Superior Fury
Awards / Publications:
- 1st Place, Dpreview's "Water Extremes" Photo Challenge
Sometimes landscape photography can get hazardous – and this was one of those times.
This was taken while I was perched about 3 feet from the edge of a fairly steep cliff on the edge of Lake Superior. The wind snarled and the waves filled the air with a roar that had to be experienced to be believed.
That’s why I arrived early and carefully watched the spot I wanted to shoot from. I had been there the evening before and the lake was pretty violent even then. In fact, a gale warning had been issued that would last for the next 48 hours.
Although some of the more monstrous waves would attempt to climb the cliff, none made it to the top. I decided to go for it.
As I set up the tripod and looked to my left, I couldn’t help but feel more than a little intimidated as the waves broke and thundered into shore. It didn’t take a genius to figure out that if you got into the water, it was over. There would simply be no way to get back up the slippery cliffs and no one to help (I was the only one crazy enough to be out there).
As if the waves weren’t enough, the wind would occasionally blow in a quick rain shower – you know, just to make things interesting. As such, I had my raincoat in full defensive mode.
Of course, once I started shooting, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing through my viewfinder. The waves were as wild as any I’d ever seen. They took turns crashing into the shore and each other. Then the sun found a hole and the clouds began to light up as the rain pelted the side of my head – I couldn’t snap the shutter fast enough. I tried to time the shots so I could capture a wicked looking set of waves -
Then BAM!
It was like someone turned a fire hose on me.
A rogue wave not only made it up the cliff, but managed to go at least as high as my head. Icy water pounded my head and body. I gripped the tripod and braced myself as best I could, but it still nearly knocked me over.
The camera was soaked – and I was worried that it was going to be a photographic casualty but that sucker just kept going! (That’s why I pay the bucks for the pro bodies, LOL ). Glad it survived, because the photo above came AFTER the soaking.
Yup, you read that right – I went straight back to the spot where I got blasted! Fortunately, I got the shot and got out before the next big one hit (and it did about 5 minutes later).
About Our Prints....
We currently sell both individual prints and completely framed and ready-to-hang prints. Our framed prints are professionally matted, mounted and framed.
Here's a sample of our basic mat and frame:
Framed prints purchased though us are generally a better deal than taking a loose print to your local frame shop since we have a pretty significant discount that we pass along to you. When you receive your print in the mail, it's ready to hang and even comes with the hardware for doing so.
Please note that if you'd like another type of print (canvas for example) or another frame style, we can certainly accommodate you, just use the contact us page and we'll customize the artwork to make it perfect for your home.
Warranty
Our framed prints are guaranteed for as long as you own them against wear, fading, or deterioration. Loose prints are also guaranteed for as long as you own them provided you have them framed under glass using archival materials. We want you to LOVE your prints, so we offer a refund as long as the print or framed print is returned in like new condition within 30 days.
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All prints are signed in one of the lower corners (usually the right hand corner).
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Delivery time varies and depends on a number of factors, but we always strive to get your prints delivered to you as quickly as possible. I personally inspect each and every piece before it leaves our building. If I'm out of town taking more photos, it can cause a delay, but a good rule of thumb is that a loose print will ship within 2 weeks and a framed print within 3 weeks. That time is significantly shorter if I'm in town at the time the order is placed. If you need a print done by a certain date, you can contact me and I'll be happy to give you an estimated delivery date.
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We are now offering quantity discounts if you are interested in two or more pieces. Simply contact me with the sizes and names of the images you are interested in and I will be happy to get you a quote. The more pieces you order, the better the discount.
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Colors In This Photo:
10 Responses to Superior Fury
I like it. I like it a lot. Why? I would love to be there. The view. The weather.
I can feel the water spray. You’re tough, and I’m glad that you got this shot.
Great shot,most people would never see or understand the fury of the great lakes.Thanks so much for your photo documentation of the places most of us will never visit!
Love this would like it as screen saver.Is it available? vb
As a native Yooper, I can truthfully say you were lucky the day you took this and didn’t end up a casualty. Lake Superior has her moments and when she blows gale winds the hardiest take cover. Your pictures through the years have been terrific. Now that we have moved to KY, your pictures remind me so often of what I miss at home in the UP. Although Sault Ste Marie was home, we lived in Marquette MI for a bit over 7 years so Lake Superior has always been in a good part of my life. Thanks again for such beautiful shots of the north country of MI.
Truly beautiful.
This shot shows the wild and ruggedness of the waves and the peril you were in. I admire your bravery – you were lucky you didn’t get washed away!! It is beautiful and shows the Nature at its best.