From a very young age, Sami Bencheikh has been exploring the Southwest of France. A radiology resident at Bayonne Hospital, he began photography at the start of his medical studies. Inspired by renowned photographers like Ben Thouard, he found in the ocean a refuge from the stresses of daily life.
In December 2021, the legendary Nazaré wave broke in Portugal, and Sami visited for the first time. “Nazaré is made up of men, women, and monsters. It’s a unique atmosphere and location where world-famous surfers gather, watched by tens of thousands of admirers,” he explains. At sunrise, he went to the spot with his brother, equipped with cameras and drones. Throughout the day, gigantic waves over 20 meters high crashed against the cliffs. “The photos and videos I captured reflect the feeling present that day,” he says. A stunning visual testament to one of nature’s marvels.
To see Sami’s shots, check out his Instagram.
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