As a lover of the sea and someone whose family has a deep connection to the ocean, I am drawn to the coast and everything it has to offer. For me, there is no subject more captivating to photograph than the sea, with all of its beauty, power, and unpredictability.
Last year, I had the pleasure of visiting Newquay West Wales and taking a walk along the coastline. As a surfer, I couldn’t resist the lure of the perfectly formed, glassy, hollow waves crashing onto the shore. Although the waves were small, I couldn’t help but imagine myself surfing them if only I could miniaturize myself and my board.
With my camera in hand, I decided to play a game of chicken with the incoming waves. Without an underwater housing, I knew the risks involved, but I was determined to capture the essence of these little beasts. Armed with a fast 50mm lens at wide open aperture, I snapped away, trying to create an illusion that these were monsters of the deep.
Here are my three favorite shots from that day, which capture the essence of these little gems breaking in sequence.
- The first shot shows the wave just beginning to break, with the water curling up and over as it prepares to crash onto the shore. The shallow depth of field creates a sense of drama, with the wave appearing larger and more menacing than it actually was.
- The second shot captures the moment of impact, with the wave crashing down onto the shore in a spectacular display of power and beauty. The water sprays up in all directions, creating a sense of chaos and energy that is hard to ignore.
- The third shot shows the aftermath of the wave, with the water receding back out to sea and leaving behind a trail of foam and debris. The shallow depth of field creates a sense of distance and depth, with the shoreline and cliffs in the background adding to the overall drama of the scene.
As a photographer, I am always seeking to capture the beauty and power of nature, and these three shots are a testament to the awe-inspiring nature of the sea. Whether you are a surfer, a photographer, or just someone who appreciates the beauty of the natural world, I hope these images inspire you to get out there and explore the world around you.
