Master the most coveted shot in surf photography – the perfect barrel. Learn the techniques and timing needed to capture surfers getting pitted.
Perfect 10 Team
Passionate surf photographer capturing the perfect wave moments.
The barrel shot – a surfer perfectly positioned inside a curling wave – is the holy grail of surf photography. It requires perfect timing, positioning, and a bit of luck.
To capture the perfect barrel, you need to be in the right position before the wave even starts to break. Study the break, understand where the barrels typically form, and position yourself accordingly.
Use a fast shutter speed (1/1250s or faster) to freeze the water droplets. Continuous autofocus is essential as the surfer moves through the barrel. Consider using back-button focus for more control.
The perfect barrel shot captures the surfer at the deepest point of the tube, with the wave creating a perfect cylinder around them. The light filtering through the water creates an almost ethereal quality that makes these shots so special.
Passionate surf photographer capturing the perfect wave moments.
Master the art of surf photography with these game-changing techniques that will take your wave shots from amateur to absolutely gnarly!
