Surf Sessions: Bondi Beach Blur

Photo Essay, Travel Photography, Leica Cameras, Seascape Photography, Surf Photography, Ocean Photography, Sydney, Surfing, ICM, Motion Blur

Speed Track - racing down the line

After the monster surf of the weekend, we were greeted this week with calmer swell, offshore winds and, some, sunny skies. I took advantage of these conditions to get in a surf photo session at Bondi Beach.

In addition to my usual style of shooting I had some fun with intentional camera movement or ICM. Slowing my shutter speed down, I panned my camera at the same speed as that of a surfer on a wave. The result, as you can see above, is a form of motion blur. The surfer remains in focus, while the wave and background blurs. This effect accentuates the speed of the surfer and the movement in the water. This works well for fast moving subjects. For example, race cars whizzing around a track. Arguably this was more tricky though as the variables are much more in flux, especially with relatively short beach break rides. All in all I was happy with what I achieved, especially as I didn't use a tripod to keep my camera stable for panning.

:: Rand

Turning on the floss - offshore wind spray, you beautiful thing

Lefts were the order of the day

Sneaking out for an ocean swim

Poised to fly

Sprinting in. The water was chilly.

Backhand cut back

Under arm spray

Big set coming through

Zen at Icebergs, warm in the sun and protected from the icy wind

Metamorphosis: from lifeguard to surfer in one fluid move

Big, expressive cutback

Hoody on and heading out

Lining up for the barrel

If you'd like to delve deeper into my photography visit my website and Instagram (@randleebdutoit). Please reach out if you'd like to suggest a collaboration.

All images are copyright Rand Leeb-du Toit, 2024