Surfing composition question

[Outdoorsman]

I've been doing surf photography since I began doing photography. To try and get better at it, I study what the pros are doing in Surfer magazine and other periodicals/advertisements, even surfing video. The majority of the time, they place the surfer center-frame. Not always, but most often. I do the same, mainly since the lens gives me the best resolution in the center and the AF works best there also. But every time I post a surfing shot here, someone invariably says "Don't put the surfer center-frame. This is compositionally weak."
What is the answer here? In emulating the pros am I still doing it wrong or am I doing the right thing? I think if I were taking portraits, the rule of thirds might apply more, but in surfing, it's so hard to guess where best to position the surfer because you have no idea what move they will make next. Catching the spray from the board in the frame is very important as well. So a centered surfer most often gives you enough room to get everything in. I have only 7 AF points to choose from, and none of them fall into an intersection of the rule of thirds. Unlike the 45-point area ellipse that the pros have- no fair! What should I do? Ignore the naysayers and keep doing what I've been doing? I try to do different compositions when I can, but all too often, center frame is the only viable option.
Is there anyone here who can help me?

[Kai]

Outdoorsman,

The true answer to your question is that there is no answer. I know this can be frustrating but it is the truth. Surf photography, like all forms of photography, is a subjective art form and ultimately you have decide what you are trying to capture when you press the shutter. Is it what the surfer is doing (cutback, floater, etc.)? Is it where the surfer is on the wave (is he getting barreled or taking a late drop)? Or is the photograph more about the environment (lineup shots, solitary sunsets, crowds, etc.)? Ask youself these questions and compose acordingly. One rule you can start with, is that the better the wave the further back you want to be. Surfers are drawn to perfect waves, so if the waves are that good, a picture of a surfer just standing there can be a classic shot. If, on the other hand, its a small, choppy day and the waves aren't that good, zoom in on the surfer as that will be the point of interest.

Studying what the pros are doing can only take you so far. Surf photography, especially for magazines, is an extremely competitive market. There are thousands of people with big lenses lining the beach, yet only 4 or 5 are used enough by any one magazine to support themselves on that work alone. Thus, you also have to consider getting your images used by sponsors, sending them to outside industries with cross-over interest (outdoor lifestyle magazines, health magazines, etc.).While its true that there is a high-demand for up-close, centered action shots, those aren't the only shots that are used. If you truly want to become a magazine photographer, you need to develop a style that stands out from the rest.

Regarding your technical question, you should be able to focus on a surfer whether he is centered in the frame or not. Remember, its only been in the past 10 years that autofocus has been good enough to be used by sports photographers. Before that images were focused by hand and many great shots were taken.

Ultimately, the best thing you can do is shoot frequently, in different locations, and try to find good surfers to shoot. Good luck and post some shots!

Here's one for you to look at:

[Outdoorsman]

Wow, big wave- where's that?
It's pretty hard to find the good surfers around here- there's not many of them so it's hard to track them down sometimes. And they are surfers, of course, so they often just aren't available...
The good ones are fun to watch but the waves are often crappy here. And the waves are best in the winter (the ocean turns into a 55-degree lake in the summer) so it's hard to try and get shots in 40 degrees, driving rain and nasty winds... I don't have a pro body or big glass... I have so many difficulties both technical and environmental to overcome it's amazing I get any shots at all. But your advice is just what the doctor ordered. No one had ever given me a shred of advice when it comes to surf photography, so thank you very much!

[Kai]

Outdoorsman,

Glad I could help. That picture I posted is at Mavericks,a big-wave spot in Half Moon Bay, Ca.

Anyhow, your profile says you are in Northern California, is that still the case? There is usually plenty of swell in NorCal, its usually more a matter of finding a day with clean conditions.

Like I said, keep on shooting. It doesn't take pro surfers or epic waves to take great surf shots. Ultimately, you need to capture the essence of what you are photographing. If in your case that means cold water with small waves, go with it. Maybe try shooting black and white to try and capture the dedication of the guys surfing on a day when most surfers wouldn't even paddle out. And there are always surf trips!