Flow

Ancient rocks, remnants of an underwater avalanche 450 million years ago, emerge above the ocean along the Sapphire Coast. Reefs, sea stacks, and sea cliffs dot the landscape, bearing witness to its explosive past.
 
This striking underwater landscape is situated close to shore, extending far out into the ocean. During high tides, most parts become inaccessible as waves crash over the rocks.
 
Upon arriving at night, I carefully assessed the area to ensure the high tide wouldn't pose a risk to myself or my equipment. The ocean has bested me before, drowning my gear as I ventured too close to danger. This was another such situation. When fixated on a composition, I tend to take risks to create the image I envision.
 
To showcase the 30-meter height of a large rock formation reaching out above the ocean, I needed to get close. From a distance, it would appear too small and lack impact. Despite the rising tides, I had to approach the action.
 
I acted swiftly, timing the waves and wading through water to reach an emerging rock aligned with the Milky Way. I climbed atop and quickly set up my equipment to capture the photo before losing another camera to the ocean.
 
With sea spray in the air and the rock becoming increasingly submerged, I framed the shot and began a sequence of 49 photographs to capture a high-quality image. I worried about vibration during the long exposures, but I couldn't miss the chance—it would be another year before I could photograph this landscape again.
 
Monitoring the waves, I had a few close calls, and my hands hovered over the tripod, ready to pull it to safety if a big wave arrived. Fortunately, I captured the images and made my exit as quickly as possible.
 
I've titled this photograph "Flow" because the initial concept was to showcase water navigating through the rocks. The brighter areas of the photo trace the movement, and to my surprise, colorful airglow added another layered element to the image.