A Moment with Photographer Rita GoldFarb

Rita’s imagery is one from a surfers’ deepest dreams. Her work highlights women surfers and skaters amidst the beautiful scenery of the Canadian West Coast. Her eye for the raw environment paired with the fantastical layering of colors and textures makes for inspiring art. A talented woman, to say the least, that brings a “neverland” feeling to Tofino, B.C.

Support Rita by following her on Instagram @rgoldphotos. Follow the link below to see her newest collaboration with Cate Brown - East meets West -

https://catebrown.art/collections/east-meets-west

Tell me a little about yourself and your journey as a photographer in the surf industry.

I actually feel that I'm quite new to surf photography, as I started swimming with my camera in the spring of 2019- so it's just been about two years now. It's something that I immediately knew I wanted to do- capturing surf from the perspective of being in the water. Small problem... I didn't own a camera or know how to operate one, so I bought myself one and taught myself how to operate it inside and out before purchasing a water housing.

You've been in the surf photography business for a while now; how has your "eye"/skill grown over time?

I'm not sure to be completely honest. I really like to play around with slow shutter, and I'm also a big fan of moody, but also dreamy. I like to experiment a lot, and I guess the more time I've spent in the water the more comfortable I've become with experimenting.

Surfer: Emily Ballard / @emily_surfballard

During a time where travel is so limited, how do you continue to find inspiration where you live or how do you see through the lens in a different way?

I'm spoiled in the sense that I think we get to live in one of the most magical places. Between here and Oregon I don't grow tired of the fast-changing weather, mountains, and trees. Side note, I also hate flying... so I'm sort of okay with it here :)

Surfer: Emily Ballard / @emily_surfballard

In your latest collaboration with Cate (East meets West) there seems to be a euphoric/magical take on the editing style, how was this process different from your other photos or collections?

The dreamlike images from east meets west are what I would draw or paint if I was able to. Unfortunately, I'm not very good at either of these things. Because they were a set/collection of images I tried to keep the editing style somewhat similar, otherwise they would have ended up all very unique and different.

Submerge, East meets West Collection - Collaboration with Cate Brown / @catebrownphoto

Model: Kaeli / @keepcalm_surfon

Where did your idea for the East meets West spark from?

Cate approached me two summers ago after we had met through sea together on Instagram! We've actually never met in real life, but I hope to someday. I was pretty excited at the opportunity and also the trust Cate had in me to use her photos. We've stayed in touch and decided to do a round 2 during covid, which has been great to be creative during such an unusual time.

Photo By: @saraspectrum

What is some advice you might give a new surf photographer?

Don't be afraid to be unusual.

Desert Island gear. What are the top 3 things you want in your camera bag when headed to a chilly shoot in Tofino?

My Cruella de Vil Vissla 1.5mm gloves, I tend to always wear one glove even when it's warm because I get blisters on my hand from my housing. My water housing leash, and coffee ;)

Entwine, East Meets West Collection - Collaboration with Cate Brown / @catebrownphoto

Model: Claire Hodson / @claire.p.hudson

Thank you to Rita for taking the time to share your thoughts and art with the Sea Together team. Your work in women’s surf and art is altogether inspiring and appreciated.