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How I got the shotShowcase

2023 Showcase Winner: Don Larkin

By April 12, 2023No Comments
Photo of a huge wave crashing ashore. Ocean in Motion, Cape Disappointment, Washington, 2023 Showcase Judges' Choice, Scapes © Don Larkin

Ocean in Motion, Cape Disappointment, Washington, 2023 Showcase Judges’ Choice, Scapes © Don Larkin

Judges’ Choice: Scapes

Why is this photo special?

They say no two snowflakes are alike, and the same could be said of waves. Some photographers prefer to capture the largest of waves to show the size and power of the ocean. Instead, I was focused more in capturing the artful display of waves, where water rolls and twists itself into a unique sculpture that appears only in a blink of an eye. I chose to submit this particular wave because there are two different types of wave actions happening at the same time, within the same wave. This wave shows chaotic turbulence and explosion on one side and from it emerges a wall of smooth sunlit water glistening through on the other side. All of this representing the calm after the storm, with a water twister in between for fun.

Like most dramatic nature photos, it requires some skill and knowledge to know where to be at the right place at the right time, and some luck with light and weather to make it special. About 1-3 times a year in the Winter, the sun and moon align to be at the closest proximity to earth, causing the greatest gravitational pull upon the ocean waters. It is during this time that the tides are the highest and the lowest of the year, thus being named King Tides. Knowing where to be at the right time during a King Tide is important. I was lucky the weather provided scattered rain and sun breaks, creating a dark background sky with sunlight on the wave.

The technical stuff

I used my Canon 5D Mark IV and EF 100-400 lens at 135mm, at 1/2000 second, f/8, ISO 400. Hand held for quick composition flexibility.

About me

My wife and I live in the Seattle area, where I work full time as a self-employed architect. On the weekends my wife and I find time to escape to the outdoors to photograph wildlife and landscapes. Sometimes we photograph both in the same trip.

I got interested in nature photography because of my love of nature, and photography is a creative way seeing and appreciating all of its wonders.

I have been a Nanpa member since 2017. I have been selected in the following previous Showcases:

  • 2019 Top 250 Landscape
  • 2020 Judges Choice Landscape
  • 2020 Top 100 Landscape
  • 2021 Top 100 Landscape
  • 2021 Top 250 Landscape
  • 2021 Top 250 Birds

Memorable moments

A couple of years ago I was photographing a nature area near my home. Alone, I heard branches snapping and other movement behind some trees. My first thought was that it could be other people, but the noise was too loud. My second thought made me more nervous. Thinking if it is a bear I am either brave or a fool to stay alone without any protection. As the noise was getting closer, I thought my best way of escape would be to jump into the thick black berry bushes that surrounded me. But that would make me more delicious. I stood there with my camera and out from the trees came a black bear and her juvenile cub. She came toward me and then stopped 12 feet away and stared at me. I managed to take 2 quivering shots and the sound of the camera scared her away. Thankfully my camera was not in silent mode.

Website:   Larkin Nature Photos
Instagram: @larkinnaturephotos

See all of the Top 26 winning images from NANPA’s 2023 Showcase nature photography competition.

Top 26