Killer Wave

Sometimes you have to put yourself out there and risk it for the chance to succeed. But getting too close to this shore break could be a mistake.

Every couple of minutes, huge waves barrel in and smash the rocky outcrop.  And when they make landfall, you better have stable footing.  Powerful waves sweep away and drown several people at this spot each year.  After losing two of my cameras to rogue waves along the coast, I know that no matter how much I plan (swell heights, wind, tides), the Pacific ocean remains unpredictable. 

With the tide changing, I hurry out along the slippery rock and arrive at this breathtaking scene.  The sound of the crashing waves thumps your heart.  A long exposure captures the tendrils of water returning to sea while a faster shutter speed freezes the moment of impact.  Not a second after the two exposures finished, buckets of salt water fell and drenched my camera and me.

Getting close enough to witness the spectacle while staying back far enough to live another day—this is what I and so many others love about nature photography.