The Right: the 2020 Nikon Surf Photo of the Year by Ren McGann | Photo: Ren McGann

Ren McGann and Andrew Kaineder have taken out the 2020 Nikon Surf Photo and Video of the Year Awards.

The trophies given by the Japanese multinational optics and imaging company represent the very best in Australian surf photography and videography.

Ren McGann was born in Balingup.

He started shooting surfers at The Right while working with a friend on a safety device for extreme sports.

McGann claimed the 2020 Surf Photo of the Year award with a remarkable picture of a surfer negotiating the exit of a hollow, thick, and turquoise barreling wave.

The Right is a thunderous reef break located off the coast of Western Australia and gives name to the award-winning photo.

The shot, its high contrasts, and the light seem to indicate that the artist clicked his camera either at dusk or during a passing storm.

"It's an absolute honor to have won surf photo of the year amongst such talented artists for whom I have the greatest respect," expressed Ren McGann.

A Breathtaking Video

"Flow State," by Andrew Kaineder, won the 2020 Surf Video of the Year.

The water cinematographer and freelance director from Sydney has been making a name for himself working for brands like Levi's, Vogue, eBay, Unilever, Billabong, O'Neill, and Corona.

Kaineder worked as an editor and filmmaker at World Surf League (WSL).

His winning video was shot at Shipstern Bluff, the infamous Tasmanian slab, and features Russel Bierke tackling waves of all shapes and sizes.

"I've been working with Russel since 2016 when our movie "Bezerke" was nominated for Nikon Surf Video of the Year," explained Andrew Kaineder.

"It is a great uplifting achievement to win this year, especially in an uncertain time in our lives. It's important to celebrate Australia's surf culture."

Ren McGann and Andrew Kaineder will get a Nikon Z 7 equipped with the 24-70mm f/4 S and FTZ adapter, and a Nikon Z 6 kit, respectively.

Stephanie Gilmore was one of the ten judges involved in the process of deciding this year's winners.

"As a photographer myself, I truly enjoyed being a judge, and was inspired by the caliber of entries and how they demonstrated the unique, creative approaches to capturing our beautiful ocean," concluded the seven-time world surfing champion.

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