Star Surf Camps: Hey Javi, and thank you so much for taking the time to tell our surf holiday guests about yourself. So, first and foremost, tell our Star Surf Camps community who is Javi García?

Javi García: Hello everyone! Yes, as you’ve just heard, my name is Javi Garcia. I was born in Castellón de la Plana in Spain, just north of Valencia, and am 26 years old. At University, I studied chemistry and for a short period of time even worked in the industry. But my love for the ocean and everything related to it is what really makes me happy. I started with photography about 3 years ago. And it was about 2 years ago when I bought my first water housing with which I have been able to combine my two greatest passions: photography and the ocean.

Star Surf Camps: You are turning your passion for photography into a profession. Hats up, that’s a big step! Unlike many of our surf holiday guests, you grew up close to the sea. What does the ocean mean to you? And how does it fuel your passion for photography?

Javi García: The water is my happy place. Since I was a child, I have loved the ocean and everything related to it. When I’m spending time in the water, I feel happy and that is reflected in my work as a photographer. There’s just nothing better than being able to do something you love. When I’m shooting in the water, I’m in a completely different world compared to being in a studio.

Star Surf Camps: We totally get it. For many of us here at Star Surf Camps the ocean is a playground. But being immersed in the ocean can also be dangerous. Have you got any tips for our surf camp guests who are interested in surf photography? What does it take to shoot amidst the surf and waves?

Javi García: To start, you only need some basic equipment that allows you to take pictures in the water. It does not have to be the best, you can even start with your mobile phone and a simple cover. That’s what I did. One of my all time favourite pictures I have taken was shot with just a mobile phone and a cheap plastic cover. My advice to your surf holiday guests that want to get into water photography is to just do it and get started.

Besides that being in good physical shape is very important. You have to be both comfortable and confident in the water. When the surf and waves are big, you need to have some capacity to withstand the force of the ocean. Other than that, just have fun! That’s the most important thing.

Star Surf Camps: It’s great to hear how easy it is to get started. Our surf holiday makers will love that! But once you progress as a water photographer, a mobile phone won’t do the job, right? Tell the Star Surf Camps community, Javi, what equipment do you use?

Javi García: Photographers get asked about their equipment all the time. This is the equipment that I use:

• Canon 60D
• Handmade water housing by Joseba Larri
• Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM
• Canon 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM
• Canon 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III
• Canon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
• A good wetsuit and pair of fins

And although good equipment makes my job easier, I personally think that the most important thing is “un buen ojo para la fotografía”, a good eye for photography.

Star Surf Camps: This sounds like learning to surf and being able to read waves can really help you in finding the right subject for your wave photography. How would you define your photography style then, Javi? 

Javi García: I would define my style as aesthetic ocean photography. I love to shoot waves and textures from the ocean using the lights of sunrises and sunsets. 

Star Surf Camps: Sounds the part, that’s for sure! And that wave photo is just beautiful. So serene. You sure are very talented. How about the future then? Where do you see Javi García in 5 years from now? Following your passion, I hope?

Javi García: In the future, I would love to be able to use my photography to help raise awareness and help give visibility to issues that occur around our world’s oceans. That would be the dream.

Star Surf Camps: Sounds awesome. Best of luck with your journey. It’s been great talking to you. One final question, where can our surf holiday guests see and follow your work?

Javi García: Should any of your surf camp guests want to follow my work, get prints or contact me professionally, you can do so here:

Instagram | Facebook | Website | Email

Star Surf Camps: Fab, we can’t wait to see more of your fantastic work, they are works of art truly. Thank you so much for your time and for giving us and our Star Surf Camps guests a little glimpse into your life and who you are. We are wishing you all the best for your future in photography. May it always make you as happy as it does now.

We hope you all enjoyed getting to know Javi. For all you aspiring surf/ wave/ ocean photographers in our Star Surf Camps community, we have plenty more articles for you to browse!

In 10 years of delivering surf holidays in our international surf camps, we have had the pleasure of working with so many talented people.

And with the COVID-19 pandemic currently affecting most of all European day-to-day life, and all of us surfing the internet rather than waves, be sure to visit our Online Surf School. There’s lots of interesting content on there, all surf-related, of course!

Stay safe & keep going,

Your Star Surf Camps Crew

Online Surf School