I love the ocean. I suppose most people do. The ocean’s been an intense subject of focus for my photography. Being a coastal Californian, I’m lucky enough to live right next to the biggest ocean in the world—the Pacific.

If something is “in your own backyard” you get to experience more the fleeting moments that seem to escape the casual passerby.

The story behind the picture

It was late in the afternoon in December of 2009 and the sun was low in the sky, making for some sweet backlight through the wave. I caught this moment from the Oceanside Pier in Southern California. The conditions were ideal: Winter, offshore breeze.

See more of my Ocean Set on Flickr.