We asked you which surf cover 2023 you liked best. Right from the start, the cover from surf 11-12/2023, in which Marc Paré comes back to the beach after a sunset session at the World Cup on Sylt, was the favourite. Only recognisable as a silhouette, in the golden light of the sunset and perfectly photographed by John Carter.
"That evening, Victor Fernandez and Marc Pare were out on the water until the sun set behind the horizon. A lot of great photos were taken, and when Marc came out of the water, I signalled him to change his path and step in front of the camera so he was between me and the golden background," John says of the shot. "I was surprised to see this image on the front page as magazines usually opt for action rather than a lifestyle image. It was a bold move by surf magazine, but I think it worked well," added the PWA photographer. Your choice proves him right!
The fascination of a sunset
Sunsets still have a magical effect on many people. That's why we haveabove in the gallery the most beautiful sunset shots of the last few years - to marvel at and dream about! Many of the pictures were also taken on Sylt, the western orientation of the beach and the early darkness during the World Cup in autumn are predestined for spectacular pictures. What still fascinates John Carter about these motifs? "Sunsets are always a special experience on the beach. The light is warm and the colours glow. It's a great time to take photos, especially if you're photographing windsurfing. On Sylt, I usually work late into the night in the office and always keep an eye out for one of these golden sunsets."
The weather also plays a decisive role: as beautiful as a sunset with a clear sky is, it only becomes truly spectacular and dramatic when there are clouds and weather fronts: "In Germany, you just never know what the weather is going to do. It can rain all day and then suddenly clear up, so you have to be ready for those golden moments," enthuses John Carter.
