Water marks in the sand surprise artist with abstract patterns

Showable Art - patterns left on sand by the surf and tide.
Photo © Jeff Kauffman, All Rights Reserved

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As the constant, pulsing surf washes over the beach, it leaves ever-changing patterns – Water Marks – in the sand. Some are soft, subtle and flowing, while others are harsh. I photographed this collection along the shores of Padre Island National Seashore. At times, I was the only human visible for miles.

Padre Island National Seashore is a US National Park near Corpus Christi, Texas USA. The park is comprised of nearly 70 miles of shoreline on the Gulf of Mexico. Beach areas are undeveloped and the natural wildlife habitat is protected. Primitive and RV camping is permitted in certain areas. Affordable hotel accommodations, such as Holiday Inn and Best Western, are available on the island within 15 minutes drive of the park.

Artist’s Notes

I photographed this project in raw format using a FujiFilm X100 (the current model is X100V) mirrorless compact camera and a Nikon D800 dSLR in the intense afternoon sun of the Texas coast. Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop served as the tools of choice for retouching and raw conversion.

The Artist

Jeff Kauffman is an art photographer in Austin, Texas USA. His work has appeared worldwide in publications, art festivals, and commercial venues. Selected works are available for purchase from Jeff’s online art store as well as these fine-art and image licensing outlets.

You can follow Jeff directly on FacebookInstagram, and LinkedIn social media platforms, as well as his website.

Water Marks and patterns left on sand by the surf and tide. Photograph by Jeff Kauffman (#0043)
Water Marks #0043 ©Jeff Kauffman, All Rights Reserved
Water Marks and patterns left on the sand by the surf and tide. Photograph by Jeff Kauffman (#0039)
Water Marks #0039 ©Jeff Kauffman, All Rights Reserved
Water Marks and patterns left on sand by the surf and tide. Photography by Jeff Kauffman (#0011)
#0011 Water Marks ©Jeff Kauffman, All Rights Reserved
Water Marks and patterns left on sand by the surf and tide. Photography by Jeff Kauffman (#004)
Water Marks #0004 ©Jeff Kauffman, All Rights Reserved
Water Marks and patterns left on sand by the surf and tide. Photograph by Jeff Kauffman (#0116)
Water Marks #0116 ©Jeff Kauffman, All Rights Reserved