Taking your camera into the ocean for the first time can feel overwhelming. This guide walks through the setup process I use before in-water surf photography sessions, from preparing my waterproof housing to choosing camera settings I can trust once I’m swimming.

Thinking about taking your camera into the ocean? This guide breaks down when you actually need a waterproof camera housing for surf photography, beginner-friendly alternatives, mistakes to avoid, and why shooting from shore first might make you a better surf photographer.

Surf photography settings change depending on where you’re shooting from. This guide walks through the setup I use from shore to in-water shooting and how to work with different light and ever-changing conditions.

Surf photography gear can look complicated at first, but the setup you actually need in the water is simpler than most people expect. This guide walks through the essential equipment that helps you position yourself confidently between sets and start shooting in the line up.

Choosing the best lens for water photography depends less on gear and more on where you’re shooting from. This guide walks through the focal lengths I use for shoreline, surf, and in-water photography so you can build a simple setup that works across the ocean.

Choosing your first surf photography water housing can feel overwhelming. This guide walks through the natural progression from GoPro and phone housings to mirrorless setups and professional surf systems, so you can decide what actually fits your stage in the water

Surf photography can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. These 11 common surf photography mistakes are easy to make when you’re shooting in the ocean, but once you know what to look for, they’re pretty easy to avoid.

When I first started photography, I made every mistake in the book; from ignoring ISO to forgetting backups. These 11 beginner photography mistakes shaped how I shoot today, and I’m sharing them so you can skip the frustration and enjoy the creative process!

Ready to make a splash with your surf and water photography? Discover how curiosity, confidence, and creative experiments can help you find your unique voice in the ocean, no perfect gear required.

Want to start surf photography without breaking your camera on day one? These 10 beginner tips cover everything from choosing the right housing to mastering shutter speed, so you can safely capture the ocean’s beauty from the very start.

What is the cost involved in getting started with water photography? What should I look for in a camera? What is your must-have lens? I answer all these questions and more, from you, for you. Let’s go!

One sunrise at the beach taught me there’s more to moon photography than sharp craters. These 10 ideas will change how you see the night sky.

My name is Lou (@louloubphoto). I live in a beach town in New Zealand called Mount Maunganui, named after the extinct volcano just down the road. I’m originally from England but New Zealand is where I call home now. I work full time for a tech company and spend as much of my spare time as possible documenting the ocean and nature locally and across the region here in the North Island of New Zealand.