On Location Real World Surf Photography Series: Episode 5 | Part 1 – Pre-Event Setup & BTS at 2025 ISA WSG El Salvador
What does it take to photograph the world’s best surfers at one of the biggest international competitions in the world? 🌊📸
Go behind the scenes at the 2025 ISA World Surfing Games in El Salvador with the official Olympic surf photography team as I prepare for 9 straight days of action, covering 297 athletes from 61 nations. After 10 years working as the ISA’s lead photographer, I’m finally sharing how I capture moments that define surfing history.
But this isn’t just another camera walkthrough — this is the complete pre-event setup before the chaos begins.
📸 In this video, I’ll cover:
• My full Sony gear setup and lens selections for large-scale surf events
• The camera settings I rely on for both land and in-water coverage
• How to adjust settings to changing weather conditions
• My “Holy Trinity” surf photography setup — the three-camera system built for speed, reliability, and quality
• How I prepare for long days shooting in tropical heat, sand, and saltwater
🎥 Gear Used:
• Sony A1 II, A9 III, and A7R V
• Sony 400-800mm F6.3 – F8 , 70-200mm F2.8, and 20mm F1.8
• Aquatech Water Housing
• DJI Mavic 3 Pro Drone
• DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
• DJI Mic Mini
• Aperture 600D
• 5ft Softbox
⏱️ CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Intro
00:53 – Video Description
01:38 – Camera Gear
01:57 – Holy Trinity Explained
04:03 – Arrival & Event Details
05:19 – Gear Setup
08:36 – Free Surf Session 1
14:35 – Free Surf Session 2
20:01 – Opening Ceremony
22:29 – Conclusion…To be Continued
📍 Location: La Bocana & El Sunzal, El Salvador
🏄♂️ Event: 2025 ISA World Surfing Games | Olympic Qualifier
Music by: Ben Wei aka Chinese Candy
Track: La Chicha Cumbiera
👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more behind-the-scenes surf photography, real-world Sony camera tests, and in-water coverage from some of the world’s most iconic surf events.
INSTAGRAM: /waterworkmedia
WEBSITE: www.WaterWorkMedia.com
#SurfPhotography #ISAWORLDS #SonyAlpha #Surfing #BehindTheScenes #SportsPhotography #ElSalvador #OlympicSurfing #WaterWorkMedia #SonyA1II #ProSurfPhotography #sonya7rv #sonycamera #sonygear
Ever wondered what it’s like to photograph a massive surf event like the ISA World Surfing Games?
Jimbo Lockwood and Chuck Davey on safety. Those guys just enjoying themselves. Nice
I'm interested in what metering mode you are using with the aperture/shutter priority and the auto iso?
im south african
Hey Sean! Thank you so much for these videos. There isn't much content on surf photography, and it's great to see it from someone who has been doing it for a long time.
I liked Pablo's photos 🙂
That was awesome thanks for sharing,I’m a canon amateur photographer and your video was inspiring,you got yourself a new subscriber too
Nice job guys!
I've watched a lot of surf photography YouTube videos and you are showing some great information. Didn't know about the 70-200 being a requirement for contests but that makes sense. Awesome video, dream setups. Using a scaled down system with a sony a7iv, 10-18mm, 18-105, 85 FE and 2-600. I've got a 70-300 I've been thinking of trading towards a 70-200. Haven't gotten the chance to shoot with something that long in the water but hopefully this year!
Cool vidéo Nice job. Good tips i Will buy a 70_200 for m'y housing i think
Nice video
This is great man! Keep going. The blend of gear, settings and behind the scenes of a surf photographer is epic!!
Great stuff man! some epic memories here.