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Working with my new Aquatech Elite II housing in my office…
Inside the new edobermeyer.com 2021 Surf Photography calendar! $20.00 on sale now. Send email for delivery or shipment please!
January through April
May through August…
September through December…
Cover!
Wow! All I can say is wow! Whether shooting birds, butterflies, and florals or on the beach capturing action sequences of surfing this lens is just beyond all expectations, especially with the extender on the Canon 5D Mark IV.
Here it is fully mounted and ready to go. FYI, the Manfroto tripod makes it even better!
The settings on the barrel took some getting used to but I found that leaving the top switch on FULL, Set to AF, Stabilizer on, and Stabilizer mode to 2 was ideal for fast moving subjects like birds and surfers.
The EF Extender 1.4XIII made for some great captures and the clarity was surprising zoomed way out to over 600mm!
Noah Schweizer, the winner of the mens pro captured at the ECSC.
I was able to capture so many hummingbird pics with this lens and the bokeh was phenomenal.
Blayr ripping backside carve at the ECSC
One of the many groms shredding.
If you’re looking for an amazing lens to capture action sports or birds in flight, this is a very good option. When it’s a bit darker you may want to bump up 1-2 stops since getting light into the barrel is an issue. I use Auto ISO so that I can maintain Aperature Priority. Usually 1/2500 or higher. Definitely very pleased with this beauty.
Just arrived! Can’t wait for Monday’s swell to get here even though it will be small, the equipment will be large and in charge. I love my CMT but making contact with them lately has been complicated so I decided to get a backup so I won’t ever be without a housing.
The back plate has virtually every control on the camera, something my other housing did not have but could have. Access to the “Q” button is everything since it gives me complete access to the entire menu.
Not for the faint of wallet and certainly significantly heavier than my other housing but wow! It’s a formidable beast of fine art.
Multiple ports for all of my lenses including the 24-70 f/2.8L II, the trumpet port, a port for the 100mm and the 50mm prime lenses as well.
I especially love the zoom gear and how it functions so easily as well as the metal rails that attach to the camera mount inside the housing so there is zero slippage of the camera. Tight fit ensures accurate access to all the buttons.
Such a wonderful review from my friend and fellow artist in Australia!
Read more
Pretty cool pic taken this winter by George Hernandez.
Canon 7D Mark II in a CMT Housing with trumpet port and a 24-70mm f/2.8L II lens
I’ve been getting a lot of queries lately from others who want to do what I do. I would highly advise you do some research on YOUR OWN FIRST! I spent an incredible number of hours failing at what I do before I began to have even minimal success. What you need to do first is research on line every article you can on surf photography. After doing your homework and failing in the water, then it is time to ask the pros for assistance and tell them what you did and what went wrong. If you approach them before doing any work yourself that’s just totally wrong and disrespectful.
Camera settings are complicated and easy at the same time. It all depends on what you want to achieve. Some of the pros are totally manual and others utilize the cameras modes. I prefer shutter priority mode and use a shutter speed of 1/2000 to 1/3000. I normally shoot around f/8-f/11 most days and my ISO is usually 400, sometimes 300 depending on the light. AI SERVO is a must! One shot is for stills kids. You will have to experiment with the various focus settings on your camera but I tend to utilize the ones that focus on moving subjects in the frame.
Lenses: My go to lens is a 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM. Not for the faint of wallet but truly, if you want the great shots, you gotta get a good lens. Prime lenses work the best for sure. My 50mm f/1.4 and my 100mm f/2 are superb for what they are. The zoom lens lets me get close to the subject or a bit farther out but you still have to be close and it has a much better depth of field than my primes.
Ports: Flat or dome? I prefer the flat ports unless you have a fisheye lens or very wide angle lens, that’s where the domes come into play.
Water drops: Clarify works ok as does human spit every few minutes on the lens. I spit on it and rub it around and wait five minutes before hitting the water.
My current set up.
Safety Gear: Buy the best and it ain’t cheap! Gath Helmet! Totally needed. It’s not a matter of if you will get hit, rather, when. I’ve been surfing over 50 years and had lots of accidents. They happen. It’s hard enough to see other surfers on boards, it’s nearly impossible for them to see you in the water. You will need to know where they are going before they do and duck dive under them at the right time. Keep yer head on a swivel! You will also need to get an impact vest. Billabong makes some great ones as does Patagonia.
Fins: You totally need the right fins. If you have fat arthritic feet like me, you need some that will accommodate wet suit boots. The only ones that work for me are the FORCE FINS that have an open toe. I also have some DaFinn and some Tech II’s made of silicon for the summer.
Pre Check: Always lube up your O rings prior to entering the water, and check all of your equipment thoroughly. You can’t rush through this. One error could cost you thousands of dollars. Take your time. Make sure your settings are good, the seals are tight, the locking mechanisms secure and you are good to go. Nothing worse than getting into the water and looking through the view finder only to find that your lens cap is still on or you forgot to tighten one of the nuts on the back of the housing as water seeps in.
Before going into the water, always study the lineup. I spend about 30 minutes just watching and talking to surfers coming out about the current that day, the lineup, etc. I love to utilize the rip currents to take me out. I have tried using a boogie board to shoot from and it’s just a total pain. Just another thing to get in your way and get tangled up in. You will be using both hands to maintain the camera and the last thing you want is another object to deal with especially with surfers coming at you full speed. Swim! that’s the only way. Good luck out there and happy shooting!
Photo by Matt Haddaway.
Working on “Blinding Light, Camp Pendleton from this winters frigid shoot February 2, 2020
I have been spending time experimenting with my painting and instead of utilizing a tonal background on my black canvases I am now returning to linear colored backgrounds for enhanced texture and realism as well as a return to my original style using patterns, liners, scrollers, and other types of pin stripe brushes.
My photo reference from Feb. 2, 2020, 1/2000 sec@f/20 ; 41mm; ISO 400; EF 24-70 f/2.8L II USM
The initial start where I started with the lights first.
Building up the lighter areas…
The completed 12” x 16” “Blinding Light, Pendleton, February 2, 2020”©05/18/2020
Yea, it finally happened big time. The Jetty was packed April 24, 2020 and I was in the thick of it. Head on a swivel 24/7 watching it all go off when suddenly at the end of my session this big set came up, several guys on the same peak, shoulder to shoulder and there I was as usual, in the impact zone. Nowhere to go so I duck dived but it was too shallow and then bam! The guy hit me on the had and split my “not for the faint of wallet” Gath helmet in half. I’ve only had this one a few months since the USPS in CA held it for over a month in customs from Australia for whatever reason, but after waiting two months to get it I was finally in possession of the beast. This gear totally saved my life.
If you are even remotely interested in doing surf photography for a hobby or a living, please spend the money or go into debt to get the proper safety equipment. Get a really good helmet from GATH Australia. The Gedi or the SFC works terrific as does the Surf Hat. Fortunately I had two so I just ordered another back up. Also purchase a really good “IMPACT VEST” so you can protect your kidneys, ribs, and other precious body parts for WHEN you get HIT! It’s not a matter of if and I don’t care how good you are at surfing, swimming, lifeguarding, etc. It’s dangerous out there and I am constantly on the lookout for the eventual impact. As they taught me in the military, observe the five P’s, Prior Planning, Prevents, Poor Performance. In this case it clearly paid off.
Ouch!
split in half!
Had that been my head,I would have either died or been permanently disabled. Pretty good investment for a life.
Knocking on heaven’s door…
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Gearing up…
CMT Housing, Canon 7D Mark II, EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II, trumpet port, GoPro8 on top of housing.
Setting the functions…
Brr…
Pretty much sums up my life…
Paddle out using the rip current on the rocks, drift down about a 1/4 mile, take off fins, walk back, repeat a lot of times…
Just call me bob…
Award of Excellence for my painting, Glass Ceiling, 36 x 48, based on the photo I took at the Jetty this winter from the water.
Show poster
Glass Ceiling ©2020, 36” x 48” acrylic on canvas, $2,500.00
Golden Thunder At Pendleton © 02/02/2020
1/2000 sec@f/14, ISO 400, 28mm, EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II
16” x 20” metal print in stock, $150.00
Matted prints available in 8 x 10 ($20.00), 11 x 14 ($30.00), and 16 x 20 ($55.00)
send email request for payment/shipping to edobermeyer@cox.net
...and for those of you who think I am all that...not always, but it is fun trying. Eventually some day I may have the right stuff for this one but not this time and I am totally fine with my annual New Waves Rejection notice. It's all totally good in that my entry fee always goes to a museum of high quality that promotes art education and that's a very good thing to be a part of whether you get into this show or not.
Yes, thank you, I will apply next year and every year to support art education in VB! To my fellow artists that got in, a huge congratulations! To those that did not, congratulations to you as well for your efforts. It's not always about us so please don't take not getting in as a personal matter or some kind of slight about your work. It rarely is, unless of course MOCA New Waves has a show where the theme is water related, then I am totally all over that! Thank you so much Heather and keep up the great work and shows.
Attached are my photographs and paintings I entered, which by the way are ALL FOR SALE! Send me a PM for details if interested.
Dear Ed Obermeyer,
Thank you for applying to New Waves 2020. This year we had a record-setting 459 artists submit over 1800 works to the jurying process. Our juror, Susan Thompson, had broad selection of talented art and artists from which to choose. In the end, she chose 30 engaging artworks for this exhibition.
While your talent and creativity were evident, I regret to inform you that your submission was not selected for this year's New Waves.
The work chosen for the exhibition changes significantly from year to year. I hope you will apply again next year. We look forward to seeing you at MOCA. I wish you great success in your artistic endeavors and I look forward to seeing your work again. Again, thank you for applying to New Waves 2020.
Best Regards,
Heather Hakimzadeh
Curator
Drifty Peak, taken during the Boardwalk Art Show in the water 2019
Hurricane Dorian Shorebreak, inspired by the photo I took in the water that day.
My photo that inspired the painting. I thought by entering photos and paintings that were inspired by them, all my own original work at both ends of the creative spectrum might make the cut.
Exploding Right, Pendleonton during Hurricane Humberto
Exploding Right, the painting.
This post response from my dear friend Rob Beedie really warms the heart. Thank you so much my friend.
Rob Beedie Ed Obermeyer by taking the high road sets you apart from most.
Actually it makes you a winner in my mind and the eyes and hearts.
Just being blessed to have the God-given gifts that you share with others is so inspiring.
Also, for what it is worth as a surfer for 58 years see you with a Spirit towards surfing and our community that equal my late dear friend the late Master Surf Photographer Mickey McCarthy.
That alone will be all you will ever need to know because that puts you in the very top of your class win or lose.
It is obvious that money, recognition isn't what drives you but it is your love for surfing, creative art, education, and your community.
Many can draw waves and have never developed a physical, emotional, and spiritual relationship with them.
Many haven't experienced Mother Ocean's many moods and power.
It is obvious that you have and that it carries over into your art, photography and life.
Closing my post I wonder how many of the judges have ever surfed therefore if not than how can they even judge the depth and understanding of what a wave really is because all waves are beautiful in there own way.
Miki Dora taught all of us the beauty of riding waves and your art leaves everyone that views your art with a deeper appreciation not only of the subject or display but of you the artist himself.
Being a small part of your global tribe I found your answer and post to be first class.
A Real Winner !
Totally love this time of year with the amazing pastel colored sunsets and blue water. Evening shots are just incredible whether I am swimming and shooting or surfing. It’s all just amazing visually. So fortunate to be able to do this at my age and have so much stoke!
I also updated my exhibition calendar to reflect where I will be for the shows. Be sure to check that out on my link at my website.
Hope to see you all in the water at some point.
Fun little barrel Dec. 26, 2019 at the VB jetty.
Dec. 25, 2019 Jetty
More true blue from the jetty…
Back door view at the jetty Dec. 26, 2019
Christmas day, Golden Hour
Golden hour too!
Insert Pink Floyd song here…
What cold? Always warm on the inside.
Digging the new Force Fins!
Yep, this is happening and you can buy them at WRV or Freedom Surf Shops as well as directly from me for $35.00 each. I am delivering locally for free and shipping to those that are not local. Just send me an email of the one you want with your address, email and phone no. and I will send you a payPal request. Free shipping. Reach me at edobermeyer@cox.net
Pendleton
1st Street Jetty
More info can be found here: https://souldeeplocalwear.com/product-category/hats/
We here at SoulDeep Localwear are dedicated to the outdoors. Our team is made up of a wide range of adventurers: from surfers to climbers, paddlers to skiers, and even a martial artist and photographer. If there’s a chance to get outside and find a cool hike, surf a new wave, or cast on a river we haven't been to, we're all over it! Though we come from different backgrounds and find our thrills in varied sports, there is one thing that ties us all together: our love of local.
SoulDeep was born from the idea that everyone has their favorite local spots they’re crazy about, their “go to” places. We all know about the big national parks and popular beaches, and don’t get me wrong, we love those too! Heck, some of us even live there. But the places we choose to highlight are those special must-see, must-experience hidden gems that only the locals know about.
The feeling you get taking off on a wave at the break where you first fell in love with surfing; the unknown adventure awaiting you on another’s local waters that you have yet to paddle; the thrill of dropping into that stache of fresh powder that you know is going to be awesome the morning after a big storm.
By partnering with local artists, local shops, and local pros, we strive to capture the aura of those experiences and places that touch your soul, and immortalize them, taking you back to those moments every time you wear our products! We are all about people cherishing, expanding, and supporting their local, wherever that may be.
We here at SoulDeep see the handiwork of a Creator in all the amazing places we get to experience and we want to encourage others to get out and enjoy them too! So go! Get outside, get your feet wet, get your hands dirty, appreciate this beautiful planet we've been entrusted with, and #Findyourlocal!
See You Out There!
Andrew and Duncan
Shot this one during the Humberto swell and nearly lost my camera a couple of times during that hurricane swell. Had the death grip on it in the impact zone but the power was relentless. Got some of my best shots ever in photography and will have tons of material to draw from for future paintings!
Local boy down the line
Empty lines at Pendleton during Hurricane Humberto
Looking forward to the Neptune show this weekend at booth 2929C, then the following weekend of October 5 & 6 at An Occassion For the Arts In Williamsburg, Booth G23; October 12 & 13 the Port Warwick Show in Newport News, then October 19 & 20, Stockley Gardens in Norfolk by the tree in the B section,
Down The Line, 30 x 40, acrylic on canvas
Here we are into May and the shows have finally begun. This year I have added a new level of interest by entering both Photography and Painting categories at some of my outdoor art shows. So far the response has been amazingly positive and I look forward to sharing with all of you my passion for the ocean and the magical experiences I have had out there all winter while swimming in ice cold water with my 35mm in the CMT water housing without any floatation for hours on end! The physical and mental challenges have been overwhelming but I feel confident they will continue for a long time, regardless of my age. Thank you all for your support!
My photography booth shot for 2019. I spent an entire day on my front lawn setting up the ideal setting for both painting and photography booth shots.
Painting booth shot for 2019
A Little Island Magic in May!
Amazing barrel coming in at the Little Island Pier in Sandbridge with only two surfers out.
LIP
The gift that kept on giving…
A Young Grom in his element.
Rudee Inlet, Sunset early February
Jetty Jewel
Classy Lip
Evening Glass No. 1
Evening Glass 2
Emerald Crystals In Winter
Jetty
Mountain
Ken Hunt
Ken Hunt
Water mountain
Water mountain 2
Laura Christian and Leo followed me around for months last year to create this beautiful video about my work and passion for plants. So many know me for my surf art but my love of plants goes way back.
Ed Obermeyer: The Patterns of Painted Plants
Some people can look at a flower and see simply a plant, a living organism that has no practical use. But for those with a more heightened sensitivity to nature, the flower is a muse. Virginia Beach artist Ed Obermeyer takes hours to perfect his hyperrealistic paintings of ocean waves and garden flora. Through the intricate placement of dots and lines, he brings nature to life.
“I try to look for the unusual. I try to make people look at plants in a way that they don’t normally see them, so I paint them with patterns.” Viewing Ed’s works from afar makes it seem like they’re gorgeous photographs from his travels, but upon closer inspection the painstaking work of brushstrokes is evident. His whole motivation is to be different than any other artist painting landscapes or plants. He hopes his works showcase his own feelings about the natural world. “I find great peace in nature.”
Ed finds immense enjoyment being outside and even occasionally does plein air painting, meaning he’s outside working in nature, with the sights and smells all around him. It seems the artist could never tire of his natural muse. “I love plants, I don’t know how to put that in words…it’s not why. It just is.”
To learn more about Ed Obermeyer and to order some of his work, visit his website
here. http://www.edobermeyer.com/
Getting ready for show season and the upcoming swells!
Most folks have very little idea about the research and development artists put into their work so I thought I would share this will everyone.
