Today we dive into the world of Andrew Christie, a world-famous surf photographer for whose stunning shots have graced the pages of Tracks Magazine and captured global attention. Andrew shares his perspective on the evolution of the surf industry, detailing what it truly takes to excel as a surf photographer and filmmaker amidst fierce competition. You’ll hear first-hand about the surf camps Andrew and his team organized for epic global surf trips, the legendary parties that surfers would throw, and the selective nature of companies and magazines throughout his career.
Andrew also offers invaluable advice for aspiring photographers and filmmakers on how to remain relevant, passionate, and financially stable in this dynamic field. Connect with Andrew on Instagram: Chronicles of Christie or through his website: Chronicles of Christie.
FRANK 151: What first sparked your interest in surf photography and led you into this field?
Andrew Christie: I was into photography at a early age, i always had the family camera and ended up having a dark room at home when i was 15. At around the same time i started surfing and i would take photos of my friends and some of the good local surfers. I loved reading surf magazines and loved the photography.
Sure enough the 2 combined, i was lucky some of the best surfers in the world at the time lived around Sydney.
FRANK 151: How do you manage to strike a balance between capturing the natural environment and the surfers themselves in your photography?
Surf photography has changed a lot over the years. In the 80-90’s there was a lot more tight action shots and now we see images where the backdrop is just as important as the action. I have spent a lot of time with surfers going to destinations that are beautiful but might not have a great wave and trying to get a good surf photo in front of the backdrop.
Jordy Lawler, South Coast lien, NSW PHOTO: Andrew Christie
FRANK 151: Your work has gained recognition globally. What do you think resonates with such a broad audience in your photography?
A lot of the work i have done in Surfing is with Volcom. I shot with their best surfers for almost 20 years and a lot of my following resonates with those surfers and the brand. I also try to capture the beauty of the ocean, surf and the destinations which also resonates with my audience.
FRANK 151: Can you share a memorable experience that significantly influenced your perspective as a surf photographer?
There have been a lot of experiences that have influenced my photography. Firstly traveling and experiencing the world has been a huge eye opener. My first trip i ever did was to West Africa when i was 18 and it not only changed my photography but it changed my life. Its a long story but i had to grow up a lot on that trip just to get home.
FRANK 151: How has the evolution of camera technology and drones impacted your approach to capturing surf photography?
As camera tech improves at such a rapid rate its important to keep tabs on what is going on. The biggest revolution in camera tech is when we changed from shooting film to digital around 2005. I think at that time a lot of photographers were still attached to shooting film and there wasn’t enough information about what you can do with digital and a lot of companies and magazines were not up to speed with digital photo files as they didn’t just open up in photoshop, lightroom didn’t exist then. You had to convert the raw photo to a DNG file which needed its own software…
So the transition was not as straight forward as it is today.
When i made the change it was the biggest game change i think there will ever be. Going from sending a slide in the mail and possibly loosing it to sending every publication and company a photo/s that you just shot and selling the image right away.
FRANK 151: Your photographs often evoke a sense of adventure and freedom. What advice would you give to aspiring surf photographers aiming to convey similar emotions?
Everyone has their own style and view the world in your own way. It is important to identify what your about and develop that style so when someone sees one of your photos, they know it is yours.
FRANK 151: Considering the challenges and dangers of the ocean, how do you prioritize safety during your surf photography sessions?
When it comes to ocean safety it is important to know your limits and if your up to being in the conditions of the day and not be pushed into going out when your not ready. Then you become a danger to others who have to rescue you.
FRANK 151: In your opinion, what role does surf photography play in shaping global perceptions of surfing and ocean conservation?
Photography lets someone who is not familiar with surfing and being in the ocean understand how amazing it can be. It can show the beauty and what is really out there to the unseeing eye.
Photo: Andrew Christie
FRANK 151: What upcoming projects or goals are you most excited about in your career?
I have a few plans for shoots that i have been thinking about for a while. Hopefully when the conditions are right i can move on some of these ideas and bring them to life. Right now its just wait and see but i really want to bring these to life soon!
FRANK 151: How do you hope your work as a surf photographer impacts those who view it?
My hope that my work as a Surf Photographer impacts people to be inspired for themselves to be more active in the ocean or chasing their own passions. I don’t think i will ever stop evolving as a photographer or film maker and i always find inspiration among my peers.
FRANK 151: Lastly, how do you envision the future of surf photography, and what advancements are you looking forward to?
The future of surf photography will most likely be led by new tech, cameras with incredible definition, smaller size pov cameras that will give a more immersive perspective of how a surfer is on the wave, drones, more surfing in real time.
But at the end of the day surf photography will always be about capturing the moment and telling the story of the subject or location.
@mitch_coleborn on the back beaches in Spain. Photo: Andrew Christie