Tom Prentice 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 Tom Prentice surf photographer from Cape Town, South Africa now located in Cornwall, UK.
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.
Tom Prentice Surf Photographer Gallery
What Did Your Childhood Look Like?
I grew up in Cape Town, South Africa and was lucky enough to live on the Cape Peninsula, so effectively surrounded by water which meant growing up where pretty much most outdoor activities involved the sea, whether kayaking, fishing, surf skiing, bodyboarding or surfing.
How Did You Get Into Surf Photography?
Luckily there was always a camera close by for me to grab, my Dad had a Pentax back then which he really only used for family holidays. I mostly self-taught myself around that old Pentax and enjoyed experimenting with different outcomes. As those who shoot film these days know, there were no digital options in terms of cameras back then, but in hindsight it was definitely the best way to learn and appreciate the creative process of photography.
After mostly shooting landscape and adventure photography, there was the introduction of smaller water-based cameras like the GoPro and this really peaked my interest in firstly water photography and then into the subject of surf photography. I love the challenge of shooting in an environment where your subject is always moving, you’re always moving, and the water is always in motion. There are a lot of challenges to shooting in the water, but surf photography is the perfect intersection for me in terms of my love for being in the water, surfing and the creative process.
Where Do You Normally Shoot?
I am mostly shooting in Cornwall as I am based in the UK but I also use the UK as a base from which to travel further afield for shooting surf. I recently got back from a 2-week trip to Australia where I started out at Noosa and ended by down at Bells Beach in Victoria which was an epic trip!
Where Do You Shoot? Water or Land?
Like most surf photographers, I enjoy shooting from the water, but some of my more interesting shots have been taken from land. I am always looking to contextualise the subject I am shooting, in the environment they are surfing in, so more often than not I am looking for an interesting backdrop to provide that context. This also helps with the narrative of the shot and immersing viewers into the scene they are looking at. If I am able to line this up, in my mind you’re more than likely going to get something interesting and especially so if you’re in a landscape that is not necessarily or typically associated with surfing.
How Did You Become Involved In The Cornish and UK Surf Scene?
In terms of getting involved in the surf scene here in the UK, Covid put the brakes on any trips I had planned, and I went down to Sennen once and we have just kept on going back exploring that coastline but always based as far South West as I can get which tends to be around Sennen. My wife & 3 kids also love it down there, so we’ve become quite predictable when making plans to head south.
But the result is that I’ve been lucky enough to meet a lot of the local characters and quality boardriders down there who I’ve had the privilege of shooting as well. A lot of longboard talent has come from and is currently emanating out of that part of Cornwall.
What's Your Biggest Challenge To Overcome When Shooting?
Biggest challenge when shooting is keeping those water drops off the port, as they can ruin a great shot. Every water-based photographer has a different way and swears by his/her method for keeping those ports free of droplets.
Tom's Equipment List
Camera & Lenses
Tom normally shoots with a Canon R5 paired with a Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM Lens, or a Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM Lens when in the water. When Tom is on land shooting from the beach he opts for a Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM.
Water Housing
When it comes to water housing, Tom uses a Aquatech Imaging Solutions EDGE water housing for R5 & subsequent ports.
Drone
When Tom opts to captures images using a drone he uses the Dji Mavic 2 Pro.
Kit
As every surf photographer knows, without essential kit they can't carry out their job to the best of their ability so here is some of Tom's go to bits of kit that aid in his productions of those stunning captures: Dafin Fins, Finisterre & Patagonia Suits, Polarpro filters & Pelican travel cases.
Tom's Favourite Shot Taken
My favourite shot taken was in Iceland documenting the longboard scene over there. I love adventuring to colder climes and shooting surf, but especially long boarders in those chaotic and frozen environments. It’s always tempting to travel to warmer waters to shoot, but the prize and the shots you get out of those trips north are worth all the planning and preparation that go into them.
Tom's Future Plans
In terms of future plans, I have a trip to South Africa lined up in August where I will be working with a local brand I have previously worked with, I’ll then be back to catch the end of summer from September in Cornwall followed by a cheeky trip to Biarritz, and then back to Iceland in early 2024. This is followed by a few other trips planned from April onwards, but the big WIP I am busy with currently, is planning a trip out to the Aleutian Islands off Alaska in 2024/25. This is what I am most excited about currently. I also need to get a new website up and running, but just can’t seem to find the time.
@tomsimagery
You can keep up to date with Tom's new projects and beautiful captures on his Instagram, as well as contacting him by dropping a direct message or sending an email to tomprentice@gmail.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.
