Ari Wölfl
Interview; Russell Ord
Since I was introduced to the ocean and a bodyboard, I was utterly obsessed with the sea; all my free time was spent submerged in water, no matter the conditions. The above is a quote directly from Ari Wölfl's impressive new website ( https://www.ariwolfl.com ), and I can undoubtedly say I have witnessed that on numerous occasions. I have been grabbing my morning coffee at the river at first light and seen a lone figure walking the beach, housing/swim fins in hand, ready to swim out to the box - not another soul in sight to shoot solo and practice his craft. If you can find Ari at the beach, you find him in his Veggie patch preparing boxes of fresh produce for various businesses in and around town, the open ocean and living off the land, excellent lifestyle choices.
Portrait - Russell Ord
Tell us a little about yourself, where are you based and how did you get into photography?
I'm Ari Wolfl, I currently reside in Margaret River, Western Australia. I have lived here in this beautiful part of the world for the majority of my life. Being raised in Margaret River, I was naturally drawn to the ocean. In my younger years, a close friend and I were always interested in video-making short films of our friends, their strange antics and surfing. All of those took park around the ocean. As years passed and our abilities progressed I had established a relationship with the surf community here which led me to some amazing waves and riders. I eventually found myself quite interested in capturing these moments myself as stills and it all grew from there.
What is the most challenging part about being a photographer for you?
The most challenging part of being a photographer.... Going by what I've heard from fellow surf photographers, and most photographers in general, I'd say it would be making a decent living. But for me, this is a passion and not necessarily a means of income just yet, so I'd have to say my biggest challenge would have to be the endless pursuit of photographs that I am truly happy with. When you think you have "the photograph" you continue to analyze it and think of ways you could improve on it. In my eyes, there is truth to the statement "You are your own worst critic".
How often do you travel - your favourite place that you have photographed?
Having a German father, I was introduced to travel at a young age, quite often visiting my Oma (Grandma) and Opa (Grandpa) in Munich, Germany. This gave me a desire and level of comfortability to go out on my own in my mid to late teens and into early adulthood. I was backpacking through Europe, Africa, Japan, South East Asia from a young age. Travelling was, and I'd like to say still is a huge part of my life. Narrowing down a favourite place to photograph is hard, but I'd have to say South East Asia. You are exposed to so much you wouldn't find in a western country, and it can be a complete culture shock!. The people make it; they're so friendly and almost always willing to help with anything, regardless of their circumstances, this is what I love capturing. Regarding surf destinations, I'd have to say the South Australian coastline. The land is vast and differs from here with the continuous exposure to all the harsh elements, not to mention the array of waves.
What would you say is your most significant achievement to date?
I'd have to say the release of my website. It took me years of procrastination, constant pursuits of trying to capture photos I deemed worthy of showcasing on my website. Sifting through archives of images that I once didn't like and grew to like and then visa versa with images I once loved. I can now happily say I achieved the result I was hoping for and can guarantee there is still more to come.
What have you been working on recently?
Recently I have been trying to obtain clarity and details in waves that your average eye may not be able to see, trying to expose you to the endless elements of a wave... The colours made by natural light, patterns, reflections, and the asymmetry of ocean waves. To achieve this, I have been using lenses with a larger focal length and trying to get as close as possible with a water housing.
What equipment do you shoot with currently?
My first camera was a Nikon, and I have come accustomed to this equipment over the years. I currently use a Nikon Z6 ii with several prime lenses like the 28mm, 50mm, 85mm, and a 70-200mm zoom lens; they are all from the new Z mount series. I'm also shooting with an Aquatech Housing and have been for many years. They look after you.
What is your all-time favorite image and why?
I have to say it is a photo I took from a swim at a very fickle wave along the South West coast of WA. I had paddled out to this wave before sunrise, somewhat unaware of the size of the swell or conditions. I could feel a lot of water moving around my body, and as my surroundings became more visible, I could see some abstract shapes of water being thrown around, and so my anticipation grew.
Moments later, I could see several lines on the horizon so I positioned myself and began to focus on the subject.. two separate unbroken bodies of water heading towards each other on what looked like a 90- degree angle. The two waves met and created this dark bluey purple pyramid-like water sculpture.
If you could only take one camera and lens on your next job, what will be your go to set up to get the job done?
I am more than happy with the camera body I have, the Nikon Z6 ii. But if I had the option of any camera, I'd love to get my hands on the new Nikon Z9. Regarding the lens, I'd have to say it would have to be my Nikon Z 85mm lens, I love the focal length, and the images are as sharp as a tack.
Your dream project?
I am constantly dreaming, whether it be in the day or at night. My dream project would be along these lines: I would love to spend an extended period in French Polynesia, most likely Tahiti, immersing myself in the island's culture, lifestyles and of course the surf, then bring it all of this together to create a printed book.
Your biggest inspirations?
I'd have to say nature. It provides me with an environment for letting go of intrusive thoughts and worries, allowing creativity to flow. We all have a relationship with nature, and I only hope we can live in symbiosis.
What programs do you use for editing?
Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.
Best photography advice/tip that you have been given?
To be honest, I don't have an answer for this at the time being, but I can share this quote from the photographer Ansel Adams that I like: - "There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs."