Life through the lens: With Tyge Landa
Capturing moments in time and telling a story through a lens allows people to share in the moment, to visualize the scene, to imagine what it was like to actually be there. It’s an art form that takes years to master, an even longer to evoke a reaction from those that are viewing your work. Filming is a skill that many possess but only a few have what it takes to make a living out of it.
Shooting for TV and film is one thing, but capturing moments is dynamic locations, like the middle of the ocean, is quite another. Imagine sitting in the channel at a remote slab wave wrangling your equipment and dodging jet skis. Your scouting the line up to get the shot, all while keeping one eye on the horizon so that you don’t cop that one clean up set on the head. Imagine hauling all your gear half way across the world at a moments notice to chase a swell. Imagine getting the shot that captures the moment like no other.
It actually doesn’t sound half bad, and that’s exactly what Tyge Landa has built a life around. Ignited by a passion for bodyboarding and filming early surf sessions with mates, Tyge worked hard to develop his skills and eye for detail. It’s allowed him shoot some of the biggest names in the surf industry, to work for some of the biggest brands in the surf industry and develop a name for himself in a space that few ever will.
Join us as we chat to Tyge about his career as a Filmer in and out of the water. How his early life shaped him, how his family allowed him to slow down and the amazing projects that he has been a part of. We talk about a new project that could change the way we view content and discuss what it takes to make it as a Filmer.
Check it out below:
Q. Take us through your early years of surfing and bodyboarding and how you got into surf/ocean photography and cinematography.
A. My early years started when I was about 6 when we moved from the bush to the coast of far south NSW. At first it was just swimming an exploring the rocks and ocean. I got a bodyboard from my stepdad when I was about 8 and felt that rush, but soccer was still my favorite sport. By the of age 10 and with the Thurston brothers as my best friends, bodyboarding took over for me. From high school onwards I would surf every morning and afternoon and when Bryce Thurston got a Sony vx2000 video camera, we would take turns filming each other. That planted a seed for me, but it wasn't until I was in my early 20's and my father passed away (he was filmmaker) that film making really took hold. With his passing I decided I would pick up the mantle and start filming. I started by focussing on getting my knowledge down and eye in before I went commercial with it. Real estate videos allowed me to make some money whilst I built my name in the surf and bodyboard industry. Everything took off quite quickly with video tech tacking a leap forward. Bryce Thurston and Chris Bryan were mentors to me and surfers like Dion Agius and Craig Anderson gave me a lot of work.
Q. Your working on projects that span across multiple genres but your passion is being in and around the ocean. Why is it important to diversify?
A. It's hard to make a complete living and build financial stability purely off surf industry and because I'm also passionate about commercial tv and short/ feature films I have also dabbled in those industries. I think to grow and develop your eye and style you need to be diverse in what you do. Being easy to teach, curious and unique in your approach goes a long way. Also being able to deal in a commercial business aspect to deliver to clients no matter how large and small and take note of their commercial decisions and vision.
Tyge waiting for the shot
Q. You've worked on some pretty big projects in and out of the water. Take us through the projects that are memorable for you and why?
A. I'd say Redbull “Chasing the shot” project was one of the biggest undertakings. It was a 6 figure budget with a lot of travel and moving parts. Redbull are brilliant to work with though, nothing is impossible and they put a lot of trust and confidence in you.
How Far Would You Go To Get The Ultimate Shot? | Chasing The Shot
Outside of surf, working with well known film director, Justin Kurzel. I worked with him on the feature film NITRAM, which was a feather in the cap. It’s a hard hitting true story film that depicts the mind of Martin Bryant.
Q. You've also worked with some pretty big names in the surfing/bodyboarding world. Who stands out for you as one of the most exciting individuals or crew to work with?
A. I'm very much looking to work with guys who push the limits and have a real eye for cinematography and light. Jake Stone and Nick Gornall loved the filming side of things and pushed me a lot as a filmer, and I pushed them as riders. Glen Thurston’s work ethic also pushed me.
With surfers I'd say Dion Agius and Craig Anderson. They love footage as much as the filmers and are always looking for more. Noa Deane is also similar in that regard and won't stop surfing till every battery is drained and every card is full. Dane Reynolds and Kelly Slater also stand out as top riders I've worked with, everything they do looks good through the eyepiece.
Tyge with Kelly Slater after a shoot
Q. You have to travel a lot, where in the world is your favorite place to visit and why?
A. I'd say Tahiti and South Africa. Tahiti almost feels like a real life mirage. Everything is so clean, crisp and beautiful. South Africa is raw and the low light is stunning. From the people to the wildlife and waves, it's just Alive. Hawaii is notable as well, the variety and sheer talent in the area always allows for great action and monumental moments.
Q. You're a husband and a father now. How do you juggle the travel and spontaneous nature of your work with family?
A. In the early days I struggled with the juggle, I was all in on my career, but my family drove me to provide and build a good life. In the last 5 years I've got a lot better at balancing it. Having expectations with clients set out and prioritising the importance of a healthy marriage and home life started to motivate me also. The fomo factor is something that you need to shake as well, you can't be on every shoot and every swell.
Tyge shooting for a film/TV project
Q. You have a new and pretty exciting & innovative project in the works, tell us about it and how you're changing the game for board riders and content creators:
A. P2P (Pay to Play) is a side hustle that'll grow into something bigger. I noticed a gap in the market with most offerings having subscription models attached to them or a lot of average free content. Also surfers and musicians rarely make much out of content so I wanted to spread the profits with all the creatives and the riders also. It also has a few other arms to the business. Pay2stay, Pay2frame and Pay2see.
www.paytoplayp2p.com has more info.
The core of it is simple digital downloads directly to your phone and camera roll.
Q. Do you have any advice for young up and coming photographers/cinematographers that are starting out in the industry?
Always focus on your basics first and investing in good equipment. Network with others but find your niche and keep coming back to why you started out and be curious about your passion. This will drive your style and look. There are a lot of great creatives out there but firstly find what makes you tick, what shots are in your mind you have to get, what makes you different. Use your unique personality to bring a look and feel for people to stop and take notice. Be easy to deal with and quick to respond.
Tyge behind the lens
Story By: Kylie Palmer (Co owner of The Slab Lab and Editor of Slab Magazine)
Images and words by: Tyge Landa (Cinematographer and founder of P2P)
