How it's done by Punaguy
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
Alooooha!
Hope this finds everyone well and happy~ While working on this image I thought maybe I would explain how I got this shot. So here is a easy method to get wave shots that are close to shore.
1. Get to the beach early and pick out a good place to view the waves from as many angles as possible.
2. Find a place on the sand that you can sit down on and be about head high to the incoming waves. Make sure that you have a good escape route behind you unobstructed by rocks that could be hidden under water if the wave should over run your spot.
3. Watch the waves as they break and wait for your shot. When you spot the one you want, lay back flat on your back and shoot through your legs.
4. Now this is the most important part of this tutorial....Do not sit and "Chimp" on the image you just shot, but instead quickly leap to your feet and take the escape route you previously planned before hand. Hopefully if your quick you won't get the full force of the wave blasting up your shorts like I did. Nor will you be tripping and stumbling over submerged rocks as you try to make your get away.
Fortunately I protected my camera and that's the most important thing...getting wet is all part of the shoot.
Hope you can put this to some use...Most of all safety first around the ocean. Have a great time, I always do!
A fabulous weekend to all~ Aloha~

Comments (31)
Wow thats an awesome shot and great advice.
Excellent shot , nothing like the power of the ocean , beautiful wave ! Ana
The things we do for these shots --this is a great foto and your tutorial is even better!!
A wonderful and powerful pic! I love your advice! We don't usually have waves like this on our beach, one of the safest (and cleanest) in Europe! BUT the council have got permission to make an artificial reef, so fingers crossed, it may happen this season. I may just try your method out!
Crystal clear and the how too was useful as well
this looks so great, it almost looks fake... I think I've been looking at poser too much - lol
Cool wave!!! Great shot!!!
A living wave. Excellent photo.
Fantastic shot!
Love the way the edge of the wave is "frozen" lovely and clear~ LOL @ your tutorial... You need to get Errol to shoot a "tutorial video" of that action... grin~ (and send me a copy!)
Tubular dude, you are making me yearn for some beach time!
I like rayburgs advice. Get an underwater case for it. Another fantastic ocean shot. Love the wave action. Aloha and have a great weekend yourself.
After reading your tutorial I'll just have to be content to view your wave shots and marvel at their beauty. At my age, if I was to lay back flat and shoot through my legs ...my camera and I would both be soaked before I was ever able to get up, let alone run. But those are great suggestions for those younger than I. I really enjoy your photography.
Or get an underwater case and stay there...love the shot and your technique for capturing it.
well said and well done.
Awesome shot and even more awesome technique!
It almost looks like it's made out of gel. Such beautiful color of water you have there. A excellent capture and advice.
Exquisite!
Excellent capture & cool how you did it...lol.
Your method worked very well...great image..
great sea shot
your waves look as if they have been sculpted in jade.
I actually had no idea that you shot these waves lying on your back???? This gives us all a whole new visual to the process!!!! I guess you're pretty quick on your feet to escape the spray & foam? Thanks for sharing this info!!! Another incredible wave from Dave!!!!!!! Aloha... ;-)
You definetely have quick reflexes and know the cardinal rule well-protect the camera before yourself. :)
Gorgeous shot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a spectacular shot, Dave. Very well done; I love the color and of course the angle. I'm glad you only sacrificed your body and not the camera to get this one. :-)
Oh wow. Gorgeous shot, Dave! That's totally awesome. Thanks for braving the elements for us!
That wave would pound me and my camera into the sand quite nicely. Amazing shot hope you and your camera were ok
beautiful colors, looking for the school of fish :) xo the bucket girl from throw net days
When you spot the one you want, lay back flat on your back and shoot through your legs. Hahaha! I can just see myself doing that! And who's gonna help me get up for my escape route? ;^D Thanks for the tips, my friend. If I'm ever in Hawaii, I'll remember what you said. In the meantime, our waves are at the most 2 feet high, so I'd have to be pratically underwater to get something like this. :^D Beautifully done once again.... Mahalooooooooooo! M :^)