Nikonos V
A collection of black and white 35mm film photography in the waters of the Bondi Beach captured by Oscar Churchill
In a recent conversation with emerging photographer Oscar Churchill, he shared insights into his journey of rediscovering an old camera and embarking on a unique exploration of underwater photography. Churchill's story is one of patience, curiosity, and a passion for surf culture—capturing not just the thrill of the water but also the quiet moments in between.
Churchill bought his camera during his senior year of high school, but it wasn’t until recently that he finally put it to use. "I remember buying this camera when I was in grade 12 and never actually used it until recently," he recalls. A back injury sidelined his surfing, but this opened up an opportunity to pursue another form of expression. "The surf was good, so I thought what better time to get out there with it," he says.
With his camera in hand, Churchill began a project that would focus not only on surfers in action but on the often-overlooked moments that unfold in the lineup. His first experience shooting in the water proved to be a revelation. "The biggest thing I took away from the test roll was that my favourite shots were the ones all around the action of the lineup and what everyone was doing while they weren’t surfing," he explains.
For Churchill, underwater photography allowed him to capture the beauty of the lineup—the spray from the waves, the anticipation of surfers waiting for the next set, and the scramble to duck dive under larger swells. These moments, he realised, held a charm of their own, distinct from the spectacle of riding the waves. "There is a large population of people who will never experience what it is like out in the lineup, sitting out behind the waves... It’s truly beautiful in itself, even without watching the main component of the sport, surfing," he shares.
Churchill’s latest photographic journal showcases these often unnoticed moments, presenting a fresh perspective on surf photography. His black-and-white shots, in particular, helped him focus on what truly stood out. "I had taken a roll on the Tuesday and then went out again after getting the photos back the next day to try a roll of black and white and really target what looked good and leave out what didn’t look as nice."
Shooting in the water was not without its challenges—Churchill notes the physical demands of working in the lineup compared to shooting on land. But despite the fatigue, he found the experience immensely rewarding. "It was truly such a fun time, tiring compared to shooting on land, but a lot of fun."
Through his work, Churchill captures not just the dynamic energy of surfing but the stillness and beauty that frame the sport. His photos offer a glimpse into a world that few get to experience firsthand, where the serenity of the ocean meets the anticipation of the next wave—a unique take on surf culture that is both intimate and powerful.
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