Grant Winter started shooting in the water because he wanted to stay close to the lineup. Bodysurfing led to a handplane and a GoPro, and before long he was catching waves with one hand and framing shots with the other. It was more curiosity than ambition. The gear got better, but the approach stayed the same: keep it simple, stay in position, pay attention.
He’s not trying to reinvent anything. His photos aren’t overly processed or desperate for drama. They have a quiet rhythm—clean lines, soft light, small moments. A surfer adjusting their stance mid-wave. Spray curling back into the pocket. The way a session feels in your shoulders before it shows in your face.
At Lost Shore, the scenery is mostly grey. It’s not a place that hands you a perfect photo. Grant knows the good stuff usually shows up between the obvious angles, and he’s learned to wait for it.
What is your photography background?
I’ve been interested in Surf Photography since the ’80s looking at surf mags, but in 2020, I started bodysurfing more than surfing and got a hand plane with a GoPro and started messing about getting shots of friends surfing.
Shooting from the water meant I could still be in the line up, ducking waves and being with the crew, but also capture some views to share that otherwise ‘we’ only get to see.
I invested in a ‘Proper’ Sony camera and SeaFrogs water housing. I started with an APS-C 6100, then a 6500, then jumped to full frame A7mk3 & A9, along with various Lenses, but mainly shoot with Sony now.
What is your photography background?
I’ve been interested in Surf Photography since the ’80s looking at surf mags, but in 2020, I started bodysurfing more than surfing and got a hand plane with a GoPro and started messing about getting shots of friends surfing.
Shooting from the water meant I could still be in the line up, ducking waves and being with the crew, but also capture some views to share that otherwise ‘we’ only get to see.
I invested in a ‘Proper’ Sony camera and SeaFrogs water housing. I started with an APS-C 6100, then a 6500, then jumped to full frame A7mk3 & A9, along with various Lenses, but mainly shoot with Sony now.
How did you start shooting photos at Lost Shore?
A local Surfer/Shaper Andy Fielding puts on the George Greenough Surf film UK tour events, and he was heading up to Lost Shore for a film premiere night, with surf legend Eric Davies, who was also showing his film, and I got invited along to the event to shoot.
The days we were there, we met up with surfers from the USA, Portugal, Spain, as well as many of the local Scottish crew.
What is the vibe like at Lost Shore – super serious or playful?
The vibe is very, very good! It’s relaxed out of the water with great views, food, and company. Once in the water, it can be more serious, but there are plenty of waves to go around – and each session has some wave variety which keeps everyone on their toes.
What is the best thing about shooting a wave pool?
The ‘certainty’ of the waves is a big plus. I’ve done lots of trips where the conditions don’t come together or do, but for the briefest of times, so it’s a stress. With the pool, you know at 4 pm it will be 3-4ft and fun and at 6pm bigger and hollow!
Going to bed at the end of the day, knowing in the morning it will turn on again – is an odd feeling – especially when you get to sit by the pool in the evening and it’s dead flat!
What is the worst thing about shooting a wave pool?
I guess the consistency means that you can get stuck in the same spot, so you need to work hard to get unique views – and I guarantee on the way home you will think up a better composition for a shot!
What’s your favorite thing about Lost Shore?
The Pool is tucked into the corner of a quarry, so even if there are local winds, the shelter from the quarry walls means the wave maintains its great shape.
The lodges overlooking the pool are ace – you can watch the waves breaking, and they are very well equipped. It was so nice to get out of the water and walk only a few yards to change and refuel, and recharge for the next session. I can’t wait to go back again, I’ve got a ton of ideas for new shots!
Check out Grant Winter’s photography website at this link. You can follow Grant’s work at Lost Shore and beyond on his Instagram page.
