Images of forces of nature captured through the lens of two Sutherland Shire surf photographers have been named as finalists for the Surf Photo of the Year at the 2024 Australian Surfing Awards. or signup to continue reading Bundeena's Sam Venn and Cronulla's Luca Salisbury shot powerful moments of surfers at play in the ocean, cutting into the annual competition presented by long-running surfing magazine . Sam and Luca's photos are among the top 10 images from seasoned professionals and emerging surf photographers, each with their connection to the ocean and storytelling.
From self-taught photographers to career veterans, the finalists showcase diverse talent and perspectives. Is there a better moment in life than sharing big barrels with mates? Ask Sam and his prime example is his shot of Lachie Rombouts tucking into a big hollow pit as Joe Silver hoots from the channel. Sam, 28, a full-time photographer who runs a Cronulla-based production company/creative agency with his sister, took the photo on the south coast near Ulladulla.
"It was my birthday," he said. "I put the jet ski on the car and went down early. It's pretty far out.
We spent six hours shooting from sunrise. I was on the back of the ski, and there was a big field where you could sit. At the end section was this eight to 10-foot barrel.
I can't remember if Lachie made it out, but Joe (with his hand in the air) drove before me as the wave broke. He turned around and said, 'I probably ruined that shot for you'. B.
