Ever wondered what it takes to capture the raw power of a 50-foot wave crashing down on a tiny human? Big wave photography isn’t just about clicking a button—it’s about survival, teamwork, and a dash of madness. But here’s where it gets controversial: while most people think it’s all about the camera, the truth is, it’s more about your lungs, your instincts, and your ability to stay calm when the ocean decides to throw a tantrum. And this is the part most people miss: you’re not just a photographer; you’re a swimmer, a first responder, and a psychologist rolled into one.
Let me take you to Nazaré, Portugal, where I found myself in the eye of the storm—literally. I was there to attend Maria Fernanda Bastidas’ Big Wave Photography Workshop, a woman who traded her car for a camera and a dream. Bastidas, a former competitive swimmer, has spent over a decade chasing waves across the globe, turning her passion into a craft that demands respect. Her journey began in Mexico City, far from any ocean, but with a vision that led her to Hawaii, where she trained with elite bodyboarders on Kauai’s North Shore. Her dedication paid off after a grueling three-day, 18-mile swim along the Nā Pali coast with none other than Bethany Hamilton.
‘I grew up in the city, but the ocean called me,’ Bastidas shared. ‘When I’m in the water, everything else fades away.’ Her workshop wasn’t just about photography; it was a crash course in humility, fear, and the sheer force of nature. As a writer, I’m used to words, not waves. My photography skills? Point and shoot. But Bastidas’ workshop pushed me out of my comfort zone—surf, swim, shoot, repeat. And let’s be honest, I almost bailed on day one thanks to a stomach bug, but the show had to go on.
On day two, we teamed up with Anthony Cardoso and Ivo Cação of Nazaré Nexus, local legends who’ve turned big wave safety into an art form. Cardoso, a lifelong surfer and founder of Nazaré Nexus, has spent decades mastering these waters. ‘Safety isn’t just a priority—it’s everything,’ he emphasized. ‘If the conditions aren’t right, we don’t go. Period.’ His team operates like a well-oiled machine, with spotters on cliffs, Jet Skis ready to rescue, and a deep respect for the ocean’s unpredictability.
But here’s the kicker: big wave photography isn’t just about technical skills. It’s about understanding the ocean’s rhythm, holding your breath for minutes at a time, and knowing CPR—because out there, you’re not just a photographer; you’re a lifeline. Bastidas’ workshop included apnea training with Pedro ‘Jojo’ Barbudo, who introduced us to underwater hockey as a way to build endurance. ‘It’s not just about staying underwater,’ he explained. ‘It’s about feeling at home there.’
And then there’s the fear. Fear is your friend, but panic is your enemy. Bastidas drilled this into us: ‘Panic takes energy you don’t have. Focus and clarity keep you alive.’ On the water, Cardoso echoed this sentiment. ‘You need a team,’ he said. ‘The Jet Ski, the pilot, the photographer, the spotter—everyone plays a role.’
But amidst the chaos, there’s a strange sense of unity. Out on the Jet Ski, all I saw were smiles. No egos, no arguments—just a shared stoke for the ocean’s raw power. Watching big wave surfer Clément Roseyro take a beating in the impact zone, only to emerge grinning with a bloody nose, was a testament to the adrenaline-fueled camaraderie of this world. ‘That’s why we’re here,’ Cardoso said. ‘Everyone goes home safe.’
I managed to snap a few shots of Rodrigo Koxa, a Brazilian big wave legend, carving through waves like they were child’s play. ‘Big waves keep me present,’ he told me later. ‘Out here, it’s just instinct. You trust your life to your friends, and they trust theirs to you. Without love, this doesn’t work.’
So, do you still want to be a big wave photographer? It’s not for the faint of heart. It’s a blend of art, athleticism, and sheer willpower. But if you’re willing to train, to respect the ocean, and to work as part of a team, the rewards are unlike anything else. Here’s the real question: Are you ready to face the beast—and yourself? Let me know in the comments: What scares you most about big wave photography? Or better yet, what excites you?
