Tillie Doyle
Filming surfing footage has become easier with the invention of the GoPro camera, which is made for capturing high-speed sporting action. However, to create a great image, you need depth. If you're filming from the beach, you can add depth by including people, trees, houses, or other obstacles in the frame. If you're filming from land, it's best to film from an elevated position, like a cliff, to get above the incoming waves and capture the full scale of the wave the surfer is riding. Using a tripod with a fluid head will help you to follow the surfer's movements with one fluid motion. This is an important rule of surf cinematography that is often overlooked by beginners. A drone can also add a professional touch to your footage, capturing angles that wouldn't be possible with a GoPro or handheld camera.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Equipment | GoPro, Drone, Handheld camera, HD video camera with interchangeable lenses, lightweight tripod, video editing software, Canon Digital SLR cameras, Amazon Basics tripod, Manfrotto tripod, smartphone |
| Techniques | Panning, slow motion, blurring the background, using burst mode, shooting from an elevated position, using a foreground element, shooting from the beach, shooting from the water, using a monopod, wet port shooting |
| Other | Avoid bad backlight, use a simple font for credits, avoid company logos, tell a story, avoid too much zooming and panning, check audio settings, check white balance, promote your video on social media |
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What You'll Learn
Use a tripod for stability
Filming surfing pans requires a lot of panning movements, and a tripod is essential for keeping the camera stable during these movements. A lightweight tripod is recommended for filming surfing pans as you will need to be able to move the camera quickly and easily to follow the action.
A tripod with a fluid head is ideal for filming surfing pans as it allows for smooth panning movements. The fluid head enables you to follow the surfer's movements with one fluid motion, keeping them in focus while blurring the background to give the impression of motion. This can be achieved with a tripod like the Magnus VT-300 Video Tripod, which has a built-in fluid head, or by adding a universal head adapter to your existing tripod.
When choosing a tripod, look for one that is sturdy yet lightweight, such as the Peak Design Travel Tripod or the Manfrotto 190XDB 3 Section Aluminum Tripod, which is a great budget option. A good tripod should have smooth panning capabilities and be able to support the weight of your camera and lens setup.
In addition to a tripod, you may also want to consider using a drone or a stationary robotic filming system to get additional angles and footage. However, when using a drone, be mindful of other surfers in the water and avoid flying it in crowded lineups or over private areas.
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Film from an elevated position
Filming from an elevated position is a great way to capture the action and beauty of surfing. Here are some tips for filming surfing footage from an elevated vantage point:
Firstly, find an elevated location, such as a cliff or headland that overlooks the surf spot. This higher perspective will allow you to capture the full scale of the waves and the surfers riding them. It is important to note that filming from an elevated position can also be achieved with the use of a drone. Drones can provide unique and dynamic angles that showcase the surfing action from a whole new perspective. However, always be mindful of other surfers in the water and avoid flying a drone in crowded lineups or at breaks that are not totally public.
When filming from an elevated position, it is crucial to use a tripod to ensure stable footage. A tripod with a fluid head is highly recommended as it allows you to smoothly pan your camera and follow the surfers as they ride the waves. This will help you capture fluid and continuous shots of the surfing action. The tripod will also help you avoid shaky or jerky footage, which can be a common issue when filming with a handheld camera.
Another benefit of filming from an elevated position is the ability to utilise slow-motion footage. With this vantage point, you can capture the intricate details of the waves and the surfers' movements. Set your camera to a higher frame rate, such as 60 or 120 frames per second, and then slow down the footage in post-production. This technique will create a stunning visual effect that showcases the fluidity and elegance of surfing.
When filming from an elevated position, it is important to consider the lighting conditions. Avoid filming with the sun directly behind you, as this can cause backlighting issues and affect the exposure of your footage. Instead, try to position yourself so that the sun is to your side or front, providing optimal lighting on the waves and surfers. Additionally, filming during the early morning or late afternoon can provide softer, more flattering light for your footage.
Finally, when filming from an elevated position, it is essential to plan your shots and communicate with the surfers. Discuss the shots you want to capture and work with the surfers to get them into the right positions. This collaboration will result in more dynamic and interesting footage. Remember to also vary your shots and move around to different locations to capture a diverse range of angles and perspectives.
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Avoid zooming and panning too much
When filming surfing, it is important to avoid excessive zooming and panning. This can be challenging, as you want to capture the action and beauty of surfing, including the surfer and the wave they are riding. However, too much zooming and panning can be distracting and take away from the overall quality of the video.
One way to avoid excessive zooming is to use a camera with a good optical stabilization feature. This will help to keep the camera level and stable, even when filming in the water. A stable shot is crucial when filming surfing, as there are many factors that can cause the camera to shake, such as waves crashing over the camera and the operator, and surf fins passing by.
To avoid excessive panning, it is recommended to use a tripod with a fluid head. This will allow you to follow the surfer's movements with one fluid motion, rather than multiple panning movements. It is important to ensure that the tripod is stable and firmly centred, with only the right/left movement enabled. Additionally, when panning, it is important to do so at an appropriate speed. Panning too fast can cause jerkiness in the footage.
When filming surfing, it is also important to provide depth to your shots. This can be achieved by including a foreground element, such as a person, tree, or house. This gives viewers a sense of place and adds interest to the shot. However, it is important to avoid cutting off these foreground elements or the surfer's ride with excessive panning or zooming.
Overall, while zooming and panning can be effective tools for filming surfing, they should be used sparingly and with consideration for the overall composition and flow of the video.
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Use a mixture of first- and third-person footage
When filming surfing, using a mix of first- and third-person perspectives can add variety and interest to your footage. This technique allows you to capture the surfer's viewpoint, as well as providing a more panoramic view of the action.
For first-person footage, you can attach a camera to the surfer's board, chest, or head. This will give your audience a unique and immersive experience, allowing them to see the wave and the surfing action from the surfer's perspective. It will also enable you to capture the surfer's reactions and provide a sense of what it feels like to be riding the wave. You can use a range of camera options, such as a
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Capture the surfer in the top or bottom third of the image
When filming surfing, it's essential to understand the basics of photography and videography to capture high-quality images that tell a story. One of the critical rules of composition to keep in mind is the "rule of thirds", which can elevate your images from boring to interesting.
The rule of thirds suggests that placing your subject in the top or bottom third of the image, rather than directly in the centre, creates a more visually appealing and dynamic composition. This technique provides context and a sense of the surrounding environment, enhancing the story and giving the viewer a better understanding of what lies ahead for the surfer.
To achieve this, consider the foreground and background elements that will appear in the frame. Look for natural features like trees, houses, or people on the beach, and use them to create depth and interest in your shot. For example, you can pan the camera to follow the surfer's movements, incorporating these elements to provide a sense of place and action.
Additionally, when filming from the shore, it's important to get above the incoming waves. This allows you to capture the full scale of the wave the surfer is riding and avoid the incoming waves blocking the waves behind them. A tripod with a fluid head can be extremely helpful in achieving smooth and stable panning movements when tracking the surfer.
Remember, the key is to create a balanced composition that showcases the beauty and action of surfing while also providing context and visual interest through the strategic placement of the surfer in the top or bottom third of the image.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a good HD video camera with interchangeable lenses, a waterproof camera, a lightweight tripod, and video editing software. You can also add a surf drone and a stationary robotic filming system for extra angles and footage.
It is recommended to film from an elevated position, such as a cliff, to get above the incoming waves and capture the full scale of the wave the surfer is riding. Using a tripod with a fluid head will help you follow the surfer with one fluid motion. Additionally, creating depth in your images by including foreground elements such as people, trees, or houses can add production value to your film.
To create slow-motion panning images, start with a shutter speed of 1/20s and adjust from there. Aim to capture the surfer when they are stationary, while the board is moving. You can also try shooting at the nose of the board or using a faster shutter to capture cross-stepping for more interesting images.
Keep the editing simple and let the frames flow naturally. Avoid using too many special effects or cuts that disrupt the flow of the ride. Choose a simple font for the credits and only include company logos if they are supporting your budget. Remember that your video should tell a story and impress with its overall quality.
