Don't you just love waves crashing into rocks and causing a big splash? There is something about the power, the sound, and the action. But how do we best capture that in a photograph? After all, the photograph does have any sound.

Here are some best practices that you may find helpful:

1. Timing is everything. Treat wave action like you would fast-moving animals. Use a fast frame rate and fire away. This way you can choose the best frame. The best frame is often the one with the biggest splash caught at the point where it is at its biggest.

2. Use a fast shutter speed. The idea is to freeze the action in mid-air. We want to catch the dops hanging in the air. Smaller splashes can work with a slow shutter speed to show the motion but are not advised for large splashes unless you want to create an abstract image.

3. Strong backlighting or side-lighting works best. The lower the angle of the sun the better.

4. Leave some room in the composition for the wave to move into.

5. Use tide charts to maximize your chances of getting good wave action.

6. Be safe. Every so other larger waves can appear and sweep you into the ocean or crush you on the rocks. Make sure that your elevation is safe. Keep an eye on the waves coming in. Always keep alert and watch out.

          Waves come in waves. Be patient. Good wave action will stop for some time and is then followed by many large waves. This cycle repeats itself. Watch for ocean spray. Saltwater or salty spray is not your friend. In fact, saltwater is hard and damaging to your equipment. So watch for the wind direction. Days on which the wind blows into the ocean are best and can add drama to the images. Have a soft cloth ready to wipe the front element of your lens and check it regularly. A drop of water on your front lens element will ruin your image.

          Go out there and enjoy the experience.