For some photographers, it takes a lifetime to capture the perfect shot, but for Stuart Gibson, half an hour and some sunshine was all he needed.

Announced as the 2019 Nikon Surf Photo of the Year on Tuesday night, the Tasmania-born photographer says his winning shot Mikey Brennan was simply the result of good timing.

Stuart Gibson's photograph entitled "Mikey Brennan" has been announced as the Nikon Surf Photo of the Year. Credit:Stuart Gibson

"We were shooting out with a drone, and the sun came out so I quickly jumped in the water with my camera," he said. "Thirty minutes later it suddenly went really cold and ugly again."

Shot on the south-eastern coast of Tasmania at Shipstern Bluff, Mr Gibson says the iconic surfing spot is one of his favourite places to photograph.