Matt Hipsley – Owner/Director
The one who kicked it all off. Matt Hipsley founded Salty Surf Housings in 2016 as a one man show, initially operating the entire business from his garage. Matt has always had a passion for underwater photography, he even built his first housing as a teenager to shoot his friends surfing. He then went on to become a qualified engineer, the skills of which served him in producing the product we all know and love today. Things have changed since Salty’s humble beginnings and Matt now manages a thriving team, operating out of a warehouse in North Wollongong, Australia, delivering housings, offering camera rentals, and providing stills and video content internationally.
Best shooting experience….
Swimming with Humpback whales in Tonga. The feeling of those large animals swimming at you full force during a heat run is unlike anything else. Also an honourable mention to the Humpbacks at Jervis Bay NSW with the Salty crew where we got an intense 2hr interaction.
Ideal setup…..
Canon R3 + 50mm f/1.2RF
https://www.instagram.com/matthipsley
Toby Barnhill – Designer
He’s our very own wunderkind! Toby is the right-hand man who brings our designs into fruition. A skilled product designer with an abundance of creative agility, Toby is able to construct and upgrade our housings with unwavering competence. Toby also liaisons with our suppliers, making sure our designs come together seamlessly.
Best shooting experience….
Swimming with the Humpbacks and seals with Dive Jervis Bay in October – a catalyst in my passion for underwater photography and my love for the ocean. It was a moment of true realisation as to how special these mammals are, and how privileged we are to coexist with them. That single day threw me head-over-heels for all things ocean related – I’m beyond grateful for moments like these.
Ideal setup…..
Sony A7RV + Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2 + Salty Surf a-PROX BOOSTED
https://www.instagram.com/toby.barnhill/
Andrew De Caires – Assembly Technician
At the coalface stands Andrew ‘Digsey’ De Caires. This is the guy that pulls it all together and makes it shine. Digsey’s deft hands assemble Salty’s housings and his keen eye ensures that every housing emerges as not just functional, but a beacon of quality, ready to embark on its journey to you.
But Digsey isn’t just a master craftsman, he also steps into the roles of housing tester and even occasionally as Salty’s very own in-house model. Digsey steps into the spotlight without hesitation, whether it’s scaling rugged cliffs or diving into the depths of the ocean, he fearlessly goes the extra mile to get the shot.
Best shooting experience….
Swimming with Humpback whales and seals at Jervis Bay NSW with the Salty crew.
Ideal setup…..
Sony A7IV + Salty Surf a-PROX Housing
https://www.instagram.com/andrewdecaires/
