Weston Beach Father's Day weekend

Had a great weekend hiking Point Lobos with my kiddos. It started out cloudy then the sun broke out close to sunset. We hung out at Weston Beach at watched whales migrating by. It was an awesome way to spend Father's Day!

I shot several compositions of the sunset here are a few more:

http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/Seascapes/Point-Lobos/12608969_RxMFa#908091971_78ruM-XL-LB

http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/Seascapes/Point-Lobos/12608969_RxMFa#908093003_x9TZh-XL-LB

http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/Seascapes/Point-Lobos/12608969_RxMFa#907746663_jNbRf-XL-LB

I haven't really picked out a favorite yet. Although the last two from closer up seem to be growing on me more.

Derek

I prefer the last. The foreground works really well...the sun is perfectly positioned to be the vanishing point for the rocks on the bottom left, and they draw the eye in and across the water. My only suggestion is to lighten up the horizontal rocks in the middle on the left, if possible, since they tend to block that flow. Nicely done!!

After seeing your sunset images, checked the Cal state parks website and noticed they have indeed extended hours to 1/2 hour after sunset. For decades closing time had been well before sunset except during winter. Over the years had discussed with them a few times how a photographer might linger some but they insisted people need to be on their way out at closing time. Given the new directions that allows, will have to re-survey the possible rock and cypress silhouettes possible out on the point.

David, I have heard that the rules were so strict in the past about closing earlier that rangers even kicked out Ansel Adams before sunset. LOL... Imagine some of the shots he would have taken. I have also wondered what it would be like to shoot at sunrise. But thats not allowed yet. However sunset is a great time to enjoy. So I'm glad they expanded that option.

Derek,
Hard to imagine the rules used to prohibit taking such images. This one is very pleasing. You controlled exposure nicely. Best Regards.

Back in his days there were no trail cables (illegal to cross) so one could take pics from anywhere. Was maybe the first park as a young photographer decades ago where I had to consider the ethics of illegally crossing into such areas. Recall did so down to the shore of Cypress Cove to get a 35mm SLR pic of Big Dome, thought about that ethical situation, felt guilty, and never did so again.

Yes, there are many a nights when I went out to shoot the stars that I really wanted to stop at Point Lobos on my way to Garrapta. I can imagine some spectacular spots for night comps there. But yeah, I decided to keep driving. Although hopping the fence is still a big temptation, especially for sunrise.

A big deterant for shooting anywhere even back before cables must have been the huge amount of poison oak. That is something to not be taken lightly.

I also feel a greater sense of responsibility now as I have had one of my images published in the Point Lobos Magazine recently. I was pretty happy to contribute to such an awesome foundation. Everything has its reasons I guess. I am glad they have been able to preserve its beauty all these years.

Derek

looks like a great way to spend the day! nice pics!

Cory
Sierra Impressions Photography