Big Wave, a photo from Arizona, West

Photographer's Note

You need to get permit to visit this area, only limited number of permit each day. Unlike Coyote Butte South, you don’t need high clearance 4 wheel drive vehicle to get here, therefore it is much more popular and harder to get a permit, especially in the high season. See BLM web page for how to obtain a permit.

The Wave area is rather small and that what most people come to see and therefore it is busy here even though only limited number of permit people can visit, imagine if it open to all. It would be a zoo and the fragile landmark will be destroyed within days.

This was taken later in the day, which was not ideal because the sun was too low and it is all in the shadow, but I like the deep earth tone though there was lack of depth. The best time is actually between 11:00 to 2:00 when the sun is shining directly on it. The good thing about being here this late, about 5:00 pm, we were the only two left in this whole place there was nothing but the sound of wind. We headed back before it got too dark and we had to walk the last part in the dark with flash light.

There was an incident on July 2011, a Hiker fell to death in Buckskin Gulch. He had a permit to hike The Wave, accordingly he hiked back in the dark and got lost and fell down a 100 foot cliff. So my advice, We all have to be prepared and take responsibility for our own safety when doing thing like hiking in the dark, have flash light, map, ideally a hiking gps, extra water and food, in case of getting lost.

Image is copy righted.
Contact me if you want to purchase the image.

dta, ourania, PaulVDV, BluSimo, kathryn_weir, marabu61, sothy81, maloutim, Gigidusud, carlo62, Angshu, HimalAnda, CLODO, SnapRJW, lilito, Kofman, mayjayne, danos, timecapturer, Suppiluliuma, abmdsudi, Wanda1, mkamionka, nikkitta, rasterman, Cricri, shevchenko, adores, plimrn, annjackman, delpeoples, mirosu, pajaran, kasianowak, ChrisJ heeft deze opmerking als nuttig gemarkeerd

Critiques | Translate

lousat (139298) 2012-07-10 11:22

Woow!! Your pics are always a great pleasure to see,but this is really extraordinary!!! What a place and what a way to take it,fantastic perspective and spectacular details and colors,2 points are not enought..another time..ehehe...have a nice evening and thanks,Luciano

rbassin (27472) 2012-07-10 11:25

hello Way
Une magnifique vue sur les détails de cette roche.
Couleur et graphisme sont une merveille.
Le coin de ciel apporte un contraste très intéressant.
Bonne soirée
Roland

dta (98848) 2012-07-10 11:25

Hello Way ,
This landscape is truly fantastic . Almost unreal . The lack of scale gives a lot of possibility to the imagination .
I wondered what was the sign on the right . Looking at with attention , I can see your trade mark ;)
Regards

yquem46 (38752) 2012-07-10 11:26

hello way
No need to look at the signature !
Another splendid one no doubt
Bravo Way
have a nice evening
Patrick

jemaflor (147184) 2012-07-10 11:46

Hi Way,
This landscape is always a photogenic place, your shot is wonderful, good choice for the pov, fantastic waves, good management for colors and contrast.

holmertz (102732) 2012-07-10 11:54

Hello Way,
You no longer surprise me with these spectacular shots. I know by now that I can expect any kind of weird natural scenery. This is almost unbelievable, but no doubt it's out there in Arizona. Possibly the low light is responsible for the strong contrasts that are part of the exceptional atmosphere.
Kind regards,
Gert

ourania (51103) 2012-07-10 12:13

Hello Way,
this place is magnificent, like a giant sculpture, and your picture surely does it justice. The absence of direct lighting makes the picture rely on the true colours and marvellous patterns of the wavy rocks. Your well chosen close point of view and excellent lighting bring out all the unique qualities and the suggestive atmosphere of this wonderful place. I also love the contrast provided by the sky and the few touches of warm light on the tips of the rocks. Congratulations and thank you!
All the best, have a good day,
Ourania

PaulVDV (62944) 2012-07-10 12:17

Hello Way,
It really looks like an unearthly landscape. When I saw this picture, I wondered how it was possible that never before I saw an image of this extraordinary landscape. Then I read the note with the explanation of the authorization and the extremely limited number of visitors. So you're a lucky guy!
I think that words fail to describe this nature wonder and I'm so glad that you show it to the world.
Thanks for sharing and congratulations!
Best regards, Paul

BluSimo (9392) 2012-07-10 12:28

Hi Way
in my opinion despite the low sun this photo is fantastic. Perhaps it lacks the three-dimensionality in the fg which gives usually a light more intense. However the smoothness of tones and the peak cleared up by the sun going down are very beautiful. cheers!
Simonetta

marabu61 (11587) 2012-07-10 12:55

Hi Way
Wow what a spectacular landscape. I definitifly have to visit Arizona once.
This picture is perfectly framed and the warm colors work so well.
Daniel

Ninello52 (7576) 2012-07-10 12:56

Hello Way,
Image and spectacular scenery! I chose a photo of this Canyon for the background of my PC! Great photos with beautiful beautiful light and beautiful colors, great framing with the beautiful design by sinuous curves of the rocks in the foreground! The magnificent setting! Congratulations! Nino

sothy81 (9646) 2012-07-10 13:18

Hi Way, this is another great photo. Sharpness and colors are of wonderful quality. Those line formation makes up a great wave. Well done. Sothy

maloutim (13617) 2012-07-10 13:41

Hi Way,
Another wonderful sight you are showing us from Arizona !
Thank you also for the very useful note which explains why it's necessary to get a permit, and how people have to be careful when hiking in the dark .
You may think the conditions weren't the best for your capture, but I think it's perfect. I just wonder how such geological wonders can exist, and your picture shows the lines of this Big Wave to its best.
Thanks for sharing.
Best regards.
Marie-Louise.

Gigidusud (21679) 2012-07-10 13:48

Hello Way,
Fantastic shot on this canyon,with nice graphics rocks and splendid colors.Well done!
Thanks for sharing.
Ghislaine

Nasy (124) 2012-07-10 13:56

Hi Way!
What a unique photo!Very smooth and I love how the curvy lines play with eye.
I think the lightening is perfect, even-though you mentioned it was not the best time of the day.
Best wishes,
Nastaran

ACL1978 (7511) 2012-07-10 14:14

Way, great shot, and a perfect complement to your previous submission. More difficult, as well, due to the low light, which you manage well - the cloudy sky in BG looks almost unnaturally dark against the rich red of the rock.

Andrew

carlo62 (81265) 2012-07-10 14:20

Ciao Way
una foto straordinaria, complimenti.
Le linee che si rincorrono lungo le rocce sono splendide, bellissima idea.
Complimenti di nuovo
Carlo

npecanhuk (79329) 2012-07-10 15:49

Hi Way!
Wonderful unique natural details!
Very beautiful and eye-catching picture!
Sharpness, exposure, colors, chosen pov, and composition are all excellent!
TFS - congrats,
Cheers,
Neyvan

Angshu (56760) 2012-07-10 21:37

Sabaidie Way!
We know this place very well, courtesy pictures from our friends & also numerous of them floating around in the internet & mobile phones. I just wonder, how big is this Wave? It is difficult to understand the scale but one thing is for sure...nothing beats nature for creating art forms...as an Artist! It seems you did not have great light, but still the colours stand out & moreso the textures. Fantastic! I also read with horror about what you wrote in your note about a casualty in this place!
Best Regards
Angshu

HimalAnda (10671) 2012-07-10 23:31

Hello Way,

You publish another beautiful picture.
Compared to the usual photographies of this place, this one is more original because the light is different. The colors are nice, with an interesting grey sky.
The curves lead the eye toward the big rock in the background: well done.

Stéphane

JFS (32459) 2012-07-11 0:14

Hi Way!
Another amazing shot of this peculiar place in Arizona. It's just beautiful!!!
thanks and best regards,
Juan

CLODO (45116) 2012-07-11 1:02

Hi Way

the framing is perfect and we follow the stones layers from BG to FG, with an impression of 3D. Nice contrasting colors.
regards
CLODO

SnapRJW (31631) 2012-07-11 1:05

Hi there Way - Isn't the natural world fantastic? The beauty of this geological wonder has been so well presented here.I like the light, we see the richness of the colours and there is a lovely little area of sunlight at the top of the shot. I get a good feel of motion and form from the sweeping curves of the strata. Super! Warm regards Rosemary

mayjayne (7204) 2012-07-11 3:15

Dear Way Lim,

Wow -what an amazing shot. I agree with you that even though this was not the best time of the day, the shadowed areas actually creates depth in the earthy tones. Very well done !!

TFS,
May

danos (110407) 2012-07-11 3:21

Hello Way,
impressive these natural waves on the rock clever cropping to makes the image unique.
The light and the colour management enhance the clarity of the image,as the details of this physical phenomenon.

Regards,danos

No_One (4) 2012-07-11 5:15

Hi Way
This is a real WOW picture for me, an incredible image showing this wonderful place. The curves and colours are excellent, and draw the eye beautifully. I would bet if you put this in a room, everybody present would just sit and stare at it! I know I would.
Best wishes
Noel

timecapturer (49288) 2012-07-11 6:29

Hello Way
stunning is the only word to describe this wonderful image. The lines, light and colours are amazing enough but it is the textures that fascinate and look so incredible. Quailty work - executed and presented flawlessly. Love it!

Regards - Brian.

Suppiluliuma (3931) 2012-07-11 7:48

Simply delightful curves and colors, accompanied by informative notes and suggestions.

Thank you...

Erdem

abmdsudi (95869) 2012-07-11 7:52

Sabaidee Way
What a fabulous location, an amazing rock-formation you presented and a gem of a shot. This is natures work and photographers paradise! A most unusual sight with its mesmerizing natural patterns -the sweeping of wavy lines are just marvellous and so well saturated in delicious color tones and so pin sharp. This is surely worth the hike for a view like this and your pov is very dramatic and the blue complements the coloured stone perfectly. What a sight to behold !!!!!
Thanks for the additional infor and the sad episode and lessons to learn, Well done.
Warm regards

Wanda1 (15142) 2012-07-11 9:10

Hi Way,
Pattern, pattern and more delightful pattern, just love those swirls and curving lines, it really is a special artwork created by nature. Warm tones of reds, oranges and chocolaty browns are superb too. The filled frame with majority rocks and just a touch of blue sky is great.
Regards
Wanda

yaya13baut (3344) 2012-07-11 9:15

hi Way,
you did a great capture of this amazing landscape.
good depht which allows to see the details of this natural sculpture and to appreciate the texture.
nice POV : we are inside the wave !
Yannis

Bluejeans (64251) 2012-07-11 11:13

Ola Way ,
Está brutal esta tua foto neste lugar lindo , são fantásticas estas linhas amarelas e vermelhas nestas rochas em contraste com o azul , bom ponto de visão com um belo efeito visual , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

mkamionka (74481) 2012-07-11 11:30

Hi Way,
the only reason I don't mark all your photos as my favorites is that I would simply need to label all of them.
This is another spectacular shot and a great inspiration to get back there again. Fantastic composition with amazing curves in the foreground.
Indeed I have usually seen the photos in the full sun but there is something unique in the colors which you have captured. I like also the contrast of the crispy sharp rocks with the soft smooth sky.
Excellent work!!!!!
M

chawax (20764) 2012-07-11 13:10

Hi Way,
Just an incredible place ! The natural curved lines, the texture of the rocks and the rec colours make a fantastic graphical atmosphere. Excellent sharpness too.
Have a nice day,
Olivier

InasiaJones (31566) 2012-07-11 19:33

Hi Wayne,

You're the hottest kid in town with your crazy landscapes.

Just a bit over saturated, but my friend, this is beautiful! It's bold, it's in your face, it's graphic and almost abstract, yet we know exactly where that piece of work comes from.

Incredibly dynamic, full of movements - who could believe that ones could use such a description for a rock... - the composition is really well balanced.

Big Wave. Big Wayne.

Cheers!

André

nikkitta (17070) 2012-07-11 19:36

Wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
Only you can present a capture like this, after reading you note I understand more what is it about and also why I haven't seen photos from this place
Great color and contrast of the Big Wave

Congrats and TFS
Maria

emka (158198) 2012-07-11 23:13

Hi Way,

Incredible place, worth all effort to get permit to go there. reasonable to limit the number of tourist, but on the other hand, for most people no possible to go there. but one can admire such gorgeous photos. I think there are shots with water inside, also beautiful . But like it is not less great.

Warm regrads

MAlgo

sacimar (38173) 2012-07-12 6:18

Hello Way,

this is big wave! excellent image of this place, you have shown a beautiful combination of shapes and lanes, the visual result is very good,

Best regards,

Sergio

maria-v1981 (10966) 2012-07-12 6:25

Hello Way,
I love the geological details in this shot, you have presented them so cleanly and well. Fabulous textures in the FG and the colours,textures and symmetry are magnificent.
Regards,
Maria

Cricri (176) 2012-07-12 8:20

Hi Way
Vraiment une image impressionnante, presque surréaliste, somptueux dans les détails et les couleurs, fantastique
Belle journée
cricri

janjan1897 (2301) 2012-07-13 14:07

Hello Way,
Fantastic shot of this spectacular rock formation. Your POV gives this natural sculpture an imposing view and a sense of dynamic importance. Beautiful contrasting colours and textures making for a great visual impact. Congratulations !
Jean

jga (1062) 2012-07-14 7:34

Hello Way,
What a spectacular scenery!
The composition is perfect.
Amazing!
TFS
Julien

ciakgiak (30) 2012-07-15 5:15

Hello Way,
what a spectacular view! I have never seen a similar beautiful landscape, the morphology of the land and its colors are really amazing, and what a quality!!!
My best compliments dear friend and TFS.
Best regards
Giorgio

shevchenko (20560) 2012-07-15 20:32

Hi Way,
Good close up to the selected part and clear to show the veins of the rocks, it is really an amazing creation by the nature, distinct photo, good shoot.

Informative note to introduce the tourism location and to share again your travel experince, well done.

Ally

alpi1500 (1520) 2012-07-16 3:31

Hi
İts excelent landscape.Very nice colors and good perspective.
Have a nice day.

mesutilgim (0) 2012-07-16 11:36

Hello Way,
Another topclass capture of those natural wonders !
Perfect graphical effect and interesting notes.
TFS and best regards
MESUT ILGIM

adores (46979) 2012-07-17 17:35

Hi Way!
Really fantastic! The wave effect, the colours, the textures! A wonderful pov and an amazing place. Hope they'll preserve it! Great work, Way!

SWEETFREEDOM (24623) 2012-07-21 1:42

Hi Way,
great place taken with your usual mastery. even with the low sun the picture is amazing the deep earth tone are beautiful.
regards
Alessandro

serp2000 (47063) 2012-07-21 9:23

Hi, Way,
Thanks. Probably I will visit this place too. Today I can see your photos only. Superb! I really like this view. Impressive colours and outstanding sharpness. TFS!
Best wishes,
Serghei

plimrn (21344) 2012-07-22 6:27

Hi Way,

You really show the details of this amazing work of nature in spite of the shadow. Your note is both informative and companionable.

I don't know how you find the time for 2 websites, gardening, work and love!!

HLJ, Pat

sacavem (18620) 2012-08-03 14:09

Olá Way,

The other TE friends have said all, but I think this photo can bear another two points ... ;-)

Cumprimentos,
Filipe

annjackman (23019) 2012-08-05 0:22

Hello Way,
This picture has deservedly accumulated many points from TE members. I love the way that natural forces have shaped and carved their way through desert landscapes. The textures and colours are remarkably well caught in this image. A bold viewpoint and crop -excellent!
Kind Regards, Ann

delpeoples (60342) 2012-08-05 2:05

Hello Naughty Boyfriend

Wow, just looking at this marvellous photo is making me dizy. I love all those curvy lines. The strong colours and textures are amazing, and as your title suggests, we could get out skateboards or surfboards out and ride this wave. Is there a little vignetting at the corners? To me this doesn;t hurt the image at all and I think you managed the harsh light in the sky so well and yet still managed to retain the amazing details of the rockface. Wow, great shot, you always present something that's different and has that wow-factor.

Hugs
Lisa

siudzi (34141) 2012-08-05 2:37

Hi Way,
Wow! What a fantastic image of this impressive rock! Absolutely a top class picture. Outstanding composition. Congrats!

Warm regards,
Malgorzata

i9l2y1m8a8t3 (4814) 2012-08-05 6:35

Stunning, breathtaking and highly informative Photo!
The places that you photograph leave me in awe, this is just beautiful! The patterns really draws attention to your viewers! Great photography as always!

my compliments!
M

kiks (12805) 2012-08-11 8:17

I can not describe in words how beautiful i finf this image! The organic shapes the colors the motion. Amzing!
Best regards
Kiks

cornejo (61504) 2012-08-25 11:13

Hi Way, Excellent photo of these wonderful formations. Lovely and interesting picture nicely composed and performed. Very good and interesting job well done, congratulations my friend. Tfs.

Good night and good Sunday.
Best regards.
Angel.

didemay (2945) 2012-08-31 6:35

Hello Way,
Again another "Wooooow" goes to you from Turkey. So clean, so faultless and unexpectionable. You get carried away with the neat details.
Best Regards,
Didem

COSTANTINO (116542) 2012-08-31 7:13

Hello
the title is wellchosen,the colors are
fantastic,original version,the landscape
is really fantastic and your useful
notes explain it,dynamic contrast
with strong inspiration
have a nice weekend
regards
Costantino

Didi (61589) 2012-10-24 17:17

Hi Way
This is a fantastic picture
Very nice perspective and interesting curve.
Nature and wind has done a great job and you a good composition
Best regards
Didi

mirosu (16313) 2012-10-30 2:00

Hi Way,
A great use of colors and light. The deep depth of field is perfect. A well presented crop allows eyes to remain fixed on the fantastic rock details. The well harmonized rock colors and the grey-blue-white sky also lends a lovely contrast to the scene. Well done.

smash2707 (3320) 2012-11-28 10:24

Excellent POV. Nice details, colors, sharpness. Beautiful composition showing a bit of the contrasting blue sky in the background. TFS

pajaran (115941) 2012-12-14 23:25

Dobar dan.
Vrlo interesantan i dobar tekst sa datim podacima ...
Dobra ostrina snimka, kontrast, lepe boje.
Dobra kompozicija, lepo pokazano.
Priroda pravi lepe skulpture.
Lepa priroda.
Imajte lep dan za odmor.
Sve najbolje za vikend.
Srecno.
Paja.

Good day.
Very interesting and good text with a given data ...
Good image sharpness, contrast, beautiful color.
Good composition, nice revealed.
Nature makes beautiful sculptures.
Beautiful nature.
Have a nice rest day.
All the best for the weekend.
Good luck.
Paja.

kasianowak (17676) 2013-01-10 13:16

Hi Way
Impressive image with well thought through composition! True work of art.
Best wishes
Kasia

adidas5nb (5743) 2013-05-01 19:45

beautiful graphical pic.love the color and the curves.fantastic.
regards
dwaipayan

ChrisJ (171852) 2013-05-31 1:43

Hello Way ,

Incredible repetition of the natural layers and contours in the sandstone and the contortion and geological twistin over eons is amazing. A good pov with superb sharpness. Excellent warm cold color contrasts between the blue and yellow red. Tfs!