Big Sur Summer Evening

Posted by Don Smith (California, United States) on 25 July 2009 in Landscape & Rural.

Summertime fog can add a sensual feel to the already beautiful mistress known as Garrapata State Park along the Big Sur coastline. Perhaps what I love most, is the warm rays of the setting sun bathing the misty marine layer with its seductive light. I have featured this arch in other images, but have always photographed it from its southern side. I decided to forge past my previous position and see what it would look like from its northern face. I was contented with earlier frames and was about to leave for another location when I spotted this scene. Then, as often is the case, serendipity took over and the warm light illuminating the underside of the fog reflected down into the water. As if that wasn't enough, a series of swells began pounding the rocks along the shoreline and with a slow shutter speed of 3.2 seconds, produced this painterly look with the ocean. Sometimes patience is the key ingredient for a successful image (I try to keep reminding myself of that)!

I will be conducting a workshop next month in Big Sur where we will be shooting in beautiful locations such as this. If you would like to join me and co-instructor Gary Hart, for an incredible four days of photography along this world-class stretch of coastline, please send me an e-mail. You can also learn more by clicking here: Big Sur Summer Workshop.

My Website: "how to" articles, galleries, stock photos, and more...
www.donsmithphotography.com

Software Discounts:
Photomatix Pro 4.0 type in code at checkout: donsmithphotography 15% discount
Nik Software type in code at checkout: DSMITH 15% discount
Topaz Software type in code at checkout: SMITHPHOTO 10% disount
Helicon Focus 15% discount

Hardware Discounts:
Think Tank Photo Gear
Promote Control

vfxy Photoblogs | Cool Photoblogs | Listed on Photoblogs.org

Comments (16)

Stefan from Thiersee, Austria

I love the different colors in your photo, exellent!

25 Jul 2009 5:33am

@Stefan: Thanks Stefan, the color just seemed to magically intensify and for about two minutes, reflect its warm light onto the water - that's when I knew I had my shot.

Ana Lúcia from Leiria, Portugal

Another breathtaking scenery, lovely shot.

25 Jul 2009 8:43am

@Ana Lúcia: Hi Ana, thanks again for your kind words.

zOOm from Paris, France

An amazing place for sure, and a fabulous light in t he sky and clouds. It echoes the colors of the land.

25 Jul 2009 8:44am

@zOOm: Big Sur is best described by images - somehow words cannot do her justice.

Judy from Brooksville, Florida, United States

BREATHTAKING!

25 Jul 2009 12:14pm

@Judy: Thanks Judy.

Scott Schilling from San Martin, United States

Don this has so many elements and visual interest it is awesome! Usually when you think fog you don't think color but this sunset color is incredible! Five stars on this one Don!

25 Jul 2009 3:16pm

@Scott Schilling: And I know you've got something similar Scott. I can't wait to see yours!

Curly from South Shields, United Kingdom

Very nice indeed, especially the reflected colours on the water.

25 Jul 2009 6:57pm

@Curly: Hi Curly, that reflection lasted all of two minutes, but it timed-out perfectly with the swells and for me, finished the image.

Vanilla Wine from United States

very nice shot and editing

25 Jul 2009 8:24pm

@Vanilla Wine: Thanks Vanilla.

john4jack from Corvallis, Oregon, United States

Stunning light, Don. One of the things that I like most about being at the Coast is that it is so easy to be patient; you can take in the incredible beauty like what seems forever even if you don't get photographs; then when the magic happens, you are there.

25 Jul 2009 8:30pm

@john4jack: Well said Jack, and patience is often times not rewarded; sometimes it is nice to just put the camera down and enjoy the moment.

Lambspun from Madison, Maine, United States

What a masterful photo.....what excellence with your colors....

25 Jul 2009 9:10pm

@Lambspun: Thanks Lambspun, but the credit goes to Mother Nature, the sky and reflection were actually that vivid.

Vitor Martins from Lisboa, Portugal

Great shot. The composition and the colors are fantastic

26 Jul 2009 12:35am

@Vitor Martins: Thank you Vitor.

Daniel from Kenmare, United States

i like the reflection on the water.

26 Jul 2009 3:32pm

@Daniel: Thanks Daniel, I almost missed it due to my impatience. Hopefully I learned a lesson.

Tracy from La Selva Beach, United States

Ahhhh. This feels like home :) The light and the colors are stunning. (Just what I needed after checking out the Garlic Fest yesterday!)

26 Jul 2009 3:57pm

@Tracy: Yikes - the Garlic Festival!!! I used to cover that event in my newspaper days. I once photographed it from an airplane (I think we scared the hell out of the crowd). I'd rather be along the coast - festivals are not my thing. I knew you would like this area - it is really a treat, but a dangerous (and poison oak lined) trail.

Hamid.R from Tehran, Iran

nice shot

26 Jul 2009 6:27pm

@Hamid.R: Thanks Hamid.

Chuck D from United States

Don, what an awesome shot! Thanks for sharing!

27 Jul 2009 3:03am

@Chuck D: Thanks for your kind words Chuck. Hope you will check back from time to time.

rA from 大连（Dalian）, China

really warm tint clouds and big cold blue surf were consist of kinda contrast! excellent work!

27 Jul 2009 4:33am

@rA: Thank you rA, I love complimentary colors in nature. Mountain lakes at dusk and dawn also present this opportunity. Warm and cold colors illicit completely different emotional responses. Putting these two colors together creates an emotional response from your viewer, if nothing else, you have psychologically engaged them.

Nomad Flavor from Somewhere, United States

Another great shot! Yes...patience seems to be one of the best elements to have working on your side. You utilized it well here it seems. The color(s) draw me in as does the off coloration of dried stalk. The exposure is just great!!!

28 Jul 2009 9:51pm

next day →

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III
16/5 second
F/22.0
ISO 100
23 mm