Russell Ord - Photographer
Russell Ord is the kind of guy who doesn´t go home with an average shot. He gets the dangerous one, the difficult one, the one that could have actually killed him. From the home town of Margaret River, Western Australia, Russell Ord chases the impossible with his camera. And he delivers.
When did you get your first surfboard?
I was 11yrs old. Back then we designed home made bike trailers and rode to the surf every weekend. It was a 25km round trip. We used to cook spaghetti on the beach while everyone warmed up around the fire.
How did you first become a surf photographer? What were you doing before?
I injured my knee surfing and instead of sitting on the lounge for three months I picked up a camera to shoot some friends. I just ventured down the beach all day every day. That injury definitely transformed my life - I was completely hooked. From there the surfboard turned into a water-housing and everyday since its been a learning curve. Not too many rolls of slide film were working out to well in the earlier days though.
Before I became a professional photographer I was a full time fireman - which was also a great job. However, I had to choose between careers in order to spend more time with my family.
Who or what inspired you to do what you do?
I really go through stages of motivation. I have been trying to pursue certain photos in crazy waves the last few years. I really love the challenges and how my life revolves around that one photo in my head. The downside is when I have to shoot the so called “normal”, it’s just not as exciting! So I really have to remind myself to create new challenges for these type of days… I don’t have to look further than my family to find all the inspiration I need.
How did you get started shooting big waves?
My whole life seems to revolve around attempting one great photo a year. I judge my own work in two ways: firstly, the “moment captured”. And more importantly to me, the “skill level required” to take the photo.
I put a lot of emphasis on the skill level, pushing the boundaries of capturing tough angles in crazy type of waves.
I also put a lot of preparation into breath training so I am semi comfortable when swimming in waves of consequence. I have spent years working up to that type of level, however in the end it can be broken down simply: a camera in a waterproof housing (thanks Aquatech cant really do much about those a combination of breathe hold training and surf photography free). I would recommend them to take their time. It doesn’t happen over night. Ask a lot of questions, like all other professions. It requires hours of applied practise to master your craft. I don’t see too many people buying $10,000 worth of tools and the next day becoming a mechanic.
Instant photographers will die off eventually when they realise what they are producing is not going to put food on the table or purchase more equipment. The one problem they leave behind is the standard business practises that companies try to exploit. The old “what, you won’t work for credit like our last guy?” I wonder where is that last guy today?
Where can we find you online?
| Web: | www.russellordphoto.com |
| Instagram: | russellordphoto |
| Facebook: | Russell-Ord-Photography |