Welcome to The Wet Lens — a dedicated community space for surf and ocean photographers who are passionate about capturing the spirit of the sea and sharing it with like-minded creatives. In a world where major platforms are crowded with ads and commercial distractions, The Wet Lens offers a unique refuge. Here, you’ll find a focused, ad-free environment where the sole mission is to connect, inspire, and celebrate the art of surf and ocean photography without interruptions. This is the place to deepen your craft, share stories, and find ‘your people’ in a way that simply doesn’t exist on other social media networks.
Unlike the big platforms, The Wet Lens is privately owned and operated, prioritizing member experience over monetization. Our membership is what drives The Wet Lens to be all it can be. We would much prefer ten awesome members who contribute and engage vibrantly and professionally with the community as opposed to 1,000 silent and unmotivated mebers. Our commitment to staying ad-free is a core principle as we build and shape this community. While there may be growth in the future, we’re dedicated to keeping the essence of this space pure and genuine, driven by a love for the ocean and photography rather than commercial interests. We’re thrilled to have you here and can’t wait to see how each of you contributes to making The Wet Lens a truly unique and inspiring place for surf and ocean photographers around the world.
The Wet Lens is crafted for all genres of Ocean photography, including those who venture into the wet stuff as exponents of 'in-water' surf photography, in doing so to capture the raw power and aesthetic magic of surf sports, and wave riders, along with the ocean’s beauty without the aid of underwater breathing apparatus. While there are countless platforms dedicated to traditional underwater photography, the art of unassisted breathing ocean photography remains a niche with little recognition online, despite its growing popularity among ocean lovers and adventurous creatives. Beyond that we are also as supporting and respectful to all other forms of artistry, and the artistic minds that create it, here on the Wet Lens.
But it's not just surf photography. We celebrate all there is about all foms of imaging where the Ocean serves as the foundation, the catalyst, for said imagery. From long exposure coastlines through those who take a close look at the textures of shorelines as waves, of all sizes, impact and deplete against sands, rocks, cliffs and other natural obstacles. Wildlife photographers who swim and freedive with all manner of marine wildlife from the bizarre to the majestic are also represented, and welcomed, to share and divulge their adventures and secrets for those looking embark on that adventurous genre of imaging.
Here, you’ll find a supportive and inspiring network of individuals who share this unique, immersive approach, pushing boundaries, and redefining what it means to document life in, on, around, and beneath the ocean surface. Those who see a unique perspective of the liquid medium and are able to convey that through the artistry of compelling imagery. We’re here to give surf and ocean photographers the space and community they deserve, where 'painting with light' and authenticity take center stage. We ask that you keep things cordial and respectful.
If you decide to become a member you will see the full feature set of this platform once your membership is accepted. Unlike other social platforms we keep our community safe from prying eyes. We're looking forward to seeing you become a valued and cherished member of this fledgling community.
Cheers,
Essgee Todd,
Network Creator
