Moody surf puts snapper in frame

TASMANIA’S moody oceans are the inspiration for a young Hobart surf photographer who has been named among the world’s best.

Nick Green, 23, is one of five finalists in the Californiabased Surfing Heritage and Culture Centre’s 2019 Follow the Light photography grant program.

There were nearly 100 entries from around the world for the award, with Mr Green the only Australian finalist.

He said he was taken aback to be named in the top five.

“It’s such an honour, some of the past winners are photographers I’ve looked up to since I first started shooting over six years ago, guys who are making a living out of shooting surfing … so to be put in the same category as them is insane,” he said.

“I definitely think living and shooting in Tasmania has given me a bit of a unique edge to the other submissions. The other four finalists are all from America and the majority of their portfolios are full of bright, sunny, ‘postcard’ photos — where a lot of my work is quite dark, maybe that helped me stand out.”

Mr Green said he had struggled with mental health problems growing up, and this is reflected in his work.

“Over the years I guess I’ve subliminally expressed those things through my work, utilising Tasmania’s dark, moody and isolated landscapes. The ocean has always been my main attraction with photography as it’s where I feel most relaxed and creative,” he said.

The awards will be presented in California on September 12.