Surfing
Surfing
Behind the Lens: Russell Ord
Meet Western Australia’s hellman behind the lens, and find out how he got to where he is today.
Cyclops, Western Australia
© Russell Ord
The name Russell Ord is almost synonymous with The Right. When you hear ‘Ordy’, you immediately think of an insane slab cracking through a tumultuous ocean – and then the most stunning image you’ve ever seen, capturing it in time.
Ordy is one of Western Australia’s most prolific photographers; a man who’s made a name for himself bobbing in the impact zone at some of the heaviest breaks in Australia. He’s a madman, a hellman and an absolute legend. Get to know him, and some of his favourite images, below.
The ocean morphs
© Russell Ord
Where are you from, and where do you currently reside?
I was born in Perth, Western Australia, and I live three hours down the road in Margaret River with my beautiful wife Catherine and three kids, Kalani, Tavian and Ayla. However, that will be changing soon when we pack up and explore the Pacific Islands – there are lots of new challenges ahead for all of us.
DOB?
14-07-74
My First Swim
© Russell Ord
How did you get into photography, and specifically, surf photography?
I fell into surf photography because of an injury surfing myself; instead of sitting on the lounge for a few months I grabbed a camera to shoot my mates. Apart from the first few roles of slides (terrible, to say the least) the feeling of floating around the ocean on my own, taking images, became very addictive – it’s always amazing how the ocean makes me feel.
Now, I am very fortunate to make it part of my work and everyday life.
My Second Swim
© Russell Ord
What would you consider your “specialty” and how did you find it?
My main focus is water photography and that comes from being a surfer myself. Over the last five years I have slowly tried to push my own boundaries swimming in waves of consequence, and this really came about because I started to get very bored and unsatisfied with my own photography.
"Over time I’ve found that there’s no better feeling than being amongst the elements of the ocean, getting that one special photo that means a lot personally – capturing an athlete’s amazing moment."
This type of photography is more a part of my personal work, and the kind of goals I would like to achieve over a lifetime of work.
Crossy and a backlit monster
© Russell Ord
Can you think of one point in time where you realised that this is what you want to do forever?
Forever seems too long a time. I don’t think I will ever feel that way, because I do like to change up what I am doing and what I want to achieve. Surf photography is a journey of my life – meeting new people, discovering new places, new experiences.
"I am also happy to change at the drop of hat, if that works out for my family and myself – especially if it has anything to do with the sea."
Dan Ryan on a windswept bomb
© Russell Ord
Was it hard to make photography work, as a career, at the start?
I was juggling both surf photography and being a full-time fireman at the start. It was a great combination because it allowed me to take my time, work out the business side of my work and really concentrate on becoming a better photographer – doing a trade, so to speak.The downside of this was that I was becoming a terrible father, time wise, because I was so focused on what I needed to do. I just didn’t put the time and effort in at home.
So I quit as a full-time fireman and have been doing full-time photography ever since. I have been loving the balance I’ve achieved between work and home life.
It’s very difficult at times, if you only look at the money side of things, but the whole life picture is pretty nice.
Dan Ryan on a glassy bomb
© Russell Ord
Looking back, what do you think the biggest factors were that got you to where you are today?
Evolving with time, looking at different factors as challenges and not negatives, setting new personal goals when old ones are achieved… everything just seemed to fall into place from there.
Jack Robinson at The Box, WA
© Russell Ord
What’s the toughest thing about your job?
I don’t have a tough job. Yes, at times I would like to make a little bit more money to take the edge off the family’s needs. However...
"When you travel, experience other cultures and see how happy people are with the very basics… that puts my job and life into perspective."
No complaints here on how tough it is – that’s for sure.
Golden Hour at Gnarloo with Jacob Willcox
© Russell Ord
What’s the best thing about your job?
The people I have met on the way, by far, and the friendships that have come through the photography work. Fresh air and clean ocean water is a pretty good office, also.
Justen "Jughead" Allport and a terrifying moment
© Russell Ord
When people say you’re “living the dream” what’s your response?
I certainly am and it has not come without a lot of sacrifice, hard work and dedication.
"What are your dreams? And what are your plans to make them a reality?"
A complete see-through of M Mathews at The Right
© Russell Ord
What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to someone who’s looking to get into photography, or surf photography?
Dreams and quality work do not happen overnight. Keep working at your photography and become a master of your trade – everything else will fall into place. Never be afraid to ask questions. Find a good mentor.
Michel Bourez stands tall in his home break
© Russell Ord
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt throughout your career?
I was lucky to meet Ian and Eric Regnard when I first started out, and they were incredible with sharing knowledge, good business practices, and most of all, ethics.
"Ethics of photography is one of the most important factors to me..."
...and that’s one lesson that has seemed to be lost to a lot of new comers (not all) and to the photographic industry, either through a lack of knowledge, an impatience to be recognized, or other deciding factors.
To see more of Russell Ord's stunning photography, follow him on Instagram or head over here to his website, where you'll find his collaborations with Take 3, Surfaid and more.
You can also find some of his work at Elements, Margaret River, and Zippa Media.
