Photographer Spends Hours in the Ocean Capturing the Different “Moods” of Waves

Ocean Photography by Matt Burgess

Photographer Matt Burgess captures the arresting beauty of the open waters through his hypnotic ocean wave photography. Located in Victoria, Australia, he spends hours in the salty sea with its white-capped crests and swirling colors, documenting these mesmerizing moments that are now frozen in time. The results showcase the different “personalities” that the ocean has to offer; sometimes, the waters are relatively tranquil, and you can see far beyond its horizon onto dry land. In other instances, the atmosphere is contentious with crashing tides delivered with a breathtaking force.

Burgess shares a variety of shots on Instagram, and some of the most compelling compositions give us an up-close view of the water; it's as if we were in the ocean alongside the photographer. These gorgeous images highlight the glass-like finish of a single wave. Its beautiful reflections transmit not only blues, but purple tones and the warm colors of the sun.

Over the past six years, Burgess has honed his eye for ocean photography and made it a ritual in his life. “One thing that draws me to the water most mornings before the sun rises,” he explains, “is the relationship between water and light.” For him, “there is no better way to start the day.”

Photographer Matt Burgess spends hours in the open waters capturing stunning ocean wave photography.

Ocean Photography by Matt Burgess

Ocean Wave Photography Matt Burgess

Through the mesmerizing imagery, he shows the different “moods” of the sea.

Ocean Photographs by Matt Burgess

Ocean Photography by Matt Burgess

Ocean Photography by Matt Burgess

Ocean Photographs by Matt Burgess

Ocean Wave Photography Matt Burgess

Ocean Photographs by Matt Burgess

Ocean Wave Photography Matt Burgess

Ocean Photographs by Matt Burgess

Ocean Photographs by Matt Burgess

Ocean Photographs by Matt Burgess

Ocean Wave Photography Matt Burgess

Ocean Photographs by Matt Burgess

Ocean Wave Photography Matt Burgess

Ocean Photographs by Matt Burgess

Ocean Wave Photography Matt Burgess

Ocean Photography by Matt Burgess

Ocean Photography by Matt Burgess

Matt Burgess: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Matt Burgess.

Related Articles:

Fast-Exposure Photos Make Caribbean Waves Look Crystallized

Translucent Paint Layers Capture the Energy of Ocean Waves

Photographer Perfectly Captures Magnificent Cresting Waves

Stunning Photos of Surging Ocean Waves Frozen in Time

Interview: Warren Keelan Captures Stunning Ocean Waves That Look Like Brushstrokes of Paint

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content