Catching Waves

Sachi Cunningham: I’m a surf photographer and filmmaker. I specialize in big wave photography—where the water meets the sky and where waves are formed. I’m hoping to showcase the majesty of the wave and surfers’ most powerful moments on those waves.

SC: Every wave is different. They’re like snowflakes. Big waves only come around a few times a year. When a big wave comes up and is in front of you, it takes your breath away and it stops time. It’s a magical place to be. Big wave surfers are passionate people. It’s like we’re superheroes, and for that one day, we come out with our capes and do our thing.

SC: Thanks to modern science, you have an idea that there’s going to be, say, waves that are 20 feet high, and there will be 20 seconds in between each crest of the waves. As the surfer is going down the wave, I’ll be kicking with my camera going up the wave. We try to intersect at this magic spot. For a good photo, you’re looking for three things. Light is everything in photography. Composition—how the image is framed. And content—what is the story that image is telling?

SC: I took a lot of art classes. But the most important thing you have to learn for big wave photography is how to survive the waves. I was a lifeguard growing up. I’ve spent a lot of time in the ocean swimming and surfing, getting to know the dynamics of the ocean—where the currents are going, how the wave is going to break, and when it’s going to break. Sometimes that is not enough because the ocean is not something we can predict or control. I’ve also trained with a group called Performance Freediving International. Free diving is a sport where people go hundreds of feet down on a single breath. They have a course for big wave surfers. It’s about learning how to hold your breath and stay calm.

SC: Part of why I started doing this was to capture women riding big waves. I think when people see a woman riding a wave beautifully, it changes the way they think about what women are capable of. Part of the big wave mentality is conquering impossible dreams and pushing your limits.

SC: There’s a saying that we’re not divided by land, we’re connected by water. I want to share that beauty with people who aren’t able to be out there. I want people to feel that awe from the ocean and from Mother Nature. I hope that they will be inspired to protect it.