Shelley McKiernan, Power and Tempest (OCEAN - Entries close 30 November 2026)

Standing atop a rugged cliff, I watched the ocean transform into a scene of raw energy and movement. Wild winds swept across the coastline, making the experience as dramatic as the wave itself. With a handheld Canon R7 paired with an RF 100-500mm lens, I worked to capture the immense scale, force and fleeting character of the breaking surf. The monochrome treatment allows the viewer to focus on the textures within the image rather than being distracted by colour. Every detail becomes more pronounced, from the intricate patterns etched across the surface of the water, the fine spray carried by the wind, and the deep, dark folds within the curling wave. Light and shadow emphasise the enormous weight of the ocean as it rises and crashes forward. The long reach of the RF 100-500mm lens allowed me to isolate the most powerful section of the wave while standing safely on the cliff top, yet still convey a sense of being immersed in the storm. The handheld camera adds a sense of immediacy to the moment. Power and Tempest is an image about nature at its most dramatic, unpredictable, relentless and beautiful. It captures not only the physical power of the sea, but also the atmosphere of standing above it, surrounded by wild winds and the roar of the ocean.

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