Tony Palmer | Surf, Commercial & Lifestyle Photographer

I am a surf, ocean, surf culture and beach lifestyle photographer based on the Northern Beaches in Freshwater Beach, NSW, Sydney. I have had my work published in leading surfing and ocean magazines (Whitehorses Magazine, Pacific Longboarder and Chasing Clarity).

[ * Banner photograph kindly provided by Jamen Percy and B&W edit by me ]

Surf, Ocean & Lifestyle Photography: Capturing the Soul of the Sea

My photography is a blend of documentary, editorial, and lifestyle storytelling. I don't just take pictures; I search for the narrative within each moment. Whether it's a single frame or a complete series, my goal is to create images with depth that tell a compelling story.

When it comes to surf photography, I'm not interested in capturing 7,000 similar shots of a surfer's turn. Instead, I aim to document the entire session in a richer, more meaningful way. By exploring different angles and perspectives, I create a diverse collection of images that truly captures the essence of the experience. I approach all my work with this same philosophy: how can I make every image interesting, beautiful, and fresh.

Outside of Freshwater Beach photography, I'm a northern beaches commercial photographer for hire.

MY AIM IS SIMPLE. TO IMMERSE THE VIEWER IN THE STORY.

MY STORY

As a lifelong surfer, my journey into photography began with a natural fascination for all things related to the ocean. From surfers and their boards to the ever-changing waves, the sea dominated my early work as I dedicated myself to mastering the art of surf photography. It wasn't long before I invested in a water housing, allowing me to capture the immersive, in-the-water perspectives I had always envisioned.

As I continued to hone my craft and share my work online, I began to receive requests from customers, clients, and colleagues to bring my unique style to their projects.

SNAPSHOT

COMMERCIAL WORK

I have also done a range of commercial work, such as lifestyle photography for surf and fitness, portraits and brand work, have a look at my recent projects here.

BOOKS

I produce a coffee table book series entitled, 'Fresh Light' . The books are available to be purchased online, via Blurb books.

STOCK IMAGES

I have opened up my collection of beach and lifestyle images that are available to be licensed for use on social media platforms.

PRINTS

I have a print store, and I also have printed images for surfers that I have photographed, on a range of medium (Acrylics, Aluminium and Fine Art Paper)

COMMUNITY

I also support my local board rider clubs, (Freshwater Longboard Club and Freshwater Boardriders) shooting for free for the members and the clubs personal use.

As a surfer, I'm influenced by the ocean, the beach and the surfing lifestyle, which all contribute to my work and style as a photographer and artist.

Whitehorses Magazine

Issue 42

Double page feature of Tom Payne, in Issue 42 of Whitehorses Magazine.

Issue 40

Full page picture of Taiyo Masuda in Issue 40 of Whitehorses Magazine

Surfing Life Magazine

Placed in the top 36 images in the Surfing Life Magazine 2021 Surf Photo Comp ( issue 357 see below third down from the top, far left)

Chasing Clarity Magazine

Cover shot for Issue 02 of Chasing Clarity Magazine. I've been a fan of the ocean imagery podcast, so I was stoked when the team picked one of my images for the cover.