Renowned as one of the world’s premier surf photographers, Art Brewer will lead this specially designed workshop focused on action surf photography. This intensive eight-day course is not only a unique opportunity to learn the technical skills and equipment necessary to shoot surfing and other water related sports, but also a rare opportunity to become immersed in the surf culture of Rincon — Puerto Rico’s “Hawaii of the Atlantic”.

The genre of action photography requires a specific set of skills and knowledge combined with the right equipment. Here you will gain knowledge of what equipment to use for the right job covering everything from in-water camera housings and extreme fish-eye views to normal and telephoto lenses and on-location strobe lighting. We will explore which cameras work best in and out of the water for action, flash photography with water housings and remote flash photography. We will also discuss proper equipment maintenance and how to prevent leaks to keep your gear safe and dry.

Throughout this rigorous course students will have the opportunity to photograph professional surfers in action from both land and water. Here you will learn various techniques including tricks of panning with an auto focus lens to keep action sharp and shooting with the use of boogie boards, boats and/or jet skis as assists. There will be an emphasis on water safety and etiquette while at the same time learning how to read and anticipate both style and movement and ultimately, to capture peak action! You will also be taught how to read the weather, surf, and tides and to predict swell activity.

And when the surf is not being cooperative, we will delve into location portraiture and fashion as it relates to surf culture. Using both natural, reflected and strobe lighting techniques we will photograph “real people” from the local surfing community at prime locations. The goal is to bring out the true characters that surfers really are and within a natural setting. In addition, we will engage beach lifestyle, fashion and swimsuit shooting in and around the water using some of the more refined techniques learned during the portraiture session.

This workshop will foster a holistic approach to practicing the art of action surf photography and its intersection with nature, beauty and movement. There will be group critique sessions, which will provide the opportunity to discuss what makes an image successful and to exchange ideas and perspectives as they relate to surfing. And at the same time we’ll share the history of surf photography and its evolution into mainstream consciousness.

Tuition includes: Accommodations (double occupancy), continental breakfast, workshops, transportation for off-site visits, airport shuttle to and from hotel, and program receptions. Airfare is not included.

Schedule: Classes are held daily and include technical demonstrations, time for critiques and personal exploration. All workshops will include local talent including professional surfers and/or models. Schedule may vary depending of surf and weather conditions.

Prerequisites: Open to all photographers interested in pursuing the genre of action surf photography. Students must be proficient with DSLR cameras and digital workflow. Must provide your own lightweight wetsuit (2mm spring or vest) and fins. Specialized in-water camera equipment and on-location strobe lighting will be provided.

Note: A portfolio is not required for acceptance into the program.