Sometimes a surfing photo speaks to a universal audience. Often because it captures a sense of the wonder we experience as a tribe devoted to the ocean. This enchanting underwater image by Beatriz Ryder, of Ziggy Mackenzie, won first place in the Aquatic category of the World Sports Photography Awards. It was also the Grand Prix Silver Winner (2026) and awarded Overall runner-up among more than 23,000 submissions from photographers across 120+ countries.
Be has been shooting the world’s best surfers for the WSL full-time since 2022, and you would have seen her images featured in numerous WSL posts. Her work also features regularly in Tracks. Below Be tells the story behind the award-winning photo and explains how she strives to challenge herself in new ways as a photographer.
Tell us about the award-winning photo.
This was my first-ever Rip Curl search trip, a girls’ adventure in one of the most remote corners of the world. We were having a truly mind-blowing experience, sometimes even being the first white people some of the locals had ever seen. The waves didn’t always line up, and a few rainy days left the water a little murky, but the energy was always high. We played guitar, sang, laughed, and shared moments with the locals, soaking in the simplicity and beauty of island life.
This was one of the last surfs of the trip, and somehow, despite all the odds, the universe delivered this magical shot. Every time I look at it, I’m transported back – the excitement of checking the photo on the camera, the nervous laughs about saltwater crocs, all of it. I don’t know why, but I just love this photo so much!
How did you become a full-time photographer with the WSL?
I started in 2022, so this year will be my 5th season. My first event was Bells Beach and on the end of the first day, they loved my work and asked what I was doing the rest of the year… The year I started, I was lucky enough to be the main photographer as most photographers couldn’t travel with the covid restrictions.
There must be some big days when the contest runs?
Sometimes we need to finish events as quick as possible because of the forecast so that means really long days.. Some days can be from 6am until 7 or 8pm for several days in a row.
How do you try to expand your photographic horizons when you get a chance to get away from the contest scene?
I try to explore projects that reconnect me to the aspects of photography I love most. That might mean chasing more natural, spontaneous moments, experimenting with light and composition outside the structured environment of competitions, or just capturing the everyday energy of surf culture in a more relaxed way. I also love going camping, disconnecting from my phone for a few days, and letting the simplicity of being in nature inspire how I see and frame a shot. Those moments help me reset creatively and often spark ideas I can bring back to my work.
