Bird’s Eye View

Get to know Australian photographer Ian Bird, the man behind those fabulous beach and surf photos in UNO’s July 2010 issue

Interview by Denise J. Mallabo

How did you start taking photos professionally? How long have you been doing it?
In 2006, one of my best mates was going overseas to live, and he asked me if I was interested in replacing him as a photographer’s assistant. At this point in time I had never studied photography or even held a professional camera, so I decided to take the offer to see what happens. After a couple of years assisting, I bought myself a camera and within no time I was second shooter on every job. Soon enough, I was completing shoots on my own, and in March 2009, decided to start up my own business.

What made you decide to start taking surf photos?
I was brought up on the beach, and I have always loved being in or around the ocean. After I bought my first camera, I waited for the next swell to arrive and took a few shots that ended up getting published, and I was stoked. From then on, I have not stopped shooting the surf, and it’s safe to say I never will.

How challenging is it to take surf photos?
Anyone can rock up to the beach with a half decent camera, point it towards a wave, and push the button. The challenging part is making your photos stand out among the thousands of people who do it. I’m always looking for new places to shoot that give people a perspective of a wave they have never seen before.

What’s your most memorable surf shot?
Jeez. That’s a tough one. If I had to pick one I would say my photo from Aurora. It’s probably not my best shot, but it’s definitely my most memorable. My best mate and I had this wave all to ourselves for about a week. I think I lost my voice from the amount of hooting going on.

What would be the best surf spot that you have been to? And why?
I would have to say Siargao is the best place for sure. There is an abundance of waves in so many beautiful places, and you meet so many amazing people from all around the world. Siargao is a photographers dream in my opinion.

I heard your surf/beach photos are going to be part of a coffee table book. Can you tell us a little more about it?
I do have plans to create a book on the ocean, but at the moment, I am focusing on building my photo library for it. I’m hoping for it to be published in the next couple of years. I will keep you posted!
What is it like shooting surf photos here in the Philippines?
The Philippines is without a doubt my favorite country to photograph the surf in the world. What I love about it most is the beauty that surrounds each surfing spot. On many of the islands, the landscape is untouched, and the water is like nowhere else in the world. Australia is a beautiful country, but the Philippines is really something else.

How long did you stay here and where have you been to?
I have been to the Philippines twice so far, but plan to return constantly for the rest of my life. So far, I have stayed there for seven months and have travelled most of the east coast. I plan to explore the west coast in the future.
Compared to the surf spots that you’ve seen around the world, how did the Philippines fair when it comes to surfing?
The quality of surf in the Philippines is world class. Out of all the people I know that have been to the Philippines, every single one of them has said they are the best waves they have surfed in their lives. There is such a variety of waves in beautiful locations, and the Filipinos are by far the friendliest people I have ever encountered.
What’s so good about surfing?
For me, surfing—or should I say the ocean—is a big part of my life. It always has been, and it always will be. When I’m in the ocean or even just around it, all my troubles disappear, and I find peace of mind. Only a surfer knows the feeling…

Check out more of Ian’s photos at www.ianbirdphotography.com