Rambo Estrada | New Zealand Surf & Lifestyle Photographer

RAMBO ESTRADA

Documenting adventures.

UNBOUND: VOL 1

2023 – A YEAR IN REVIEW

2022 – A YEAR IN REVIEW

2021 – A YEAR IN REVIEW

2020 – A YEAR IN REVIEW

2019 – A YEAR IN REVIEW

2018 – A YEAR IN REVIEW

2017 – A YEAR IN REVIEW

2016 – A YEAR IN REVIEW

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Come join me for a few cheeky brewskis and the cha

Come join me for a few cheeky brewskis and the chance to rub your eyeballs on my debut book, Unbound: Vol 1.

There will be large format prints from the book on display and available for purchase. If you’re keen, I’ll happily scrawl my signature on your copy, left-handed smudges included, free of charge! I’ll also be showcasing some of the gear I used throughout the project, and since I love nerding out about equipment, feel free to come armed with any questions.

It’s set to be a series of laid-back evenings, swapping stories and celebrating our local surf culture. I’d love to see you there!

6pm - 9pm Tuesday 22nd October 2024
Verdure Surfcraft - 7 Rua Street, Lyall Bay, Wellington
@verduresurf

6pm - 9pm Thursday 24th October 2024
Crystal Cylinder - 109 Devon Street West, New Plymouth
@crystal.cylinder

5pm - 8pm Monday 28th October 2024
Sunshine Brewery - 49 Awapuni Road, Gisborne
@sunshinebrewery

5pm - 9pm Wednesday 30th October 2024
Wildflour - 5c Hull Road, Mt Maunganui
@wildflour_

6pm - 9pm Monday 4th November 2024
Sam Mathers Gallery - 536 Wainui Rd, Raglan
@sammathers

6pm - 9pm Wednesday 6th November 2024
Salt District Brewing
101B Winifred Avenue, Whangamatā
@saltdistrict_brewing

6pm - 9pm Wednesday 13th November 2024
White Studios - 30 Burleigh Street, Grafton, Auckland
@whitestudiosnz

I had a chat with @benmondy for a feature on @stab

I had a chat with @benmondy for a feature on @stab titled “The art of the (Kiwi) road trip

My first rule is that I always treat a half tank of gas as being empty. When you’re heading to some remote places, especially in New Zealand, you can often be more than half a tank away from the next gas station. It’s a simple rule, but it can take a lot of stress out of your road trips.

Click the link in my bio to view the full article on stabmag.com

All images from my new book Unbound: Vol 1 available on ramboestrada.co.nz

24 hours left to pre-order my new book Unbound: Vo

24 hours left to pre-order my new book Unbound: Vol 1. As a thank you to early supporters, every pre-order will receive a free print pack!

I’m so stoked on the amazing support from the community for my debut book. Pre-sales will start shipping next week!

You can pre-order on ramboestrada.co.nz (link in bio)

Cheers! Rambo

Four personal favourite images from the pages of m

Four personal favourite images from the pages of my new book. Currently if you pre-order Unbound: Vol 1 you’ll receive this set of A4 prints free! Pre-orders close on Wednesday (9th Oct), so if you want in on this deal head to ramboestrada.co.nz (link in bio).

The shipment of books have arrived in New Zealand! Currently the blokes at customs are having a read, but once they’re done it won’t be long until we can start shipping pre-orders. ✌🏼

Thank you Australia! Just got home from a couple o

Thank you Australia! Just got home from a couple of months being a full van pest, claiming the best park at Snapper all day every day. I surfed a lot more than I shot, but here’s a few favourite moments I captured.

@sonyalphanz @sonynz @aquatech_imagingsolutions @needessentials @dafinaustralia

Throughout the process of shooting for Unbound: Vo

Throughout the process of shooting for Unbound: Vol 1, capturing @leon_santorik getting shacked on a west coast sandbar while his good mate @billystairmand cheered him on from the shoulder was definitely one of the highlights.

Leon loves a good photo of himself and was so stoked I got the shot but horrified when I refused to give him a copy. I wanted to have some epic unseen content for my book and this was without a doubt my favourite image I’d shot specifically for the project. I knew Leon couldn’t be trusted to keep a shot like this to himself. By the end of the day, it would have circulated through every group chat he’s part of, and many he’s not.

Somehow I managed to keep the fact Leon was on the cover a secret and he didn’t find out until he was tagged on instagram.

Unbound: Vol 1 is currently available for pre-order on ramboestrada.co.nz (link in bio).

In my opinion, Bob Davie was New Zealand’s most

In my opinion, Bob Davie was New Zealand’s most iconic surfboard shaper and a massive contributor to our local surf culture.
My buddy Digga (@danieldaviephoto) is Bob’s son and has a huge collection of surfboards. I can’t remember whose idea it was, but both Digga and I agreed that a drone shot of all his boards would make an epic photo. It was damn exciting, hauling vintage board after board from sheds, shaping bays, rafters and secret rooms. Digga’s severe arachnophobia was also quite entertaining (for me). After a couple of hours the novelty started wearing off. We were both dusty, exhausted, parched and only had unearthed about half of the boards. A quick break for a couple of tangelos from Bob’s orchard and some backup from my publisher CPL (@photoCPL) and his buddy Luke Darby who had made the mistake of swinging by, and we were back into it. The whole process ended up taking 7 hours. By the end we were definitely blaming each other for coming up with the idea, but we were both stoked on how it came out.

Digga has a 6 page feature in my new book Unbound: Vol 1 which you can currently pre-order on ramboestrada.co.nz (link in bio) ✌🏼

This is my fourth dedicated adventure-mobile. The

This is my fourth dedicated adventure-mobile. The previous three had all been vans and had progressively got bigger and bigger. The desire to do longer trips and live more comfortably on the road was responsible for the continued upsizing. But I’ve always wanted a 4WD vehicle, the ticket to see so much more of the country, and also the ability to tow a Jetski, which opens up 20 times more than can be explored by land. But alas, I am only a peasant freelance photographer and a reliable 4WD van capable of constant laps of Aotearoa was far beyond my budget. An upgrade in traction came with a serious downsizing. But I have enjoyed stripping things back to the bare minimum of what’s required to survive on the road. This is the contents of my truck. Written roughly from left to right, top to bottom.

2008 Land Rover Discovery
Front Runner Roof Platform
Front Runner Rear Ladder
Bush Storage Crates
Verdure 5’10” twin fin
Need Essentials 6/5/5mm wetsuit
Need Essentials gloves and booties
Dive Mask
Hand Ski
Hydroflask
Polar Stuff Nap-Sack
Sol & Sea Sunscreen
Joby Seapal
Aquatech Edge Housing
Kmart Butane Stove
Brass Monkey 9L fridge
DaFin Swim Fins
Skellerup Red
Macbook Pro, Mouse & Hard Drive
Teva Sandals
Tomahawk
Bluetooth Speaker
Need Essentials Boardshorts
Goal Zero Yeti 500 Power Station
Goal Zero Nomad 100 Solar Panel
Goal Zero Crush Light
Torpedo 7 pot set
Sirui T-025SK tripod
Sirui W-2004 tripod
Obscure camera backpack
Jet Pilot Vest
Camera Case
GFab Touring Trailer
Feldon Shelter Hawks Nest Low Pro
Verdure Longboard
Action Sports Direct GTX 230 SeaDoo Jetski

This shot is featured on the back cover of my new book Unbound: Vol 1 which you can currently pre-order on ramboestrada.co.nz (or link in bio). The book also features a full run down of all my equipment and a bit more info on why I chose each specific item.

@bushstorage @verduresurf @needessentials @hydroflask @polerstuff @aquatech.mobile @aquatech_imagingsolutions @dafinaustralia @teva @goalzero @siruiimaging @gfabtrailers @actionsportsdirectnz @sonyalpha

I announced my first book Unbound: Vol 1 a few day

I announced my first book Unbound: Vol 1 a few days ago, and the response has been beyond what I could have imagined. The support and positivity has been incredibly heartwarming. I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who’s commented, messaged, shared, or pre-ordered the book. Your enthusiasm and encouragement mean the world to me.

Here are a few FAQs that have been coming through:

Q: How do I preorder the book?
A: Just head to ramboestrada.co.nz or click the link in my bio.

Q: Can you ship to ……….?
A: Yes! International shipping is available worldwide. The book is a bit of a beast (304 pages weighing 2kg!), so while shipping isn’t cheap, I’m personally covering half the actual cost to keep it reasonable.

Q: Do I have to do anything to claim my free print pack?
A: No, every pre-order of Unbound: Vol 1 will automatically receive a free set of A4 prints.

Q: Can I choose specific photos for the bonus print pack?
A: No sorry, the prints are sold as the pack shown only, no substitutions.

Q: I have a shop in New Zealand, can I sell your book?
A: Absolutely! Just get in touch with me at hello@rambo-estrada.com.

Q: I have a shop in Australia, can I sell your book?
A: Possibly! Shipping can be tricky with a box of heavy books, but shoot me an email and we’ll see what we can work out.

Q: I have a shop somewhere else in the world, can I sell your book?
A: Unfortunately not, sorry. International shipping beyond Australasia is just too expensive for wholesaling.

Q: Can I order a print of a photo from your book?
A: Yes! 48 of my favourite images from Unbound: Vol 1 are available as prints at ramboestrada.co.nz.

Once again, thank you all so much for the love and support. ✌🏼

I made a book! For the past 18 months, I’ve bee

I made a book!

For the past 18 months, I’ve been quietly working on Unbound: Vol 1, tucking away fresh photos and gathering stories from some interesting characters of our local surf culture. This book is a road trip through Aotearoa, showcasing our raw, untouched coastlines and the quirky charm of the small rural towns we pass along the way. You all know how much I love Aotearoa, and I’m stoked to now share the beauty of this country with the world.

I shot, wrote, and designed this entire book myself (with some invaluable guidance from the legend @photocpl). It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey, creating something with a real purpose in mind, and I’m proud of how it’s all come together. You can swipe to view a few spreads from the book.

Unbound: Vol 1 is now available for pre-order at ramboestrada.co.nz (link in bio). As a thank you to early supporters, all pre-orders will receive a free A4 print pack valued at $120NZD. Shipping available 🌏 worldwide 🌏

Lucked into a nice run of waves on the East Coast

Lucked into a nice run of waves on the East Coast of Australia. The light and water colour here is always a treat to shoot, but the sweep on the other hand……

I have a few photos up on Surfline from this weeks swell. There’s a link in my story if you’d like to check it out ✌🏼

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Camera: Sony A7IV
Lens: Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM MkII
EXIF: ISO 100 | f/4.0 | 1/2000th
Housing: Aquatech Edge
Lightroom Preset: Estrada Surf Sunset
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@SonyNZ @SonyAlphaANZ @SonyAlpha.ANZ #SonyAlpha #SonyAlphaANZ #SonyA7IV #A7R4 @aquatech_imagingsolutions @needessentials

Monochrome moments from the road. 🖤🤍

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Lightroom Preset: Estrada Master Pack
-—————————————⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

@SonyNZ @SonyAlphaANZ @SonyAlpha.ANZ #SonyAlpha #SonyAlphaANZ #SonyA7RV #A7RV @needessentials @aquatech_imagingsolutions

I went away on an overnight trip and came home a w

I went away on an overnight trip and came home a week later. Few lo-fi moments from the road. Thanks to @actionsportsdirectnz @gfabtrailers @feldonshelter @bushstorage @needessentials @aquatech_imagingsolutions & @sonyalphanz for the best equipment for what I do. Chur to @maz_quinn for repeatedly dodging dad duties to link in even though it usually wasn’t worth it. 😝

Greetings from Aotearoa✌🏼

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Lightroom Preset: Estrada Master Pack
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@SonyNZ @SonyAlphaANZ @SonyAlpha.ANZ #SonyAlpha #SonyAlphaANZ #SonyA7RV #A7RV @needessentials @aquatech_imagingsolutions

Outtakes from an unexpectedly nice swell earlier t

Outtakes from an unexpectedly nice swell earlier this week. ❤️🍁

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Land shots:
Sony A7RV + Sony 100-400 f/4.5-5.6
Water shots:
Sony A7IV + Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 + Aquatech Edge Housing
Lightroom Preset: Estrada Surf Pack
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@SonyNZ @SonyAlphaANZ @SonyAlpha.ANZ #SonyAlpha #SonyAlphaANZ #SonyA7RV #A7RV #SonyA7IV #A7IV @aquatech_imagingsolutions @needessentials @actionsportsdirectnz @gfabtrailers

One for my fellow camera nerds! I’ve just update

One for my fellow camera nerds! I’ve just updated my current surf photography kit on the @shotkit website. There’s a link in my bio if you’d like to check it out. @sonyalphanz @aquatech_imagingsolutions @dafinaustralia @goalzero @siruiimaging ✌🏼

End of the road. -——————————

End of the road.

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Camera: Sony A7RV
Lens: Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM MkII
EXIF: ISO 100 | f/8.0 | 1/1000th
Lightroom Preset: Estrada Surf Blue
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@SonyNZ @SonyAlphaANZ @SonyAlpha.ANZ #SonyAlpha #SonyAlphaANZ #SonyA7RV #A7RV @needessentials

The legends at @needessentials have created a disc

All my best memories come from being on the road.

All my best memories come from being on the road. Here’s some favourite photos of good times featuring vehicles I’ve either owned or borrowed over the years. ✌🏼

Some favourite frames from the time @elke_mai and

Some favourite frames from the time @elke_mai and I weaseled our way into the @surf_lakes test facility.

I had a chat with the crew at @sonyalpha.anz for a

I had a chat with the crew at @sonyalpha.anz for a run down of my go to water photography kit. You can check out Rambo’s “What’s in my bag” feature on the Sony Scene website. Link in bio ✌🏼

@sonyalpha.anz @aquatech_imagingsolutions @needessentials

Sketchy handycam clips from Wednesday. I have a fu

Sketchy handycam clips from Wednesday. I have a full photo gallery up, link in my bio. Chur to the legends at @actionsportsdirectnz & @gfabtrailers for getting me to the action.

Featuring @yourblondefriend @billystairmand @tavasantorik @reubs_woods @mattyscorringe @jordangriffin___ @rory.g1 @jack__hinton @tomtimpson @paigehareb @tai_vs_dad

24th January full gallery now live! Heck of day, p

24th January full gallery now live! Heck of day, pumped from sun-up to sun-down. I shot for 11 hours and have uploaded 1000’s of images for ya’ll to check out. Photos are available for digital download. $20 for low-res and $50 for high res (just hit the arrow symbol on the photo). There’s a link in my bio to view the gallery, it will be on my website for 7 days. Chur!

Usually this is around the time I’d upload my ye

Usually this is around the time I’d upload my year in review post, but for 2023 I decided to go old school and hold my best photos for upcoming print projects. Here’s a few favourites that slipped through the cracks. All the best for 2024!✌🏼

Out takes from 2023. Quality times captured in po

Out takes from 2023.
Quality times captured in poor quality 😆 (mostly my phone). 📱✌🏼

Last day for framed print orders to guarantee deli

Last day for framed print orders to guarantee delivery by Christmas. Loose Prints cutoff is the 8th December. 🎄

Free international shipping on all framed prints and canvas prints. Print store link in bio. ✌🏼

A quick explore of New Zealand’s largest lake wi

A quick explore of New Zealand’s largest lake with @actionsportsdirectnz & @gfabtrailers. Dang NZ is cool!

Xmas print order deadlines are coming in hot. 🔥

Xmas print order deadlines are coming in hot. 🔥To guarantee delivery by Christmas Framed Prints & Canvas Prints orders must be in by the 1st December. Loose Prints by the 8th December.

Free international shipping on all framed prints and canvas prints. Print store link in bio. ✌🏼

A bloke and his favourite swim things. @aquatech_i

A bloke and his favourite swim things. @aquatech_imagingsolutions are currently running their biggest sale of the year and if you use the code RAMBO5 you can save a further 5% off the already discounted price. How good!

Kit rundown.

Aquatech Edge Pro Housing + XF205 port
Sony A7RV + Sony 70-200mm f/2.8
P120 port
Sony 50mm f/1.2
Sony A7IV + 24-70mm f/2.8
P145 Port
AcisGo iPhone housing
@needessentials 6/5/4mm

My first Van, a 1990 Daihatsu Delta. Some people m

My first Van, a 1990 Daihatsu Delta. Some people might say it’s ugly, and I am one of those people. But it had a rugged charm and opened up a world of opportunities for me. It changed my perspective, I could be anywhere I wanted in NZ tomorrow, unless it broke down. Which it did a lot. 😆

Out takes from @stab’s Electric Acid Surfboard t

Out takes from @stab’s Electric Acid Surfboard test with @badmanners_ in the Deep South.

In my opinion Stab is currently making the best surf content and the biggest contribution to modern surf culture. Episode 1 of this series just dropped and Stab have a free week trial, so get in! While you’re there watch Stab’s “How surfers get paid” series. It’s freaking epic!

Some BTS from this mornings swim. Filmed with my p

Some BTS from this mornings swim. Filmed with my phone in an @axisgo mounted on top of my @aquatech_imagingsolutions housing. ✌🏼

Featuring @chrishetem @alex_dive @tomtimpson @clintossreid @jack__hinton @travmccoynz 🤙🏼

Thanks to the legends at @actionsportsdirectnz and @gfabtrailers for getting me out there and @needessentials for keeping me toasty. 🔥

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JOURNAL

Moments from the road.

Rekohu

A JOURNEY BACK IN TIME TO CHATHAM ISLAND

Team Average

MONSTER CHILDREN SURFING, SKATING, CAMPING

Konichiwaves

BILLABONG TEAM – ASIA

Low Light

CHIPPA, NATE & DION IN NZ

TRAVEL

Modern day postcards

KAZAKHSTAN & KYRGYZSTAN

LORD HOWE ISLAND