Storm

It was rockin N' rollin out there yesterday. By that I mean the waves off the California Coast. This happens every year, but this year it seems the waves were exceptionally big....

I was disappointed in not being able to get out and photograph any of this, especially the surfers. People with surf boards where everywhere, all day long. It was like a surfing convention!

It's still early in the storm swell season, so this just may be an early indication of what's to come....

Have your cameras ready.

Donkey

You never know what to expect when you stroll the California beaches. Sandcastles , Sure. But, Donkey?

One thing's for sure. There is always room for creativity and expression...

3 Seconds

Long exposures are fun, but can be a bit tricky. Subject matter is always important, as is time of day. Water works well. In this case that water would be the Pacific Ocean during a negative tide at sunset. The small waves rolling back and forth in the tide pools seem to disappear, becoming almost flat and ghostly.

To do this you need to know when there will be a negative tide at sunset. I keep a tide book in my camera bag. Good lighting is a plus too.

When everything lines up right, the results are pleasing and the process is fun.

One more thing, you'll need a stable tripod and some type of shutter release.

Warship

This image might not be good for much else other than for an editorial (the stock agencies want releases). So be it. I'm not the one making the sacrifice. It's the men and women who put on the uniform and defend freedom. Hats off to you all!

Lines

Nature finds a way to prevail, despite the circumstances or environment. Something that should be a lesson to us all...

A little flash

The yearly winter migration of the Monarch Butterfly is underway. For me, it's always been a bit of a challenge to photograph these critters.

The main reason is that they like to keep to the shadows. Also, you can't get very close as they are some distance up in the trees.

I decided to give it a go and used a flash. To my surprise, my flash threw off enough light to bring out the details of the butterfly's that were in the shadows. Much better results than I've gotten before.

It's still early in the season, so I'm planning on making a few more trips out to photograph them and hope to find greater numbers of butterfly. I'll definitely use a flash from now on.

I'll also head up towards Pismo Beach where there is easier access and you're able to get closer to the butterfly clusters.

Weather Permitting

Lets face it, clouds add drama to the skies. Not just at sunset, but in general. The best part for me though is when they light up with colour.