Surfing

15 stunning big wave images you never imagined could exist

And a unique insight into big wave photography, from the man who took them.

By Mimi LaMontagne

5 min readPublished on 05/15/2017 · 3:31 PM UTC

Trent Slatter is not your run-of-the-mill surf photographer. He has a precise set of skills, a select range of interest, and one single motive.

His photography, as you can see, is stunning. It’s some of the best big wave gear out there. Yet, you’ve probably never heard Trent’s name before.

He doesn’t peddle his work. He doesn’t label himself as a photographer. And as you’ll read below, he’s isolated his skill to strictly “a hobby”. And perhaps that’s what keeps his work so unique and so different – the lack of drive for money – the sole motive of creating a beautiful image of an incredible moment in the ocean.

We asked Trent to select a few of his favourite images, and this is what he came up with. Scroll, read and take a moment to get to know the man behind the lens.

Where are you from, and where do you currently reside?

Born and raised in Adelaide, South Australia currently living in Perth, Western Australia.

Mark Matthews in awe of the ocean
© Trent Slatter

DOB?

12-4-1980

Chris Ross out-running the lip
© Trent Slatter

How did you get into photography, and more specifically, surf photography?

I use to take a few token images before or after a surf and I guess it just evolved over time from there. I went on a mission with my best mate to Cyclops and my perspective of what waves could do changed. With that, my desires to capture them changed as well.

Ryan Hipwood lost in the blue abyss
© Trent Slatter

What would you consider your “specialty” and how did you find it? Most of your work has come from the Right...

I think my focus is on a few select waves that give me that moment I'm seeking to capture. The Right is my primary focus and has been a goal to chase for years. I don't own or use a water housing and I find that helps me surf more and shoot less.

How has being exposed to the Right changed your life, and when did you first realise you wanted to start capturing it through imagery?

I was just going down with my mates at the time and didn't really understand the concept of how mutant these waves actually were. I was using a very simple $200 camera at the time, and as the trips kept rolling by, I decided I wanted to keep getting better shots and progressing. That took me to purchasing better equipment, and the learning process with that grew. I have a large collage of images at home on my kitchen wall and it became a game to better that image and replace it with another.

Do you do it as a hobby, or are you chasing a career in surf photography?

Strictly a hobby.

What’s the hardest element of shooting the Right?

Over the years the trips have become more streamlined, but definitely no easier. So many different issues can occur at a wave like this, so covering all bases is important. I think photography wise, the hardest element is in relation to settings. The weather in the area changes constantly throughout the day, and the sky can go from cloudy to sunny very quickly. Couple that with changing your shooting position from shooting forwards to almost facing back towards land means that you need to be constantly aware of what settings are going to work and what won’t.

What about the easiest?

Dying is the easiest thing about the Right.

Light on glass in the middle of the ocean
© Trent Slatter

How does the element of fear play in?

The fear of things going wrong… like the ski breaking down or someone getting hurt… those fears are always in the back of my mind. I’m scared shitless every time I go to these waves, and it's the ultimate rush. Being able to overcome your own individual fears… for me, that's large ocean swells like the Right. And it’s what makes it all worth it.

Mark Matthews through the looking glass
© Trent Slatter

Have other waves influenced your photography, and do you see yourself expanding the repertoire of what you shoot?

Cyclops was my biggest influencer and still is, and I not sure there are many places like it in the world. The southern coastline of Australia is where my heart lies and I won't venture far from there.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to someone who’s looking to get into photography, or surf photography? Especially in relation to big waves...

It takes time, and a strong desire to do whatever it takes… and then years of doing that. I like to take chances and go on bad odd swells, and I’ve found that works for me. If you have the time and access I'd rather be looking at a wave than thinking about what it might look like. Over time this helps build up a knowledge of elements required to succeed.

Russ Bierke looking into the eye of the beast
© Trent Slatter

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt throughout your time shooting?

Don't be afraid to ask for help and advice, or just chat with those you my look up to. I've asked some amazingly stupid questions to some of the raddest, people and they have always had the time to break it down.