Professional Surf Photographer Lucia Griggi and Fox Europe will be holding – one, two and three-day Surf and Travel Photography Workshops at award winning Errant Surf Holidays, headquarters in Newquay, Cornwall, which will run over 10^th, 11^th & 12^th June 2011.

Over the past five years half English and half Italian, Cornwall resident, Lucia Griggi has lived the epitome life of adventure, shooting surfing, portraits and commercial work for advertising, editorial and books.  Her energetic and unique style of work appears internationally in magazines and has a large bank of advertising industry clients.  Lucia has also contributed to various surf-related book publications, Her most significant book contribution came in the vivid and beautiful 2010 look-book, Shooting the Curl, which showcases the work of 15 top international photographers and tells the inside story on the surfers and the waves that inspire them.

This workshop is perfect if you are an aspiring photographer with a passion for documenting surf, travel and action sports.  The course will focus on surf photography both in and out of the water, how to edit, image enhance, manage files and present work to your clients.  Lucia will also cover the use of specialized equipment and advice on what products you should buy and how to develop your portfolio, story ideas and interview techniques.

“When you are shooting in the ocean, your open water knowledge is as essential as your photographic skills,” says Lucia. “Running these courses with Fox, at Errant’s idyllic office in Newquay, is my opportunity to pass on this experience and show my students how to be safe in the water, to understand how a wave breaks in different environments both above and below the water, and of course how to be in the right place at the right time for that perfect shot!”

Overall, these courses are designed for students that can expect to learn what they need to really take their photography to the next level. They are for beginner and intermediate levels.

Requirements Students must bring their own DSLR camera, a laptop with photo software installed (Photoshop or Photoshop Element), storage media and other equipment (cord, thumb drive, card reader, etc.) for transferring images from camera to computer.

For more information about the program and instructions on how to apply, call (+44) 07815572153 or email lucia@luciadaniellagriggi.co.uk. closing date is June 1^st. See more of Lucia’s work here: www.luciagriggi.com

Course:

Friday 10^th — Introduction to land based surf photography and hands-on instruction.

Saturday 11^th — Intermediate surf photography and in-water instruction*.

Sunday 12^th — Digital reviews, file management, digital processing, client management, working the industry, portfolio guidance.

Cost: £149 per day

Special 3-day rate: £395 (Includes tuition, transport throughout the day, Fox goody bag and a light lunch.) (Accommodation not included.)

Note: Each day has a varied schedule and itinerary and will cover slightly different angles of the industry. A 3-day course will be the most complete option.

* Students not required to have their own water-housing.

So Soraya how’s it going?

It’s awesome!!! Uuber busy, crazy, mad but altogether awesome! There was a pretty scary moment a few months ago where I managed to lose ALL of the SS/11 sample work in the back of a Chinese taxi! This was not a good time for me (!!) but I managed to push on, rework the cogs in my brain, and make some siiiik pieces for SS/11. I think that it takes a physicality such as something like this happening for my friends to actually realise how much these collections take out of me!

What are the main features of your winter’s range?

Kuccia is always about bold prints and easy to wear garments. So for winter we took the summer beach vibes, and translated them into warmer more wintery versions….We experimented a lot with volumes in our hooded knitwear but kept it quite body con on the dress front, using lots of thicker, stretch materials which look ace with tights and snuggly boots wherever you find yourself.

The shots are looking pretty cool, you’re using Lucia aren’t you – how’s that working out?

Lucia is FAB!! A fantasic photographer and an uber cool person. We love working with her. We’re so happy with how these pics turned out. We were so lucky with the location and the whole team… Chris Ryan at the Old Piggery where we shot it was so laid back and let us loose on the place,it was a props heaven! With an abundance of vintage surf & skate boards, cars, bicycles, wah SO MUCH STUFF, even an old double decker bus, I couldn’t believe it!!

Looking into the crystal ball, what are the main trends for 2011?

Ha,ha I don’t know about the main ‘trends’ but I know what Kuccia 2011 is going to be about!!! Loads of crazy prints (maybe more crazy than ever…but all good!) we have got lots of geometric prints in this collection, lots of acidic colours, florals for summer. Easy to wear. Lots of nice playsuits….oh yes and an awesome Hawaiian tropic section with a real 1950′s feel.

What’s your plans for this year, and do you have any New Year’s resolutions?

For Kuccia, it is definatley to GET AN ONLINE SHOP, which we will launch in March, so keep your eyes peeled people!! This will be showcasing the latest Kuccia SS/11 pieces. You can get them now at the click of a button!!!!!

And for myself…..everyone who knows me will agree….that I have to keep better time. And have a tidier office ha, ha, ha! I am always late and really untidy. Not a good look really!! So I hope to soar into 2011 being on-time, tidy, happy and with an online shop ha, ha!!!

Check out Kuccia’s winter range at www.kuccia.com

KUCCIA COMPETITION

PLUS we’ve three fabulous Kuccia dresses for you to win!

To be in with a chance to win, let us know what you’re going to do more of in 2011.

Whatever it is leave your comments below and we’ll pick the winners on January 31st.

Hi Lucia, last time we spoke you were in Portugal for the Rip Curl Pro. How was that?

Portugal was great, it is always one of the best stops on tour and we get looked  after so well! The waves were good and we gained enough swell to happily run  the event-the waves were firing. There were great vibes and all the girls were having fun. It was a  shame to see Steph taking runner up but it was an exciting final nonetheless. Portugal is a great place to visit, the little town of Peniche is a sweet fishing village with many surrounding places of interests; castles, villages and the dazzling lights of Lisbon.

The girls contest finished fairly quickly so what did you get up to?

The girls ran within two days at the beginning of the holding period. After that we ran straight into the men’s and this took us up to the end of the holding period. On lay days when the storms came through or the waves were flat we visited the town of ‘Obidos’ which is a village within a castle which has amazing traditions and great red wine! When the contest finished we drove to Lisbon for a night out in the famous club of LUX!

So where are you now?

I came straight here from Lisbon although the journey was hectic! I flew for Lisbon to Madrid. Madrid to NYC. NYC to Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico to BVI! – Which is where I am now! I am out here taking some time out before heading back to Puerto at the end of the week.

Did you have any ‘Lucia’ mishaps on the journey?

Mishaps! Well of course! I nearly didn’t get let into BVI as firstly I hadn’t printed out my return ticket and whilst in customs awaiting this documentation they had time to search my bags. They found a dozen cereal boxes all opened which led them into suspicions of god knows what! All I was saying was ‘im on a detox’ ha ha.

What’s it like there, is it really laid back island style or more urban?

Well in BVI, which is the ‘British Virgin Islands’ it is definitely island life! Very laid back and relaxed, the sun is shinning and the people friendly! It’s all about the sea and boats and the white sandy beaches! There is surf here, although not as frequent as on PR but right now as I’m typing this there is a small wave out front of my house. I believe Puerto is more urban with a bigger population and city vibes I’m hoping to hunt down some parties and great rum!

Are you looking forward to the Rip Curl Pro Search?

I am very much looking forward to the comp! I’ve checked out some footage from previous swells and it looks amazing!! Hawaii style waves! Fingers crossed we get great swell and Ripcurl get an amazing search!

Who to look out for in this one, who’s doing well?

Well after a great run in Portugal Carissa is surfing great, so it would be good to see her rip out here in PR. The waves are solid and this will give the girls a good chance to show off their skills. Rosy Hodge also is surfing great as well as Claire and coco.

Is anyone going to beat Steph at this stage?

It looks like Steph has pretty much secured the title for this year, but you can never be sure!  Both Sally and Sofia are surfing well and are not too far behind so anything is possible!

What factor sunscreen are you applying today, is it really hot out there? We’re not jealous at all!

15 OIL!! Ha ha I don’t really burn!!! It is extremely hot out here! Sometimes too hot to sit in the sun if there isn’t a breeze! Today I’m off snorkeling and tomorrow we have hired a boat to go island hoping! Maybe go see some dolphins!

Are you missing anything from home yet, what’s is it?

Hell yes, all the time! I’m always wanting to come home to see my friends and family! Life on the road is great but hard sometimes too! I miss HOMEMADE SOUP!! He he.

To see the contest live go to http://live.ripcurl.com/ProSearch2010

LUCIA GRIGGI, SURFGIRL PHOTOGRAPHER

Lucia, are you looking forward to the Rip Curl Pro?

Totally, I love Portugal. Last year was so much fun with The Search there, following the swell and the surf spots we got lots of shots! All the people working on the event are great fun and the hospitality is amazing with big buffet dinners and lunches not to mention scrambled egg for breaky! The swell is looking good for the contest period so hopefully we will get some waves. The girls on tour rip and surf powerfully, busting out some great airs! It’s really inspiring to watch….

Which surfers are the ones to look out for?

Silvana Lima for sure – she rips! Steph Gilmore is defending her world title so that will be interesting to see. Coco Ho is definitely someone to watch out for this year!

You’ve just come from France covering the Quik Pro, how was that?

France was all good, although I’m glad to have left!! Phewwwww… I had been in France for the whole month and needed to move on! It was great fun and the waves were world class. It was the best I have seen in years – so stoked!

KIRSTIN SCHOLTZ – ASP PHOTOGRAPHER

It’s not always offshore and spitting barrels for the whole period so how do you keep motivated to shoot when the surf’s not so good? Well I have to shoot the whole day anyway as I have to cover every heat so I don’t really have a choice but it is hard to stay motivated to get interesting shots and mix up your angles when the surf is bad. I guess I just hope someone does something exciting like a big air or that we at least have some nice light.

Do you hang out with the surfers after you’ve finished shooting at the beach? I don’t really hang out with them unless it’s at an event function. They are all really friendly but I find the higher ranked guys stick to their own groups.

Who has the most envious job at the beach? Probably the surfers!!! It doesn’t get much better than being paid to surf around the world! Plus I wouldn’t mind being able to surf like that.

Watch the webcast live on live.ripcurl.com October 7-18th 2010.

Related stories

Last year’s Rip Curl Pro champ Coco Ho interview http://live.ripcurl.com/index.php?aid=1044

Spending time with Steph Gilmore http://live.ripcurl.com/index.php?aid=1076

Steph still at the top of the rankings, at yesterday’s pre contest press conference. There’s a huge swell on the way this weekend.

How to nail a cover

It is important to shoot as strikingly as possible when it comes to the cover shot! The cover image makes the magazine sell to those people that pass on by looking at hundreds of images and titles staring them in the face and stop when their eyes hit one that stands out and seems interesting to pick up! Imagery is as important as text and can make or break whether a sale is made, its is immediately recognised in the brain as an image is processed in the mind quicker than a word is.

Top Tips:
1. Always have the model giving eye contact to the camera, eyes are very catching and this will grab the readers attention.
2. Use of light is very important, the image needs to be defined in one particular light, if not the image may dull the appearance of the magazine. Techniques that can be used would be high contrast, front lit and colourful. High key which is normally backlit and with low contrast, giving a subtle wash like effect.
3. Always leave enough space in the frame to allow for the header of the magazine and text to go around it. Do not crop in too tight as the image maybe a throw away unless the magazine has a good designer!
4. Smiley – happy poses are better to shoot and will uplift the spirit of the magazine rather than moody looks.

Sophie Hellyer – Issue 27
Using the time of day with the light is really important when shooting for the cover. Sophie was shot on the beach from early afternoon through to late afternoon, which enabled me to get a nicely exposed front lit shot. I wanted the photograph to look summery and give a warm effect so I used a reflector to fill in any shadows which had formed on her face.  The board was placed slightly back from the model as not to impose in the picture too much and distract the main focus of the image which of course was Sophie. I used my Canon 5D with an 85mm lens at 5.6 at 1200. Reflectors are a great tool to use they fill in natural light where needed unlike flash guns where the light looks false.  I was pleased with this image as the colours are vibrant and eye catching and Sophie looks great and relaxed.

Rosy Hodge – Issue 26
This cover shot was photographed in Hawaii and shot in evening light as the sun was setting. I positioned her looking at me with the sun behind her but overexposed the shot to lighten up her face. The idea was to give a low contrast soft pastel look to let off soft pinks and oranges that were reflecting into the camera lense. Again, I used my Canon 5D with an 85mm lens. Shot at 1.8 at 800 opening the aperture right up to allow as much light in as possible, the shot was a success. Rosy was a great model to use, she is very natural in front of the camera and has many different looks to play with. It is important to always choose your model wisely.

Gemma Fryer – Issue 24
This shot was photographed on the coast of France in Hossegor. It was photographed in evening light, just before the sunset. I asked my model to walk towards the sea with her board being carried above her. I used my Canon 1D alongside my 70-200 2.8 lens. It gave me great depth of field and a nice silhouetted effect to give a sticking duo tone to the cover. It is hard to focus on any subject whilst taking very backlit imagery, so care needs to be taken in making sure the image is pin sharp whilst doing this kind of shot. Gemma was a great model to use being lean and petite she carried the shot off well.

 

 

SURFGIRL COVER ISSUE 26 

By Louise Searle

 

Choosing a cover shot is never easy, there’s certain things you’re looking for in a cover and they rarely all come together in one package. This issue’s cover choice was loads easier than normal because Lucia had gone to Hawaii and hooked up with WCT surfer Rosy Hodge. Rosy is obviously great cover material so I was looking forward to seeing what she came up with. Being the dedicated work horse that she is, Lucia had taken loads of great shots – hundreds of them – which meant making the final choice was really hard!

In the end we narrowed it down to two or three and I decided to go with this shot as it has a certain something about it. Rosy’s look is full of sass and confidence, and with the subdued afternoon lighting it makes a great cover shot. Then it’s just down to making sure the cover lines look right.

FIRST ATTEMPT!

I fiddled about with the cover lines loads as usual. Then SurfGirl’s hard working designer David and myself play with colours. Sometimes it can take days to get the cover to look right which is really frustrating, changing the coverlines constantly, add quotes, take them away again and so on. But at the end of the day there’s a deadline to meet and you’ve got to go with your gut reaction and finish the job. Plus you know you’ll have to do it all again in a few weeks time!

 

HALFWAY THERE!

 

Here’s Lucia’s angle from the beach
The day we did the session it was a typical Hawaiian late afternoon, a few hours off sunset. I rang Rosy, she was chilling at Megan Abubo’s house and was on the call for a photo sesh. She rushed over on her Cruiser up to Sunset Beach where my house was and a great section of the beach to shoot on. We had all our clothes for the shoot with ready to go and a change of bikinis if needed depending on how they looked on the camera. ¬†

We shot till sunset, shooting loads of different scenarios so 16 megs and two batteries later we threw ourselves in the water to cool off from the intense work! Rosy’s a great model to work with, her energetic style reflects in the photographs and she is always keen to shoot at the drop of a hat! So thanks Rosy for putting up with me and my classic line of ….’just one more’!!

Here’s the final version, hope you like it!