Hi, I’m Howard Senton — an amateur surf photographer from Leeds, Yorkshire, with a deep love for waves and the art of capturing their beauty.
You’ll often spot me along the UK coast at Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Cayton Bay, Tynemouth Longsands, or occasionally down in Newquay, Cornwall, when visiting friends and family. Most days, I’ve got a camera in hand — though every now and then, I swap it for a surfboard and join the fun in the water.
I first started surfing around ten years ago, making regular escapes to the coast with friends whenever the swell looked promising. I’ll admit, I’m far better at photographing waves than riding them, but that’s exactly what drew me into surf photography. Being in the lineup, sharing that connection with the ocean, and freezing those fleeting moments of energy and emotion — that’s what it’s all about for me.
Surfing in the North East has a raw, untamed charm and a community full of passion and resilience. Through my photography, I aim to reflect that — whether it’s the determination of a beginner, the effortless style of an experienced rider, or the pure joy of a group simply loving the ocean together.
Photography isn’t my full-time job — it’s my creative outlet, something I pursue alongside work and family life. But it’s the highlight of my week, every week. Capturing surf culture and the spirit of the North East coast is my way of celebrating the places and people that make it so special.
Photos & Payments
I currently share all surf photos free of charge for personal use. You’re welcome to repost them on social media — I love seeing them out in the world!
Credits or small donations for my time are always appreciated but never required. If you’d like to say thanks, you can:
Most of the shots are taken after my own surf sessions or when the waves are a little too heavy for me to paddle out.
Finding Your Surf Photos
I usually post most images on Instagram — it’s a bit of a photo dump where surfers can help tag and identify one another and you might find the odd pick of me. My goal is simple: to get your photos off my hard drive and into your hands.
If you think I’ve captured a few shots of you:
- Follow me on Instagram @howardsenton.surfpics
- Send me a quick message, and I’ll share both the edited and raw versions with you — completely free.
I can provide them via a personal OneDrive link, WhatsApp, or even on a USB stick, whichever you prefer.
Booking a Surf Photography Session
I’m currently focused on building my surf photography profile and looking to collaborate with more advanced surfers who surf them bigger and less known waves , surf schools, surf clubs, and local surf events in Yorkshire, the North East, and Cornwall. I’m also eager to connect with other surf photographers, especially those with more experience, who might be open to mentoring, sharing tips, or collaborating on shoots.
My Kit
When it comes to surf photography, having the right gear makes all the difference — especially when capturing fast-moving action and the raw power of the ocean. I shoot within the Sony E-Mount ecosystem, using a selection of mirrorless crop-sensor cameras that deliver speed, sharpness, and beautiful colour even in challenging coastal light.
My main cameras are the Sony A6000, Sony A6400, and my latest upgrade, the Sony A6700. Each offers its own strengths, but together they give me the flexibility to adapt to changing light, weather, and surf conditions — whether I’m shooting from the beach, cliffs, or right in the lineup.
For lenses, I rely on a carefully chosen range to cover every angle and distance:
- Sony 200–600mm – My go-to for capturing distant line-ups and detailed surf action from the shore.
- Sony 55–210mm – Perfect for tracking surfers through mid-range shots and smooth transitions.
- Sony 16–50mm – Ideal for wide perspectives, surf landscapes, and atmosphere shots around the water.
When I’m shooting in or close to the water, I use the Sony A6000 paired with the Sony 16–50mm lens inside a SeaFrogs water housing. This setup allows me to get right up close — capturing in-water action, paddling shots, or that first moment a surfer pops up on a wave — while keeping everything protected and performing reliably in the elements.
Why I Shoot Sony
I’ve chosen to build my surf photography setup around the Sony mirrorless system because it strikes the perfect balance between speed, portability, and image quality. The fast autofocus, high burst rate, and reliable performance in varying light mean I can confidently track surfers and freeze those split-second moments that define a session.
Sony’s compact crop-sensor bodies are also lightweight — a huge advantage when hiking down cliffs, trekking across beaches, or shooting for hours in changing conditions. Combined with their excellent colour science
No responses yet