Posted by Derek Sedillo on November 23, 2008 at 11:02 PM
Hey Guys,
I am still figuring out where things are at after moving here three months ago. Anyway Garrapta State Park is ~ 12 miles from our home. There are some really cool seastacks, cliffs and wave action in this area which I hadn't explored yet. So I left this AM in the dark to check things out.
Derek, man this looks like a goldmine for future outings. I do like all the shots, but really could not pick one over another, they are all a bit different and as such it made them all good captures. I would say, that it sure looks like a pretty rough area and maybe not a place to take your eyes off the strong wave action either, it could result in a bad situation. Be careful out there.
Posted by Derek Sedillo on November 24, 2008 at 1:20 AM
Thanks Paul,
Yeah, I quickly realized as the sun came up how awesome this place is. I got a tip off from one of the local photography galleries in Carmel yesterday (Robert Knight Gallery). I am already thinking about all the possibilities such as at night, with a full moon, during a big storm, etc... It will be a good place to hopefully test out my new camera (5D II) once it is released.
Anyway you are right about the raw power of the surf amoung the rocks and cliffs there. I was a little nervous shooting from the waters edge as the big waves rolled in and up over the rocks in the foreground near where I was shooting. It definately made it even that much more of a surreal experience.
The waves come in, smash into the the cliffs, and shoot up 20+' into the air. It is really awe inspiring when there is bigger surf like today. I can only imagine what it is like with a huge winter swell.
The second one posted above is my favorite because it really showcases the power of the place, especially while standing at the waters edge.
Derek
Posted by Eric Good on November 24, 2008 at 1:57 AM
Man I wish I had that kind of undeveloped coastline nearby to shoot on a regular basis. That looks like a great place to shoot with lots of possibilities. My favorite is the third image posted... I really like the way that shore-break parallels the line of the fg rocks. I look forward to your future posts from there.
Posted by Bryan Pezman on November 24, 2008 at 4:41 AM
I have a real love/hate relationship with Garrapata SP.
I love the incredible views all along there and have explored so many potentially wonderful shoots. Which leads me to the reason I hate Garrapata...
...the poison oak, the ticks, the very decent chance of slipping down a steep embankment, and most of all, the fact that I cant be there 24/7/365 to take it all in :)
As long as its not springtime when the poison oak is in bloom and the ticks are out of control (Garrapata is spanish for tick btw) , I truly do think it might be my favorite spot to shoot between San Simeon & Carmel.
Thanks for reminding me why I love that spot so much Derek! By the way, its great to see you posting here too. You miss Colorado as much as I do?
Posted by Derek Sedillo on November 24, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Hi Bryan,
I do miss parts of Colorado such as Aspen or the San Juans in Summer and Fall. However I really enjoy beinig back at the coast. I really missed the sea while living in CO. Having Big Sur in my backyard is really incredible. And I am gearing up for Yosemite in the Winter. I love seeing it covered in snow.
I had no idea about the ticks and poison oak at Garrapata. Thanks for the heads up. Maybe I'll avoid it in the Spring. I am really looking forward to shooting it during a Winter storm.
Derek
Posted by Steve Sieren on November 24, 2008 at 11:42 AM
#66 or the 3rd image is much more powerful compared to the rest. You captured the ACTION well in that one as I mentioned in the ESS gallery. That cove is pretty acessible and close to the road, I'd try it again at low tide that way you can get closer to the stacks that would make for a bolder compostion. Don't get swept away though Big Sur has some of the most dangerous water in California.
Derek,
Looks like a spot with a lot of potential. I like the first two images, more than the others, as the rocky beach adds a nice perspective. Best Regards.
Posted by Derek Sedillo on November 25, 2008 at 12:45 AM
Thanks guys,
It is kind of interesting how many varied resposes I got both here and on ESS regarding ppl's favorites in the series. I had a hard time picking a favorite as well. But the second and third have grown on me the most.
The third one with the shore break was probably the scariest to shoot as it was cracking on the rocks right next to me. This place is not to be taken lightly. Steve, I think you are right about low tide. It would give me a little more breathing room and either closer proximity to the stacks or more rocks in the foreground.
I wasn't expecting to get anything decent on this AM scouting mission with cloudless skies. But the little bit of fog on the horizon helped add a touch of color. However I think sunset or stormy skies would really help to bring out some more interesting light and colors.
Great, now while I am at work I am daydreaming about getting back out there.
Oh well, I guess this is one of the reasons I made it back to the coast form CO.
Derek
Posted by Bryan Pezman on November 25, 2008 at 3:23 AM
Derek,
Every time I shoot at that shorebreak, if there is any kind of swell in the water, that entire rock bed along that beach will rumble and move. Its scary for sure, but also very cool to witness.... from above
If you get a chance to shoot there in springtime, there are some excellent wildflower ops all over the hills right there as well. Also, there is a secret surfing spot there that breaks occasionally about halfway between that spot and Carmel By the Sea. But its very very sketchy and sharky and most locals wont surf there often. Lastly, there is a nude beach nearby there as well. Beware hahaha!
Posted by Greg Cope on November 25, 2008 at 6:55 PM
Derek, looks like a great find. I do agree with Bryan on having a love/hate relationship with Garrapata, the poison oak can be a killer (although this time of year its probably more 'branchy' than 'leafy'. In the spring if one is up for the brutal climb, the highest parts of the park have some extremely nice wildflower displays. Your lucky to have this area only 12 miles from home.
All that being said...some nice shots. I like that nice incoming wave in the third shot. Looking forward to seeing more from this area.
Discussion
10 repliesI am still figuring out where things are at after moving here three months ago. Anyway Garrapta State Park is ~ 12 miles from our home. There are some really cool seastacks, cliffs and wave action in this area which I hadn't explored yet. So I left this AM in the dark to check things out.
Here are some shots form the trip:
http://www.landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/gallery/6234693_bgVA8#422891408_HCSxq-XL-LB
http://www.landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/gallery/6234693_bgVA8#422906297_7gvWb-A-LB
http://www.landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/gallery/6234693_bgVA8#422918810_X3XEa-A-LB
http://www.landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/gallery/6234693_bgVA8#422966958_rB78z-XL-LB
http://www.landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/gallery/6234693_bgVA8#423084969_nPFDK-XL-LB
I look forward to going back during stormy/cloudy conditions.
Derek
Yeah, I quickly realized as the sun came up how awesome this place is. I got a tip off from one of the local photography galleries in Carmel yesterday (Robert Knight Gallery). I am already thinking about all the possibilities such as at night, with a full moon, during a big storm, etc... It will be a good place to hopefully test out my new camera (5D II) once it is released.
Anyway you are right about the raw power of the surf amoung the rocks and cliffs there. I was a little nervous shooting from the waters edge as the big waves rolled in and up over the rocks in the foreground near where I was shooting. It definately made it even that much more of a surreal experience.
The waves come in, smash into the the cliffs, and shoot up 20+' into the air. It is really awe inspiring when there is bigger surf like today. I can only imagine what it is like with a huge winter swell.
The second one posted above is my favorite because it really showcases the power of the place, especially while standing at the waters edge.
Derek
I love the incredible views all along there and have explored so many potentially wonderful shoots. Which leads me to the reason I hate Garrapata...
...the poison oak, the ticks, the very decent chance of slipping down a steep embankment, and most of all, the fact that I cant be there 24/7/365 to take it all in :)
As long as its not springtime when the poison oak is in bloom and the ticks are out of control (Garrapata is spanish for tick btw) , I truly do think it might be my favorite spot to shoot between San Simeon & Carmel.
Thanks for reminding me why I love that spot so much Derek! By the way, its great to see you posting here too. You miss Colorado as much as I do?
I do miss parts of Colorado such as Aspen or the San Juans in Summer and Fall. However I really enjoy beinig back at the coast. I really missed the sea while living in CO. Having Big Sur in my backyard is really incredible. And I am gearing up for Yosemite in the Winter. I love seeing it covered in snow.
I had no idea about the ticks and poison oak at Garrapata. Thanks for the heads up. Maybe I'll avoid it in the Spring. I am really looking forward to shooting it during a Winter storm.
Derek
Looks like a spot with a lot of potential. I like the first two images, more than the others, as the rocky beach adds a nice perspective. Best Regards.
It is kind of interesting how many varied resposes I got both here and on ESS regarding ppl's favorites in the series. I had a hard time picking a favorite as well. But the second and third have grown on me the most.
The third one with the shore break was probably the scariest to shoot as it was cracking on the rocks right next to me. This place is not to be taken lightly. Steve, I think you are right about low tide. It would give me a little more breathing room and either closer proximity to the stacks or more rocks in the foreground.
I wasn't expecting to get anything decent on this AM scouting mission with cloudless skies. But the little bit of fog on the horizon helped add a touch of color. However I think sunset or stormy skies would really help to bring out some more interesting light and colors.
Great, now while I am at work I am daydreaming about getting back out there.
Oh well, I guess this is one of the reasons I made it back to the coast form CO.
Derek
Every time I shoot at that shorebreak, if there is any kind of swell in the water, that entire rock bed along that beach will rumble and move. Its scary for sure, but also very cool to witness.... from above
If you get a chance to shoot there in springtime, there are some excellent wildflower ops all over the hills right there as well. Also, there is a secret surfing spot there that breaks occasionally about halfway between that spot and Carmel By the Sea. But its very very sketchy and sharky and most locals wont surf there often. Lastly, there is a nude beach nearby there as well. Beware hahaha!
All that being said...some nice shots. I like that nice incoming wave in the third shot. Looking forward to seeing more from this area.