Great Golf Photography - Kevin Murray

I've worked in the Golf industry for nearly 20 years. Firstly as creative director on the Callaway Golf European account. At that time there was a lack of great golf course images. I was asked to work on a joint project with Callaway and the St Andrews links trust. I took a shot of a nearby golf course to show the style of photography I wanted to use. The designs were presented to St Andrews who asked Callaway who the photographer was. The marketing department asked could I shoot all of their courses in the same style. I said I think I could and so that was my first commission. 8 years later I've shot nearly 400 courses worldwide.

Royal Troon, Scotland

ManualCanon EOS -1DXCanon EF 100-400mm f/4.5 5-5.6 L IS II USM1/160 Sec  F 5.6 ISO 250

Most of my clients request course images which are totally clean balanced shots, which are devoid of unnecessary visual distractions. So mostly I'm waiting for the golfers to move out of the frame. However there are times when putting players into a shot will enhance the visual by adding some extra drama, colour and perspective. This shot taken at Royal Troon back in 2015 was an opportunity not to be missed. I'd been tracking these guys late in the evening sun on their way back to the club house. When I saw the ball fly into the trap I new that this could be one of those special moments. Having moved into the right spot I checked my settings and framing. For maximum drama I waited until just after contact with the ball to insure that I would get more sand reflecting the evening sun.

Oceanico Pinhal, Portugal

ManualCanon EOS 5D Mark IIICanon EF  24-70mm f/2.8L II USM1/160 Sec  F 8 ISO 200

From day one, I’ve considered Golf Course photography as an art form. I’ve strived to provide my clients and ultimately their customers with a totally exciting and different visual experience. One which says wow! I’ve got to play that course. And so like all Art Forms it doesn’t just happen, research and preparation are vital in making sure you are getting the very best from your efforts. This shot of Pinhal golf course in Portugal is a prime example of the correct preparation. Having visited the course the night before, I picked this spot because I new when the morning light rose over the Umbrella Pines, something special could happen. This end result is one of my favourite shots from this years projects so far!

Lofoten Links, Norway

ManualCanon EOS 5D Mark IIICanon EF  24-70mm f/2.8L II USM1.3 Sec  F 20 ISO 100

Lofoten Links is the most Northerly Links Golf course on the planet. Situated in the Arctic Circle it has taken me 36 hours to actually get there! But it was worth every second of the journey, especially when you have such iconic holes like this the par 3 2nd. I’ve been lucky enough to have visited there 3 times and each visit has offered up completely different light to enjoy and experiment with.    On this occasion I didn’t have my tripod with me, but I wanted that milky soft feeling in the water to ensure I would get the best reflections of the setting sun in the foreground. I compromised by finding a rock with a flat surface fairly low down. I carefully pressed the button and held it for just over a second. Sometimes you have to improvise to get the best results.