Posted by Sara Barnes for My Modern Met
Kenji Croman is a Hawaii resident, body surfer, and former competitive swimmer whose thrill-seeking personality allows him to photograph unpredictable yet awe-inspiring waves. Despite some drawbacks with his profession, including broken bones and close encounters with sharks, the photographer says that he couldn’t see himself doing anything else. Croman’s passion is evident through these incredible images that showcase the brilliant colors and sunlight glow of the endless ocean. Each monumental wave is as unique as a fingerprint, and he’s able to capture them when they are at their peak.
Careful planning is required for Croman to have a successful shoot. The night before an outing, he analyzes the predicted ocean weather to see what the winds, waves, and tides will be like at certain times. This information helps him visualize what kind of image could be produced. Once in the water, he only has a few opportunities to capture the perfect shot, and at the same time manage to stay calm in the face of breaking waves. The high-risk activity rewards him for his fearlessness with once-in-a-lifetime ocean views every day.