Annual A. R. Gurrey, Jr. Surf Photography Competition
This competition carries the name of A. R. Gurrey, Jr. (1874 – c.1927). He was the first person to photograph surfers in the early 20th century. A pioneer in water photography, he used boats and canoes to get closer to the action. He was also a surfer himself, so knew how and where to capture surf riders gliding across Waikiki’s waves.
Photo of Duke Kahanamoku c.1909-1910 by A.R.Gurrey Jr.
“A. R. Gurrey Jr. can really be considered the father of surf photography.”
~Joel T. Smith, author of The Illustrated Atlas of Surfing History
The California Surf Museum’s Education Committee is excited to announce the Annual A. R. Gurrey, Jr. Surf Photography Competition.
In an effort to encourage creative and marketable skills related to photography, the California Surf Museum invites middle and high school students to participate by entering this competition with an original photograph to be reviewed by a panel of judges in one of six categories noted below.
Prizes including GoPro cameras and more will be awarded to First Place, Second Place, and Honorable Mention in six categories. The photographers will be honored at the California Surf Museum, with their winning photographs on public display.
Surf Action from the Land
Submit a photograph in this category if your image focuses on the movement of the sport as it is happening. Successful images in this category will display dynamic action and will likely showcase the athletes on the ocean. Creativity is encouraged, and there are many traditional approaches to the practice of shooting action surf photos, however submissions in this category must be taken from a vantage point on land or out of the water.
Surf Action from the Water
Submit a photograph in this category if your image focuses on the movement of the sport as it is happening. Successful images in this category will display dynamic action and will likely showcase the athletes on the ocean. Creativity is encouraged, and there are many traditional approaches to the practice of shooting action surf photos, however submissions in this category must be taken from a vantage point on or below the surface of the water.
Seascapes / Lineups
Submit a photograph in this category if your image focuses on the beauty or intrigue of the ocean itself. Great seascapes and lineup photographs are usually a matter of advanced planning, weather prediction, and possibly getting on the road an hour or two before sunrise – or just blind luck. It’s the classic search for the perfect wave, a surf lifestyle tradition.
Portraits Of Surfers
Submit a photograph in this category if your image focuses on the people who surf. Who are these people? What are their stories? Friends, families, the employee who runs the local surf shop, even famous surfers are perfect subjects for this project.
Boards, Equipment, and Surf Cars
Submit a photograph in this category if your image focuses on the tools and objects associated with the sport. Even cars play a big role in the culture of surf. As the primary focal point of the museum’s exhibits and collections, surfboards are an important reason for the museum’s existence. How can you use light, angles, and composition to showcase these items in a manner that draws attention and celebrates their style and function? Consider approaching these subjects with a more creative or artistic approach.
Environmental Awareness and Ocean Activism
Submit a photograph in this category if your image focuses on the importance of the ocean or coastal ecosystem and the negative effects of the global climate crisis. Related photos might include images of the misuse of surf spots, or of activists and the positive actions they are taking to protect our shores.
