Powerful and beautiful, the ocean is a constant reminder of nature’s glory. The ebb and flow of breaking waves, the cyclical rushing then receding water calms and soothes. Iceland, often called the land of fire and ice, has beaches that are interesting in that their sand is black, created by the ocean grinding down the black volcanic rock which formed when lava cooled and solidified.

The images I present in “Black Sand Wave Patterns” were shot from a drone flying directly over the black sand beach on Iceland’s southern coast where the famous basalt columns rise from the sea. This area is particularly windy and has so called “sneaker waves” which occur when multiple waves combine their energy to create a large, particularly forceful wave. On this beach at Reynisfjara, the beautiful but deadly sneaker waves are caused by a large underground cliff just offshore. The results include these beautiful and unique wave patterns drawn out across the black sand.

I took dozens and dozens of shots at this beach, and selected the most interesting and unique combinations to present to you. These images are rendered on Fuji Pearl photo paper which lends a slightly silver and film grain effect to the waves. The paper itself contains pearly mica crystals which yield the metallic reflection effects through an interplay of transparency, refraction and reflection. The beach was as you see it without being artificially darkened in processing. The images as presented are mounted and then coated with a transparent coating to preserve the image and provide a finished presentation to the piece.

I hope these images provide you much enjoyment in the appreciation of all of nature’s beauty and glory.

This image is available for purchase in the store.

Black Sand Wave Patterns - Iceland

LBI - Reaching for the Stars