JAWS #1 2017
JAWS Peahi, Maui
#4 in unedited series
Mar, 2017Views
1731
Likes
Awards
People's Choice in Untouched, no manipulation Photo Challenge
Winner in Breaking waves Photo Challenge
Contest Finalist in People And Water Photo Contest 2017
People's Choice in Most dificult shot Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Magnificent Capture
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
All Star
Genius
Virtuoso
Emotions
Impressed
Top Ranks
Top 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 2
Categories
PRO+
PRO+
kathyk_abq
September 09, 2017
Awesome shot, Patti! Congrats on your challenge people's choice award!
PRO+
Ultimate
kurtsnyder
October 02, 2021
Fantastic image Patti! You caught the wave perfectly, as did the surfer. It looks very dangerous! Kurt
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at the infamous JAWS big wave surf spot here at Peahi, Maui just 4 miles from where I live. It is wonderful to be this close as I can stroll down to the cliffs edge along the dirt path and shoot these beautiful majestic waves! I love the colors in the waves and the roaring sounds like jet engines are breathtaking.I anticipate each year that this year JAWS will show us a 100 ft wave. Maybe this year?Time
When first shooting JAWS, the biggest breaks would be mid morning but in recent years it has been early afternoon. This photo was around 1-2 pm in the afternoon from the cliffs edge. There is a beach that we can walk down to but if waves are breaking that big the best places for great photos are either the boats near the surfers or the cliffs edge. This was on the left side on the cliff under a tree sitting and watching these brave, very brave surfers tackle mother nature and all her glory!Lighting
All 100% natural light and like I stated was sitting under a tree early in the 2017 season.Equipment
This shot was taken with a canon Rebel t5 300mm zoom lens. I wish I had my current camera the Sony A 7Rii but it is still early in this season.Handheld and no flash necessary.Inspiration
What is not inspiring about viewing and shooting waves 40 + feet as the surfer attempts to tackle it and stay safe. These local boys are very experienced growing up here as they have the honor of going out every time the big wave swell shows to surf and I right along with them will shoot. I stay there all day and get many photos in the process. This wave at least a 50 ft is so majestic when there, hearing the power of the water, the colors, the slow barreling as the surfer escapes,the rainbows that often show in the mist, the surfer as all the people watching cheer him or her on, the jetskis nearby.It is truly a breathtaking vision!Editing
Very little if any post processing done here as I needed none. The colors here are what you see on that cliff's edge.With this photo I was new to post processing and photography as a whole. I just feel the subject alone speaks for itself.In my camera bag
My Primary camera is a Sony A7Rii with Sony18-200mm f3.5-6.3 lens, the Canon rebel with several lenses, assorted filters and extra of everything! Several flashes. Also carry a Monopod and Tripod. Always within reach the camera is! I usually come prepared for anything, have umbrella, flashlight, ipad and notebook for taking notes. Cleaning equipment, the usual standard equipment a phtotgrapher carries.Feedback
Get up early and plan to spend the entire day down there at the cliffs edge! Many photographers come to shoot along with locals and tourist alike so better to walk the 2 mile dirt road but worth it! Getting there early secures your SPOT and once there I do not leave. Last Peahi Challenge I was up in a tree, this was my spot and I did not leave the entire time. With this said bring everything, all gear and especially the zoom lenses.Get ready for a view of a lifetime when these swells show 40-75 feet high!Like almost all great shots, being in the right place at the right time with an empty memory card and full battery in the camera, and don't forget to clean the optics first!Continuous shooting provides some stunning action shots in the post processing so take risks, shot everything. I attempt in most cases to get shots down the barrel if possible but this angle works fine as it shows the power & size of the wave compared to the surfer!
