Water Column

The intricate patterns of sand ripples on the ocean floor are made from the constant movement of the waves at the surface. Depending on the size of the wave and the rhythm, the effects of the water’s surface are applied like a signature on the ocean floor below. In this particular spot, I’ve visited before while shooting the photo I have titled “Between The Lines,” where the same powerful waves carved into the rocks unique patterns called spurs and grooves. With the sand patterns, however, their appearance changes based on the time of day, depending on the angle of the sun, casting more shadows on the mini hills and valleys the ripples create. There wasn’t any marine life or coral structures of note here, but I still felt like the crystal-clear water and beautiful, tranquil sandy bottom had something to give. Staring into the seemingly eternal blue water and doing some freedives to the sandy bottom gave me the idea to switch up my perspective a little bit to change the vast blue horizon into a streamlined tunnel—or what I like to call a “Water Column.” I feel that this image is a nice reminder that you can make something out of nothing once you change your perspective.