Cole (@cbwavez) is an ocean and surf photographer based on the island of Maui. “I have always loved the ocean and have spent the last few years documenting its beauty in my own unique way,” he says. “I’m very lucky to live in such a beautiful location and to have access to famous surf breaks year round. My work focuses on capturing the power and atmosphere of the ocean while featuring surfers often silhouetted by golden light. I need a fast, reliable camera with lenses that provide enough reach to achieve my style of photography. That is why I have always used Sony gear. The combination of Sony Alpha cameras and G Master lenses gives me the speed, resolution and reliability needed to capture these high-action, surf and ocean moments.” Keep reading as Cole shares what you’ll find in his bag.
Shop This Kit:
–Alpha 7R VI
–Alpha 7 IV
–70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II
–2x Teleconverter
Cameras
Alpha 7R VI: The Sony Alpha 7R VI was recently released. Although I have only had a few weeks to shoot with this camera, it has already exceeded my expectations! The resolution and speed really stood out after my first session. The 67MP full-frame stacked sensor has made a significant difference in what I am able to do. The ability to shoot at 30 FPS on a sensor like this has transformed the way that I photograph. The combination gives me so much variety in re-framing shots and in capturing the micro-movements of the water and surfers. There are so many individual water droplets in my photos now. The extra details add a lot of visual value to my photography style. The autofocus upgrades and overall reliability have also changed the way that I shoot. This camera consistently finds the surfer I’m focusing on and continues to track them throughout their entire set, even when moving in and out of view behind the waves and ocean spray. I am used to shooting in challenging conditions that are always changing. This camera adapts so well and has simplified my shooting process. The confidence I have in the autofocus system allows me to focus more on composition and creativity.
“The image above was taken with the Alpha 7R VI, capturing a surfer carving a wave during golden hour. The detail in the ocean spray surrounding the surfer really highlights the camera’s high resolution and speed.” Photo by Cole (@cbwavez). Alpha 7R VI. 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II + 2x TC. 1/5000-sec., f/5.6, ISO 100
Photo by Cole (@cbwavez). Alpha 7R VI. 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II + 2x TC. 1/5000-sec., f/5.6, ISO 100
Alpha 7 IV: I shot on this camera for 6 years and it played a major role in shaping me as a photographer. As soon as I took it out to the beach and attached a telephoto lens, everything clicked. I found my style using this camera and it has truly been a reliable tool in building my portfolio. The Alpha 7 IV has traveled with me everywhere and always proved to be consistent. It has truly held up through thousands of hours, shooting in salty air, wind-blown sand and ocean spray. It continues to deliver excellent image quality and reliable autofocus. I did not upgrade to the Alpha 7R VI out of necessity. The Alpha 7 IV will now stay in my kit as my secondary camera, but some of my favorite photos were taken on this one.
"The photo above was taken with the Sony Alpha 7 IV as the sun was setting. This is one of my favorite images in my portfolio. It captures a surfer breaking through a crashing wave just at the right moment." Photo by Cole (@cbwavez). Alpha 7 IV. 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II + 2x TC. 1/4000-sec., f/5.6, ISO 100
Photo by Cole (@cbwavez). Alpha 7 IV. 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II + 2x TC. 1/2000-sec., f/5.6, ISO 100
Lens
70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II + Sony FE 2x Teleconverter: The Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II lens is my go-to. The reach, sharpness and versatility have transformed my photography. I am able to use this from various spots around the island and capture detailed surfing moments that appear so close that many people think I am out in the water taking these shots. It also feels compact enough to travel with and light enough to shoot handheld for many hours. The constant f/2.8 aperture gives me a lot of room to play with lighting and background blur. The additional light also allows me to pair this lens with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter. These two are rarely apart at this point and have been my regular set up for years. Combining them, I am able to shoot up to 400mm at a f/5.6 aperture without compromising on sharpness and detail in my images. This lens setup will remain on my Alpha 7R VI for the foreseeable future and continues to be the foundation of my ocean and surf photography.
“The photo above was captured at 400mm using the 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II lens paired with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter. Even at this focal length, this set up delivers sharpness and reliably tracks fast-moving subjects.” Photo by Cole (@cbwavez). Alpha 7 IV. 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II + 2x TC. 1/2500-sec., f/5.6, ISO 100
Photo by Cole (@cbwavez). Alpha 7 IV. 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II + 2x TC. 1/5000-sec., f/5.6, ISO 100
Accessories
Peak Design Straps: These straps are comfortable and easy to adjust when in the field.
Photo by Cole (@cbwavez). Alpha 7 IV. 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II + 2x TC. 1/3200-sec., f/5.6, ISO 100
Photo by Cole (@cbwavez). Alpha 7R VI. 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II + 2x TC. 1/3200-sec., f/5.6, ISO 100
See more of Cole’s work on Instagram @cbwavez.
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