BEST CAMERA SETTINGS FOR SURF PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE WATER

[@tonydickens5175]

I’m on my way to shoot my first surfing event. I screenshot and listened intently to your jewels you’ve given.. wish me luck

[@RuaridhKidd]

I'm glad you went in depth in a video like this. I've just got into inwater surf photography and have been struggling with focus. I'm going to put your tips to the test and hopefully will get more than just 3 shots in focus during an hour shoot! Thanks Connor

[@ConnorTrimble]

100%, I'll cover one for focus in the future!

[@RuaridhKidd]

@@ConnorTrimble epic!! Thanks man. Also if it’s down the line, how not to fog up when shooting on a tropical island would also be a good tutorial 😂🤙🏼

[@ConnorTrimble]

Easy fix, don't keep your camera gear in AC! Leave it in a pelican case outside so it's warm already. When there's extreme changes in temp, you get condensation and the fogging

[@RuaridhKidd]

@@ConnorTrimble thanks man! I’ll give that a go tomorrow 👍🏼

[@naludog8087]

Epic video tutorial. Can you please do the same for surf video in and out of the water? Many of the cameras are now shooting 4k 60 or 120. Getting a better understanding of your video setup that you shoot at Pipeline on land vs in the water would be a great tutorial for us mortals. Thank you for accelerating the learning curve for us.

[@ConnorTrimble]

hahaha! I appreciate the comment! It's so tricky because I use way more different settings depending on the project for shooting on land. Maybe I'll do a video going over "why" I use certain settings in specific scenarios such as wanting a more classic film look with motion blur shooting 4k 24fps or why I typically shoot 4k 60 and when to/when not to shoot 4k 120 to not waste your time/storage. Currently wrapping up a huge film I'm editing so KZbin has taken a back seat for a bit.

[@Nyzjon]

Been waiting for more surf photography videos on KZbin! This def helped and made me realized why a lot of my pictures aren't in focus when shooting in my water housing. I always thought to shoot with a lower ISO and it was always hard for my lens to focus on the surfer or wave. Hope you keep posting about surf photog! def could use more tips of water photog/drone etc... Mean video tho!

[@ConnorTrimble]

Stoked this could helpout! the more wide open apertures withsomething like f/1.2 orf/2.8 are incredible when you hit focus. But so challenging to do sosometimes haha.... Glad this could help! If you have any specififc settings questions, lmk

[@pedromigueis9044]

Mr. Conner, the video settings will be much appreciated. Thank you for this one and for your amazing work.

[@ConnorTrimble]

Sure thing!

[@BenInTheWater]

🎉 amazing stuff! So much good info in there. My wife and I will definitely be watching this a few times haha. I would love to see the follow up video on your video settings in the water. 🤙

[@ConnorTrimble]

Thanks for the support Ben! Yeah I definitely threw a TON of information at you in thie video haha. Probably could've been divided in to 4-6 different videos alone. But I'm stoked you are in to it & I'll make a follow up video for sure. Video just gets a lot more nuance based on the camera that you have, so I need to find a way to quickly explain settings/practices or techniques that will work for all ability levels. For example shooting 1080p 120fps, I would avoid ever cropping in on that footage and just hold my camera vertical if it'll only live on social anyway. But covering something like that mixed in with GoPro settings and also cinematic settings I've used on my RED, etc.... HUGE range there that could easily get really confusing.So mulling that over slowly haha...

[@edwardobermeyer3565]

Fabulous in laymen’s terms that everyone can understand. Sadly I learned all that from the school of hard knocks and epic fails so thanks for sharing!

[@ConnorTrimble]

I learned it all that way as well unfortunately haha

[@dean6280]

So happy I found your channel! I just purchased my first Aquatech housing for my Fujifilm XH2s.

[@ConnorTrimble]

The best housings 100%, stoked for you :D

[@kristen364]

Super helpful! Thank you for taking the time to make this video

[@ConnorTrimble]

Yeah no problem! Many more to come!

[@clarkbyparraguirre]

Love it bro! A tonne of value for someone getting into surf photography

[@BrandonVerdura]

Awesome tips! Thank you!

[@ConnorTrimble]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Blakevigil]

Sick dude! Do a video settings video!

[@ConnorTrimble]

Glad you're stoked! Video coming soon 100%, but it jsut gets harder because video is so camera dependent.

[@WavesoftheWorld]

Good info and nice editing

[@ConnorTrimble]

Thank you!

[@connorgbrown]

sick one! definitely would find a go-to video settings helpful, I'm hardly taking pictures anymore in water

[@ConnorTrimble]

Video's definitely a lot harder to nail down because it's so gear dependent. But I'll make one for ya soon. Currently deep working on a Red Bull Surfing projet keeping me busy and away from making KZbin videos unfortunately

[@connorgbrown]

yew! @@ConnorTrimble

[@kalanimuller]

Thanks for making this! Such a good video on the technicals which are so key to understanding If you're making one on video, do you think you could shed light on what you use for video, and if you use your R5 IBIS when shooting?

[@ConnorTrimble]

Hey I've actually been testing IBIS + Lens Stabilization, just Lens Stabilization/no IBIS, just IBIS/no lens stabilization and No IBIS at all. If you're shooting a wave like Pipe then Ibis + lens stabilization is "okay" because it's straight at you and the movement isn't eradic. But if you're shooting a wave with a lot of turns, eradic movements, etc. I suggest using No IBIS + NO lens stabilization. If I'm shooting purely video I have both OFF. If I'm doing a mix of both, depending on the wave I'll have both on. But if your Lens stabilization is off and you switch to photo mode, make sure your shutter is higher to counteract that shake. I noticed a huge decline in photo quality without lens stabilization on specifically. Hope that makes sense, but I definitely think doing a whole video on when to use IBIS/Lens Stabilization is worth it, because I HATE the unnatural shake from the stabilization, but when it works out and is smooth, it's so nice. It's hard becuse the r5 in particular is so light so you'll have a lot of shakes where as with a RED for example, this is fixed just by the sheer weight and size of the camera.

[@kobishafrir9156]

Yes great video and hope to see the next one about video from the water…you’re helping a lot so thanks again 8:43

[@ConnorTrimble]

Thank you! I'm working on it slowly, but surely!

[@nickterraz]

This was super helpful! I’m stoked to try out the highlight priority in the water. Thanks for the info! Can’t wait for more videos like this one!

[@ConnorTrimble]

Glad you're stoked! Are there any specific topics you think I should cover?

[@PapaSurf-Tower10]

Conner, Great video, spot on, you answered so many questions that I have… I still need to watch this two or three more times. Looking forward to a video talking about shooting from land as well. aloha, Papa Surf.

[@Mcgeee]

This is awesome

[@ConnorTrimble]

I still need to make an FPV one.... form kook to pro in 30 days or something like that haha

[@Mcgeee]

haha yessss please 😂@@ConnorTrimble

[@user-rp1qc5kd1i]

Thanks for this - really helpful! Would be great to have the same tips for video settings : )

[@ConnorTrimble]

Glad you liked it! Will try that in the near future 100% for video

[@revealhawaiimedia]

Conner, your tutorials are the best! 🙏🏾

[@ConnorTrimble]

I appreciate that!

[@puresounds196]

Great video

[@ConnorTrimble]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@garyennis6338]

This is excellent Connor. I just got my first Aqua Tech Edge Sport for my R6 & P-145 flat lens port for 24-105 F/4 for our trip to Kauai in March. Would these settings apply underwater also?

[@ConnorTrimble]

Hi! Everything moves slower underwater so you can use shutter 500 to 800 underwater no problem. If you're shooting action above/below water though, then yes it still applies settings wise. I'll suggest testing in a pool first though to get comfortable with he settings and maybe even trying aperture priority to start for ease of use.

[@maurigiraudo]

Best 29 seconds of video ever

[@ConnorTrimble]

lesssgo, not here to waste anyones time haha

[@HavePack_WillTravel]

Smashed the like button, and subscribed because I wasn't already

[@ConnorTrimble]

let's gooooooo!! thank you!

[@raphaelmimoun9571]

Hi Connor, great video!! Thank you for that 🙏 anything regarding focus mode?

[@ConnorTrimble]

Hi, I'll make a specific video on this in the future! I didn't realize that was a topic a lot of people wanted to know more about until after I made this

[@raphaelmimoun9571]

@@ConnorTrimble I would really like that, thanks again for that video.

[@ryanschneider5426]

Great video man! Been waiting forever for some new/more updated surf photography & videography videos! Looking forward to learn what video settings you use!

[@ConnorTrimble]

Gear video coming soon and then I'll cover video settings, but they're a lot more complicated haha and very camera/camera company specific. My RED settings are way different than my r5 settings and I need to find a way to address all of that in a short video...

[@cyrusperry6482]

Best to do it 💯

[@ConnorTrimble]

lessssgo!

[@user-jo3ny6kx9l]

What focal length in your 24-105mm do you use to photograph and film surfing in the water ?

[@ConnorTrimble]

Hey, great question! Typically it's between 30-50mm range. But it depends on the wave. Longboarding I like it ore wide to shot the surfer coming in close to me, but if I'm far away from the action, I'll zoom in if I've drifted in the water. At Pipeline, I really like 60/70-105 range to get some nice copression. But I m constantly changing it depending on where I'm sitting in relation to where the peak is and the 24-105 give you the most flexibility for shifting peaks.

[@mironovaes8650]

Thank you 🙏

[@mironovaes8650]

Let’s see the video settings!

[@ConnorTrimble]

It's coming it's coming haha

[@leviatc]

Love the video! Quick question...I shoot primarily stills from the beach and was wondering if using a polarized filter would be helpful for that? I'm also on Oahu and hope to see you out there soon.

[@ConnorTrimble]

Depending on the direction you're shooting and if it's a consistent direction then yes, absolutely. But if you're tracking the surfer a lot then it could still be worth it, but you could get crazy vigenetting or go from dark to light sky quickly.

[@leviatc]

I didn’t think about the changing light. Thanks for the help!

[@ConnorTrimble]

100%, definitely the only downside of a polarizer with the specific direction you get locked in at. Hence why it's common for tripod landscape shots and not all other types of photography that are so run and gun, especially in sports you'll notice they are NOT as common

[@JuanCruzImpallari]

What are your focus settings in the water? I have a feeling that focus is pretty random all the time!

[@ConnorTrimble]

I use single point AF, al servo

[@JuanCruzImpallari]

@@ConnorTrimble so do you pre-set it to a particular part of the frame and then try to position the subject/surfer constantly in the single point? damn that sounds hard hahah

[@ConnorTrimble]

Honestly a lot of people don't like single point AF because of that, but usually I put it in the middle. But yes I will put on the right or left depending on how the predicted framing will be.

[@pepperonihead]

Aloha Connor. I am in Maui and shooting at Hookipa and Jaws from land with my Canon 70D and a Canon 70-300 EF lens. I cannot seem to get the settings correct for good photos. I was not paying attention yesterday when I went out and I think my camera was in M mode and some photos were bright and others were super dark. I am not sure what the settings were. I am going to try again in AV mode, so can you tell me what ISO, shutter speed, etc. you think would be best. I use a tripod as well and a remote shutter. I am so new at this and usually forget what settings I should be using or what settings my camera was in when I took good photos! DAH!

[@ConnorTrimble]

Hi, the light is constantly changing with bright whites on waves, sunny, cloudy, etc. so when you're shooting manually you have to adjust for all of this on your own which can be difficult at first. It just takes a lot of practice :)

[@angiegophoto]

your rad!!! ty

[@ConnorTrimble]

Thank you!!

[@yancarmello2916]

This same video but for camera setting for surf photography on sand!

[@ConnorTrimble]

Do you have any specific questions for this? I think on sand vs. in water would be a lot different honestly for me

[@yancarmello2916]

@@ConnorTrimble Good morning, Connor. Thank you for the reply. I wasn't sure if you would reply :). I'm starting into the photography world as a hobby and one of my biggest doubts are settings for a camera when shooting from the sand and "must have" lens to delivery a good work. I just bought a used SL3 which has less than 500 clicks, got a 55-250 mm canon lens too. I think this should be a good start.

[@waynehearst317]

If you're using Highlight Tone Priority...D+2....or Auto Lighting Optimizer then you must be shooting JPG? Why not just shoot RAW and a flat picture profile? No need for D+ or ALO with RAW. You can slightly crush your highlights with RAW and get all the detail back in post. Same with color, contrast, grading, sharpness,, WB, it's all there in post.

[@ConnorTrimble]

Hi! 100% in theory what you're saying is totally correct. What I've noticed is that Highlight Tone Priority D+ (usually just using the first one) does in fact change my RAW Canon CR2 files. I suggest doing a google search on this because there's a lot of articles that will support this as well. As far as Auto Lighting Optimizer and it possibly just stopping down on me, the reason I use HTP is because I like my overall images brighter in camera and not having to adjust too much in post. in my opinion, this gives me the best, most rich photo where I have to do the least amount of post processing to it. For this video and all of my videos though, this is the method that I have found works well for me and it's through extensive testing. I wouldn't share this information with everyone if I didn't feel really strongly about the techniques/practices. You may totally disagree though and that's 100% okay! I hope you use whatever method you prefer for your own personal style.

[@waynehearst317]

Appreciate you standing behind your opinions and technique. Too many on Social Media simply parrot what the other guy said, but you're actually sharing specific details and process that are subjective to your personal style and taste. I had a feeling you were aware of the advantages of using RAW. I shoot a lot of Supercross/Motocross racing and portraits too, and ONLY shoot RAW. If you're serious about your final images, I think it's a no-brainer and worth the extra work in post. Can't tell you how many times RAW has saved the day. Also, for those reading along, I'm hoping to share a suggestion that could help someone else, ya know? Keep crushing it, Connor. I'm a fan. @@ConnorTrimble

[@JuanCruzImpallari]

Where's the video settings video?!!! Please do it!!! hahaah

[@ConnorTrimble]

I need to work on that next for sure! It's just a lot more nuanced honestly and depends on your camera manufacture

[@JuanCruzImpallari]

@@ConnorTrimble any quick tips you can share on a comment to a fellow canon r5 with rf 24-70 f2.8 shooter?

[@ConnorTrimble]

@@JuanCruzImpallari Honestly just shooting at f5.6 will usually give you the fastest focus & the closer. you are to your subject the more blurred out they'll be if that's the look you want so you don't need to change the aperture for different results. Also the more zoomed in you are, the more increased that compression is for more bokeh so there's no reason to use f2.8 unless you're going for a certain look. Lastly I think just playing with different modes and such and sorting what works for you because I think a lot of things I find work well for me, some people don't love and that's totally OKAY! & I think camera aside, just getting better at swimming will improve anyones photography a lot :)

[@ConnorTrimble]

@@JuanCruzImpallari Shoot shoot didn't see for video specifically. Other comment is for photos... When shooting c-log 3, use ISO 800 constantly check your port for water drops and have a squeegee on hand for back up get a nisi VND 3-5 filter Shoot 4k 120fps Either have both IBIS + Lens stabilization on or both off is what I've found works the best. having one or the other on you get crazy worbles

[@JuanCruzImpallari]

@@ConnorTrimble thanks for taking the time bro! appreciate it!