Photo of a surfer going through a wave

CATCHING WAVES: This photo taken by Cunningham features iconic pro surfer Keala Kennelly.

SACHI CUNNINGHAM

Big-Wave Photographer

Sachi Cunningham captures pictures of surfers riding massive ocean waves

SACHI CUNNINGHAM

“When a big wave rises in front of you, it takes your breath away.” —Sachi Cunningham

Sachi Cunningham bobs in the ocean, holding a heavy waterproof camera. Wearing a wet suit and swim fins, she watches as a woman surfing nearby catches an enormous 6 meter (20 foot)-tall wave and rides down its crest. Cunningham snaps a close-up shot of the surfer skimming through a tunnel of water formed by the rolling wave. Then Cunningham dives before the powerful wall of water can come crashing down on top of her.

Cunningham is an ocean photographer, documentary filmmaker, and professor of multimedia journalism at San Francisco State University in California. She specializes in photographing big waves—and women who surf them.

Cunningham’s photos have appeared in The New York Times, the Los Angeles TimesOutside magazine, and Surfer magazine. She says about her work: “I’m hoping to showcase the majesty of the wave and the beauty I see in the ocean.” Cunningham recently spoke with Science World about her love of the sea, the dangers of her job, and the importance of photographing female surfers—who are outnumbered four to one by male surfers.

How did you become a surf photographer?

I started taking photos regularly when I was 16. I went on to study art in college. Afterward, I bought my first underwater camera. The first time using it, I knew I wanted a career in the water. I went on to study filmmaking in graduate school in California and started photographing and filming surfers there. I’ve now done this for more than 30 years all over the world.

How did you train to be a surf photographer?

You need to be a good swimmer. I was on the swim team since I was 7 and also raced on my school’s running team. So I have strong legs, which I rely on when I’m swimming because I’m holding my camera with my hands.

Doing this job also means you need to spend a lot of time in the ocean. That allows you to learn its dynamics, like where currents are moving and how and when a wave is going to break.

I’ve also trained in free diving. Free diving is when you dive hundreds of feet underwater without breathing equipment. And I’ve trained in water safety to learn rescue techniques specific to the dangers
of big waves.

SARAH MAKAREWICZ

RIDING OUT: Cunningham photographs surfers from a watercraft.

What is a day photographing big-wave surfers like?

Early in the morning, I load all my gear into the car. I’ll have my camera equipment, wet suit, swim fins, and two safety vests.

One vest is padded to protect against impacts. The other is inflatable. If a wave pulls me underwater for too long, I can pull a cord to fill the vest like a balloon and rise to the surface. I wear both vests when I’m in the water.

Once I arrive at the beach and put on my gear, I’ll ride a Jet Ski or boat out onto the water. Before a shoot, I’ll check the surf conditions. That way, I’ll know how tall and far apart the waves are going to be in a particular area. This helps me time my shots.

As the surfer is going down the wave, I’ll be holding my camera while kicking and swimming up the wave. I want to intersect with the path of the surfer at the perfect moment where I can capture both her athletic prowess and the beauty of the wave.

What is special about surfing big waves?

When a big wave rises in front of you, it takes your breath away. I think seeing a woman riding these waves changes what people think women are capable of. Surfing big waves is about conquering impossible dreams and pushing your limits.

What do you want people to take away from your work?

Hawaiian surfer Brian Keaulana said, “We’re not divided by land, we’re connected by water.” That’s what I feel when I’m shooting waves. I want to share that so others can feel the same awe of the ocean. I hope my work will inspire them to protect and take care of it.

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