Scott Harrison 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 Scott Harrison surf photographer originating from Australia. He now shoots across Aus spoilt for choice with an array of surf breaks on offer plus Indonesia on his door step!
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.
Scott Harrison Surf Photographer Gallery
What Did Your Childhood Look Like?
I grew up in a little beachside suburb called Caves Beach on the East Coast of Australia, one street back from the beach. Amazing spot to grow up. You could meet friends and hang outside till dark. Very safe and very lucky childhood
What Came First, Surfing or Photography?
Bodyboarding throughout my childhood and teenage years. Photography I picked up a lot later. I always had an interest in Photography but didn't make it part of my daily life until about 6 years ago.
How Did You Get Into Surf Photography?
As a kid/teenager I would always watch surfing and bodyboarding movies and would constantly be hitting the pause button when the surfer would do an air or a big turn. I didn't really know why at the time, but there was something about freezing those moments in time that always fascinated me. I guess this was my early interest in what would become photography. Growing up on the beach and then again living back on the beach later on, it's always been in my life. I tried other types of photography when I first got a camera (landscapes etc) but was just always drawn back to the ocean and breaking waves.
Where Do You Normally Shoot?
I live in Newcastle, Australia on a beach called Merewether Beach which has produced a number of world class tour surfers. That's the main spot I shoot. Newcastle has lots of good surf breaks, and about an hour both north and south there are lots more. I'm spoilt for choice at home during the April - August months. I also frequently travel to Indonesia and shoot the whole time i'm over there.
Where Do You Shoot? Water or Land?
My style is definitely land based. I love shooting in the water, i don't think there's a surf photographer that doesn't, but the style of images i like to create are what i call 'surfscape' which is basically using the wave/surfer as a subject in a larger scene. Trying to incorporate foreground or backdrops as much as possible and provide a sense of scale.
What Makes The Perfect Image?
Light and Composition.
Light is everything in any type of photography, but understanding angles of natural light for ocean photography completely transforms your photos.
Composition is what takes your images from snapshots to photographs. Thinking about angles, shooting height, placement of subjects within a frame, how a zoom lens can compress a scene to create a completely different effect to a wider angle lens.
Good surf and wave photography is anything but point and shoot. It's understanding how all the elements of an image work together and then relentlessly chasing good light.
How Did You Become So Involved In The Surf Scene?
I'm not sure i'm involved in any scene. I just love shooting the ocean, both surfing and empty waves. I sell pictures of empty waves and I give surfers pictures of themselves for free as they are the ones who made the image possible in the first place.
Do You Have A Favourite Photographer That Has Inspired You?
Chris Burkard, I have every one of his books and continually studied all of his photos as I was learning photography (and still do today). Also many of the words in his books and interviews have been both inspirational and influential in my progression from a 'regular' job to becoming a full time photographer.
What's Your Biggest Challenge To Overcome When Shooting?
I mean it's probably waking up early in the dark to go out and be ready to shoot at sunrise. I was never naturally an early riser prior to photography, so it's definitely been a process of discipline and consistency to today where it's nearly impossible to sleep in anymore even if i want to haha! Other than that, I love everything about shooting. The way a surfer might say that sitting out the back in the ocean is their peaceful time where nothing else matters, thats exactly how I feel when i'm photographing.
"It's singular focus, completely in the present moment".
Scott's Equipment List
Camera & Lenses
Scott uses his Canon R6 & Sigma 100-400mm / Sigma 24-70.
Scott's Favourite Shot Taken
Scott's Future Plans
To keep shooting and keep travelling. Also to share knowledge with anyone who wants to try surf and wave photography. I have recently released an online course teaching everything I know and it's been so rewarding to connect with people who have picked up the hobby and are now spending time outside at the ocean creating their own art.
@daily_salt
You can keep up to date with Scott's new projects and recent captures on his Instagram or his website www.dailysalt.com.au
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.
