Surf Photography & A Cold Water Connection

Name: Cathrine Yde
Location: Klitmøller, Denmark
Occupation: Creative designer and photographer.
Insta: @cat_yde
Website: catyde.com

How do you become a cold water surf photographer?
For many years my dream was to become a leading female adventure photographer. The combination with my passion for different watersport made me get into cold water surf photography. 

Was it something you’d wanted to do as a child, or did your passion come later in life?
I always wanted to be a photographer. It’s actually the only thing I clearly remember as a child that I wanted to become a photographer. When I grew up, I was super scared to go into the deep dark ocean; at that time, I would have never thought that my passion would be cold water surf photography. The ocean has always had magical power and a deep impact on me; I could never imagine living away from the coast, even that I was scared to go in. Then one day, I decided to overcome one of my biggest fears and got into surfing and swimming around in the ocean – from then, it all started. 

How does your camera cope with the cold temperatures? 
I am surprised at how good it works with water housing. Unfortunately, I’m not able to use the pistol handle when it’s freezing cold. My fingers need more power when it’s cold.   

Do you prefer to shoot on land or in the water? 
I always wanted to jump into the ocean and capture the moment closest to the people out there. I started photographing from the beach, and knew from the beginning that I would make it out there. So I did. The water housing is my big passion. Even if it is cold, I prefer to shoot in the water. I want to be close to the action and be part of the crowd and share the stokness. It’s a totally different world when you are in the water. It satisfies me a lot more when I have to fight my way out into the waves. The surfers are struggling with the cold and getting out; I want the same feeling.  

Is there a big women’s surf community where you live? 
The community of female surfers in my town is so cool. The number of female surfers is growing, and it is such a great place to live and meet other creative female surfers. 

Has your photography allowed you to travel? 
My last trip was a spontaneous trip to Ireland. I was called about this epic forecast, and a few hours later, I was on the plane with the mission to shoot windsurf the next days. 

Were you affected by the pandemic at all, and if so, in what way? 
Like most people, my life was affected by the pandemic, no travels for the last year – but the pandemic didn’t stop us from going in the water and seeing friends in the lineup. I feel lucky because I can’t really complain about my life during the pandemic. I have learned that I don’t have to be on the other side of the globe; I have all I need just in front of me with the ocean as my playground. Surfing and photographing really saved my winter at home; it has given me so much joy; the whole situation has forced me to slow down and enjoy what’s in my backyard. 

Surf photography may seem a little intimidating to those starting, but what advice and words of wisdom do you have for anyone wanting to get into it? 
Shoot, shoot and shoot and trust yourself. Don’t be intimidated, and don’t worry about it being perfect. Create your own style and be true to yourself. You are often left to your own as a surf photographer; find a community, and share your passion.