Liquid Mountains: I Captured Lake Erie On The Day It Came Alive And Showed Its True Power
My name is Dave Sandford. I have been a professional photographer for 18 years. Shooting professional sports has paid the bills, but I’ve been the most passionate about anything to do with our beautiful nature and especially water. Oceans and lakes beckon me. Since I was a kid, I’ve loved to be on, in or around water. I’m fascinated by the sheer raw power and force of it, captivated by the graceful movement of big waves and mesmerized by light dancing across it.
Recently, I have felt drawn to the lakes that are virtually in the backyard of my hometown of London, Ont., Canada. Specifically, the awe-inspiring Great Lakes. Lake Erie, the 4th largest of the Great Lakes caught my attention for this nature photography essay. I chose to focus on Erie at a time of year (mid-October through December) when the Great Lakes can act more like oceans than lakes. With warm sunny beach days behind us, it is some of Autumn’s dark, cold and windy days that transform the Great Lakes into wickedly wild and treacherous bodies of water, perfect for taking stunning nature photos.
Lake Erie is 388km in length and approximately 92km across. It is also the shallowest of the Great Lakes, with an average depth of 62’ and the maximum depth of 210’. Lake Erie’s name originates from a native tribe called the lake “Erige” (“cat”) due to the unpredictable and at times dangerously violent nature. Because of the shallowness of the lake, conditions can change dramatically in just a matter of minutes, with fierce waves springing up unexpectedly. Lake Erie’s unpredictable and violent nature has laid claim to some 1800-8000 shipwrecks dating back to the 17th century, most of which have never been found.
Over the last 4 weeks for 2-3 days a week, sometimes 6 hours a day, I did the 45 min drive to Lake Erie. The powerful images here were made using my Canon gear, 1Dx body, 400mm & 70-200mm lenses, protected from the elements by my Aquatech sport’s housing and sport’s shield gear. Shot during the month of November on the North shore of Lake Erie, about 500’-600’ off-shore from a small lakeside community called Port Stanley, Ontario. Daily temperatures ranging from -2 up to 14 degrees celsius, sustained wind speeds of 45-50km/ph, gusting 70-100+ km/ph, the average water temperature of 11 celsius, and wave heights reaching 25’. It is days like these that most people stay away from the lake… It’s days like these, when Erie comes alive, showing it’s true power. These are the days I can’t wait to get to the lake and create interesting photos!
More info: davesandfordphotos.com | Facebook | Instagram
Bane of the Great Lakes
Lake of the Cat
The Witch of November
Two Face
Liquid Mountain Top
Eerie Erie
Lake Erie Monster
The Phonograph-Songs of the Deep
November Witch
Freshwater Fury
Black Friday
Creeping Death
The Gales of November
Red Peak
The Sandstorm
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Share on FacebookI live in a beach house on Lake Erie. The side of my house facing the lake has huge windows and a sliding glass door. As long as the sun is up, I nearly never have the TV on. There is nothing it can show me that can compete with the majestic beauty of that Great Lake. Frozen dunes form in the winter, becoming a surreal landscape from another world. Watching the ice break up in the Spring is mesmerizing. Summertime means blue water with boats and ships of all descriptions, and sunsets of true beauty. Fall ushers in some reminders that Nature still rules, with storm tossed seas that nobody dares contest. The waters can be alive and angry, and will sometimes do things that seem impossible. Your photos have caught some of this... and that is rare. You deserve much credit for your skill and artistry, sir.
Dave, where approximately do you live? We had a cabin in 'Geneva-on-the-Lake' in the 50s. Love your comment.
Load More Replies...Woah...I especially like eerie eerie- you can see a skeleton forming!!!! Wow-you are really good with your photos. Good hobby to pay bills:)
haha thank you very much, it's always amazing to see the shape waves take on that literally last mere hundredths of a second, things you would never see with the naked eye.
Load More Replies...Incredible photos! Scary, especially the Gales of November. That led me to imagining how fierce the waters were for the Edmund Fitzgerald on another one of the Great Lakes.
Thanks for the nice message Patricia! Yes the great lakes can be darn scary at times.. i often think the same thing to myself.. it's hard to even imagine what took down the Edmund Fitzgerald 40 years ago.
Load More Replies...I am an artist who is never impressed by modern photography. But I've never felt so inclined to buy a print in my life. Do you have a website or something? This is nothing short of genius.
Wow Jay, that's quite the compliment! Thank you very much.I do have a site, it however isn't updated with this content. You can find it on my Sandford Photography page on Facebook or Instagram @sandfordpix also please contact me at dave@davesandfordphotos.com thanks again, look forward to hearing from you.
Load More Replies...I live just a mile from Lake Erie. Cleveland, Ohio. I have never seen Lake Erie look so Gorgeous! Truly amazing pictures.
This is inreal! My family has spent generations of summers at Lake Erie. My parents met there, my sister was married lake front and we have a little cottage lake front and we have a tiny cottage lale front and watch the storms come in. A friend of my uncle has also been lost and never found. My Uncle stated once 'Lake Erie doesn't give up it's dead." When I tell people where we spend our summers a lot of times people picture a flat lake with no waves. I have seen this lake angry many times but never like this! What you captured is the real deal. She is not a Lake you want to mess with. Now we have a better idea of what the Fitzgerald saw! Terrifying!!!!! Awesome photographs!!!! I will pass on to my family!
Hey Dave. Sick pics. Glad they're going viral. I'm from St thomas and love to rep. Local. Do you have prints available.....or a website perhaps? Thanks.
Hi Sam, Thanks for the message and the kind words. Yes i sell prints, if you don't mind going to the link on my website for email or my Facebook page Sandford Photography, or DM on instagram @sandfordpix and i can get you a specs sheet with all the info you need. Much Appreciated, thanks again for reaching out.
Load More Replies...Awesome. Loved it, but are November Witch and Witch of November the same? They looked pretty much alike.
Thank you for the comments, glad you like them! To answer your question, November Witch, and Witch of November are intact two different waves. While i agree they are similar looking waves in structure, they we're photographed on two different days.
Load More Replies...Wow...we were on our first trip to Erie in November too...on the south side. The fury was astounding on Nivember 14, the Saturday we decided since we were so close we had to see the lake. Sand was so vicious we could not stand long...I am surprised your equipment could survive. We wont forget that day.
Damon thanks for your message. I know exactly what you mean. Thankfully i have great housing gear to protect my equipment from the elements, including sand. It's insane how it whips up and literally hurts
Load More Replies...Sent a comment but don't know if it registered. These are amazing. I live in Port and know how quickly the personality of the lake changes. Are any of these for sale?
Hi Jane, thanks so much! Appreciate it. Yes they are absolutely for sale. Please contact me via email dave@davesandfordphotos.com or on Facebook: Sandford Photography or Dm on instagram @sandfordpix and we will take it from there. I can get you all the details and if you purchase something i can deliver it to you myself. thanks!
Load More Replies...Absolutely stunning pictures! Where are you able to capture these images from and live to show them to others? I think that if I came across those waves in my boat some intense praying would be in order.
haha Roger! You've got that right, and i think sadly it would be your last prayer! Some are from the water, some from the land. I had to be very careful of the days i chose to shoot from the water, most days it is not doable and i use a long telephoto from shore. The waves are about 500' out.
Load More Replies...I live at most a mile away from Lake Erie ( ohio..usa) so enjoyed your pictures..beautiful photos capturing Lake Erie in some of her finest hours!
Thanks kindly for the message Vicki, really appreciate it. Glad you enjoyed my images and took the time to let me know.
Load More Replies...I live in Port Rowan Ontario and when the wind blows I often wonder what is happening at the lake. Thanks to your photos I now know. Your waves are full of sand that ends up here in the Long Point area. The next time we get a good wind I will take the 5 minute drive to go and check it out.
Hi Shirley, it is worth the 5 min drive for sure! Erie puts a show on like no other, you won't be disappointed. Thanks for the message
Load More Replies...These are truly amazing, I can see the faces and the cloaks and Eerie Erie is plain scary. Fanstastic work. I can see that you love what you do. It shows!!!
Thanks for taking the time to have a look Phyllis and to send me a comment. I do love what i do! Glad you enjoyed them!
Load More Replies...Dave, great work! Being from Ohio and now in the west few know how great and formidable of a lake it is. Your photography captures the power of Lake Erie that we all grew up to respect about it. Do you make them available to be purchased and framed?
Hi Jeff, thanks kindly!! Yes i do sell my images. Please email me dave@davesandfordphotos.com or via Facebook at Sandford photography and i will get you everything you need. thanks again
Load More Replies...haha thanks man!!!! Much Appreciated!
Load More Replies...Thanks so very very much Liz!!! Means a lot!
Load More Replies...These pictures are amazing! Where do you take them from? Are you on the shore? The pier? The roof of Mackie's?! ;)
Haha Shannon! Thanks very much, glad you like them! Roof of Mackies where else! ;) Some are taken from the water (i have a water housing) some are taken from the shore at the base of the water near the pier with a long telephoto.
Load More Replies...A former Great Lakes girl is very impressed with this collection, especially the "Witch of November". Well done!
Thank you so much, really nice to hear!
Load More Replies...great pics!! this is my favorite time of year in port.I live on the west coast now but surfed for 10 years there.people would drive for 3 or more hours to come for the madness.
Thanks for the comments Hayley, yeah this is the best time of year there. I'll take these days over the crowded sunny flat beach days for sure!
Load More Replies...Thank you very much, appreciate you taking the time to look and comment.
Load More Replies...Very nice shots Dave, they're beautiful and threatening at the same time. Are they HDR photos? I'm a total amateur and still trying to figure out how to tell the difference.
Hey Rich, thanks very much for commenting and taking a look. Nope they are not HDR images, single frame images here. I do some HDR imagery, but not for fast moving subjects like these waves.
Load More Replies...Fantastic shots of Lake Erie! I live on the South Shore, USA side and have seen some pretty wicked waves but your work captures the wicked beauty of Erie, PERFECTLY!! WOW!
Thank you so much Jane, very nice of you to say so. I'm enjoying hearing from a lot of people that live on or close to Erie, you know all too well how wicked she can get living on it.
Load More Replies...That's awesome I've always thought Lake Erie was lame maybe it's because I live in Erie pa and it just seems boring to me lol nice pics!
lol thank you Jessica, it's not that lame! This lake can get crazy! Plus you have the Witch of November, The Lake Erie Monster and the Storm Hag.. you should look them all up for some good lake erie reading. I also have stories of each on my instagram posts of late @sandfordpix
Load More Replies...Thanks a ton Wendy!! Really appreciate it!
Load More Replies...never cease to amaze me! beautiful photos! https://kirkscustomcabinetsinpomona.com/custom-kitchen-cabinets/ if you need custom cabinets that specifically made for your space
still never cease to amaze me! Beautiful photos! :) if you need custom cabinets that specifically made for your space
Totally enchanting and foreboding photos, I can imagine the ships crews seeing this as they were taken.
Eerie Eerie - that is the embodiement of what I feel is THE Witch herself taking form, come astealin.
Magnificent! Absolutely love your work! Kind of Rorschach-like.As an amateur photographer, thank you for taking me places I would never be! Please continue. : )
I wasn't familiar with your work until I caught a story about you on the Weather Channel in a "That's Amazing" segment. Amazing to me that you would think to done a mega-wetsuit and wade out into the water with that huge lens, but, oh, what photos you get! Absolutely breathtaking. So glad I saw that episode!
Just outstanding. I love to shoot in Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound when the wind gets nasty. Just got a good cover for my camera! Really enjoyed these images.
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astonishing and beautiful photos!!!capture a big moment in each one! congrats!
I live in Southeast Texas, we have a gross dirty brown gulf of Mexico, swamps, and some pretty lakes and ponds.. I have never been to the Great Lakes, only have read and heard about them. They are something I would LOVE to see one day. Until then, I'm so thankful for wonderful pictures like this to capture the beauty of the lakes that only the locals get to see!
Oh man, just look at that photo of The Sandstorm. You can see the monster's head turning left to look over his shoulder as it is already breaking apart. His left forearm stretched out his body, while he uses his right arm to push himself up out of the water. His left leg is just stretched out to the side and behind him as he is pushing mightily up out of the water. What a beautifully visual picture you captured here. I am completely mesmerized by this one and by your talent. I applaud you Mr. Sanford.
I Loved Erie Erie the Skull or Monkey Face is Awesome ..Would make a Good T Shirt Design as well as Poster,Print.
Dave these pictures are amazing and beautiful you truly captured Lake Erie's soul
Spent summers on Erie. Crossing from Barcelona to Port Dover. Best fried perch in the world. Camped out on Long Point and brought liquid refreshment to th lighthouse keepers. Fantastic memories, friends and the beauty of nature. How do I buy your photos?
I grew up on the North Shore of Lake Erie (Bertie Bay) and have seen in person many of these types of explosive events. Dave, you have captured the true nature of the beast. Being as shallow as the lake is, the mix of sand and water is always there during the big storms. Thanks for the magnificent pictures. They bring back many wonderful memories.
Dave, how do you take these photos 500' offshore? You aren't in a boat are you? You wouldn't be around to post them. Stunning photos. The South winds didn't produce this type waves on my side of the lake in Erie, Pa. I live about 300 yards from the lake, but can't see it. But I fish often, so I see the lake often.
You're photos are brilliant. I've spent much of my life living near the oceans (both Pacific and Atlantic) and diving beneath them. The power of vast bodies of water is incredible and their beauty incomparable. You've brilliantly captured both. Thanks for sharing! Love these!
My former in-laws lived on Lake Michigan. My parents have a place at the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I spent four years living on Okinawa and scuba diving in the glory of the pacific. The power and beauty of these vast bodies of water are incomparable. Love, love, love these photos! You're brilliant!
Your photos bring Lake Erie alive! Especially in Eerie Erie! Wow! Just awesome!
Your photographs are very beautiful. I spent every summer at Lake Erie as a child and never imagined how it looked during a winter storm. It's truly amazing to see the transformation.
Is this available in a book? If so, what is it called and where can I buy it?
Fantastic. I really like the Skull. Sandstorm. Red Peak, Gales of November. Excellent Photography.
Extraordinary. I've looked at your images again and again, and have shared with friends as well. The too are sharing. I'm so happy for your success.
Beautiful! Can I ask what equipment and settings you used for these?
Hi Dave, a dear friend of mine, now living in the US was born in London Ontario and posted your beautiful photo's to Facebook. I can't imagine being on the water during this weather. We lived on a smaller lake for 25 years and once got caught in bad weather. Thankfully we made it back to shore safely. Our guests thought it was an adventure, while I was quite nervous. The water is my favourite place to be, but I show it great respect too. How did you maintain such a balanced horizon in these shots?
Absolutely Fantastic photos, Dave Sanford!!! Would love to see what you come up with in the popular surfing sites off the coasts of California, Oregon, B.C. Canada, Hawaii, etc!
Absolutely Fantastic photos, Dave Sanford!!! Would love to see what you come up with in the Caribbean Sea or the popular surfing sites off California, Hawaii or British Columbia, Canada...Well Done!
Where were these photos taken. I have live in Geneva, Ohio my whole life right on the lake. I love the photos but don't remember seeing the lake like this. And I'm 59.
I was born and raised in Cleveland Ohio and fished from the break walls as a child I have never seen the lake this way before but I do remember waves crashing over those break walls i have often wondered what lay on her bottom great photos Craig Renevitz
The photos are amazing, you are really talented Dave. I hope you are able to thank your father often for that first camera and the encouragement he provided. You're another Canadian success!
Wonderful pictures, Dave you are really talented. I hope you are able to thank your father often for giving you that first camera.
Dave, I am a painter and am often inspired to attempt to capture the essence of water in my work. I admire the way your photography of the moving water renders it almost abstract. In your hands, the images of Lake Erie's living waters are transmuted into potent symbols, shapes and meaning that transcend the typical photograph. Embedded in the experience of viewing them is the perception of complete immersion and commitment to the powerful elements of wind and water coming from the lens of the photographer. You generously and graciously share your unique perspective with the viewer. For those of us unable to physically venture into such an incredible environment, I thank you.
Hi Dave! I'm with Fox 8 News in Cleveland, can I use these pictures within a story. We will obviously give credit and can link to a website/social media page as well. Thanks!
I am a North Eastern Ohioan and I love living in Ohio. These wonderful shots of the LAKE help me appreciate Lake Erie even more. Thank you. I will be passing the photo`s on to relatives that have moved, I`m sure they will enjoy them. I glad I found the "Bored Panda". Will be watching for more of these kinds of photo`s.
.......I have fished Lake Erie so, so many times....but you have to ..RESPECT her or she will take you ...down. I love this lake. She can be so calm but then she can be so violent as a monster. Thank you, Dave for the pics. they are awesome, keep it up Dave, you have the talent.............!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
......I have fished Lake Erie so many times in my boat.....you have to RESPECT this awesome lake or it will take you....down......It is a beautiful lake and I love it. Your pics. are awesome....thank you.........!!!!!!!!!!!!!
These photos are fantastic! The water doesn't even look real. They look like paintings. Bravo!
Very powerful. Especially like songs from the deep. Creeping Death stands out in it's black and white as opposed to all the color. You certainly bring art to your photography.
Very powerful and beautiful. Love song of the deep and creeping death stands out from the others...black and white as opposed to all the colors. You certainly bring art to your photography.
Breathtaking......just....Wow!! Such patience, and what an eye for catching the amazing energy represented by this force of Nature.
Wow, these shots are stunning. I almost feel like I'm right there on the water. I love the ones that have what appear to be skulls in them, and it's interesting to see so many things hinted at in all of the pictures. Great work.
I was born in London and grew up on the shores of both Huron and Erie. These are not lakes IMO but inland oceans, full of mystery and majesty. You captured this perfectly. Erie may be the least of the lakes but she is to be RESPECTED. Every year she claims the lives who mistake her for a pond. I hope your work impresses upon everyone her wild and fickle nature.
Awesome shots! Were you in a boat taking these? How did you manage to get great shots like these without them coming out blurry?
These are fantastic! Where were you when you took them? In a boat? How were you able to catch such great shots moving like that without them being blurry?
I grew up on the opposite side of the lake in a little town called Madison Ohio. I now live in GA and just visited Ohio a couple of weeks ago and was privileged to sit beside Lake Erie on a beautiful November evening at sunset. It was oddly calm and serene for November because of the recent beautiful weather they have been experiencing. It reminded me of how much I miss being able to go there whenever I wanted to. My favorite times growing up were sitting on the bank watching a storm come in. How the water could be so calm and peaceful one minute and then wicked and horrifying the next. A reminder that calm can turn to chaos in a matter of minutes. I just love your photographs!! Thank you for sharing. I love going to the ocean these days, and I lived on Lake Michigan for 24 years, but Lake Erie is like no other. She is beautiful and peaceful yet frightening at times. She demands respect to all who visit her no matter what state she is in. Thanks again. They are beautiful pictures!
I grew up on Lake Erie, in Ohio. These are really some amazing pictures! Fantastic job capturing her mood swings!
Amazing photos! I could look at them all day, thank you for sharing your talent!
Incredible! Great job and planning! We have nothing like that in the shallow NErn end of the lake up by Buffalo, although the lake does rise 1.5-2 meters at time with active seiches and good waves on top! thanks for posting this album!
Your captures are quite amazing. I've had first hand experience when the lake can transform in a matter of minutes. It's serious business on the water. A part time resident of Johnson Island/boater/amateur photographer keeps me captivated. Also shoot with a canon 5D. I especially appreciate you sharing what equipment you use. I'm forever learning and loving what I see and do. Looking forward to future shots.
I enjoy and respect Lake Erie as a warm weather boater. Your work here really caught the lake's winter alter ego - and my respect for the lake jumped 100%. Thank you for sharing your passion and amazing work!
I live in buffalo and will never see this lake the same way! Beautiful work!
My grandpa was a great lakes captain - he once saw a ship crack right in half and go down in Lake Erie. We have a great respect for the lake and now for your photos of it. These are just stunning! I hadn't thought of it before but a sports photographer is a perfect foil for this - someone who can capture that split second. Thanks so much for the really wonderful photos.
How do you get the photos to look like you are far out in the lake? Is it the lens? Honestly, it appears the photos were taken from a boat in the middle of the lake...wow!
Your photos have brought back memories for me. I've witnessed this fury first hand while fishing on my fathers 18 foot SeaRay. It happened during a storm back in the 80's and it came from out of nowhere. It was probably the scariest moment of my life. You have captured it's beauty .
I've witnessed this fury first hand. Back in the 80's my family was caught in a storm during a fishing trip on my fathers 18 foot SeaRay. One of the scariest experiences I've ever encoun
dave, where you ever in port colborne? Nicole and I drove past a photographer on one of the windiest days this year, thought of this day instantly when I seen your pictures... amazing work..
Beautiful photos. My family was caught in a storm back in the 80's on my fathers 18 foot Sea Ray. One of the scariest experiences I've ever had.
Your photos are mesmerizing and hypnotic and I had to look at them over and over. I have lived on the south shore of Lake Erie my whole life and have spent as much time as I could over the years on or near her. I never can get over how at times she can be so tranquil and yet at other times so fierce. I can sit and watch her for hours. Yours is absolutely the best collection of photos ever!
Is there a place were I can get some HD versions of these pictures for my computers background?
i almost dont even believe that those are pictures of a lake. theyre insane! great pictures buddy
Very good timing and breath taking pics too. Currently adding Erie to my long list of amazing places that I want to visit lol
i too love water and everything about it: the color, the vastness, the sheer power of it all And the feeling of being in it. You've really captured something here! stunning!
Amazing photographs, they capture November Lake Erie perfectly. We live close-by and travel often to watch the waves.
Amazing photographs, we live near Lake Erie and never cease to be amazed at the power of her. Near Port Maitland during the Nov 14 storm, water was crashing over the lighthouse pier as we never seen it before. There is a pretty good blow going on today and we will head down there this afternoon to watch the lake in action.
Wow, 'Red Peak' looks like the Grim Reaper. Awesome. BTW, I grew up going to LE as a kid in the 50s and 60s. Do you remember when it turned green? We went back to see it in the 65 or 66 and it was horrifying.
Just made the move from Michigan to Cali and these photos make me miss home like crazy! You ever sell prints? I'd love to get one to hang on my wall!
Amazing shots!! I live in Buffalo, and really wanted to go see the lake the day it was this wild, but the roads were blocked off. I brought my camera the next day, but it was a little too rainy. =)
These are amazing shots! I grew up on Lake Erie, in Ohio and have been drawn to large bodies of water since childhood. Lake seems like such an understatement, they behave like inland seas. Such raw power and beauty.
Wow these are stunning! Have you ever considered photographing kiteboarders on those windy days on the Great Lakes? You would probably be amazing at it, combining sports photography and the waves ;)
I live near the lake and I can tell you these are beautiful shots of an ever changing lady
Absolutely amazing....have you ever taken any pictures of storms up on lake superior
I am a Sailor-- primarily deep sea, usually in the Pacific somewhere. I sailed on a bulk carrier on the lakes for 3 months once and it was some of the roughest water I've seen. The swells are much closer together, which causes a rougher ride than when we encounter big seas out here. Those pictures are beautiful my friend. You have a real talent. Thank you.
Wow! I grew up in Cleveland and have seen Lake Erie do some amazing things. I drove past it for 8 years on my way to work in downtown Cleveland. The seasons are amazing, especially winter. But, I have to say, I've never seen anything like your photos. They are awesome and capture the fury and power of Mother Nature and water spectacularly.
These are amazing photographs! It shows in your work that you really love what you do. My favorites are 'Bane of the Great Lakes' and 'Sandstorm' It truly does look like sand hitting across the lake, how majestic! Keep up the great work!
I moved from Lake Erie 38 years ago and finally returned to my childhood playground this past summer. Your dramatic photos took me back the many years I spent with my family sailing on this great body of water. Thank you. Where may we purchase prints.
Growing up in Chautauqua County NY and so frequently visiting the lake I am totally overcome by the wickedness I never knew existed. These photos are breathtaking I feel so privileged to have viewed them. I was emotionally drained after visiting the museum on Lake Superior and watching the footage about the Edmund Fitzgerald and these Lake Erie photos leave me feeling much the same. I can't thank you enough!!!
Does the sea make art if there is no artist to see it or is it the other way around?
These photos are all stunning! The raw power is so well captured. Were thee shot from the pier or from shore? You look like your right in the water! Very well done! Inspiring!
Every one of these images are stunning. The raw power is captured very well in your shots. Were these shot from the pier, or just from the shore? Very impressive work!
Wow. I have lived 45minutes away from Lake Erie and I had NO idea it would get this wild. AMAZING pictures. I learn more in this article of Lake Erie than I ever learn about in school. All I can honestly say is WOW.
nature she does not forgive...wonderful work you can feel the icy cold
These are STUNNING!! We live just south of Cleveland, OH - familiar with both the beauty and fierceness of Lake Erie. Thank you for sharing your talent!
These are absolutely stunning! Like something out of a fantasy set. Thank you for sharing!!!
I've never seen anything like those photos. I have always been fascinated/terrified/thrilled by 'big water' (all at the same time!). Big waves, waterfalls, big foreboding dark lakes, I often dream of these.
I've never seen anything like these. I have always been mesmerized and scared and thrilled (all at once) by "big water". I often dream of big water, huge waves, waterfalls.
Amazing photographs! I grew up in Cleveland and spent a lot of time on Erie. I've seen a lot of choppy waters and have tossed a fair number of cookies into the depths ;-) She is a force to be reckoned with!
Would love to see these image up close at about 40x60! These are just breathtaking...and chilling at the same time. Thought of the Fitz too.
Raw and breathtaking! Thank You for sharing! Beautiful and scary! We get to see Lake Erie too, but from Toledo Ohio.
These are jaw-dropping. Terrifying too. What a great series. Thanks for posting them.
Incredible photography! Artistic captures of natures wrath, transforming violent motion into a moment of majestic surprise. Imagine a sailor on a schooner in the 1850's, seeing what was caught in 'Eerie Erie'! Would he not be seeing the real 'Lake Erie Monster' and have to tell the tale to all who would listen? Many "legends" are born from some bit of truth. Phantastic!
These are spectacular, Dave. They remind me of Ruskin's comment about art: "Art arrests." These arrest. Now to go back to breathing again.
These are impressive shots, nicely done!! The "Eerie Erie" shot looks like some PS masking was left in by mistake, the dark spots over the wave crests are odd.. shadows ?
David. Unbelievable photos of Lake Erie. I have sailed and raced in Lake Erie for over 35 years and have experienced some wild wave conditions, but never imagined what the water actually looked like up close. Just fascinating. My husband and I just completed about 9,000 miles in some interesting waters of the oceans, seas and rivers of all of the Great Lakes, the North Atlantic and the Caribbean. We are headed to the South Pacific in a few months. We would like to invite you to join us on any part of the next 10,000 miles! You will have unique photo ops! Debby and John
These pics are so powerful! I grew up boating on Lake Erie and know firsthand the fury our lake be holds. We were once caught in a storm traveling in my fathers 18' Lyman from point place to cedar point. We thought we were gonna die!
Wow these are amazing! I have boated and swam in this lake for 55 years and you have captured the wildest and scariest pictures ever. Thank-you for sharing!
I LOVED the Cat one! It really looks like a majestic lion!! Then again, I'm a leo, so maybe I'm just seeing things! Your pictures are absolutely breathtaking!! What a talent you have. And thank you so much for sharing it!
My god. If these were photo-shopped, they'd be stunning... but they're not photo-shopped, and the fact that these are *real* is blowing my mind. Thanks so much for sharing.
My Uncle worked through college as a longshoreman and cook on Lake Erie, mostly out of Port Toledo. His stories at the cold bleak winter harshness of the lake are captured in your pictures. I'd be grateful if I could purchase a few of these shots to send to him. He's bedridden w/ COPD, and I'd like to send them to him for Christmas... do you have a website, or alternatively feel free to email me at celaver@columbus.rr.com Great shots!
Where on Lake Erie were you when you captured most of these? They are amazing!!
I lived 25 years on the beach of Lake Erie or within 10 miles of it, depending on the year. Your shots captured her majesty and made me quite home sick since I now live in Florida. Absolutely beautiful work!
i grew up on lake erie and I remember how wild the lake can get.When it freezes over It has piles of ice at. the waves have left.You did a great job of capturing lake erie in its turmoil.
As growing up on lake erie l remember how wild it can become and freezes in the same configurations.You did agreat job capturing this lakes turmoil.
Great shots! I live on the South shore and have always been mesmerized by the beauty of the lake. Congrats to you on capturing the beauty and power of the lake!
As a Lake Erie boater/fisherman I know all to well how quickly conditions can change out there. Erie's waves are very unique also and most people don't realize it. One of the reasons she can be so violent is due to her short wavelengths especially in the Western Basin where she is shallow. It is not like an ocean where there can be good distance between each wave, on Erie they are packed tightly together with sometimes only a foot or two between waves on the windy days. 2' waves on Erie can feel rough, I can't imagine 25 footers. Amazing pictures sir and I thank you for showing Lake Erie some love, she needs all the attention she can get.
Wonderful images! I,too, love the wild beauty of water in stormy conditions... I remember a spectacular storm years ago in Sidmouth, on the south coast of England, the waves from the sea were whipped into a frenzy and I couldn't wait to get out into it! Wild and energizing water! Beautiful photos! :)
Amazing! I too, like the power of water! I remember a spectacular storm on the south coast of England at a place called Sidmouth...couldn't wait to get out into it...it was wild and energetic! :) Beautiful photos!
These are beautiful. Having grown up in WNY along the shores of Lake Ontario, I had heard how frightening Erie could be but I've never seen it myself until now. Mesmerizing!
I am speechless; got goosebumps. Whew! Your photos and titles together are powerful. Many thanks!
I am speechless...got goose bumps. The photos and your titles are a powerful combination. Whew! Thank you!
I live in Northeast Ohio near Lake Erie, grew up here, and even though I loved living near the Atlantic for a few years, there was always something that drew me back home. Growing up near one the Great Lakes was pretty amazing, especially when Autumn set in. Love your pictures, thank you for sharing!
Dave, these are magnificent - I grew up on the south side of the lake near Erie, but have never seen the lake like this. As a kid, I did watch the beginnings of a thunderstorm, but got scared and went home. Will you be selling prints of these? If not, do you mind if I print ONE copy (for personal use only) of "Bane of the Great Lakes". This would only be seen on the wall in my home, but I would certainly give you credit when someone asks.
Awesome, especially the waves with faces ;-).I can understand why You go to the trouble
Wonderful shots!! Wow! I've never seen lake erie like that and I grew up by her for so many years. Fall is certainly her time! Were you in the water when you took these shots? It's hard to tell they're real! Amazing!
Fabulous! Thank you for letting me see what was happening while I was battened down west of Cleveland.
Fantastic!! I'm a water addict as well, and I am your neighbor! (Well, distant neighbor, lol) I live just outside the city of Erie! I'm in or on the Lake as much as I can be, from my kayak to the deck of the Niagara, and I love it. I've never seen her showing off quite so much temper though!! Phenomenal photos!
Very cool pics. Looks more like something you would see on one of Neptune's moons. Or some other far off solar body. Very un-earth like.
Very cool pics. Looks more like what you would find on one of the moons of Neptune or some other solar body far removed from earth.
These are fabulous photos! I live across the lake from Long Point National Wildlife Area. I love your pics.
I absolutely love these photos! My home in Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio is on the Lake Erie shore almost directly south of Port Stanley. I'm lucky to see the changing moods of our lake every day. You captured some amazing shots. Thank you so much for sharing your fantastic photos!
Great pictures and as a Lake Erie boater, Scary!!! Do you have a website that I can share where we might be able to buy some prints?
As a boater on lake erie, scary pictures too! Do you have a site somewhere where we might be able to purchase some prints?
Powerful photos! I would re-name RED PEAK, INDIAN CHIEF ON HORSEBACK. I am a photographer too, and these were some of the finest water fury photos I have ever seen. WOW !
Amazing and beautiful. Living in Michigan, surrounded by the Lakes, we often forget just how powerful they can truly be.
Amazing photos. I love Lake Erie, live very close to it. It can be the most beautiful lake on a calm sunny day, but can be a wicked evil monster on those cold windy days. You captured the monster perfectly! Thank you for sharing!
Your pictures are breath taking! I live on the south shores of Lake Erie and you rarely see waves of this magnitude. Beautiful!
These are beautiful! And scary! I am generally scared of waves, and imagining the cold and the wind that was happening at times of the photography gives me shivers! :)
How beautiful these photos are, I live across the Lake from you in Erie PA, I have wittness the lake when its been storming in October/November but never have I seen it like this... I am now going to pay a little more attention when Im walking the beach in the fall...
Hey. I'm from St thomas......any chance you have prints available? Website or anything?
Are these photoshopped? I am just curious. If they are I would love to see the original un-enhanced versions.
People often ask me if images of mine are 'photoshopped' I try to explain to them, well yes.. every single solitary image of mine you have ever seen since the digital era has been run through post processing in photoshop. I believe most people misuse the word or term photoshop. It is a program where an image is post processed.. just as we used to have to post process images in the darkroom. Now our computers and laptops are darkrooms. In short i do not add things to my images, i do not alter them in a way in which you otherwise wouldn't have in the darkroom. I use the tools given to me to enhance colour and tones and hues. Tools to darken or lighten, perhaps to desaturate, or increase contrast. Post production of an image is an important part of the image creating process, the hours spent in the darkrooms of the past is a correlation to the hours spent in photoshop in order to bring out the magic within the photo that you felt at the time it was taken.
Load More Replies...Are these untouched or is there some photoshopping, just curious. If they are photoshopped I would love to see the original untouched images.
I live in a beach house on Lake Erie. The side of my house facing the lake has huge windows and a sliding glass door. As long as the sun is up, I nearly never have the TV on. There is nothing it can show me that can compete with the majestic beauty of that Great Lake. Frozen dunes form in the winter, becoming a surreal landscape from another world. Watching the ice break up in the Spring is mesmerizing. Summertime means blue water with boats and ships of all descriptions, and sunsets of true beauty. Fall ushers in some reminders that Nature still rules, with storm tossed seas that nobody dares contest. The waters can be alive and angry, and will sometimes do things that seem impossible. Your photos have caught some of this... and that is rare. You deserve much credit for your skill and artistry, sir.
Dave, where approximately do you live? We had a cabin in 'Geneva-on-the-Lake' in the 50s. Love your comment.
Load More Replies...Woah...I especially like eerie eerie- you can see a skeleton forming!!!! Wow-you are really good with your photos. Good hobby to pay bills:)
haha thank you very much, it's always amazing to see the shape waves take on that literally last mere hundredths of a second, things you would never see with the naked eye.
Load More Replies...Incredible photos! Scary, especially the Gales of November. That led me to imagining how fierce the waters were for the Edmund Fitzgerald on another one of the Great Lakes.
Thanks for the nice message Patricia! Yes the great lakes can be darn scary at times.. i often think the same thing to myself.. it's hard to even imagine what took down the Edmund Fitzgerald 40 years ago.
Load More Replies...I am an artist who is never impressed by modern photography. But I've never felt so inclined to buy a print in my life. Do you have a website or something? This is nothing short of genius.
Wow Jay, that's quite the compliment! Thank you very much.I do have a site, it however isn't updated with this content. You can find it on my Sandford Photography page on Facebook or Instagram @sandfordpix also please contact me at dave@davesandfordphotos.com thanks again, look forward to hearing from you.
Load More Replies...I live just a mile from Lake Erie. Cleveland, Ohio. I have never seen Lake Erie look so Gorgeous! Truly amazing pictures.
This is inreal! My family has spent generations of summers at Lake Erie. My parents met there, my sister was married lake front and we have a little cottage lake front and we have a tiny cottage lale front and watch the storms come in. A friend of my uncle has also been lost and never found. My Uncle stated once 'Lake Erie doesn't give up it's dead." When I tell people where we spend our summers a lot of times people picture a flat lake with no waves. I have seen this lake angry many times but never like this! What you captured is the real deal. She is not a Lake you want to mess with. Now we have a better idea of what the Fitzgerald saw! Terrifying!!!!! Awesome photographs!!!! I will pass on to my family!
Hey Dave. Sick pics. Glad they're going viral. I'm from St thomas and love to rep. Local. Do you have prints available.....or a website perhaps? Thanks.
Hi Sam, Thanks for the message and the kind words. Yes i sell prints, if you don't mind going to the link on my website for email or my Facebook page Sandford Photography, or DM on instagram @sandfordpix and i can get you a specs sheet with all the info you need. Much Appreciated, thanks again for reaching out.
Load More Replies...Awesome. Loved it, but are November Witch and Witch of November the same? They looked pretty much alike.
Thank you for the comments, glad you like them! To answer your question, November Witch, and Witch of November are intact two different waves. While i agree they are similar looking waves in structure, they we're photographed on two different days.
Load More Replies...Wow...we were on our first trip to Erie in November too...on the south side. The fury was astounding on Nivember 14, the Saturday we decided since we were so close we had to see the lake. Sand was so vicious we could not stand long...I am surprised your equipment could survive. We wont forget that day.
Damon thanks for your message. I know exactly what you mean. Thankfully i have great housing gear to protect my equipment from the elements, including sand. It's insane how it whips up and literally hurts
Load More Replies...Sent a comment but don't know if it registered. These are amazing. I live in Port and know how quickly the personality of the lake changes. Are any of these for sale?
Hi Jane, thanks so much! Appreciate it. Yes they are absolutely for sale. Please contact me via email dave@davesandfordphotos.com or on Facebook: Sandford Photography or Dm on instagram @sandfordpix and we will take it from there. I can get you all the details and if you purchase something i can deliver it to you myself. thanks!
Load More Replies...Absolutely stunning pictures! Where are you able to capture these images from and live to show them to others? I think that if I came across those waves in my boat some intense praying would be in order.
haha Roger! You've got that right, and i think sadly it would be your last prayer! Some are from the water, some from the land. I had to be very careful of the days i chose to shoot from the water, most days it is not doable and i use a long telephoto from shore. The waves are about 500' out.
Load More Replies...I live at most a mile away from Lake Erie ( ohio..usa) so enjoyed your pictures..beautiful photos capturing Lake Erie in some of her finest hours!
Thanks kindly for the message Vicki, really appreciate it. Glad you enjoyed my images and took the time to let me know.
Load More Replies...I live in Port Rowan Ontario and when the wind blows I often wonder what is happening at the lake. Thanks to your photos I now know. Your waves are full of sand that ends up here in the Long Point area. The next time we get a good wind I will take the 5 minute drive to go and check it out.
Hi Shirley, it is worth the 5 min drive for sure! Erie puts a show on like no other, you won't be disappointed. Thanks for the message
Load More Replies...These are truly amazing, I can see the faces and the cloaks and Eerie Erie is plain scary. Fanstastic work. I can see that you love what you do. It shows!!!
Thanks for taking the time to have a look Phyllis and to send me a comment. I do love what i do! Glad you enjoyed them!
Load More Replies...Dave, great work! Being from Ohio and now in the west few know how great and formidable of a lake it is. Your photography captures the power of Lake Erie that we all grew up to respect about it. Do you make them available to be purchased and framed?
Hi Jeff, thanks kindly!! Yes i do sell my images. Please email me dave@davesandfordphotos.com or via Facebook at Sandford photography and i will get you everything you need. thanks again
Load More Replies...haha thanks man!!!! Much Appreciated!
Load More Replies...Thanks so very very much Liz!!! Means a lot!
Load More Replies...These pictures are amazing! Where do you take them from? Are you on the shore? The pier? The roof of Mackie's?! ;)
Haha Shannon! Thanks very much, glad you like them! Roof of Mackies where else! ;) Some are taken from the water (i have a water housing) some are taken from the shore at the base of the water near the pier with a long telephoto.
Load More Replies...A former Great Lakes girl is very impressed with this collection, especially the "Witch of November". Well done!
Thank you so much, really nice to hear!
Load More Replies...great pics!! this is my favorite time of year in port.I live on the west coast now but surfed for 10 years there.people would drive for 3 or more hours to come for the madness.
Thanks for the comments Hayley, yeah this is the best time of year there. I'll take these days over the crowded sunny flat beach days for sure!
Load More Replies...Thank you very much, appreciate you taking the time to look and comment.
Load More Replies...Very nice shots Dave, they're beautiful and threatening at the same time. Are they HDR photos? I'm a total amateur and still trying to figure out how to tell the difference.
Hey Rich, thanks very much for commenting and taking a look. Nope they are not HDR images, single frame images here. I do some HDR imagery, but not for fast moving subjects like these waves.
Load More Replies...Fantastic shots of Lake Erie! I live on the South Shore, USA side and have seen some pretty wicked waves but your work captures the wicked beauty of Erie, PERFECTLY!! WOW!
Thank you so much Jane, very nice of you to say so. I'm enjoying hearing from a lot of people that live on or close to Erie, you know all too well how wicked she can get living on it.
Load More Replies...That's awesome I've always thought Lake Erie was lame maybe it's because I live in Erie pa and it just seems boring to me lol nice pics!
lol thank you Jessica, it's not that lame! This lake can get crazy! Plus you have the Witch of November, The Lake Erie Monster and the Storm Hag.. you should look them all up for some good lake erie reading. I also have stories of each on my instagram posts of late @sandfordpix
Load More Replies...Thanks a ton Wendy!! Really appreciate it!
Load More Replies...never cease to amaze me! beautiful photos! https://kirkscustomcabinetsinpomona.com/custom-kitchen-cabinets/ if you need custom cabinets that specifically made for your space
still never cease to amaze me! Beautiful photos! :) if you need custom cabinets that specifically made for your space
Totally enchanting and foreboding photos, I can imagine the ships crews seeing this as they were taken.
Eerie Eerie - that is the embodiement of what I feel is THE Witch herself taking form, come astealin.
Magnificent! Absolutely love your work! Kind of Rorschach-like.As an amateur photographer, thank you for taking me places I would never be! Please continue. : )
I wasn't familiar with your work until I caught a story about you on the Weather Channel in a "That's Amazing" segment. Amazing to me that you would think to done a mega-wetsuit and wade out into the water with that huge lens, but, oh, what photos you get! Absolutely breathtaking. So glad I saw that episode!
Just outstanding. I love to shoot in Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound when the wind gets nasty. Just got a good cover for my camera! Really enjoyed these images.
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astonishing and beautiful photos!!!capture a big moment in each one! congrats!
I live in Southeast Texas, we have a gross dirty brown gulf of Mexico, swamps, and some pretty lakes and ponds.. I have never been to the Great Lakes, only have read and heard about them. They are something I would LOVE to see one day. Until then, I'm so thankful for wonderful pictures like this to capture the beauty of the lakes that only the locals get to see!
Oh man, just look at that photo of The Sandstorm. You can see the monster's head turning left to look over his shoulder as it is already breaking apart. His left forearm stretched out his body, while he uses his right arm to push himself up out of the water. His left leg is just stretched out to the side and behind him as he is pushing mightily up out of the water. What a beautifully visual picture you captured here. I am completely mesmerized by this one and by your talent. I applaud you Mr. Sanford.
I Loved Erie Erie the Skull or Monkey Face is Awesome ..Would make a Good T Shirt Design as well as Poster,Print.
Dave these pictures are amazing and beautiful you truly captured Lake Erie's soul
Spent summers on Erie. Crossing from Barcelona to Port Dover. Best fried perch in the world. Camped out on Long Point and brought liquid refreshment to th lighthouse keepers. Fantastic memories, friends and the beauty of nature. How do I buy your photos?
I grew up on the North Shore of Lake Erie (Bertie Bay) and have seen in person many of these types of explosive events. Dave, you have captured the true nature of the beast. Being as shallow as the lake is, the mix of sand and water is always there during the big storms. Thanks for the magnificent pictures. They bring back many wonderful memories.
Dave, how do you take these photos 500' offshore? You aren't in a boat are you? You wouldn't be around to post them. Stunning photos. The South winds didn't produce this type waves on my side of the lake in Erie, Pa. I live about 300 yards from the lake, but can't see it. But I fish often, so I see the lake often.
You're photos are brilliant. I've spent much of my life living near the oceans (both Pacific and Atlantic) and diving beneath them. The power of vast bodies of water is incredible and their beauty incomparable. You've brilliantly captured both. Thanks for sharing! Love these!
My former in-laws lived on Lake Michigan. My parents have a place at the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I spent four years living on Okinawa and scuba diving in the glory of the pacific. The power and beauty of these vast bodies of water are incomparable. Love, love, love these photos! You're brilliant!
Your photos bring Lake Erie alive! Especially in Eerie Erie! Wow! Just awesome!
Your photographs are very beautiful. I spent every summer at Lake Erie as a child and never imagined how it looked during a winter storm. It's truly amazing to see the transformation.
Is this available in a book? If so, what is it called and where can I buy it?
Fantastic. I really like the Skull. Sandstorm. Red Peak, Gales of November. Excellent Photography.
Extraordinary. I've looked at your images again and again, and have shared with friends as well. The too are sharing. I'm so happy for your success.
Beautiful! Can I ask what equipment and settings you used for these?
Hi Dave, a dear friend of mine, now living in the US was born in London Ontario and posted your beautiful photo's to Facebook. I can't imagine being on the water during this weather. We lived on a smaller lake for 25 years and once got caught in bad weather. Thankfully we made it back to shore safely. Our guests thought it was an adventure, while I was quite nervous. The water is my favourite place to be, but I show it great respect too. How did you maintain such a balanced horizon in these shots?
Absolutely Fantastic photos, Dave Sanford!!! Would love to see what you come up with in the popular surfing sites off the coasts of California, Oregon, B.C. Canada, Hawaii, etc!
Absolutely Fantastic photos, Dave Sanford!!! Would love to see what you come up with in the Caribbean Sea or the popular surfing sites off California, Hawaii or British Columbia, Canada...Well Done!
Where were these photos taken. I have live in Geneva, Ohio my whole life right on the lake. I love the photos but don't remember seeing the lake like this. And I'm 59.
I was born and raised in Cleveland Ohio and fished from the break walls as a child I have never seen the lake this way before but I do remember waves crashing over those break walls i have often wondered what lay on her bottom great photos Craig Renevitz
The photos are amazing, you are really talented Dave. I hope you are able to thank your father often for that first camera and the encouragement he provided. You're another Canadian success!
Wonderful pictures, Dave you are really talented. I hope you are able to thank your father often for giving you that first camera.
Dave, I am a painter and am often inspired to attempt to capture the essence of water in my work. I admire the way your photography of the moving water renders it almost abstract. In your hands, the images of Lake Erie's living waters are transmuted into potent symbols, shapes and meaning that transcend the typical photograph. Embedded in the experience of viewing them is the perception of complete immersion and commitment to the powerful elements of wind and water coming from the lens of the photographer. You generously and graciously share your unique perspective with the viewer. For those of us unable to physically venture into such an incredible environment, I thank you.
Hi Dave! I'm with Fox 8 News in Cleveland, can I use these pictures within a story. We will obviously give credit and can link to a website/social media page as well. Thanks!
I am a North Eastern Ohioan and I love living in Ohio. These wonderful shots of the LAKE help me appreciate Lake Erie even more. Thank you. I will be passing the photo`s on to relatives that have moved, I`m sure they will enjoy them. I glad I found the "Bored Panda". Will be watching for more of these kinds of photo`s.
.......I have fished Lake Erie so, so many times....but you have to ..RESPECT her or she will take you ...down. I love this lake. She can be so calm but then she can be so violent as a monster. Thank you, Dave for the pics. they are awesome, keep it up Dave, you have the talent.............!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
......I have fished Lake Erie so many times in my boat.....you have to RESPECT this awesome lake or it will take you....down......It is a beautiful lake and I love it. Your pics. are awesome....thank you.........!!!!!!!!!!!!!
These photos are fantastic! The water doesn't even look real. They look like paintings. Bravo!
Very powerful. Especially like songs from the deep. Creeping Death stands out in it's black and white as opposed to all the color. You certainly bring art to your photography.
Very powerful and beautiful. Love song of the deep and creeping death stands out from the others...black and white as opposed to all the colors. You certainly bring art to your photography.
Breathtaking......just....Wow!! Such patience, and what an eye for catching the amazing energy represented by this force of Nature.
Wow, these shots are stunning. I almost feel like I'm right there on the water. I love the ones that have what appear to be skulls in them, and it's interesting to see so many things hinted at in all of the pictures. Great work.
I was born in London and grew up on the shores of both Huron and Erie. These are not lakes IMO but inland oceans, full of mystery and majesty. You captured this perfectly. Erie may be the least of the lakes but she is to be RESPECTED. Every year she claims the lives who mistake her for a pond. I hope your work impresses upon everyone her wild and fickle nature.
Awesome shots! Were you in a boat taking these? How did you manage to get great shots like these without them coming out blurry?
These are fantastic! Where were you when you took them? In a boat? How were you able to catch such great shots moving like that without them being blurry?
I grew up on the opposite side of the lake in a little town called Madison Ohio. I now live in GA and just visited Ohio a couple of weeks ago and was privileged to sit beside Lake Erie on a beautiful November evening at sunset. It was oddly calm and serene for November because of the recent beautiful weather they have been experiencing. It reminded me of how much I miss being able to go there whenever I wanted to. My favorite times growing up were sitting on the bank watching a storm come in. How the water could be so calm and peaceful one minute and then wicked and horrifying the next. A reminder that calm can turn to chaos in a matter of minutes. I just love your photographs!! Thank you for sharing. I love going to the ocean these days, and I lived on Lake Michigan for 24 years, but Lake Erie is like no other. She is beautiful and peaceful yet frightening at times. She demands respect to all who visit her no matter what state she is in. Thanks again. They are beautiful pictures!
I grew up on Lake Erie, in Ohio. These are really some amazing pictures! Fantastic job capturing her mood swings!
Amazing photos! I could look at them all day, thank you for sharing your talent!
Incredible! Great job and planning! We have nothing like that in the shallow NErn end of the lake up by Buffalo, although the lake does rise 1.5-2 meters at time with active seiches and good waves on top! thanks for posting this album!
Your captures are quite amazing. I've had first hand experience when the lake can transform in a matter of minutes. It's serious business on the water. A part time resident of Johnson Island/boater/amateur photographer keeps me captivated. Also shoot with a canon 5D. I especially appreciate you sharing what equipment you use. I'm forever learning and loving what I see and do. Looking forward to future shots.
I enjoy and respect Lake Erie as a warm weather boater. Your work here really caught the lake's winter alter ego - and my respect for the lake jumped 100%. Thank you for sharing your passion and amazing work!
I live in buffalo and will never see this lake the same way! Beautiful work!
My grandpa was a great lakes captain - he once saw a ship crack right in half and go down in Lake Erie. We have a great respect for the lake and now for your photos of it. These are just stunning! I hadn't thought of it before but a sports photographer is a perfect foil for this - someone who can capture that split second. Thanks so much for the really wonderful photos.
How do you get the photos to look like you are far out in the lake? Is it the lens? Honestly, it appears the photos were taken from a boat in the middle of the lake...wow!
Your photos have brought back memories for me. I've witnessed this fury first hand while fishing on my fathers 18 foot SeaRay. It happened during a storm back in the 80's and it came from out of nowhere. It was probably the scariest moment of my life. You have captured it's beauty .
I've witnessed this fury first hand. Back in the 80's my family was caught in a storm during a fishing trip on my fathers 18 foot SeaRay. One of the scariest experiences I've ever encoun
dave, where you ever in port colborne? Nicole and I drove past a photographer on one of the windiest days this year, thought of this day instantly when I seen your pictures... amazing work..
Beautiful photos. My family was caught in a storm back in the 80's on my fathers 18 foot Sea Ray. One of the scariest experiences I've ever had.
Your photos are mesmerizing and hypnotic and I had to look at them over and over. I have lived on the south shore of Lake Erie my whole life and have spent as much time as I could over the years on or near her. I never can get over how at times she can be so tranquil and yet at other times so fierce. I can sit and watch her for hours. Yours is absolutely the best collection of photos ever!
Is there a place were I can get some HD versions of these pictures for my computers background?
i almost dont even believe that those are pictures of a lake. theyre insane! great pictures buddy
Very good timing and breath taking pics too. Currently adding Erie to my long list of amazing places that I want to visit lol
i too love water and everything about it: the color, the vastness, the sheer power of it all And the feeling of being in it. You've really captured something here! stunning!
Amazing photographs, they capture November Lake Erie perfectly. We live close-by and travel often to watch the waves.
Amazing photographs, we live near Lake Erie and never cease to be amazed at the power of her. Near Port Maitland during the Nov 14 storm, water was crashing over the lighthouse pier as we never seen it before. There is a pretty good blow going on today and we will head down there this afternoon to watch the lake in action.
Wow, 'Red Peak' looks like the Grim Reaper. Awesome. BTW, I grew up going to LE as a kid in the 50s and 60s. Do you remember when it turned green? We went back to see it in the 65 or 66 and it was horrifying.
Just made the move from Michigan to Cali and these photos make me miss home like crazy! You ever sell prints? I'd love to get one to hang on my wall!
Amazing shots!! I live in Buffalo, and really wanted to go see the lake the day it was this wild, but the roads were blocked off. I brought my camera the next day, but it was a little too rainy. =)
These are amazing shots! I grew up on Lake Erie, in Ohio and have been drawn to large bodies of water since childhood. Lake seems like such an understatement, they behave like inland seas. Such raw power and beauty.
Wow these are stunning! Have you ever considered photographing kiteboarders on those windy days on the Great Lakes? You would probably be amazing at it, combining sports photography and the waves ;)
I live near the lake and I can tell you these are beautiful shots of an ever changing lady
Absolutely amazing....have you ever taken any pictures of storms up on lake superior
I am a Sailor-- primarily deep sea, usually in the Pacific somewhere. I sailed on a bulk carrier on the lakes for 3 months once and it was some of the roughest water I've seen. The swells are much closer together, which causes a rougher ride than when we encounter big seas out here. Those pictures are beautiful my friend. You have a real talent. Thank you.
Wow! I grew up in Cleveland and have seen Lake Erie do some amazing things. I drove past it for 8 years on my way to work in downtown Cleveland. The seasons are amazing, especially winter. But, I have to say, I've never seen anything like your photos. They are awesome and capture the fury and power of Mother Nature and water spectacularly.
These are amazing photographs! It shows in your work that you really love what you do. My favorites are 'Bane of the Great Lakes' and 'Sandstorm' It truly does look like sand hitting across the lake, how majestic! Keep up the great work!
I moved from Lake Erie 38 years ago and finally returned to my childhood playground this past summer. Your dramatic photos took me back the many years I spent with my family sailing on this great body of water. Thank you. Where may we purchase prints.
Growing up in Chautauqua County NY and so frequently visiting the lake I am totally overcome by the wickedness I never knew existed. These photos are breathtaking I feel so privileged to have viewed them. I was emotionally drained after visiting the museum on Lake Superior and watching the footage about the Edmund Fitzgerald and these Lake Erie photos leave me feeling much the same. I can't thank you enough!!!
Does the sea make art if there is no artist to see it or is it the other way around?
These photos are all stunning! The raw power is so well captured. Were thee shot from the pier or from shore? You look like your right in the water! Very well done! Inspiring!
Every one of these images are stunning. The raw power is captured very well in your shots. Were these shot from the pier, or just from the shore? Very impressive work!
Wow. I have lived 45minutes away from Lake Erie and I had NO idea it would get this wild. AMAZING pictures. I learn more in this article of Lake Erie than I ever learn about in school. All I can honestly say is WOW.
nature she does not forgive...wonderful work you can feel the icy cold
These are STUNNING!! We live just south of Cleveland, OH - familiar with both the beauty and fierceness of Lake Erie. Thank you for sharing your talent!
These are absolutely stunning! Like something out of a fantasy set. Thank you for sharing!!!
I've never seen anything like those photos. I have always been fascinated/terrified/thrilled by 'big water' (all at the same time!). Big waves, waterfalls, big foreboding dark lakes, I often dream of these.
I've never seen anything like these. I have always been mesmerized and scared and thrilled (all at once) by "big water". I often dream of big water, huge waves, waterfalls.
Amazing photographs! I grew up in Cleveland and spent a lot of time on Erie. I've seen a lot of choppy waters and have tossed a fair number of cookies into the depths ;-) She is a force to be reckoned with!
Would love to see these image up close at about 40x60! These are just breathtaking...and chilling at the same time. Thought of the Fitz too.
Raw and breathtaking! Thank You for sharing! Beautiful and scary! We get to see Lake Erie too, but from Toledo Ohio.
These are jaw-dropping. Terrifying too. What a great series. Thanks for posting them.
Incredible photography! Artistic captures of natures wrath, transforming violent motion into a moment of majestic surprise. Imagine a sailor on a schooner in the 1850's, seeing what was caught in 'Eerie Erie'! Would he not be seeing the real 'Lake Erie Monster' and have to tell the tale to all who would listen? Many "legends" are born from some bit of truth. Phantastic!
These are spectacular, Dave. They remind me of Ruskin's comment about art: "Art arrests." These arrest. Now to go back to breathing again.
These are impressive shots, nicely done!! The "Eerie Erie" shot looks like some PS masking was left in by mistake, the dark spots over the wave crests are odd.. shadows ?
David. Unbelievable photos of Lake Erie. I have sailed and raced in Lake Erie for over 35 years and have experienced some wild wave conditions, but never imagined what the water actually looked like up close. Just fascinating. My husband and I just completed about 9,000 miles in some interesting waters of the oceans, seas and rivers of all of the Great Lakes, the North Atlantic and the Caribbean. We are headed to the South Pacific in a few months. We would like to invite you to join us on any part of the next 10,000 miles! You will have unique photo ops! Debby and John
These pics are so powerful! I grew up boating on Lake Erie and know firsthand the fury our lake be holds. We were once caught in a storm traveling in my fathers 18' Lyman from point place to cedar point. We thought we were gonna die!
Wow these are amazing! I have boated and swam in this lake for 55 years and you have captured the wildest and scariest pictures ever. Thank-you for sharing!
I LOVED the Cat one! It really looks like a majestic lion!! Then again, I'm a leo, so maybe I'm just seeing things! Your pictures are absolutely breathtaking!! What a talent you have. And thank you so much for sharing it!
My god. If these were photo-shopped, they'd be stunning... but they're not photo-shopped, and the fact that these are *real* is blowing my mind. Thanks so much for sharing.
My Uncle worked through college as a longshoreman and cook on Lake Erie, mostly out of Port Toledo. His stories at the cold bleak winter harshness of the lake are captured in your pictures. I'd be grateful if I could purchase a few of these shots to send to him. He's bedridden w/ COPD, and I'd like to send them to him for Christmas... do you have a website, or alternatively feel free to email me at celaver@columbus.rr.com Great shots!
Where on Lake Erie were you when you captured most of these? They are amazing!!
I lived 25 years on the beach of Lake Erie or within 10 miles of it, depending on the year. Your shots captured her majesty and made me quite home sick since I now live in Florida. Absolutely beautiful work!
i grew up on lake erie and I remember how wild the lake can get.When it freezes over It has piles of ice at. the waves have left.You did a great job of capturing lake erie in its turmoil.
As growing up on lake erie l remember how wild it can become and freezes in the same configurations.You did agreat job capturing this lakes turmoil.
Great shots! I live on the South shore and have always been mesmerized by the beauty of the lake. Congrats to you on capturing the beauty and power of the lake!
As a Lake Erie boater/fisherman I know all to well how quickly conditions can change out there. Erie's waves are very unique also and most people don't realize it. One of the reasons she can be so violent is due to her short wavelengths especially in the Western Basin where she is shallow. It is not like an ocean where there can be good distance between each wave, on Erie they are packed tightly together with sometimes only a foot or two between waves on the windy days. 2' waves on Erie can feel rough, I can't imagine 25 footers. Amazing pictures sir and I thank you for showing Lake Erie some love, she needs all the attention she can get.
Wonderful images! I,too, love the wild beauty of water in stormy conditions... I remember a spectacular storm years ago in Sidmouth, on the south coast of England, the waves from the sea were whipped into a frenzy and I couldn't wait to get out into it! Wild and energizing water! Beautiful photos! :)
Amazing! I too, like the power of water! I remember a spectacular storm on the south coast of England at a place called Sidmouth...couldn't wait to get out into it...it was wild and energetic! :) Beautiful photos!
These are beautiful. Having grown up in WNY along the shores of Lake Ontario, I had heard how frightening Erie could be but I've never seen it myself until now. Mesmerizing!
I am speechless; got goosebumps. Whew! Your photos and titles together are powerful. Many thanks!
I am speechless...got goose bumps. The photos and your titles are a powerful combination. Whew! Thank you!
I live in Northeast Ohio near Lake Erie, grew up here, and even though I loved living near the Atlantic for a few years, there was always something that drew me back home. Growing up near one the Great Lakes was pretty amazing, especially when Autumn set in. Love your pictures, thank you for sharing!
Dave, these are magnificent - I grew up on the south side of the lake near Erie, but have never seen the lake like this. As a kid, I did watch the beginnings of a thunderstorm, but got scared and went home. Will you be selling prints of these? If not, do you mind if I print ONE copy (for personal use only) of "Bane of the Great Lakes". This would only be seen on the wall in my home, but I would certainly give you credit when someone asks.
Awesome, especially the waves with faces ;-).I can understand why You go to the trouble
Wonderful shots!! Wow! I've never seen lake erie like that and I grew up by her for so many years. Fall is certainly her time! Were you in the water when you took these shots? It's hard to tell they're real! Amazing!
Fabulous! Thank you for letting me see what was happening while I was battened down west of Cleveland.
Fantastic!! I'm a water addict as well, and I am your neighbor! (Well, distant neighbor, lol) I live just outside the city of Erie! I'm in or on the Lake as much as I can be, from my kayak to the deck of the Niagara, and I love it. I've never seen her showing off quite so much temper though!! Phenomenal photos!
Very cool pics. Looks more like something you would see on one of Neptune's moons. Or some other far off solar body. Very un-earth like.
Very cool pics. Looks more like what you would find on one of the moons of Neptune or some other solar body far removed from earth.
These are fabulous photos! I live across the lake from Long Point National Wildlife Area. I love your pics.
I absolutely love these photos! My home in Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio is on the Lake Erie shore almost directly south of Port Stanley. I'm lucky to see the changing moods of our lake every day. You captured some amazing shots. Thank you so much for sharing your fantastic photos!
Great pictures and as a Lake Erie boater, Scary!!! Do you have a website that I can share where we might be able to buy some prints?
As a boater on lake erie, scary pictures too! Do you have a site somewhere where we might be able to purchase some prints?
Powerful photos! I would re-name RED PEAK, INDIAN CHIEF ON HORSEBACK. I am a photographer too, and these were some of the finest water fury photos I have ever seen. WOW !
Amazing and beautiful. Living in Michigan, surrounded by the Lakes, we often forget just how powerful they can truly be.
Amazing photos. I love Lake Erie, live very close to it. It can be the most beautiful lake on a calm sunny day, but can be a wicked evil monster on those cold windy days. You captured the monster perfectly! Thank you for sharing!
Your pictures are breath taking! I live on the south shores of Lake Erie and you rarely see waves of this magnitude. Beautiful!
These are beautiful! And scary! I am generally scared of waves, and imagining the cold and the wind that was happening at times of the photography gives me shivers! :)
How beautiful these photos are, I live across the Lake from you in Erie PA, I have wittness the lake when its been storming in October/November but never have I seen it like this... I am now going to pay a little more attention when Im walking the beach in the fall...
Hey. I'm from St thomas......any chance you have prints available? Website or anything?
Are these photoshopped? I am just curious. If they are I would love to see the original un-enhanced versions.
People often ask me if images of mine are 'photoshopped' I try to explain to them, well yes.. every single solitary image of mine you have ever seen since the digital era has been run through post processing in photoshop. I believe most people misuse the word or term photoshop. It is a program where an image is post processed.. just as we used to have to post process images in the darkroom. Now our computers and laptops are darkrooms. In short i do not add things to my images, i do not alter them in a way in which you otherwise wouldn't have in the darkroom. I use the tools given to me to enhance colour and tones and hues. Tools to darken or lighten, perhaps to desaturate, or increase contrast. Post production of an image is an important part of the image creating process, the hours spent in the darkrooms of the past is a correlation to the hours spent in photoshop in order to bring out the magic within the photo that you felt at the time it was taken.
Load More Replies...Are these untouched or is there some photoshopping, just curious. If they are photoshopped I would love to see the original untouched images.
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