Although he is a late-comer to the world of photography, Cornwall-based British photographer Ross Taylor has a natural talent for capturing moments. So much so that he took home the Lifestyle by COOPH award at the 2023 Winner Award Ceremony for his shot of the season opening in Morocco. Read about Taylor’s journey and what he looks for in his photography.
Has photography always been a part of your life?
Since getting into action sports as a teenager and devouring my first snowboarding magazine, I’ve been drawn to looking at other people’s images. However, I didn’t start taking photos myself until 4 years ago when I broke my shoulder snowboarding. I found taking photos allowed me to still feel part of the community, even when I couldn’t physically participate. Since then it has allowed me to meet lots of really cool people and experience some incredible places around the world. I guess in some weird way it’s kind of a therapy for me and that still holds true, even now as I recover from another round of surgery on my shoulder.
What do you want to express with your photography?
I hope my photographs convey to the viewer my passion for action sports. I love to show people doing cool things in the context of the beautiful environments in which they perform them in. I aim to capture special moments, hopefully making fond memories for the people in my photos and inspiring others to get out there and make their own moments.
© Ross Taylor / Red Bull Illume
Why did you choose to submit your image into the Lifestyle category?
I actually submitted a few shots across the various categories, however this was the one lucky enough to make the cut. I was so happy when this image got chosen as I was always a dream of mine to be involved in Red Bull Illume and I think that particular image is a good fit for the lifestyle category.
What made you select this quiet moment before the action rather than a shot showing the surfing action?
There was a lot of hype about this swell, it was being talked about as being one of the first really good ones of the season. I wanted to get there early and capture the feeling of anticipation that any surfer will know, so I made my way to the point in the dark. Just as the sun was rising and a crowd beginning to gathering, the car pulled up - exhaust spluttering. I knew it was too good a composition to miss. For me it’s the combination of the iconic car stacked with boards, pumping waves and stoked surfers watching on, which make this a memorable image.
Do you have other images from that shoot that could have worked in different categories?
I took a number of photos that day I was really pleased with, however I don’t know if they were epic enough for submission. The standard of images in Red Bull Illume is incredible, so it’s got to be something really special to even stand a slim chance of making the cut.
Does the lifestyle of a sport influence the way you shoot it?
I personally feel that my best photos are taken of sports which either I do, have done or am a fan of and therefore taken the time to understand. I think if you are part of the lifestyle of a sport it really allows you a deeper access to the people who do it, a more authentic eye on it and also, it’s just generally more fun to photograph as you’re passionate about it.
In your opinion, does shooting lifestyle that surrounds the world of action sports open up a different perspective?
Definitely, I think sometimes stepping back from the action and focusing on all the other bits allows you to see the nuances of what makes each sport so unique. It allows you to capture beautiful moments and build up a story around it.
What is a challenge in shooting lifestyle that you do not have to think about while shooting the action?
When shooting lifestyle, I find sometimes it can be tricky to try and capture people and scenes in a real and candid way. People often act differently when the camera comes out, which means most of the time I am trying to capture images without people realising. I find it a little easier with the action, as athletes are generally so focused on what they are doing they tend not to bother about a camera being in their face.
What is more rewarding in shooting lifestyle compared to shooting the action?
One thing I think which is particularly rewarding with lifestyle is that the images you create can be more relatable to a greater spectrum of people. Action maybe has more of the wow factor, however lifestyle has depth and gives context. If I relate it to surfing; every surfer wishes they could get barreled at Pipeline, few ever will though. However, every surfer can relate to the lifestyle experiences surrounding the sport such as putting on a soaking cold wetsuit, or sharing a post surf beer with friends. I think action and lifestyle go beautifully hand in hand and one couldn’t exist without the other.
What aspect(s) of the surfing culture do you think your image highlights?
I hope my image captures a little of the anticipation which I feel is intrinsically linked to surfing. As it’s a sport reliant on an ever-changing mother nature, we are forever studying forecasts and hopeful of surf the next weather system may bring. When the stars align, as they did in my picture, the sense of satisfaction is pretty special.
Are you planning on doing more shoots like this in the future?
I would love to get back out to Morocco on another surf/photography trip, it’s an incredible place and a dream with the camera. However, I am most drawn to the challenges of cold-water surf destinations, so at the top of my list currently would be Canada.
Are you planning on doing more shoots like this in the future?
I would love to get back out to Morocco on another surf/photography trip, it’s an incredible place and a dream with the camera. However, I am most drawn to the challenges of cold-water surf destinations, so at the top of my list currently would be Canada.
More up-and-coming photographers
It’s impressive what Ross Taylor has been able to achieve in a relatively short time behind the lens. We look forward to seeing more stunning cold-water surfing images from the British photographer. Check out his Instagram for his unique spin on the surf culture of South-west England. For other up-and-coming photographers check out our interviews with Julian Morgan or RAW category winner Léo Grosgurin, both under the age of 25. If you want to see more of the quieter moments around the action check out the other semi-finalists for this editions’ Lifestyle category.
