The finalists for Australia’s most celebrated surf photography competition have been revealed.
The Nikon Surf Photo and Video of the Year Awards celebrate the best surf photography from across the country in 2019.
The 20 images selected as finalists were chosen by a panel of 10 high-profile judges, including seven-time World Surfing Champion Stephanie Gilmore.
‘Nikon Australia invited local surf photographers and videographers of all levels to have their work acknowledged and celebrated across the industry,’ an official statement read.
‘Revealing the incredible energy and beauty of the ocean, and the high calibre of local talent.’
The images were judged on innovation, creativity, dramatic affect, sensory impact, uniqueness and composition of the panel.
Surfing Australia CEO Chris Mater said the competition plays an important role in Australia’s surfing scene.
‘The Awards are a hugely important event on our calendar because they give the Australian surfing community a chance to honour our best,’ he said.
The winners of the Nikon Surf Photo and Video of the Year awards will be announced over the coming months.
Nikon Australia has announced the finalists for the prestigious Nikon Surf Photo and Video of the Year Awards along with releasing the top 20 images chosen. This picture by Travis Johnson is titled ‘Froth Monster’
Nikon Australia invited local surf photographers and videographers of all levels to have their work acknowledged. The above stunning image, captured by Stu Gibson is titled ‘Danny sunset stern’
A panel of 10 high-profile judges from within the surfing industry including Nikon Brand Ambassador and seven-time World Surfing Champion, Stephanie Gilmore. Photographer Tom Pearsall called this image ‘An unusual relationship’
The judges were tasked with selecting the best of the best surfing photos and videos submissions based on a list of criteria. Photographer Gergo Rugli titled the above image ‘Warrior’
Photographer Tom Pearsall called this photo ‘Jack in a Box’. The images were judged on innovation, creativity, dramatic affect, sensory impact, uniqueness and composition of the panel. This image is titled Driftwood and was taken by photographer Tom Pearsall
Surfing Australia CEO Chris Mater said the competition plays an important role in Australia’s surfing scene. The above photo, by Trent Slatter, is titled ‘Empty’
‘We are proud to continue our support in celebrating the breathtaking stories captured by our talented surf photographers and videographers for the eighth year running,’ Mr Mater said. Pictured is an image by Andrew Leach whcih he titled ‘David and Goliath’
The 2020 Nikon Surf Photo and Video of the Year Awards celebrate the best surf photography and videography from across Australia. Photographer Ren McGan captured this shot, calling it ‘Free Fall’
This year’s competition saw an increase in submissions from various surfing landscapes around the world. The picture is titled ‘Cascade’ and is from Ray Collins
‘The Awards are a hugely important event on our calendar because they give the Australian surfing community a chance to honour our best, whether it be in the water competing or behind a lens,’ Mr Mater said. Peter Jovic named this photo ‘No Looking Back’
The winners of the Nikon Surf Photo and Video of the Year awards will be announced over the coming months through a new television format. Ren McGann’s second entry into the competition is titled ‘The Right.’
The winner of the Nikon Surf Video of the Year Award will receive a Nikon Z 6 kit while the winner of the Nikon Surf Photo of the Year Award will take home a Nikon Z 7. This photo is by Jamie Scott, titled ‘I can’t hear you’
The 2020 Nikon Surf Photo and Video of the Year Awards celebrate the best surf photography and videography from across Australia. Photographer Peter Jovic titled this photo ‘Gun Barrel’
The wards have been running for eight years now and has drawn out some of the country’s best surf photographers. Jamie Scott entered this image and titled it ‘In the thick of it’
Australia is well known world wife for its surfing scene and the awards give people a chance to showcase the beauty and force of the ocean. Another entry from Ray Collins, this one is titled ‘The Big Bang’
The 20 finalist photos range form night shots to landscape shots showcasing ythe creativity of Australia’s surf photographs. Surf photographer Paul Smith titled this image ‘Flume’
Some images give people new insight into what it’s like to ride the barrel of a monster wave or to see the surf from a new perspective altogether. Simon Punch of Punch Photography entered this photo called ‘Breathing’
Creativity is one of the most important aspects of the judging which has created a wide variety of finalists photos. Matt Dunbar got creative with this shot which he called ‘Duck Dive’
The aim of the competition has always been to ‘reveal the incredible energy and beauty of the ocean, and the high calibre of local talent. Peter Wilson named this photo ‘Portugal’
Some of the images focus on the power and force of the surf while others highlight the moments of beauty. Photographer Trent Slatter chose to name this image ‘Empty’