Riding the Crest
This is the third and the last of a series of surfer photographs. When I first saw them I wondered how the photographer was able to get such wonderful images, what vantage point was he able to use to get these close up shots? It turns out there is a pier in San Diego near a surfing location that overlooks the action.
This photograph is more of the typical surfing shot, the board skimming the crest of the wave with the surfer in complete control of the situation. You can almost hear the sound of the water and feel the movement. The arching water creates a simple but dramatic background. The man’s body language is excellent. Also note the location of the subject in the frame, a less experienced photographer might have placed the surfer in the center of the composition.
I find only one distracting element in this photograph and that is the water droplets in front of his face. If the photo-artist wished these could be cloned out.
Click on Image 
March 12th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Jim,
Thanks for the help. You comments on each pic were very helpful and made these shots better.
This is the only pic of him riding the top of the wave. I like the feeling of a water trench he seems to be avoiding. The water droplets were unavoidable, however, a little PS can clear them up.
Thanks again for your help. A very useful service you are providing.