Tor Nenzen  


Morning Surfer by Tor Nenzen

October 2024 - Morning Surfer

About the Image(s)

Our family travelled to the West coast of Canada a couple of weeks ago. The surf culture is strong there and the beaches get crowded well into the cold months, even with snow on the ground. Experienced surfers paddle out before sunrise to avoid the crowds and the thermal winds that eventually ruin the waves. This image was taken at sunrise with the fog beginning to lift. At that time, nature takes center stage and leaves one in awe.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
6 comments posted




Shirley Pohlman   Shirley Pohlman
I feel you have caught the mood perfectly. My eye, of course, first goes to the surfer and has me follow it through the water wondering if he will catch a wave. Serene shot!   Posted: 10/03/2024 18:43:46



Piers Blackett   Piers Blackett
Really great result - it seems you know the territory including optimal season, timing and precise placement of the surfer for lighting and contrast. It's amazing how well he is silhouetted possibly because of his wetsuit. Did you get a shot of him surfing? I'm asking because it looks very shallow for good waves but I'm sure you were successful.   Posted: 10/04/2024 21:45:46



Tor Nenzen   Tor Nenzen
Yes, one has to paddle out to an island where the waves break harder. Here is a picture that I took around the same time. There's a strong ripcurrent that takes you to the island and the ocean beyond, so it can be a bit scary.   Posted: 10/04/2024 23:55:05
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Karen Botvin   Karen Botvin
Wonderful moody capture. I can almost feel the trepidation from this surfer. Is it the cold water, the long walk, or just too early? I love the fog and the contrast of the surfer makes the image for me! Great photo!   Posted: 10/05/2024 20:05:41



Martin Newland   Martin Newland
Tor, your image has a wonderful sense of tranquility and a strong connection to nature. The misty atmosphere gives it a dreamlike quality, with the surfer and his board providing a clear focal point against the overall softness of the image. The balance between the surfer and the environment is particularly well done, allowing us to feel the expanse of the beach and the forest beyond.
You have a muted colour palette, which fits the serene mood. I like the composition with the surfer positioned off-center as it adds a dynamic feel to the shot.
A great image. Well done!
  Posted: 10/05/2024 22:40:17



Jim Wulpi   Jim Wulpi
Very nice image, Tor. I like how the surfer is left of center and appears to be walking into the image. Was this an intentional crop or was this part of your vision for this scene when you first took the image?
The foggy/misty background gives an ethereal look which opposes the rough texture of the waves, but still having the same soft colors.
I like this image very much.   Posted: 10/08/2024 18:26:33