There is a reception of photos for the 35AWARDS 2026! #35AWARDS

📝 Description

These images depict surfers navigating the face of large ocean waves. Photographers are drawn to these scenes for their dramatic scale, the contrast between the smooth water and white spray, and the dynamic action of the athletes. The shots vary in perspective, capturing both close-up details of the wave's curve and wider views that show the surfer's position relative to the breaking crest. While some images feature specific events like the Rip Curl Cup at Padang Padang or Nazaré, others focus on the raw power of the ocean. A monochrome version emphasizes texture over color. The group is united by the visual motif of a lone figure riding a massive wall of water.

How to shoot it

📍 Where to shoot

Shooting takes place outdoors, mainly near the ocean. Notable locations include Nazaré and Padang Padang.

🕐 Time of day

Most shot between 11:00 and 14:00 (45% of frames)

Based on 20 frames with camera data. Camera clock time; the time zone is unknown.

Most often shot during the day, with peak activity at 13:00 and 16:00. Bright light helps highlight the contrast between the green wall of the wave and white foam.

🗓️ Season

Most shot in: November, January, July

Based on 20 frames with camera data

The main shooting season is from November to January, when large swells begin in Nazaré. July and December are also popular for capturing powerful ocean swells.

🧗 Difficulty

Needs preparation

Shooting requires preparation due to the need to work with powerful ocean waves and extreme conditions. The risk is associated with proximity to water and the dynamics of nature.

🎒 Gear

Use telephoto lenses (median 800 mm, range 300–800 mm) to capture details at a distance. Shutter speeds are mostly faster than 1/500 s, so stabilization or high shutter speed is important.

Cameras and lenses the authors used (10)

Nikon Z7_2 6 Nikon NIKON Z 9 6 Nikon D750 3 Nikon D5200 2 Nikon D5 1NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Z TC-2.0x 10Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD (A005) 2AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED 2AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR 1AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR 1

🧳 What to bring

Bring a rain cover for equipment, spare batteries, and sun protection. Footwear should be resistant to moisture and sand.

⚙️ Settings

Shutter 1/800 (1/1250 – 1/125)Aperture f/11 (f/5.6 – f/22)ISO 400 (100 – 800)Focal length 800 mm (300 – 800)

Based on 19 frames with camera data. Median and 10-90% range across the idea frames.

The key parameter is shutter speed: freeze motion at 1/500 s or faster (74% of frames). Aperture f/11 and ISO 400 ensure sharpness of the wave and acceptable noise levels.

⚠️ Good to know

Shooting in Nazaré is tied to the large swell season (November–January). Consider safety: powerful ocean waves pose a risk to photographers, so keep your distance and monitor the tide.

📈 How the idea developed

works uploadedshare of all site uploads, per 100k

The date is when the file was uploaded to the site. The chart counts works assigned to the idea.

✅ How to repeat it

Use burst mode to capture the moment the board interacts with the crest of the wave.
Shoot for contrast: the smooth green wall of water and white foam create the best visual effect.

✨ Interesting facts

🏆 How the best frame was shot: Nikon Z7_2, NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Z TC-2.0x, 1/500, f/25, ISO 800, 800 mm
📐 100% of frames are landscape orientation
🥇 3 works reached the finals. Best contest: Active Sports 2026
👤 Most frequent authors: Natalya Pyrogova 12 Valentina 4 Boris Bekelman 3 Francisco José López Fernández 2
🌍 Authors by country: 🇵🇹 PT 13 🇷🇺 RU 4 🇮🇱 IL 3 🇪🇸 ES 3 🇨🇳 CN 1

🔗 Related ideas

Some tips are prepared by AI from the idea description, photos and their EXIF. Check the rules and access to places before you travel.

Works

These lists are generated automatically and may contain inaccuracies. Photos are shown in random order, and selections are refreshed twice a day. This section is made for exploring photos and does not claim 100% accuracy. The lists include photos that previously participated in contests that are already completed.