Shelley McKiernan, Aqua Jewel (OCEAN - Entries close 30 November 2026)

This image captures the raw power and beauty of the Southern Ocean as a massive wave rises, curls, and explodes into a cloud of windblown spray. Photographed from a high cliff top in Portland, Victoria, the scene was captured during stormy, wild, and extremely windy weather, when the ocean was at its most dramatic. Using a handheld Canon R7 with an RF 100–500mm lens, I was able to isolate the incredible detail within the breaking wave. The long reach of the lens brought the swirling turquoise barrel closer, revealing layers of foam, spray, shadow, and reflected light. The darker tones of the surrounding water contrast beautifully with the luminous blue-green heart of the wave, creating a sense of depth and movement. Shooting handheld in such challenging conditions made the experience both exhilarating and demanding. The wind was relentless, the spray was everywhere, and the sea was constantly changing from one moment to the next. Yet those conditions are exactly what made this image possible. For me, this photograph represents the untamed character of the Portland coastline during a fleeting moment of immense energy, frozen in time, where light, water, wind, and weather come together to create something truly powerful and unforgettable.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.