Artist In Residence
Chris Liedle is a self-taught photographer specializing in surf, underwater, and landscape photography. In the Pacific Northwest, that often means diving into freezing water, swimming through powerful waves, and trekking deep into the wilderness to get the shot. Motivating Chris is the drive to bring new perspectives to those who might not have the opportunity to experience these places themselves. Chris uses a full underwater camera housing, and he considers his wetsuit a second skin.
Q&A with Chris:
How do you capture split shots?
I use a dome port and a fisheye lens to capture split shots. The dome port pushes the waterline away from the camera’s sensor, and a close-focus fisheye lens expands the field of view while reducing distortion underwater. I hold my camera halfway in the water and take the photo. The degree of difficulty increases when I can’t reliably stand on the bottom, if there is current and when the water temperature is colder, requiring thicker neoprene gloves.
What are your favorite shooting locations?
For surf photography, I love sunrise sessions at Cape Kiwanda and afternoons at Short Sands Beach. In the mountains, I’m drawn to places with crystal-clear water and dramatic landscapes.
What equipment do you use?
I shoot with a Canon mirrorless camera housed in an Aquatech Imaging Solutions surf housing. When working in cold water, I rely on a thick neoprene wetsuit with gloves, a hood, and booties—plus fins to stay mobile in the water.
What’s the biggest challenge of underwater photography?
Underwater and surf photography can be physically demanding. In the ocean, I’m constantly swimming, navigating waves, and staying alert. On land, hiking with heavy gear into remote locations adds another layer of difficulty. I’ve long since accepted that being an ultralight backpacker isn’t in the cards for me!
What’s your favorite part of this work?
I love discovering and sharing underwater perspectives that most people haven’t seen before. For surf photography, I especially enjoy working with clients and shooting at surf contests, like the Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic in Pacific City. For underwater photography, discovering interesting geological features is very motivating. You can’t use satellite imagery to examine underwater features, you have to go and explore these places yourself with a camera or mask and snorkel. Knowing you captured an image never seen before is exciting.
Can you take photos of me in the water?
Of course! I work with surfers, kneeboarders, paddleboarders and bodyboarders of all ages and skill levels in fresh and saltwater environments. Booking a session with me supports my passion for underwater photography.
To view Chris's photos online, or to book a session, go to Chris in the Water here.