Surf photog’s are mainly available light photographers- meaning we work with what Mother Nature is throwing at us be it sun, overcast skies or rain. The environment we work in does not lend itself to being lit artificially with flashes and studio lights (unlike those jammy skate and snowboard photog’s). That’s not to say you shouldn’t be rolling with a flash or two in your gear bag.
A flash is essential for lifestyle work, be it providing a simple catch light in the eyes of your subject or making up the light when natures not helping you out. Flash lit portraits on stormy days look epic, one of the few benefits of living in the UK is the often moody skyscapes- use ‘em. I’ve got a couple of Canon EX550’s which have the benefit of being able to trigger each other as slaves, a Canon Off Camera Cord for real quick and simple portraits and Pocket Wizard remotes for everything else. I’ve not gone up to the 580’s yet as I don’t really see the need. Also rolling with a tri-grip gold/white reflector, a basic light stand and shoot through brolly (for all things flash bookmark the Strobist site it’s all time). Flash does have its applications in the water as on camera flash or used remotely but I’ll deal with that when I get to techniques. Gear wise the flashes are standard and for remote flash you’ll need Pocket Wizards and a willing swimming assistant!
