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This issue we are going to take a little look at the other side of ocean photography. The side we often don’t write or talk about or give enough attention to. But for me it is also a very important part of ocean and travel photography. I am talking about those moments we capture on the side while we’re waiting for the right conditions, the snap shots when we have our eyes open and capture a special moment when you didn’t expect to. Whether it’s capturing the landscape and scenery at its most majestic; the people on the beach who create a special moment, or maybe something a bit surreal or out of place that just makes a great shot…

Those “mixed bag” shots, as I like to call them, can often bring the whole story together. Having tons of action shots is great (and it is hard work to be concentrating and making sure all the settings are right and to be alert nonstop so we don’t miss the best move of the day) but to make the story complete, it is also important to have images from the surroundings. It could be the location, the locals, the people on the beach, the journey to the location, the preparation for the session, the debrief after, the sunrise and sunset moments, or what happens when we go out for dinner with a bunch of crazy kiters and have a good night. There is potential everywhere!

Often these are the real special shots for the friends and family members to get a better idea about the amazing times we have and the incredible locations we travel to. Also a magazine story doesn’t really work without some cool, funny and beautiful scenery shots. So keep your eyes open. I actually love this part of photography – sometimes even more than going out and shooting some serious water action. Don’t get me wrong, I love the action too, but sometimes hanging around – a bit like a sniper – and waiting for the special moment is a lot of fun and needs some skill too.

So what is important here is to always have your camera ready and with you all the time. Sometimes you don’t feel like it or you don’t want to carry a camera with you at night when you go out, and then all of a sudden something funny happens and you wish you had it with you. Anyway, try to be ready, maybe not all the time, but the more often you have your camera with you, the more special shots you will get. It takes commitment and effort, but it can also become addictive. It is a kind of street-photography. Over the next few pages I have tried to put into categories some of these special shots that I try to get.

T h e d a r k r o o m

T h e l a n d s c a p e

To have an eye for the colors and the special features of the landscape will be reflected in your images. Framing the waves with coastal elements likes rocks and cliffs, or following the lines of the river or the horizon will split the image in a way that makes the sky and clouds seem like a separate world from the ocean. All these will add to your travel ocean photography story. And these images will appeal to a completely different audience who would love to have one of your ‘paradise’ landscape images on their living room wall…

T h e f u n n y m o m e n T

This is the moment when all of a sudden someone turns up wearing a bathrobe on a busy kite surf beach, or some tourists cruising up and down in front of huge massive ocean waves with their pedalo boat. Just be ready!

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T h e d a r k r o o m

a ‘ m i x e d b a G ’

Those categories can go on and on. There are plenty of objects, moving creatures, special moments, colorful patterns, and beautiful, astonishing and awesome split seconds we can capture. Just always have your eyes open and always be on the lookout…

You can also now purchase some of Stephan’s awesome images for your own wall… Head over to shop.oceanbluesky.com.

a n i m a l s …

I love taking photos of animals. In some places (such as Lord Howe Island) it is easy as all the animals come to you – whether it’s fish, sharks, dolphins, turtles, birds or whatever moves on or around the island – everything is photogenic and likes to have its photo taken. In other places you will need more patience. But wildlife images are always impressive and people are often astonished by ocean creatures.

c a p T u r i n G T h e l o c a l s

Often they don’t know that you are taking a photo and these are the most natural shots and have the appeal of a real life situation. Our job is usually to make people look beautiful and to capture nice moments, and our images should give a good feeling to the observer and to the people in the image. If you are in a foreign country, always respect the locals’ point of view when taking photos of them. In some places people love to have their photo taken but in other places people have a different view... So make sure you don’t break the rules, and you do respect the local culture and their opinion.

s u n r i s e s a n d s u n s e T m o m e n T s

The start and end of the day always needs special attention from any photographer. The colors are boosted by nature’s sun, and the angle of the light will make landscape or scenery shots look really different and special. These are the moments you really don’t want to miss. People in silhouettes, shades of orange and pink skies, misty and foggy coastal villages: everything looks warm, smooth and protected in the morning and evening light, so don’t miss it!

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t h i n g s

y o u w o u l d n ’ t

k n o w a b o u t

t h i s s h o tk j e l l v a N S i c e

I took this shot of local teen talent Hector Paturau off the northern coast of Mauritius. This kiting destination is well known for its trademark turquoise water, and the conditions this day lived up to that reputation.

I shot this session on a 24-70mm lens attached to my Nikon D4s and Aquatech housing combination. I hit the water thinking I would make some surface split shots. As a fine art photography college student, I soon felt compelled to innovate and make something different, something better…

My aim was to make a photo that would really show the foil in its environment, I got the crazy idea to shoot the wing from underneath or the side. Despite the physical risk, I felt confident that Hector would be in control of the foil and not turn me into human sashimi! But I was honestly more worried for my camera.

Five seconds before Hector passed over me, I dove down about six or eight feet and hung motionless, looking into the gloom for the paper-thin form of the foil rocketing by. It took some test passes before I could even get a focus on the blade. If you think foils look fast from the beach, try sitting less than two feet away underwater!

Finally, the timing came together as the foil passed just downwind of me. I’m not sure I could duplicate the image – It’s a reminder that luck plays a major role in creating innovative sport photographs.