Nature's Best Photography: The view from inside a Hawaiian wave

By Robert Hood

I’ve seen some underwater movie footage of similar situations, but this is one of the first times I’ve seen this successfully captured as a still image.

Clark Little / Nature's Best Photography

Matching artistic composition with dramatic force, the lip of a wave pushes toward the photographer and creates a large, hollow air pocket called the “tube,” seen running the length of the photo parallel to the sand bottom. Because the wave continues to move forward, even after it breaks, the tube is forced to spin and follow the wave’s momentum. As the tube rotates, water and air are pulled along into this spin cycle. Even for those accustomed to wave photography, some explanation is needed to understand exactly what is going on in this image: A breaking wave is just a few feet in front of the lens. Beyond the wave is the deep ocean. The beach is behind the photographer.

Photographer Clark Little said:
“A half-second after this shot was made; the wave hit me straight on, knocking the camera out of my hand and pulling me into the spinning mass of air and water. I enjoy the power and beauty of the thick bombs that roll through and can usually capture some of those moments without getting slammed. Well, most of the time.”

Photographic information:
Camera: Nikon D3 in a custom underwater housing; 10.5mm fisheye lens; 1/1000 sec at ƒ/8; ISO 200; hand-held.

Related links:

Explore related topics: environment, featured, natures-best-photography

SBPhrog

Uh, yea, I guess it ought to be a Fisheye Lens, handheld for this "bomb", no stands allowed.

Ok, this is a very nifty photo, that even I, a veteran water dude, had a hard time discerning and dissemminating. The Bubble acts kind of like a mirror through a glass of water. Having been to Hawaii a few times and getting rolled heartily amidst the shorebreak I appreciate this even more.

I'm pleased to see the last few photos in this series were shot with NIKONS! Ribbit.

#1 - Wed Jan 19, 2011 8:49 PM EST

R.Coleman

this looks familiar to the wave at Sandy beach , Oahu that washed me up to shore [where Blue-hair wigs rise up from tourists] in 1972. My eyes were wide open ! ;-P

#2 - Wed Jan 19, 2011 8:54 PM EST

Bill-2962028

That sure looks like beach, island and sky in front of the photographer. i think the ocean is behind the photographer unless all that is reflecting off the face of the wave somehow.

#3 - Fri Jan 21, 2011 5:25 PM EST

ladypilotHCO-2899342

Very Intriguing and exceptional Photograph. To me the beach is behind the photographer as the wave is breaking at the front of the tube and the wave trails are usually on the ocean side . I am fascinated that the sand below is not disturbed more than it is . Enjoyed looking at this picture