Category Archives: beach

Stearns Wharf – Santa Barbara

2011/06/22 – 05:00

The quaint coastal town of Santa Barbara with its palm lined beaches and mountain vistas is also known as the American Riviera. Stearns Wharf, California’s oldest working wharf,  is a favorite tourist destination. Strolling over the water and feeling the wharf shudder under the power of the waves crashing against its pillars, taking a breath of fresh sea air while gawking at the busy fishing boats and surfers or hunting down a souvenir and and a tasty snack are among the many things you can do here to kill time.

To photographers the wharf is a superb platform and subject. From the pier you have sweeping views of Santa Barbara, you can see seals and albatross compete for fish, you can observe the surfers, and on good days even witness a whale blow in the distance. The wooden colorful stores, tourist crowds, and pillars of the pier are also worthwhile subjects.

Beach from Pier

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Central Coast, Coast, landmark, santa barbara county, Southern California | Tagged , , , | Comments (1)

How to photograph Pismo Beach

2011/06/08 – 04:37

Legendary California sunsets, spectacular nature, and a diverse beach community define Pismo Beach, a family friendly community located on the Central Coast of California. Once known as the Clam Capital of the World, Pismo Beach preserves the spirit of the golden days, when daydreamers and thrill seekers met to surf the impressive waves and relax at the beach or in their hippie vans.

You can still encounter this rare breed of aging super hippies who stubbornly refuse to grow up. While observing them pass through life with a remarkable ease, I sometimes wish I could peel off my hard working skin and join them in their endless summer.

I enjoy sitting on the pier and romanticizing the bum lifestyle, but when the sun sets, it is time for me to wake up and work my camera to capture the beauty of Pismo Beach.

Pismo SB Pier

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Central Coast, Coast, landmark, San Luis Obispo, South Coast, Southern California, Wildlife | Tagged , | Comments (5)

How to photograph Newport Beach

2011/05/17 – 02:57

Motor yachts, sailboats, and villas define the public face of Newport Beach, North America’s richest city. Wealth is all that matters here. The servants, slipping through the backdoors, must have abandoned their American Dream a long time ago. Bronze tanned beach boys, conceited women with salon styled dogs, and aging playboys on large yachts compete for each other’s admiration. The exuberant display of wealth has gotten out of control in Newport Beach.

Newport beach is located around a natural harbor, shielded by a peninsula. The geography makes it the ideal location for the largest yacht harbor in North America. Islands within the bay are all residential neighborhoods. Balboa Island, the largest and most hospitable island, is pleasant to discover on foot. Accommodations and food choices are less appealing to casual travelers on a budget though.

Offering a greater diversity of food, an excellent beach with white sand and clear water, and several other attractions, Balboa Peninsula is more fun and less formal. Children’s entertainment, bay cruises, and the ferry to Avalon are also located here.

Newport Beach is unique with its idiosyncratic residents who wish to be seen while shielding themselves from sight. Beneath its surface, Newport Beach offers a unique beauty that is difficult to find elsewhere.

Balboa Island Yachts

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Coast, Island, Orange County, South Coast, Southern California | Tagged , , , | Comments (1)

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

2011/05/04 – 04:27

One of California’s most iconic and most photographed locations is McWay Falls, part of the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Less than ten years ago, I was alone on the overlook trail. Today, tourists step on each other’s toes.

It is no surprise. The serene beauty of this place will blow you away. A secret cove, a waterfall that plunges into the ocean, and turquoise waters seem to stem from the imagination of a painter, yet the unspoiled nature of this park is real. The solitude is all but gone these days, but you can still capture the essence of this place, thanks to the non-existent access to the beach below.

Understandably, most people come to see McWay Cove and leave in a rush to see even more of Big Sur’s beautiful coastline. However, if you have time, you should consider the canyon hike opposite to the overlook trail that leads you through a coastal forest to yet another waterfall. Not nearly as spectacular, the refreshing hike offers a pleasant diversion from the day’s driving and from the crowds.

Do not miss California’s most spectacular beach cove!

McWay Cove, McWay Falls overlook trail

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Big Sur, Central Coast, Coast, hike, scenic drive, Southern California, state park, waterfall | Tagged , | Comments (3)

How to photograph Cambria

2011/04/27 – 04:34

The upscale town of Cambria and its small tranquil fishing village neighbor, Cayucos, have retained most of their small town charm. Remaining independent from the influence of retail chains, restaurants, and the real estate development boom, these idyllic towns are perfect summer gateways. Located along the Pacific Coast, far enough from the bustling Southern California cities, Cambria is a perfect vacation destination, if you can afford the lodging.

Even if lodging is too expensive for your budget, a visit to both cities, a stroll along main street, a photography session in one of the many parks, and a short stop at the pier does not cost anything, leaving enough to sample the fine food in Cambria. The romantic old town area, hiking and wildlife viewing choices, and numerous quiet places make Cambria such a desirable place to visit and to photograph.

Bench Fiscalini Ranch

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Coast, hike, park, San Luis Obispo, South Coast, Southern California, wildflowers | Tagged , , | Comments (2)

Point Loma Peninsula Neighborhoods

2011/04/14 – 05:24

The hilly peninsula of Point Loma defines the western limit of San Diego Bay, the cities natural harbor. It is the perfect place to soak in the sun. Surrounded by ocean, it never gets too hot or too cold here and the air is always fresh.

On the surface, Point Loma seems to be a good place to hang out, but photographically it does not appear as interesting as other, more publicized areas. However, if you dare to look deeper, you will find this to be one of the best places to capture the essence of Southern California, a mixture of laid-back beach atmosphere and glitzy high tech.

Rugged cliffs, unique views of downtown San Diego, a yacht harbor, a sandy beach, and typical California surfers are among the sights you can expect on Point Loma. Cabrillo National Monument, the peninsula’s most famous landmark, is the subject of a separate article.

San Diego Skyline from Shelter Island

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Coast, Island, San Diego, scenic drive, Skyline, South Coast, Southern California | Tagged , , | Comments (4)

Treasure Island Park, Laguna Beach

2011/03/23 – 03:09

Treasure Island Beach ranks among the most iconic of Southern California’s world famous beaches. Located in Laguna Beach, it competes with other classy white sand beaches and is much less crowded than you would expect, considering its turquoise blue water, clean, sand and easy access. This makes it a prime target for beach photography and a favorite for wedding and portrait photographers.

Treasure Island Park, which sits on the cliffs above the beach, is a beautifully landscaped park with benches and overlooks, courtesy of the Montage, a five star resort. The public access park has spectacular views and easy access to the beach below. This would be a perfect location to spend the day and relax, but the sun will wear you out eventually.

Treasue Island Park Sunset

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Coast, Los Angeles, Orange County, park, South Coast, Southern California | Tagged , , , | Comments (3)

How to photograph San Pedro

2011/03/02 – 04:03

Labeling San Pedro as Long Beach’s ugly neighbor would be unfair to the busy port city that offers more than a few good photo spots. However, San Pedro is not the first choice of tourists, unless they are heading for one of the cruise ship terminals.

I felt the atmosphere change in the car after we crossed over the Vincent Thomas Bridge from Long Beach into San Pedro. Dani unintentionally became tenser when we drove through some of the economically depressed areas in search for good photo spots. She knows I take my scouting seriously, but I could tell she was wondering why I decided to stop here. Her doubts mounted when I dropped the car in a shady side street, with our belongings in the trunk, to investigate the cruise ship terminals and look for a good place to photograph the bridge. Eventually, we discovered some places that are worth the tour through San Pedro.

Point Fermin, a charming coastal bluffs park, seems to struggle with decay, trash, and overuse in this depressed neighborhood. The Korean Friendship Bell overlooks the city from atop a hill with gorgeous views. These and a view other sights make the trip worthwhile, but the apparent lack of tempting restaurants and hotels inform you clearly to leave before sunset.

China Shipping

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Coast, landmark, lighthouses, Los Angeles, Marine, South Coast, Southern California | Tagged , , | Comments (2)

Shoreline Village, Long Beach

2011/02/16 – 05:26

Shoreline Village is a testament to America’s favorite pastime activities – shopping, snacking, and sailing. The colorful amusement park style shops offer everything you do not need and will buy regardless, things you should not eat but definitely will, and overpriced restaurants that are full no matter the cost. Spending money is easy in the tourist trap that the locals love so much.

The candy colored buildings, seabirds, and views of the natural harbor with the ocean liner Queen Mary make this place a good photo opportunity, as long as you do not leave your loved ones alone with the vacation fund. Look beyond the kitschy façade and you will discover that Shoreline Village has more to offer than ways to spend money. It is a pleasant oasis near a busy harbor. If it were not for the ticking parking meters, I could spend an entire day here relaxing in the warm Southern California sun.

shoreline village

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Coast, landmark, Los Angeles, Marine, South Coast, Southern California | Tagged , , , | Leave a Comment

How to photograph Crystal Cove State Park

2011/02/09 – 04:27

Clinging to the cliffs between lavish Orange County residences and the Coastal Highway, Crystal Cove State Park is a pristine refuge for naturalists and a godsend to photographers. It offers a wide range of outdoor water sports activities, ranging from fishing to diving, surfing, and kite flying. Miles of backcountry trails and several campsites provide a sense of nature and open space that make it easy to forget the proximity to the yachts of Newport Beach and the villas of Laguna Beach.

The weather conditions that attract wealthy Orange County residents to this area make Crystal Cove State Park a year-round pleasant destination. Dramatic Southern California sunsets, rugged cliffs, tidepools, and an unspoiled mountainous backcountry wilderness area will give you a chance to deploy your full creativity on this beautiful landscape and to walk home with fond memories and a full memory (card).

Crystal Cove Sunset

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Coast, hike, Los Angeles, Orange County, South Coast, Southern California, state park, Wildlife | Tagged , | Comments (5)
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