Big Sur California
We first visited Big Sur California in 2012 and recently made a second trip there. More than one person I know emphatically states that Big Sur is the most beautiful place in the world. I’ll just let the images speak for themselves.
Usually these posts have an instructional element to them, but with this one it felt better to just show these photographs and allow you to enjoy the scenery. Okay, a little instruction. Many of the photographs of the coastline were made using a long exposure. The camera’s shutter was left open for anywhere from 5 to 30 seconds. The result is that moving things like the crashing waves and rough sea tend to even out creating a more surreal feel to image. The result also adds some serenity in this high energy landscape
Big Sur Coastline by Richard Lewis 2020
Big Sur Dawn by Richard Lewis 2020
Here’s an interesting comparison of the same location photographed 8 years apart. Is it a coincidence that the conditions were almost identical both times?
Big Sur Storm Light by Richard Lewis 2020
Storm Light On Big Sur by Richard Lewis 2012
We happened to be in Big Sur on the birthday of the great black and white landscape photographer, Ansel Adams. It seemed appropriate to create at least one black and white photograph.
Big Sur Coastline by Richard Lewis 2020
The iconic spot in Big Sur is McWay Falls, a popular spot to watch and photograph the sun setting against this little cove with a small waterfall.
McWay Falls, Big Sur California by Richard Lewis 2020
Big Sur is known for its rocky coastline with steep cliffs. However, one morning while at Soberanes Point, it seemed like I was in Iceland. The scene below is different from the typical Big Sur landscape.
Big Sur Imitating Iceland by Richard Lewis 2020
Lilies of the Valley
The Calla Lily Valley is a small shady gorge the has hundreds of lily flowers. When we were there most of the flowers were past their prime so we photographed individual lilies. The images in this grouping are by my wife, Vivian and myself.
Lily Bud Big Sur California by Richard Lewis 2020
Lily Flower 2 by Vivian Lewis 2020
Lily Flower 1 by Vivian Lewis 2020
Big Surf in Big Sur
For several days in Big Sur the surf was up creating some great opportunities to witness and photograph very large waves crashing on the rocky coastline. The power and energy created was amazing. Every time one of these large waves crashed against the rocks, the ground shook.
When Water Meets Rock 1 by Richard Lewis 2020
When Water Meets Rock 2 by Richard Lewis 2020
When Water Meets Rock 3 by Richard Lewis 2020
Last Shot
Twilight In Big Sur California by Richard Lewis 2020
This seems to be a good way to finish this post. As darkness settled on Big Sur one evening, the sunset afterglow broke through a thick cloud cover .
Well, what do you think, is Big Sur California the most beautiful place in the world?
Enjoy!
Beautiful images – thanks for sharing!
Thank you Joe
Stunning images!
Thanks Bonnie
Beautiful capture of a spectacular location !
Great work Richard
Thanks Mark, You are right this is a beautiful place.
Exhilarating photography I must say! Brings back memories from way back to the time when I completed my Navy school’s and ready to set sail, when one of my classmates calls about his orders, to Monterey Naval Post Graduate School. Boy was I mad! So I packed my bags and headed north for two weeks to have some fun. Back in those days California was great, they loved sailors and the USN. Not like today, but that’s a story for another day.
Thanks for sharing these awesome images!
Thanks Bob. I’m glad I could stir a few good memories for you.
Beautiful images and great descriptions. The fact that the ground shook is amazing.
Thanks! It’s amazing how that happened through solid rock. Show you the power in those big waves.
Great series, Rich. Especially the crashing waves.
That was a powerful experience to see that much water hitting the rocks.
Great series, Rich
Thanks Rich. I’m glad you liked this set.
Love them all!
Thanks Erika. I’m glad you liked these. It’s a beautiful place!
Awesome Captures
Thank you Lisa.
Another view of a place that I have not been to. Like the way you concentrate on the light in your comps. One question… McWay falls… I heard there is no easy way down to that beach is that correct???
MikeP
Thanks Mike. You know it’s all about the light and trying to be there at its best. The beach at McWay Falls is off limits to people. It looks like you couldn’t get down there without rock climbing gear. Plus that would screw up the myriad of people who assemble along the trail to see it at sunset if someone was down on the beach then.
Fantastic! I like that you have chosen different shutter speeds to suit the scene. I have always been a fan of longer exposures to give the water a more artistic look. The exposure in your first image is spot on to show movement and the crashing waves. I especially love your B&W, Big Sur Coastline. The surf seems to be glowing against the dark sea and rocks.
Thanks Denise. I think long exposure is an interesting tool. Not just for the effect it creates, but it is also a tool to teach patience. Because it takes so much time, we have less time to experiment as much with composition. It kind of forces you to think it through and get it right from the start. I’m glad you like the black and white. I don’t do a lot of monochrome but felt since it was Ansel Adams’ birthday and this image had great tonal range, why not.