Went to the packed Hawaii premier at the Hawaii International Film Festival and thoroughly enjoyed the movie. In all honesty, I've had the honor of seeing these guys in action firsthand so my perspective may be slanted. But I can also vouch for the absolute accuracy of this insightful film.
This documentary showcases the skills and absolute dedication of the photographers on the North Shore in Hawaii who risk their lives for the incredible imagery that fuels the surfing industry. These photographers (and cinematographers) do it with little fanfare, for the most part barely making enough to get by. Yet they continue to pursue their passion, always trying to get that unattainable perfect shot.
The movie is not intended to be a comprehensive history of surf photography. Film-making brothers Derek and Craig Hoffman chose to focus (pun intended) on the Pipeline and Backdoor surf spots, and how technology has recently changed the surf photo business. Filmed over the course of two winter seasons, they managed to capture some compelling footage.
I really liked how they used slow-motion video taken from the shoreline and synced it up with still photo frames from water photographers such as Scott Aichner. The photogs get so close to the surfer and the crashing lip of the wave, it is amazing that more of them don't get injured (or worse).
The ever-animated Larry Haynes was a riot, but when he described his near-death experience, it was nothing short of chilling. And yes, we have lost a few friends along the way.
The movie described the symbiosis between surfer and photographer and how there is cooperation and trust to the benefit of both parties. They also studied the dichotomy of making a living selling the surfing image with the unintended consequence of fueling the incredible crowding of the North Shore and surfing in general.
In the end though, the movie was a positive affirmation that there is great reward (not necessarily monetary) to do what you love to do in life. Aichner summed it up nicely, "You're not going to get rich being a surf photographer, but you live a rich lifestyle."
