Posted by Kalin Wilson on January 29, 2008 at 3:50 PM
Got any favorite spots or tips for the CA central coast area?
I'll be in the Santa Maria area for most of the week next week. I'm still figuring out how to take my camera with everything else I need but I hope to get some time on the coast at sunset, etc.
I'm somewhat familiar with the area but I'd love to hear any favorite spots, tips, etc from Morro Bay to Santa Barbara. I'm thinking about some of the craggy coastline south of Big Sur, the dunes at Morro Bay, etc.
I was out there the week before last without a camera and kicked myself as I watched the fog drift in and out in the mornings and evenings. Not this time! Hopefully work doesn't get in the way of some quality photo time!
Posted by Mel Ladewig on January 29, 2008 at 4:39 PM
Kalin,
Don't know anything about the area, but I can help with how to haul camera gear.
If you need a bag to take your camera, plus some travel essentials with you, I have something you could borrow from when I traveled 100%. Its a piece of luggage typically called a "tote" but its more like a luggage version of a gym bag. When I traveled internationally, I'd put my camera with a lens or two, shaving kit, book and a change of clothes in this bag. I'd take my laptop as my other carry on and check my clothes with my tripod or monopod in the roller. This way, Id at least have one change of clean clothes if my luggage got lost.
Sounds like it will be a nice bit of out of town work. I never had any west coast clients and for the most part my clients were in exciting and photogenic places like Wilmington, DE and Memphis, TN
Posted by Scott Bacon on January 29, 2008 at 5:19 PM
I've got family in San Luis Obispo (nice town), so I've spent a bit of time in the area.
Besides Morro Bay and driving Embarcadero Road, there are some nice views of Morro Rock from the beaches to the North. I think you exit Hwy 1 on Yerba Buena and its a nice short (5 min.) hike down to and along the beach. You'll get scenes like this.
There are some really great hiking and photo ops in Montana de Oro State Park. All the coasts are super-rugged - rock and sand cliffs. It's been a while since I've been there (like 20 years), but I remember blow holes, natural bridges, etc. I'm sure you can find more info online.
Cayucos is a funky little surf town and my uncle told me about the place in the photo above (he's an old-school long board surfer). Its North of Cayucos on Hwy 1 and just before you get to Cayucos Point (large hill and a cut in road). Watch for a pull-off and surfer trail that heads down to the water. It's real steep at first, then levels off and winds its way through deep grass. Stay left (South) and you cross several large ravines. Pick one and head down to the water. It's about a 10-15 minute hike to really rugged coast with lots of great sunset photo ops.
Posted by Derek Sedillo on January 29, 2008 at 5:25 PM
Kalin,
Having lived there most of my life and surfing and visiting most of those beaches I would say it is all pretty nice. But if I were going, especially now that I am more into landscape/seascape photography, I would push the envelope another hour or two north and just do it! Go to Big Sur!
IMO, Morro Bay south doesn't really compare on a photo op type level. For surfing Santa Barbara and Ventura are better for sure. But for shear coastline beauty Big Sur takes the prize hands down.
If for some reason you really can't push the Envelope another 1-2 hours North I would recommend Jalama and 'The Ranch.' The Ranch is a large section of California Coastline which is private. But you can still walk along the beach from the Jalama side. However some landowners still might not like it even if it is technically legal.
Most of those areas are know for rolling green pastures and sand dunes up by Pismo. The dramtic rocks, cliffs, and untamed wilder coast is up a little higher North.
Even if you only make it to Santa Barbara you should still be able to find something to shoot, especially at sunset. For action surfing photography Rincon is great and probably one of my favorites spots along that stretch of coast. Have fun I wish I was going too! Why can't Verizon have a mandatory meeting out there?
Posted by Derek Sedillo on January 29, 2008 at 6:01 PM
Posted by Kalin Wilson on January 29, 2008 at 11:57 PM
Thanks guys, great suggestions.
Mel, thanks for the reminder. I was trying to stick to strictly carry-ons which doesn't leave much room for a camera. I think I have a tote that will work as a carry-on as well as my computer bag. If not, I'll give you a call. Hopefully I'll get some time to explore a bit. I'd loive to get up to Julia Pfieffer Burns state park, especially after seeing Jim's image at the shindig.
Posted by John Klotz on January 30, 2008 at 1:08 AM
Hmmm, sounds like a road trip! Kalin any where north of Santa Barbara on Hwy 1. Cambria is cool little town (was 20 years ago), San Simeion (Hearst Castle tour), Carmel- Friends of Photography Gallery ( Adams, the Westons, Morley Baer and John Sexton) Big Sur coastline Ventana (especially if you like ferns) several nifty lighthouses, the list goes on...
I hope you have a great trip but there has been lots of rain lately.
John
Kalin, I second Derek's urge to take the time tog et up to the Big Sur area. Julia Pfieffer Burns is south of Big Sur proper and is definitely worth the drive. Cambria is a cool little town too in the Hearst Castle area. I'd probably say that Carmel is out of your range unless you are willing to take 3+ hours to drive up the coast on Hwy 1.
If Jim's pic of McWay falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns park wasn't enough, here's one I got when I was out there in June.
Posted by Derek Sedillo on January 30, 2008 at 1:34 PM
Matt,
You are killing me!
I am a native Californian and while I have seen this beautiful place I have never photographed it! Now I really have to get there! Was this shot around sunset?
It is 80 miles from Morro Bay. When you are that close...
Thanks for posting.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on January 30, 2008 at 7:56 PM
Great shot, Matt! Thanks for the inspiration.
I'm kind of hoping I finish my work up early. I'd planned on coming home early if that was the case but I may just take a vacation or no-pay day and do some driving/playing. More motivation to solve the problems quickly!
Thanks again for the input. I lived in Monterey for two years but never made it to this part of the coast too often and my photography was less developed then.
Discussion
9 repliesI'll be in the Santa Maria area for most of the week next week. I'm still figuring out how to take my camera with everything else I need but I hope to get some time on the coast at sunset, etc.
I'm somewhat familiar with the area but I'd love to hear any favorite spots, tips, etc from Morro Bay to Santa Barbara. I'm thinking about some of the craggy coastline south of Big Sur, the dunes at Morro Bay, etc.
I was out there the week before last without a camera and kicked myself as I watched the fog drift in and out in the mornings and evenings. Not this time! Hopefully work doesn't get in the way of some quality photo time!
Don't know anything about the area, but I can help with how to haul camera gear.
If you need a bag to take your camera, plus some travel essentials with you, I have something you could borrow from when I traveled 100%. Its a piece of luggage typically called a "tote" but its more like a luggage version of a gym bag. When I traveled internationally, I'd put my camera with a lens or two, shaving kit, book and a change of clothes in this bag. I'd take my laptop as my other carry on and check my clothes with my tripod or monopod in the roller. This way, Id at least have one change of clean clothes if my luggage got lost.
Sounds like it will be a nice bit of out of town work. I never had any west coast clients and for the most part my clients were in exciting and photogenic places like Wilmington, DE and Memphis, TN
Besides Morro Bay and driving Embarcadero Road, there are some nice views of Morro Rock from the beaches to the North. I think you exit Hwy 1 on Yerba Buena and its a nice short (5 min.) hike down to and along the beach. You'll get scenes like this.
There are some really great hiking and photo ops in Montana de Oro State Park. All the coasts are super-rugged - rock and sand cliffs. It's been a while since I've been there (like 20 years), but I remember blow holes, natural bridges, etc. I'm sure you can find more info online.
Cayucos is a funky little surf town and my uncle told me about the place in the photo above (he's an old-school long board surfer). Its North of Cayucos on Hwy 1 and just before you get to Cayucos Point (large hill and a cut in road). Watch for a pull-off and surfer trail that heads down to the water. It's real steep at first, then levels off and winds its way through deep grass. Stay left (South) and you cross several large ravines. Pick one and head down to the water. It's about a 10-15 minute hike to really rugged coast with lots of great sunset photo ops.
Having lived there most of my life and surfing and visiting most of those beaches I would say it is all pretty nice. But if I were going, especially now that I am more into landscape/seascape photography, I would push the envelope another hour or two north and just do it! Go to Big Sur!
IMO, Morro Bay south doesn't really compare on a photo op type level. For surfing Santa Barbara and Ventura are better for sure. But for shear coastline beauty Big Sur takes the prize hands down.
If for some reason you really can't push the Envelope another 1-2 hours North I would recommend Jalama and 'The Ranch.' The Ranch is a large section of California Coastline which is private. But you can still walk along the beach from the Jalama side. However some landowners still might not like it even if it is technically legal.
Most of those areas are know for rolling green pastures and sand dunes up by Pismo. The dramtic rocks, cliffs, and untamed wilder coast is up a little higher North.
Even if you only make it to Santa Barbara you should still be able to find something to shoot, especially at sunset. For action surfing photography Rincon is great and probably one of my favorites spots along that stretch of coast. Have fun I wish I was going too! Why can't Verizon have a mandatory meeting out there?
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=Montana+de+Oro+State+Park&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi
Mel, thanks for the reminder. I was trying to stick to strictly carry-ons which doesn't leave much room for a camera. I think I have a tote that will work as a carry-on as well as my computer bag. If not, I'll give you a call. Hopefully I'll get some time to explore a bit. I'd loive to get up to Julia Pfieffer Burns state park, especially after seeing Jim's image at the shindig.
I hope you have a great trip but there has been lots of rain lately.
John
If Jim's pic of McWay falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns park wasn't enough, here's one I got when I was out there in June.
You are killing me!
I am a native Californian and while I have seen this beautiful place I have never photographed it! Now I really have to get there! Was this shot around sunset?
It is 80 miles from Morro Bay. When you are that close...
Thanks for posting.
I'm kind of hoping I finish my work up early. I'd planned on coming home early if that was the case but I may just take a vacation or no-pay day and do some driving/playing. More motivation to solve the problems quickly!
Thanks again for the input. I lived in Monterey for two years but never made it to this part of the coast too often and my photography was less developed then.