Posted by Mat Malone on November 6, 2009 at 2:08 AM
February 17th 2007 was the last time I had a nice sky when I was on the California coast. Ever since then it's either been socked in with fog or clear blue skies. I must have been back 6 or 7 times since that day. Now, I am completely believe in making the weather work for you, and adapting (I've still made several images I'm proud of since then). But can't a guy get some dramatic clouds with nice color? It's a little depressing because I used to consider the area around Big Sur my favorite place to photograph, back when I first got into photography in 2006. I'm not sure if it's just bad luck or if there's really something to it. Has anyone had a similar feeling about one place or another?
OK, enough ranting.
This was made last Sunday at Sand City, north of Monterey. These dunes always looked nice when driving along PCH, and indeed they are. When I arrived it was completely clear, with a fog bank hanging out past Point Lobos. Man that fog came in quick. I was walking up the beach when it started moving in and had to hustle back before it became REALLY dense. Then I drove up to Santa Cruz, where it was completely clear of course! Although I did get to experiment with my new ND filter and had some interesting results.
Oh well. That's what I get for finding a hobby that depends on mother nature
Mat, good skies along the Nor Cal coast are hard to come by--but I would say that November is still too early. Wait til January/February, the heart of winter, for the skies to get better. I like your shot though, the patches of ice plant are neat.
Posted by Derek Sedillo on November 6, 2009 at 3:20 PM
Guys, just an an FYI this weekend could be good for coastal shots for two reasons:
1. Big swell coming in which always adds drama especially in Big Sur
2. Partly cloudy forecast for Saturday
I have found a lot of nice skys this time of the year. But it normally centers around Storms/low pressure systems coming in.
Here is a great resource if you are thinking about Big Sur (looks pretty good right now actually): http://www.nepenthebigsur.com/
Lastly Pfeiffer Beach arch will be getting good soon.
Derek
Posted by Lon Overacker on November 6, 2009 at 3:37 PM
Mat,
Yup, sometimes you just have to go with what you're dealt with. You either work with it, or find another place
Not overly exciting Mat, but has great mood and depicts that part of Monterrey quite well. Now you just may be on a string a bad luck because I get down that way a couple times a year and have yet to see it socked in like that.... :-)
Make lemonade as they say...
Lon
Posted by Mike Ryan on November 7, 2009 at 11:20 AM
Tell me about it Mat, I don't know how many times I've gone out to the Sonoma coast only to be disappointed by fog or absolutely clear skies. We don't get nearly enough drama up here either. To increase my odds I've found a webcam at Bodega head to check before I go and I'm trying to remember to check the NOAA weather satellites now as well.
Anyhow, this is a nice foggy beach image. The sand nicely leads my eye through the image. Nice capture.
Posted by Eric Good on November 8, 2009 at 5:03 PM
At least it wasn't windy. I think the more my photography has become secondary to the main goal, the journey... uncontrollables like weather and wind don't bother me quite as much any more. That is until I take out my camera. JK
Posted by Greg Cope on November 8, 2009 at 9:37 PM
Mat, I know the feeling (although these days I find I'll take clear skies as long as its not fog). As Ben mentions, wait into the heart of winter for some real storms to push through. Also, webcams and satellite images work wonders in at least letting you predict some clouds, whether the sky will light up is another matter entirely. That being said I've taken a few of my favorite photos under less than optimal conditions.
Posted by Mat Malone on November 9, 2009 at 11:52 AM
Thanks for the advice and emotional support, everyone
Posted by Derek Sedillo on November 9, 2009 at 12:33 PM
Hey Mat,
Summer felt that way for me and I live at the beach. The fog kinda put me in a funk. But now it is really nice with mixed cloud/weather patterns.
I recommend you check things out this week if you can break away at all.
The past two days have had really gorgeous light and skies at Sunrise and Sunset. If you ever want to check out Garapata or Point Lobos just let me know.
Discussion
8 repliesOK, enough ranting.
This was made last Sunday at Sand City, north of Monterey. These dunes always looked nice when driving along PCH, and indeed they are. When I arrived it was completely clear, with a fog bank hanging out past Point Lobos. Man that fog came in quick. I was walking up the beach when it started moving in and had to hustle back before it became REALLY dense. Then I drove up to Santa Cruz, where it was completely clear of course! Although I did get to experiment with my new ND filter and had some interesting results.
Oh well. That's what I get for finding a hobby that depends on mother nature
1. Big swell coming in which always adds drama especially in Big Sur
2. Partly cloudy forecast for Saturday
I have found a lot of nice skys this time of the year. But it normally centers around Storms/low pressure systems coming in.
These are Oct/Nov shots:
A few of weeks ago:
http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/Locations/Northern-California-2009/7049912_hqPLs#684598388_GuPot-A-LB
Last Nov:
http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/Locations/Northern-California-2008/6234693_bgVA8#426834791_29fZp-A-LB
Here is a great resource if you are thinking about Big Sur (looks pretty good right now actually): http://www.nepenthebigsur.com/
Lastly Pfeiffer Beach arch will be getting good soon.
Derek
Yup, sometimes you just have to go with what you're dealt with. You either work with it, or find another place
Not overly exciting Mat, but has great mood and depicts that part of Monterrey quite well. Now you just may be on a string a bad luck because I get down that way a couple times a year and have yet to see it socked in like that.... :-)
Make lemonade as they say...
Lon
Anyhow, this is a nice foggy beach image. The sand nicely leads my eye through the image. Nice capture.
Summer felt that way for me and I live at the beach. The fog kinda put me in a funk. But now it is really nice with mixed cloud/weather patterns.
I recommend you check things out this week if you can break away at all.
The past two days have had really gorgeous light and skies at Sunrise and Sunset. If you ever want to check out Garapata or Point Lobos just let me know.
Derek