How Outex Helped Pro Photographer Kirill Umrikhin Land Another Magazine Cover

Capturing the perfect outdoor shot is never easy — especially when you’re surrounded by water, sand, and unpredictable weather that can threaten your gear. For professional photographer Kirill Umrikhin, pushing creative boundaries means constantly shooting in extreme environments. And for years, his trusted companion in those conditions has been the Outex waterproof camera housing system.

Once again, Kirill’s dedication — paired with Outex’s innovative gear protection — has helped him create another unforgettable image: a magazine cover that showcases both his artistry and the rugged reliability of Outex in real-world action.

Capturing the Catalina Classic Paddle Race

The 47th Annual Catalina Classic Paddle Race wrapped up at the Manhattan Beach Pier in late August, marking the finish of an incredible 32-mile open-ocean challenge from Catalina Island to the California coast. Over 100 athletes took part in this legendary event, testing their endurance and connection to the sea.

As the racers powered through the final stretch near the Palos Verdes buoy R10, Kirill was there — waist-deep in the water — capturing every moment of grit and grace. His ability to get so close to the action, without worrying about the elements, is what sets his work apart.

Taking Photography to the Next Level

Kirill Umrikhin has built a global reputation for his breathtaking action, adventure, and water photography. From snow-covered mountain peaks to sunlit surf breaks, his work thrives in the world’s most demanding environments — places where precision and durability matter as much as creativity.

That’s exactly where Outex comes in. Its lightweight, fully submersible, and durable design gives Kirill the freedom to shoot anywhere without compromise. Instead of worrying about damaging his Nikon Z8 or Z9 cameras, he can focus purely on composition, light, and timing — capturing the emotion and energy of each moment.

“For me, the camera should never limit the shot,” Kirill often says — and with Outex, it never does.

Even in crashing waves, heavy rain, or the chaos of a live event, his photos remain sharp, vibrant, and cinematic — a testament to both his skill and the reliability of Outex’s optical glass ports that preserve professional-grade image quality.

Kirill’s Setup

Kirill relies on his Nikon Z8 and Z9 cameras, paired with multiple focal-length lenses inside the Outex Pro Kit. The system’s optical glass ports (never acrylic or plastic) deliver pristine image quality, while the flexible housing keeps everything protected and responsive.

A long-time ambassador for Nikon, SanDisk, and Manfrotto, Kirill recently relocated from Portugal to Manhattan Beach, California, where he continues to capture outdoor stories that blend power, motion, and emotion.

Why Outdoor Creators Trust Outex

For photographers and filmmakers who work in nature’s most unpredictable conditions, Outex provides unmatched creative freedom:

• 🎛 Full Protection + Full Control — Outex housings maintain complete tactile access to buttons, dials, and touchscreens, so nothing stands between you and your shot.

• 🔍 Optical Glass Performance — Professional-grade glass ports and domes deliver true clarity and color, keeping image quality as pure as your lens allows.

• 🎒 Lightweight & Travel-Friendly — Compact and flexible, Outex fits easily into any travel bag without adding bulk or weight.

• 🌎 Built for Any Environment — From surf to snow, desert to downpour, Outex keeps your camera safe and ready for action.

Adventure Runs in the Family

Kirill’s wife, Olya Rakina, is a world-class windsurf and SUP athlete who teaches water sports worldwide. Together, they’ve built a life that merges sport, creativity, and exploration — one perfectly suited to the sunny shores of Southern California. With the Pacific at their doorstep, there’s never a shortage of inspiration (or waves).

Pushing Creative Boundaries with Confidence

Kirill’s latest magazine cover reinforces what many top professionals already know — Outex empowers creators to go further. By eliminating the limits of weather and water, Outex allows photographers to focus on what truly matters: the story, the moment, and the art of the image.

Whether you’re a professional chasing your next cover or an outdoor creator looking to level up your content, Outex gives you the same confidence and creative freedom trusted by pros like Kirill.

📸 Explore more of Kirill’s work on his Outex Ambassador profile and follow him on Instagram: @kirillumrikhin.