How to Start a Surf and Ocean Photography Business: Kanari Zukoshi's Story
Starting a surf photography business means turning a love of the ocean into a paid photography career, with a clear niche, the right skills and the confidence to put yourself out there.
In episode 68 of The Female Soulpreneurs podcast, we chat with Kanari Zukoshi from Eyes Between Lines, a female surf and ocean photographer based in NSW, Australia, about how she did exactly that.
Kanari came to one of our in-person photography workshops, and we wanted to hear her journey: the struggles, the wins and everything in between. Hearing another woman's story can be the roadmap you need, and when we share what we've learned, we all grow together as a community.
You can listen to episode 68 of The Female Soulpreneurs on Spotify, Apple or Amazon or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Why finding your photography niche matters
A niche is the specific type of photography you're known for, such as surf, ocean, portraits or weddings. When you focus on one, clients know exactly who to book, and your portfolio, pricing and marketing all get clearer. In the episode, Kanari shares how her love of the ocean shaped her niche as a surf and ocean photographer.
Is a photography workshop worth the investment?
A photography workshop is hands-on training where you learn skills in person from working photographers, with real feedback and time to practise. Investing in one can feel scary, especially when you're building a business. Kanari talks openly about what it was really like to invest in a workshop, and whether it was worth it.
Here's what to ask yourself before you invest in any workshop:
- What specific skill do I want to learn or improve?
- Will I get hands-on practice and feedback, not just theory?
- Does the teacher work in the type of photography I want to do?
- How will I use what I learn in the next 3 months?
What changed in her photography business afterwards
The real value of any workshop is what you do afterwards. Kanari shares her biggest takeaways and what she changed in her photography and business after the workshop.
How to overcome self-doubt and comparison as a creative
Self-doubt and comparison are part of building a creative business, and almost every photographer feels them. Kanari shares how she deals with both, and what she wishes she'd known when she was just starting out. If you've ever felt behind, this part of the episode is for you.
Advice for women thinking about joining a photography workshop
Kanari also shares her advice for women who are thinking about joining one of our workshops. If you're on the fence, her honest take is a good place to start.
What's next for Kanari Zukoshi
Kanari continues to grow Eyes Between Lines as a surf and ocean photographer in NSW. Follow her on Instagram or visit her website.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start a surf photography business? Start by choosing your niche, building a portfolio of your best ocean and surf images, learning the technical skills for shooting in the water or from the shore, and then showing your work to the clients you want to attract.
Do I need a photography workshop to become a surf photographer? No, but a workshop can speed up your learning. You get hands-on practice, feedback and the chance to learn from working photographers in the field.
Where can I learn surf photography in person?
Myself and Leonie run women's photography workshops in New Zealand, Australia and France. Find all the details on the photography workshop page.
Want to learn photography in person?
Find all the details about our women's photography workshops in New Zealand, Australia and France here. To learn more about Nami Creative Education, visit namicreative.education.
