These kaleidoscopic images are the work of one persistent photographer’s efforts to capture vibrant hues at the exact moment a wave breaks. Ryan Pernofski‘s stunning shots feature brilliant yellows, reds, blues and purples as an array of sunlight hits the water at the perfect time. What’s even more impressive: Ryan, a 27-year-old Australian, began shooting his popular masterpieces without using a professional camera, taking his iPhone out into the water instead. Ryan began experimenting with this method in 2012, using an underwater housing to protect his phone, as he could not afford a professional camera. (Photo by Ryan Pernoski/Caters News Agency)





What’s even more impressive: Ryan, 27, began shooting his popular masterpieces without using a professional camera, taking his iPhone out into the water instead. (Photo by Ryan Pernoski/Caters News Agency)





Ryan, an Australian, began experimenting with this method in 2012, using an underwater housing to protect his phone, as he could not afford a professional camera. (Photo by Ryan Pernoski/Caters News Agency)





The perfect time to shoot, he said, is early in the morning, just as the sun is beginning to rise. (Photo by Ryan Pernoski/Caters News Agency)





There is an air of mystery about the images, too, as Ryan never reveals the exact locations of his shots out of respect to the locals. (Photo by Ryan Pernoski/Caters News Agency)





Ryan said: “I am looking for something different other than standard wave shots, so I really push myself to do what it takes to get a cool shot”. (Photo by Ryan Pernoski/Caters News Agency)





“Whether that means getting up way before the sun, like I do most days, going out somewhere that I’m not comfortable or just trying to get different angles or styles of photos, I am trying to display the crazy beauty of the ocean, and usually moments that literally last less than a split second”. (Photo by Ryan Pernoski/Caters News Agency)





“I am looking to first wow myself, and then hopefully having the same effect on other people who view my work”. (Photo by Ryan Pernoski/Caters News Agency)





Going forward, Ryan hopes to perfect his craft by potentially partnering with high-speed camera brands. (Photo by Ryan Pernoski/Caters News Agency)





However, as a surf fan, the photographer’s overall goal remains the same as it did on Day One: to push the boundaries of what might be possible in wave photography. (Photo by Ryan Pernoski/Caters News Agency)





Ryan added: “I think that the more fleeting something is, the more beautiful it is – which is part of the reason why I think waves are incredible”. (Photo by Ryan Pernoski/Caters News Agency)





“Because they travel and are made over hundreds of miles, and then break and finish within a few seconds”. (Photo by Ryan Pernoski/Caters News Agency)





“I also love that every wave is completely different, though you might be out at the same location”. (Photo by Ryan Pernoski/Caters News Agency)





“I am obsessed with photographing waves when there is interesting light, such as on sunrise or sunset – I love the light that leaks through the waves”. (Photo by Ryan Pernoski/Caters News Agency)