THE WEDGE-BIG WAVE DAY!

 

After my near drowning on Saturday, and the passing of Newport Beach, CA. Lifeguard/Hero- Ben Carlson while saving a man's life; I realized how incredibly dangerous large swells can be even for the most experienced. I decided to head to "The Wedge" on Monday to take a few shots. The waves continued to swell to unbelievable heights. To my surprise there were several people actually charging out into the water, speedo's on (which isn't commonly seen in Orange County, CA., but I overheard them saying that trunks always fall off) and fins in hand, excited to ride these monsters.

Can you say, "CRAZY!"

Seriously, there were bodysurfers as young as 12-13 chasing these incredible waves. They were obviously very experienced even at their young age, along with "The Wedge Crew" (a group of seasoned bodysurfing veterans.)

In between the click of my lens, I found myself praying for them, setting my camera aside to scour the white wash waiting for them to pop up from the humongous waves that had just crashed over them. My anxiety level was definitely heightened as I recalled being tumbled, thrown and disoriented under water; losing perception of up or down under waves half that size.

The crowds excitement and adrenaline kicked in as each giant grew to enormous height...taller and taller. They would gasp and stare in awestruck wonder. Even captivating these three active young boys attention.

It was definitely something to behold in person. The lifeguards coned off the area to make sure that inexperienced people didn't get too close and risk getting swept out to sea. They stood along the shoreline, ready and waiting to risk their lives for someone in need. I'm sure it was a difficult day for them while still mourning the loss of their fallen brother. 

Until you see these waves in person you can't begin to understand the volume of a lifeguard's job.

I was lucky enough to get there before the huge crowds arrived and found a perfect front row spot. 

 
To see more pictures from the day or order prints...stop by my website:
LISA PETRARCA PHOTOGRAPHY

HELLO iPhone!

Guess what people>>>I finally have an iPhone! Woot Woot! I love it except I miss the normal keypad on my old blackberry. My new posts make me look like a 5 year old trying to spell. It makes me wonder how guys with big ol' fat fingers type. I'm told it's just a learning curve thing and I'll get used to it. I hope so!

My absolute FAVORITE thing about this phone is the camera! Knowing that I have a decent camera with me at all times is the best (still obviously not as good as my normal SLR) But it's a definite improvement from my Blackberry! I often have tons of things to write about but I like to always add pictures with my stories which = lots of extra time when I use my regular camera, sorting, editing and downloading. With the iPhone I have it all there ready to upload. So here's some samples of pictures I've recently taken via my new besty (aka~iPhone)! 

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The cloud & church pics were all taken on the same night while walking my dog

Notice the bright light above the cloud and the dimmer rays shining below!

Taken while driving down Beach Blvd...took my breath away!

This was taken at Corona Del Mar Beach on my lunch break

Loved the clouds reflected in the church window