What is the documentary about?

'One Shot' is a short documentary that looks into the life of Russell Ord, a West Australian, world renowned surf Photographer as he embarks on a mission to capture 'one shot' that defines who he is, not just what he does. A husband and father of 3, Russell has for years shot professional surfers and ocean scapes, only to wake up one day and look back on his images with total emptiness and dissatisfaction.

"I Do not want to be remembered for just being in the channel at the right time and right place capturing the surfer’s wave of a lifetime. Because in the end, that’s easy. As a photographer I want to remember myself for taking that “one” photo – not because of the surfer’s name or reputation, but because of the position I put myself in to capture the moment in time. 

An amazing view of the ocean cannot be captured without an element of risk; It’s taken me years to find my niche within my photography, and now that I have, it’s such a great place to be."

Fueled by a burning desire to have 'his moment', Russell embarks on a journey that finds him tackling a secret big wave location in Western Australia. It is known by many big wave surfers as one of the heaviest slabs in the world. Remote and renowned for sharks, the effort, commitment and training that lies behind that 'one shot' is both an inspiration and education to many, and will change the way we view a photograph forever.

Russell is the only photographer that will risk his life to shoot inside the barrel at this location and is fully aware of the consequences of taking such chances.

'One Shot' is an inspiring journey about one man taking a chance, following his dreams and living a life without restrictions. You only get one shot at life...you have to live it as best you can.

                                                                                   Russell Ord

                                                                                                              Darren McCagh

Why does this story need to be told?

This is not a surf movie...This is a character driven documentary about a guy who is not afraid of life's challenges. I think we all need to hear these stories to inspire us to achieve, to find out what we're made of, to get a very personal inside view of what drives people like Russell, to do the things they do. 

To reach the pinnacle of your field requires great determination, hard work, huge risks, and often for very little reward. This documentary aims to expose the challenges that are faced, the fears that are overcome, and the deep seeded desire by many to have 'their moment'.