Kite surfing New Caledonia with Ben Wilson.
Here is the promotionnal support of the movie « the unknown road ». This is the best movie of wave riding we have ever seen ! You will recognize the perfect colors of our waves, from the helicopter.
Interview by Greg Almerrick
William Morris, aka Bill, lives and has always lived in Bondi, Sydney, and that’s precisely where he started surfing when he was 4 years old. He grew up to become a confirmed goofy footer, and naturally started competing. Bill got some solid results in the Bali, Newcastle and Sydney pro ams in the 80’s, which earned him sponsorship by G&S, Rip Curl, Mango and Islander Classic (yes, times have changed).
Bill has been living a double life for 21 years, working as professional photographer and in the Bondi fire brigade, and apparently this suits him well.
Adam Melling, shot by Bill, shot by Greg, @ Secrets.
G.A: What are the highlights of your surf photography career?
W.M.: Working for Companies like Oakley, O’neill Europe & Ocean & Earth.
Winning an award for Best Water Shot in the 2000 Australian Photography Awards.
Shooting the 2002 Billabong Pro at 10-12 ft Teahupoo in Tahiti.
G.A.: What are your favourite surf shots?
W.M.: Watershots of barrels in beachbreaks (safer than shooting barrels on reef).
G.A.: What’s your biggest scare? W.M.: Shooting pipe from the water for sure!
G.A.: What’s the biggest downer for a surf photographer?
W.M: Having bad waves & weather on assignment, drowning camera equipment, airports & flying.
G.A.: Which of your pictures do you think are engraved in surfers’ mind?
W.M. In 1998 I took a photo of Michael “Munga” Barry from behind him in the tube, looking out. I still get quite a few people ask me about that photo.
G.A.: Is there any of your shots you think other photographers are jealous about?
W.M.: I don’t know about jealous. I love seeing great water shots from others. It inspires you to push yourself further.
G.A. : Who is your favourite surfer today?
W.M.: Trent Munro comes to my mind, because he is powerful, digs the rails and carves the waves.
G.A.: What is the likely evolution for surf photography?
W.M.: Not much really, in the last 5 years all the angles have been covered in water photography. Some improvements could be made on flash technology in the water, but that’s about it.
G.A.: What are your future projects? W.M.: Right now I’m planning a photo shoot in Tasmania with O’neill Europe.
G.A.: Any retirement plans?
W.M.: I’m considering retiring from the fire brigade, and when my kids have finished school I’ll probably move to the mid-north coast of NSW.
