Craig Levers (often known by his professional moniker, PhotoCPL or CPL) is an internationally acclaimed New Zealand surf and ocean photographer. He is considered a stalwart of the NZ surf community, with a career spanning over three decades.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
New Zealand Surfing Magazine: CPL was the Senior Photographer for New Zealand Surfing Magazine for 15 years (1993-2008), serving as the Editor'n'Chief for eight of those years. He was a key part of the surf magazine industry's "golden years".
Book Publishing: Since leaving the magazine, he has published numerous hardcover coffee-table books under the name Photo CPL Media, including a retrospective of his work, PhotoCPL, and several volumes focused on New Zealand beaches and surf spots. He's has also worked with luminary NZ surf photographers Warren Hawke and Rambo Estrada to create their books.
Photography Style: Based in Piha for 30 years before moving to Whangamata in 2025, CPL is known for his stunning landscape and surf photography, often using long exposure techniques and a variety of film and digital cameras to capture iconic images of New Zealand's coastlines.
Current Work: He continues to be an active publisher, writer and award-winning photographer, shooting for leading surf brands and media. CPL is often the official photographer for Surfing New Zealand's national competitions.