Breaking Into Surf Photography, No Experience Required. How to Finally Bring Your Camera Into the Ocean Safely.

Surf photography has always had a magical pull—crystal peaks backlit at sunrise, graceful lines forming over shallow reefs, the power of a breaking wave, and the beauty of athletes carving water like paint on a canvas. But for many aspiring photographers and ocean lovers, getting into the water with a camera feels intimidating.

The challenges are real:
Saltwater, waves, sand, currents, bulky housings, expensive gear protection, and the fear of ruining your camera.For decades, these barriers kept surf photography in the hands of a very small group of specialists.

Today, that’s changed—dramatically.

Big Wave Classic photo by Fred Pompermeyer. See full Blog.

Modern water housings like Outex have made high-quality surf and water photography accessible to beginners and enthusiast photographers who want to explore the ocean with their camera—but need a safe, affordable, and versatile way to start. And the best part? The pros rely on the same system.

This guide will introduce you to surf photography from the ground up, share insights from world-class shooters, and show how Outex helps you develop your own water photography skills with confidence.

Why Surf Photography Is So Captivating

Surf photography is the perfect blend of sport, nature, and art. You’re interpreting the ocean in motion—constantly changing, never repeating the same wave twice.

You can capture:

• Underwater portraits of surfers duck diving

• Split-level “over-under” shots that reveal two worlds at once

• Barrel shots from inside the wave’s hollow section

• Telephoto lineup images from shore

• Wide-angle action while swimming in the impact zone

• Cinematic slow-motion video of surfers carving or aerials

Most photographers begin from the beach, then slowly get more comfortable moving closer to the water and eventually swimming with their camera.

Photographer Micheal Clark in the lineup.

The Biggest Obstacle: Protecting Your Camera

Ask any beginner what stops them from shooting surf, and the answer is usually the same:

“I’d love to shoot in the water, but I’m scared I’ll ruin my camera.”

In the past, you needed a hard, rigid housing—often $2,000–$5,000, heavy, brand-specific, and bulky to travel with. This forced beginners to choose between spending thousands or never trying surf photography at all. Those housings are camera specific. And the ports are often lens specific as well, and often create reflections, vignetting, or limitations if you want to use different cameras or lenses.

Outex removes those barriers completely.

Outex users—beginners through elite pros—love it because:

✔ It works with almost any camera or lens, including DSLR, film, Mirrorless, medium format, or even some cinema cameras.

Sony, Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Fuji, Leica, Blackmagic, RED, BlackMagic, etc... You maintain all functional control over settings and buttons thru the malleable, tactile-rich cover. It's like a wetsuit for your camera. Or like a doctor operating with gloves, but the glove is on the camera. You even maintain visibility to both the viewfinder and LCD screens.

✔ Optical glass ports deliver pro-level image quality

Used by elite shooters for commercial, editorial, and fine art work. And while Outex ports support any/all lenses, including wide-angle and fisheye, the Dome ports adjust to each lens specifically thru adaptors and clamps that conform to each lens' optical characteristics. That means the Outex domes and flat ports become one with your lens, moving with it when you zoom focus, or change optical settings, and positioning the port ideally for optimal results - every time. No more vignetting or limitations on which lens to use.

✔ Lightweight & compact

Fits in your backpack or carry-on. Perfect for travel and spontaneous sessions. And ideal for travel. So even if you have a hard case for daily use, Outex makes for a perfect on-the-go solution that also avoids expensive travel & customs expenses, delays, duties, and fees.

✔ Affordable way to shoot in the water

Better optical results at a fraction of the cost of traditional housings. The Outex system starts below $300, and the Pro Kits that bundle everything you need for professional level imaging start below $500 US dollars including the optical glass ports. Further comparisons in the Questions/FAQ pages here. 

✔ Modular system grows with your skills

Add dome ports, tripods, grips, lighting, triggers, tethering, and more over time, even for underwater use. Like your camera, the Outex waterproof camera cases are modular, and compatible with all imaging accessories used for content creation in any condition.

It’s the first system that lets beginners start safely and grow into surf photography without buying new housings for every camera upgrade.

Summary waterproof camera system competitive chart. 

Lessons From Outex Ambassadors & Elite Surf Photographers

Outex’s global surf community spans every level—from hobbyists to award-winning shooters. Here are insights from a few ambassadors and elite users:

Fred Pompermayer

Known for big-wave photography, Fred relies on optical clarity and durability when shooting massive surf at Jaws or Nazaré. His advice:

“Keep your gear simple and your body relaxed. Let the wave tell you what it’s doing.”

Kirill Umrikhin

Extreme sports photographer who captures vibrant, dynamic surf scenes:

“Get low, get close, and let the water become part of the composition.”

Surf photography by commercial photographer and Outex ambassadors Kirill Umrikhin

Photo by Kirill Umrikhin

Matt Catalano

Matt’s an example for beginners—he started shooting surf while traveling, long before becoming a pro:

“My Outex kit is always packed. It means I can shoot anywhere—in the water, rain, sand—without worrying about my gear.”

Surf photographer Matt Catalano loves his Outex waterproof camera case because it's travel friendly, compatible with multiple cameras,  and delivers the best imaging quality

Ryan Sorensen

A master of landscape and surf-inspired shots:

“Outex gives me the freedom to create the cinematic, immersive feel I want. It’s one of the easiest ways for beginners to elevate their water imagery, grow their skills, and master their craft.”

These photographers show that you don’t need elite credentials to get elite-level shots—you just need consistency, good ocean awareness, and gear you can trust.

How Beginners Can Start Shooting Surf Photography Today

Here’s a simple path to get in the water safely and build confidence.

1. Start from shore with a telephoto lens.

Learn wave behavior. Track surfers. Practice timing.

2. Move to knee-deep or waist-deep water.

A wide-angle or fisheye lens lets you get closer to the action while staying safe.

3. Begin swimming with fins.

This is where Outex shines—its low weight keeps you agile in the water.

4. Try split shots and underwater angles.

A dome port helps you easily achieve the classic “half-above, half-below” image.

5. Build ocean comfort, not just camera skills.

Learn how currents, tides, and swell direction affect your position and safety.

6. Review your images often.

Small adjustments in angle, posture, or timing lead to huge improvements.

Why Outex Is the Ideal First Step for New Surf Photographers

Outex isn’t just for elite pros—it’s designed for people who want to explore water photography with freedom and affordability.

Key benefits for beginners:

• Use the camera you already own

• Affordable entry point with room to upgrade

• Fits multiple lenses so you can experiment

• Compact—no giant cases, no check-in luggage

• Durable & trusted in the harshest environments

• Great for hybrid photo + video shooters

Plus, when you join the Outex ecosystem, you join a community—full of tutorials, ambassador tips, and real users shooting everything from small shorebreaks to world-class surf.

A Final Word: The Ocean Is for Everyone

Surf photography is one of the most rewarding forms of visual storytelling. The ocean becomes both your subject and your studio. Whether you're shooting your kids catching their first waves or carving pros at Pipeline, you can start now—with the gear you already own—and grow naturally at your own pace.

Outex gives photographers of every level the freedom to get into the water, stay creative, and trust their equipment. The pros use it. The ambassadors rely on it. Thousands of beginners start with it.

The ocean is waiting for you.
And now, you finally have the tools to enter it safely.