*Porthleven Surf on 35mm Film by Karl Mackie*

A Workshop Experience Like No Other!

Last month, I enjoyed running a predominantly 35mm film photography workshop in Cornwall, split into two contrasting genres: street photography and surf photography. The first part of the workshop focused on the deliberate, observational nature of street photography, while the second part took us into the fast-paced world of surf photography, where reaction time and technical precision play a crucial role.

Kirsty, who joined the workshop, has been following my work for over a decade and is an incredibly talented photographer. However, like many photographers at some stage, she found herself stuck, particularly when it came to fully understanding the exposure triangle. Despite the wealth of information available online, concepts like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO can still be overwhelming when applied in real time.

And that’s why hands-on experience matters.

So we stepped out into the field together, first in the quiet streets of Newquay, before heading down to Porthleven, where we encountered some of the best surf conditions I have ever had on a workshop. From a quiet winter town centre to powerful, rolling waves, Kirsty had the perfect opportunity to learn how to take full creative control and step off automatic settings for good.

BREAKING DOWN THE EXPOSURE TRIANGLE FOR SURF PHOTOGRAPHY

Understanding aperture, shutter speed, and ISO in theory is one thing, but in surf photography, these settings need to be applied dynamically as the scene changes. Here’s how each part of the exposure triangle plays its role, and how you can fearlessly use it to capture stunning surf images.

Off the Wall Surf at Porthleven — *Waves breaking off the wall at Porthleven by Karl Mackie*

1. SHUTTER SPEED: THE KEY TO CAPTURING MOTION

In surf photography, shutter speed is king. You’re dealing with fast-moving subjects, and how you choose to set your shutter speed determines whether you freeze the action or introduce motion blur for an artistic effect.

Freezing the Action

• To capture sharp, crystal-clear surf shots, you’ll need a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1000s.

• This is perfect for freezing a surfer mid-turn, capturing the spray of the wave, or getting a clean shot of a barrel.

Introducing Motion Blur

• If you want to add a sense of speed or drama to your image, try a slower shutter speed (1/250s or lower).

• This will create a streaking effect, where parts of the wave or the surfer’s board blur slightly, conveying movement.

Workshop Insight: Kirsty found balancing exposure while maintaining a fast shutter speed to be a challenge at first, something many photographers experience, especially when working with film, where there’s no instant feedback. However, as we worked through it together, she developed a deeper understanding of how to make quick adjustments with confidence. It was a great example of how hands-on practice in real-world conditions can accelerate learning in a way that theory alone cannot.

Unknown Surfer at Portleven — *Unknown Surfer, Portleven by Karl Mackie*

2. APERTURE: CONTROLLING DEPTH & LIGHT

Aperture is often overlooked in surf photography, but it plays a crucial role in both light control and depth of field.

Wide Aperture (f/2.8 - f/5.6)

• Best for isolating a surfer against a blurred background.

• Works well when you want to separate the subject from the crashing waves or other surfers.

Narrow Aperture (f/8 - f/16)

• Great for keeping everything sharp, perfect for line-up shots where you want the entire scene in focus.

• Helps balance exposure when shooting in bright conditions (common in surf photography).

Workshop Insight: Since we were shooting on 35mm film, we often had to be more mindful of available light. Kirsty quickly learned how aperture adjustments allowed her to control the overall feel of an image, especially when working in varying light conditions as the sun dipped lower.

Porthleven Surfer in Abstract Poise — *Abstract capture at Porthleven by Karl Mackie*

3. ISO: THE UNSUNG HERO

ISO is your light sensitivity setting, and in surf photography, it’s all about finding the right balance.

• On bright, sunny days: Stick with ISO 100 or 200 to keep details crisp.

• In lower light (sunset/dusk): A higher ISO 400 or 800 may be needed to retain clarity without losing too much detail in the shadows.

Film vs. Digital Considerations

• On digital: You can easily adjust ISO shot by shot.

•On film: You’re locked into whatever ISO film you’ve loaded, so choosing the right roll for the conditions is essential.

Workshop Insight: When shooting on film, pre-planning ISO is essential, especially when transitioning between different lighting conditions. Unlike digital, where ISO can be adjusted on the fly, film requires careful consideration before you even load the roll. Since we shot into the evening, we had to work with the chosen ISO, making it even more important to use the aperture and shutter speed creatively to adapt to changing light. But that’s part of the beauty of film photography, it encourages a more intentional approach, pushing you to truly understand exposure and make every frame count.

Surfer in a Cover Up at Porthleven — *Cover Up, Porthleven by Karl Mackie*

WHY SHOOTING MANUAL IN SURF PHOTOGRAPHY MATTERS

For many photographers, the idea of shooting surf photography in manual mode sounds intimidating but it’s essential for full creative control. Kirsty wanted to capture a surf image she could be truly proud of, one where she wasn’t relying on auto mode to make decisions for her.

When you shoot in manual:

• You dictate how the action is captured, not the camera.

• You can instantly adjust for changing light or fast-moving subjects.

• You learn to anticipate moments rather than react, leading to better compositions.

And this is especially rewarding on film, where each shot counts.

Stan up Barrel at Porthleven — *Stand Up, Porthleven by Karl Mackie*

PORTHLEVEN: the perfect conditions

The surf photography portion of the workshop took place in Porthleven, where we stumbled upon some of the best waves I’ve ever seen during a session. We had barrels, A-frames, and powerful waves breaking off the pier, the kind of conditions you hope for but can never fully predict.

Kirsty quickly put everything we had covered into action, confidently switching between fast and slow shutter speeds to capture the waves in different ways. We stayed until dusk, shooting until we couldn’t anymore, before driving back to Newquay, tired but buzzing from a truly rewarding day.

Porthleven Surfer in a Tube — *Porthleven Surfer in the tube by Karl Mackie*

THIS WAS KIRSTY’S DAY, NOT MINE

It’s worth noting that while Kirsty was taking in everything we covered, I didn’t photograph her working. This wasn’t about documenting the workshop itself, it was about her experience. It was her day, her learning, and her moment to focus on what we set out to do.

If you’re considering a workshop, know that my goal is to help you capture what you want, not to turn the lens on you unless you want it.

Porthleven Harbour Wall — *Harbour Wall, Porthleven by Karl Mackie*

WANT TO LEARN MORE? BOOK A TAILORED WORKSHOP

Workshops like these are all about breaking through creative blocks and learning through real-world experience. Whether you’re struggling with the exposure triangle, looking to develop your surf photography skills, or simply want to shoot with more confidence, a tailored session could be exactly what you need.

Where to Sign Up:

Visit my Tailored Photography Workshop page.

Or drop me an email to discuss availability.

Looking for Kirsty?

She’s an incredible photographer, check out her work on Instagram: @kirstagramsnaps

You can find more of my work on Instagram: @karl_mackie, and on my website: karlmackie.com

MASTERING THE EXPOSURE TRIANGLE IN SURF PHOTOGRAPHY