome When Shooting?
I would say my biggest challenge is timing, trying to tie travelling and good waves together. There’s been plenty of times where it doesn’t always combine, but I’m always looking for a window or opportunity to shoot.
Joel Trevett Equipment List
Camera & Lenses
Joel normally shoots with with a Sony A7RIII paired with a 24-70mm sigma 2.8 lens and sometimes with a Sony 50mm lens depending on what type of shots he's going for.
Water Housing
When it comes to water housing, Joel uses the Sony A7R III V.3 Series 40M/130FT UW camera housing with 6" Optical Glass Flat Long Port for SONY FE24-70 F2.8 GM.
Drone
When Joel opts to captures images using a drone he uses a DJI MAVIC MINI 2 as he finds it easy to fit in the camera bag and take wherever he goes.
Joel's Favourite Shot Taken
My favourite shot was taken at Saunton Sands (North Devon) in May this year. I was watching the waves all day but the perfect shot wasn’t happening. Right before packing up all my equipment and driving home, I caught a surfer walking into the ocean whilst the sun was setting… and knew I had to capture the shot. When I got home and looked through all of the photos, I didn’t have to think twice. This was the one. The colour contrast was immaculate!
Joel's Future Plans
I turned 18 early this year so I'm always looking ahead. The next trip I have planned is to Nazaré, in Portugal for the Red Bull TUDOR Tow Surfing Challenge. I am hoping to stay out there for a few months to shoot for a surf resort and to work with other companies.
Instagram @trevsmedia
You can keep up to date with Joe's new projects and recent captures on his Instagram, as well as contacting him by dropping a direct message or sending an email through his website trevsmedia.com
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
Originating from Cornwall, Fin our founder is a keen traveler, photographer and surfer ticking off 20+ countries! He enjoys presenting the stories and work of talented individuals within the surfing community, alongside sharing everything he has learnt along the way.
