I discovered the beautiful reflections in the wet sand in 2006 while scanning the beach for interesting things to shoot. My first results with a longer lens were more distant and abstract. Over time, I became more specific about my subjects. I wanted to get closer to them to adequately capture that moment.
The reflections only exist for split seconds, and to get the shots requires patience. But since I love the beach, I don’t mind that I often have to hang out for a long time to get the photos I’m after. It’s about being there at the right time with the right conditions and enough people to interact with the sand, water, and sun. I am a hunter of sorts, stalking my prey and waiting for the right moment for everything to come together.
I take beach trash reflection shots to bring awareness to a very big problem with trash and particularly plastic in and on our oceans and beaches. Millions of sea creatures and birds die every year from ingesting plastic debris. People don’t seem to care very much about how they leave the spaces they use to the next person.
I make it a point to pick up cans, bottles, or any other articles of trash along the way to do my part. I stick the recognizable items in the wet sand and take a reflection shot. Afterwards, I take them to recycle. Hopefully, my photography will make someone think twice before tossing their trash on our beautiful beaches, streets and waterways.
See more of Eva’s photography on her website.
