Looking for incredible surf photography on Instagram? The platform hosts thousands of talented ocean photographers, but finding the truly exceptional ones takes time. As of autumn 2026, Instagram remains the go-to spot where the world's best surf photographers share their work, from death-defying barrel shots to serene dawn patrol moments.
The best way to discover quality surf photography is to look for photographers who specialise in specific locations or wave types, regularly shoot in challenging conditions, and demonstrate technical skill in capturing both action and the ocean's raw beauty. Below, we've curated a collection of photographers whose Instagram feeds showcase world-class surf imagery across different styles and locations.
What makes great surf photography?
Great surf photography captures more than just a surfer on a wave. The best images tell a story through composition, lighting, and timing. Technically strong surf photographers understand how to position themselves in the lineup, anticipate the action, and work with natural light to create images that convey the power and beauty of the ocean.
Water photography requires specialised equipment and physical courage. Many of the photographers featured here regularly shoot from the impact zone, sometimes risking serious injury to capture the perfect angle. Their dedication to the craft shows in every frame.
Australian surf photographers to follow
Hayden Richards (@sa_rips)
Location: South Australia
Hayden, known as "Rich," manages a caravan park in remote South Australia with his wife and four kids. The desolate and isolated coastline of this remote part of the world is perfectly captured in all of his shots with haunting beauty. His feed showcases the raw, empty point breaks and reef setups that make South Australia a destination for committed surfers.
Stu Gibson (@stugibson)
Location: Sydney, NSW
There aren't many braver photographers than Stu Gibson. Stu regularly risks life and limb to grab some of the most spectacular shots of Shipstern Bluff in Tasmania. His image of the notorious slab won the 2019 Nikon Surf Photo of the Year. Based in Sydney, Stu also captures stunning shots at spots like Sydney's best surf beaches when he's not chasing cold-water slabs in Tasmania.
Seb Diaz (@surfographer)
Location: Bondi, NSW
Although based in Bondi, Seb travels frequently to Hawaii and California. Look out for his gnarly shots of The Wedge in California and his unique perspective on Sydney's busy beach breaks. His work balances high-performance surfing with artistic composition.
Gergo Rugli (@rugligeri)
Location: Sydney, NSW
You'd never expect a bloke from the landlocked country of Hungary to be so at home in the ocean, but that's just one of the many surprising traits of Gergo Rugli. His Sydney dawn patrol shots capture the city's surf culture with vivid colours and creative angles, particularly around Bronte and the eastern beaches.
Matt Burgess (@matt_burgess_photo)
Location: Mornington Peninsula, VIC
Matt Burgess is an international award-winning ocean photographer currently exploring the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. Matt is fascinated by the relationship between water and light, and is often found in the ocean before sunrise and after sunset. His images of Victoria's cold-water surf showcase the dramatic conditions that require thick wetsuits and serious commitment.
Andrew Semark (@anjsemark)
Location: South West WA
Andrew's brave photos of south west Western Australia's monster waves make the swells look like creatures emerging from the deep. His work captures the remote, powerful reef breaks that define some of surfing's most memorable barrels.
International surf photographers worth following
Clark Little (@clarklittle)
Location: North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii
Clark is one of the most famous surf photographers on Instagram. He specialises in taking death-defying photos at Waimea's famous shore break. His signature style involves positioning himself directly in the impact zone as waves explode around him, creating images that put viewers inside the barrel.
Ben Thouard (@benthouard)
Location: Teahupo'o, Tahiti
At 22, Ben decided to move to Tahiti from his hometown in the south of France. Ben quickly made Teahupo'o his backyard and a name for himself as one of the best photographers of the famous wave. His technical mastery of shooting one of the world's heaviest waves is unmatched.
Tim McKenna (@timmckenna)
Location: Teahupo'o, Tahiti
Born in Sydney in 1968, Tim McKenna is a leading figure in action sport photography. Tim is now based with his wife and son on the Island of Tahiti and is one of the preeminent surf photographers at Teahupo'o. His decades of experience shooting this particular wave give his images unique depth and perspective.
Margarita Salyak (@margarita_salyak)
Location: Moscow, Russia (shoots globally)
Born and raised in Moscow, Margarita was a fish out of water in Russia's frigid temperatures. She has now dedicated her life to photographing world-class tropical waves year-round. Perfect barrels, colourful skies and crystal clear waters are all captured with a tasteful and talented eye.
Derek Dunfee (@derekdunfee)
Location: San Diego, CA, USA
Derek was born and raised in stunning La Jolla, California. These days, Derek is most comfortable in big waves and regularly heads up the California coast to shoot beasts at Mavericks. His commitment to cold-water big wave photography sets his work apart.
Mike Harris (@mikeharrisvisuals)
Location: Huntington Beach, CA, USA
You'll generally find Mike shooting down at the Wedge in California. His fearless shots of backwash-laden barrels have become his trademark. The Wedge's unique wave formation creates some of bodyboarding and bodysurfing's most dramatic moments, all captured in Mike's feed.
Mike Pessah (@mjpessah)
Location: Southern California, USA
Mike specialises in sunset and night-time shots in Southern California. The yellow and orange beams that illuminate his photos are stunningly beautiful. His technical ability to shoot in low light conditions while maintaining sharpness and capturing motion is exceptional.
Corey Wilson (@corey_wilson)
Location: Santa Cruz, CA, USA
Corey was born in Santa Cruz, California and first met Mick Fanning in 2012 at surf events around the Gold Coast. Ever since then, Corey and Mick have developed a very strong friendship and Corey has captured Mick on waves all around the world. Mick Fanning's self-titled 2018 photo book was shot and compiled by Corey.
How to use Instagram to improve your own surf photography
Following skilled surf photographers doesn't just provide endless scroll entertainment. Study how they compose shots, where they position themselves relative to the wave, and how they use natural light. Notice the difference between images shot from the beach versus water shots taken from the lineup.
Many photographers share behind-the-scenes content showing their gear, housing setups, and shooting techniques. This practical knowledge can help you capture better images on your next surf tripeven if you're just shooting with a phone in a waterproof case.
What gear do surf photographers use?
Professional surf photographers typically shoot with high-end DSLR or mirrorless cameras in dedicated water housings. Common setups include bodies with fast telephoto lenses for beach shooting, or wide-angle lenses in underwater housings for water work.
Water housings must withstand significant impact from waves and maintain a perfect seal in saltwater conditions. Many photographers custom-build their setups or use specialist brands designed specifically for surf photography. The investment in gear often runs into tens of thousands of dollars.
For swimmers shooting in the lineup, physical fitness matters as much as camera gear. Photographers need strong swimming ability, ocean awareness, and the capacity to hold their breath while maintaining camera control as waves break around them.
Frequently asked questions
Who are the most famous surf photographers on Instagram?
Clark Little (@clarklittle) is one of the most followed surf photographers globally, known for his shore break barrel shots from Hawaii. Ben Thouard and Tim McKenna are both renowned for their Teahupo'o imagery, while Stu Gibson gained international recognition for his Shipstern Bluff photography.
How do surf photographers get those shots from inside the barrel?
Photographers swim into position in the lineup with waterproof camera housings, then hold the camera at arm's length or close to their body as the wave breaks over them. This requires excellent ocean awareness, strong swimming ability, and the willingness to take repeated beatings from waves. Many use trigger cables or remote releases to shoot while holding their breath underwater.
What's the best way to discover new surf photographers on Instagram?
Start by following photographers in locations you're interested in, then check who they follow and interact with. Instagram's explore page will suggest similar accounts based on your activity. Hashtags like #surfphotography, #oceanphotography, and location-specific tags help surface new talent.
Do you need expensive camera gear to shoot surf photography?
Professional results require professional gear, particularly waterproof housings that can cost several thousand dollars. However, modern smartphones in waterproof cases can capture excellent images for recreational shooting. The limiting factors are usually the photographer's ocean skills and positioning rather than gear alone.
Where can I learn surf photography techniques?
Many of the photographers featured here share tutorials and behind-the-scenes content on their Instagram accounts and websites. Online courses specifically focused on surf and ocean photography are available, though hands-on experience in the water is irreplaceable. Start by shooting from the beach with a telephoto lens before investing in water housings.
