"Cresting Elegance"

I’m thrilled to share this image with you! In my latest video, I hinted at capturing a portfolio-worthy shot during my recent adventure to Crystal Crescent Beach, and here it is, a moment I’ve dreamed of photographing almost since I first picked up a camera.

 

I always thought I’d need massive waves to create an image like this, but I was wrong (though I still think it might be easier with bigger waves). What inspired me to try shooting waves that morning was the way the wind caught the spray, blowing it back into the ocean and creating a mesmerizing effect. I capture this effect better in my next video, but that spray gave the scene the atmosphere I was chasing.

 

To achieve this shot, I slowed the shutter down by stopping down the aperture, creating the dreamy motion I envisioned. From there, it was all about timing and capturing that perfect moment, which sometimes means taking a lot of shots.

This was taken at 600mm with a 1/8-second shutter speed while panning with the wave, a technique that added a sense of flow to the image.

 

I’d love to hear your thoughts, was waiting nearly 8 years for this shot worth it?

Done