Leonie Anholts (@surfgirlnz) is a surfer and film photographer based in Aotearoa New Zealand. Originally from the Netherlands, Anholts was working as a floor designer when she visited a friend in New Zealand. She immediately fell in love with the location, left her job, and moved across the world. After her move, she got involved in the surf community and began photographing it. She has channeled her passion for photography and surfing by photographing this community. “There is a real surf girl community now and it's the best feeling to see girls dancing the waves of New Zealand, sharing the passion and love for the ocean. I hope that my photos of them remind women how perfect they are right now. How worthy they are right now,” she says. We caught up with Anholts to learn more about the tight kit of a Sony Alpha workhorse body, a fast prime and versatile zoom you’ll find in her kit for capturing the surf community.
A New Zealand-based surfer and film photographer gives us a look at the tight kit she uses to capture the stories of the island’s female surf community.
Camera
Sony Alpha 7 III: When I first started surf photography I purchased the Sony Alpha 6000, just to see if I loved it enough to buy this one. The quality of the Sony Alpha 7 III blew my mind. Although the Alpha 6000 was a great option at the time, I LOVE my Alpha 7 III. I use it for shooting from land as well as in the water.
Photo by Leonie Anholts. Sony Alpha 7 III. Sony 50mm f/1.8. 1/2500-sec., f/4.5, ISO 100
Lenses
Sony 50mm f/1.8: This is my go-to portrait lens. I love how you can stop down and focus in tightly on your subject. I use it to tell stories of the women through portraiture.
Photo by Leonie Anholts. Sony Alpha 7 III. Sony 50mm f/1.8. 1/640-sec., f/4.5, ISO 100
Sony 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3: I use this APS-C lens to shoot from the shore. Even though this is not the best option since the Sony Alpha 7 III is a full frame body, I decided to go with the less expensive option just to see if the 55-210mm is right for me and for the surf breaks I’m shooting from. I am still not 100% sure if I might need the 300mm or 400mm to be able to shoot all the surf spots in Raglan. But for Manu Bay the 55-210mm works fine as I can get quite close to the water whereas I might need a bit more zoom to shoot at some other locations.
Accessories
DaFiN Fins: The best fins in the world in my opinion. They are very comfortable and super durable. These fins will last you many years.
Ocean & Earth Deluxe Fin Savers: these are great to secure your fins and they also increase the comfort of your fins and prevent pesky blisters.
Gath Helmet: I finally managed to get my hands on a surf helmet after some close calls in the line up. I think every surf photographer needs a helmet to protect your board from flying boards and fins. The only thing that’s needed now is to design a surfgirlnz sticker to put on my helmet so people can find me online for their surf photo!
SeaFrogs Water Housing + Pistol Grip: The Seafrogs water housing is very user-friendly. I especially love the pistol grip which makes it easy to shoot one handed. It’s also helpful that you don’t have to look through the viewfinder which makes shooting a lot safer since you don’t have to bring the water housing so close to your face. On top of that, the pistol grip also helps a little for stability when I’m shooting.
Zinc Or Swim Sunscreen: To protect my skin from the sun I use the Zinc or Swim sunscreen which is made in Aotearoa with all-natural ingredients.
Check out more of Anholts’ work on her website surfgirlnz.com or on Instagram @surfgirlnz.
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