New documentary chronicles quest for 'ultimate shot'

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Surf photographer Russell Ord's pursuit of the 'ultimate shot' is the subject of a new documentary that aired on ABC this week.

A husband and father of 3, Ord shot professional surfers and ocean scapes for a number of years, only to wake up one day and look back on his images with total emptiness and dissatisfaction.

"I do not want to be remembered for just being in the channel at the right time and right place capturing the surfer’s wave of a lifetime. Because in the end, that’s easy," he said. "As a photographer I want to remember myself for taking that “one” photo – not because of the surfer’s name or reputation, but because of the position I put myself in to capture the moment in time."

He turned his back on a career as a firefighter to pursue the one shot he hoped would deliver the peace of mind he sought.

Fuelled by a burning desire to have 'his moment', Ord embarked on a journey that found him tackling a secret big wave location in Western Australia, known by many big wave surfers as one of the heaviest slabs in the world. Remote and renowned for sharks, the effort, commitment and training that lies behind that 'one shot' is both an inspiration and education to many.

Ord is the only photographer willing to risk his life to shoot inside the barrel at the location and is fully aware of the consequences of taking such chances.

'One Shot' is an inspiring journey about one man taking a chance, following his dreams and living a life without restrictions. You can watch the free 29-minute documentary here until 11 May 2017.

 

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