A photo of New Brighton’s pier has given photographer Sean Pritchard the edge to be named the winner of the 2022 Carve Magazine Surf Photography Competition.
“I am incredibly stoked to take out the 2022 competition with so many incredible photographers taking part,” Sean told NZSJ. “The standard of photography within surfing is high, and this is a true honour to be recognised in this way. Being from Wales and having spent over seven years living in New Zealand, I am especially proud to have showcased the incredible scenery and surf of my adopted second home.”
Carve is Britain’s leading surf mag producing five print issues each year.
“Our favourite time of year is when we celebrate Britain and Ireland’s best photographers and their photos,” added magazine editor Steve England. “You don’t have to be a pro, you don’t have to have the best gear, you just have to have an eye for the moment.”
The photograph that initially caught the eye of the judges was taken by Sean while he was living in Christchurch. The shot titled “Shoot the Pier” of a surfer riding through the New Brighton Pier at sunrise, stood out from the crowd.
“New Brighton is an often-overlooked suburb of Christchurch, yet there is so much beauty there. Sunrise at the pier is always an incredible experience.”
“New Brighton is an often-overlooked suburb of Christchurch, yet there is so much beauty there. Sunrise at the pier is always an incredible experience.”
Other images in his competition portfolio included surf-inspired shots taken throughout the South Island of New Zealand, and also Wales.