Point Pinos Lighthouse...

...in Pacific Grove, CA; the oldest continuous operating lighthouse on the West Coast, first began operations in 1855. Beautiful early morning wispy fog, and wind-sculptured Monterey Cypress, couldn't pass this by even with the 6' high chain link fence around the whole property. Typically the only time the fog is as wispy and light as this is early morning or late afternoon, the lighthouse is only open in the afternoons. Shot this from outside the fence with just enough tripod to clear the fence. This is about the only location outside the fence one can shoot, all the rest of the property borders a local golf course and they don't like ya wandering around on the course.

D700
70-200
Minimal PS stuff.

great work here Reno! the shot of the light house by itself would've been good, but the trees really gives it a since of place.

Great shot. I love how you composed just the tree and lighthouse by filling the frame. My first impression conjured up images of a lone lighthouse up on a hill overlooking the ocean surrounded by open fields of grass and rolling hills (natural grass and hills, not golf course landscaping). Thats what I like about the shot because you isolated it so one can dream of a beautiful place far away from human development and see into the past. Good work. Next time you'll have to hop the fence...

- DMP

Very nice Mood shot of the lighthouse Reno! The fog looks really cool especially with the visible light shining through it.

Although an attractive lighthouse this is one of the more challenging one's I have shot for the reasons you mentioned. I really wish they would open up the gate at sunset.

I have managed to shot it from other less obstructed angles over the fence however. After the sun sets the golfers are all but gone. And at night it is even more empty around the light. Here is one at night I tooks from the front during a full moon. No flying balls to worry about then : http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/Locations/Northern-California-2009/7049912_hqPLs#454094858_Y3AqC-A-LB

Derek

I like the way those limbs break up this image and add to the sense of depth with that fog. I wish the bottom vegetation was a little more filled in, but this is still quite nice as is. Well seen!

Reno,

As many times as I've been by this Lighthouse, this really captures the mood and even has a bit of a historical look to it. The fog and light are in perfect balance.

I've often wondered how I could combine a round of golf and shoot large format at the same time. I'd probably have to let a few folks play through... :-)

Lon

What a perfect shot Derek and not much PS. That has to feel good.
Congrats on this one!

Nice shot Reno. It is a difficult place to shoot. I was just there the other day.