“Crescendo (BW)”

Location: Cape Kiwanda, Oregon (2020)

A large swell smashes against the sandstone cliffs of Cape Kiwanda during a storm on a November morning.

The ocean rolled like thunder as it barrelled absentmindedly toward the sandstone cliffs where it would crash and spray water up and over the face of the rock. Temporary waterfalls would form when the water receded. Birds flew out of the way. And spectators gathered to witness the unrestrained power of the ocean.

I had come specifically here to witness the forces of water colliding with the sandstone earth. The browns and oranges contrasting beautifully with the grayish green Pacific. Not every swell produced such a spectacular demonstration of raw power, and so patience was required to capture the right moment.

The storm, as it passed, transformed the light. When I first arrived, it was overcast, with the distant blue mountains in the foreground obscured by dense fog. As the sky began to clear, light reflecting off clouds turned the moist sandstone bronze. Only later, when direct sunlight began to filter between the clouds was the stage set for this particular photograph.

Inspired by what I captured with my camera, I composed this poem:

Roaring Swell,

Crashing Spray,

Ocean Crush,

Punch.

Sandstone Breaking,

Battered Coast,

Crescendo.