Surfing
Mitch Gilmore and the art of the underwater photo
Meet the Gold Coast's next big thing.
Making it as a photographer in surfing is difficult, at best. Making it as a photographer on the Gold Coast in surfing is near impossible.
With what feels like 10,000 cameras pointed on the rock at Snapper all day, every day, it’s not easy to get noticed. So if and when you do, it most likely means you’ve got something special. Real special.
Known for his crisp underwater imagery, Mitch Gilmore is one of those unique talents. Get to know the man behind the lens, and some of his favourite imagery…
A single peaceful moment
© Mitch Gilmore
Where are you from, and where do you currently reside?
Originally I'm from Geelong, Victoria, though I have lived the majority of my life on the Gold Coast, which is where I currently live.
DOB?
12th of November, 1986.
Exhale
© Mitch Gilmore
What would you consider to be your “big break” and how did it come about?
I think being featured on the @gopro global Instagram account was when I started getting noticed. It was such an amazing feeling knowing my photo was being viewed by a few million people.
Behind the lens, behind the wave
© Mitch Gilmore
Related
How did you originally get into photography, and specifically, surf photography?
I have lived near the beach my entire life, body boarding, surfing, etc. Then about three years ago I was surfing with my brother down at Byron Bay, and I couldn't get any waves – the crowds were really busy. Fed up, I kicked my board to the beach and decided to swim around with my GoPro Hero 3 and take some photos of my bro. Ever since that day I think I have used my board about twice…
The Life Aquatic
© Mitch Gilmore
What would you consider your “specialty” and how did you find it?
I love behind the wave and crystal clear water. Showing people what a breaking wave looks like underneath and behind really excites me – not many people know what a wave looks like from under the water, so I'm stoked I can show them.
Men at work
© Mitch Gilmore
Can you think of one point in time when you realised that this is what you want to do forever? Or, is this what you want to do forever?
I have a full time job, so this is my hobby at the moment. It does feel like my job sometimes though, with the amount of time and effort I put in to it – but I wouldn't change that for anything. I love shooting waves and I hope to never stop. I'm loving this journey.
Reflecting lines
© Mitch Gilmore
Do you see it becoming a career path?
I have done a few private shoots and sold a few images here and there, though I don't chase sales – I wait for people to come to me. If this was my full time profession I may have a different way of looking at it, but at this point in time the way I'm doing things works for me.
From calm to chaos
© Mitch Gilmore
Who do you look up to in surf photography? Where do you get your inspiration?
I found the first wave image that created my love for wave photography when I went into Sean Scott's gallery in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast. Sean is an amazingly talented photographer and has been doing it well before social media days.
Are there any particular surfers or waves that influence your style, and if so, why?
Any surfer that's out there with me influences me. And frankly, I also do this for the friendships – I have met so many great people in my time shooting photos. Surfers, fellow photographers, body boarders, etc., have all influenced my photography in some way.
Dust clouds
© Mitch Gilmore
What do you think the biggest factors were that got you to where you are today?
My work life balance and my gorgeous girlfriend. I work 40 hours a week – although most of my work days I am able to sneak in a quick sunrise shoot, as I usually don't start till nine am. My girlfriend has never once tried to stop me from shooting waves – she's the biggest support I have had through this journey, and I wouldn't be shooting waves if she wasn't in my life.
A fish's eye view
© Mitch Gilmore
What’s the toughest thing about photography?
Those days where the sun just doesn't want to come out! Overcast photos are nowhere near as good as the sunny shots.
And, what’s the best thing?
The people I have met and the friendships I have made. I have made some life-long friends, and they are the reason I keep on going.
Crisp lines, crisp vision
© Mitch Gilmore
What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to someone who’s looking to get into photography, or surf photography?
Just get out there! Early mornings, arvo sessions, rainy days… all of it. Start off with a simple and cheap camera and just start shooting.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt throughout your career?
Make sure you close your camera housing properly. I'm serious. Cameras aren't cheap! Haha, but in all honesty, patience is the biggest lesson I have learnt. You need to take your time and prepare before jumping in head-first.
Can’t wait to see more of your work over the coming years, Mitch, and see where this journey takes you! Make sure you give him a follow on Instagram to see more of his stunning imagery....