Lake Erie can get extremely violent and these are the photos to prove it

For former sports photographer Dave Sandford, shooting Lake Erie's monstrous waves is not unlike his past job. "Things happen very fast, in the blink of an eye," Sandford said.

Dave Sandford

Anticipation is key. Before heading out for a shoot, he reads the weather and surf reports.

Dave Sandford

Sandford wears a wet suit, life vest, gloves, and neoprene boots "on set." His camera gear is protected with underwater photography gear from Aquatech Imaging Solutions.

Dave Sandford

Sandford typically spends a half-hour or so studying the water from the shore — where the waves break, what direction the water moves, and how his exposure is.

Dave Sandford

"There are so many variables to consider before even releasing the shutter for that first frame," he said. "The better I can acquaint myself with the situation ... the better my images are going to be."

Dave Sandford

Fortunately, Sandford is quite familiar with his subject. He grew up 40 miles north of Lake Erie, where he fished, boated, and sunbathed.

Dave Sandford

His photography requires at least 50 kilometer-per-hour winds blowing southwest. These conditions almost guarantee waves over 20 feet. "The stronger the better," he said.

Dave Sandford

Once he determines conditions are safe, Sandford wades into the water. Temperatures on the lake in winter hover around the freezing point.

Dave Sandford

"The waves are like being in a giant washing machine and come from all directions," Sandford said. No two shoots are the same.

Dave Sandford

"You don't really have time to react in these situations. You have to anticipate to get these moments," he said. But conditions change quickly.

Dave Sandford

"I've seen [Lake Erie] be as flat as a pancake and, in under 30 minutes, whip up into a mad frenzy," he said. "She always commands respect."

Dave Sandford

There are some occupation hazards, including bumps and bruises. Sometimes a wave will slam Sandford to the lake's floor and hold him under for "longer than I ideally would like," he said.

Dave Sandford

"Obviously the worst-case scenario is drowning," he said. "The thing I try to remember is to be confident in my abilities, but not overconfident. The water is always going to win."

Dave Sandford

If the waters get too rough, Sandford returns to the shore and shoots using a longer telephoto lens, like he would on a sports field.

Dave Sandford

Sandford said having a healthy respect for the lakes and oceans keeps him safe.

Dave Sandford

"In the end it's worth the scars and the bumps and bruises," Sandford said. "It's what I love, it’s a passion that drives me."

Dave Sandford