There are some places on earth that seem designed specifically for the lens. Stunning vistas, ever changing cloud formations, cobalt blue water, waterfalls and forests. Where???
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When shooting a surf session, my focus is generally on the waves. There is, however, always an interesting interplay going on behind me as surfers arrive, prepare, compare notes, and leave a session. What happens on the sand is as much about So Cal surf culture as what goes on in the waves…
Continue readingSurf Style – On the Sand
By now you know my favorite color is blue: blue sky; blue ocean. But what happens when I take my toes out of the sand and venture to higher elevations? More blue than is reasonably imaginable! The clear air at altitude (8,000-10,000′)…
Continue readingChasing Blue – The Mountains
Back in the 80’s when I was leaving for college, some of my lifelong friends decided it would be great to get together on summer breaks for a backpacking trip. One trip led to another and now three decades later, the tradition continues. Our individual lives have spread us to all corners of the U.S., but once a year, the High Sierras serve as our beacon.
Continue readingThe Tradition Continues
This past week, we completed the installation of art for phase I of the remodel of UCSD Concierge Medicine. 25 large format, framed images now grace the walls. Phase II will have an additional 7 images in the new reception area and patient lounge.
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I was asked to shoot images as the California State Games – Track & Field event and did not pass on the opportunity to get up close and personal with these athletes. Being allowed on the infield is always a treat and this meet featured athletes of all ages. Here’s the equipment I choose to take with me…
Continue readingOut of the Water and onto the Track
I grew up at swim meets. Weekends were a fun respite from long weekday hours following the black line. We got to run around with our friends, eat tons of Starburst, warm up a little and race for about one minute three times in a day. It must have been a slog for my parents! So can photos of swimming be at all interesting?
Continue readingSwimming – playing with tonal finishes
When shooting surf events, the focus is on the waves. We’re typically seeking to capture the gnarly cutback or fins-out move off the top. As a surf photographer with over two decades of shooting, I will tell you that it is easy to forget to look at the scenes on the beach as well. But…
Continue readingDon’t Forget the Faces!
I love to surf and I love to take surf photos. Often its with an eye towards competition surfing. Then an event comes along reminding me that surfing is about connection: connection to the ocean; connection to your emotions; and connection to your tribe. This event was a Team Quinn Adaptive Surf Event.
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An amazing confluence of events took place this past Wednesday. School was out in So Cal. It was the first day of summer. June Gloom gave way to sunny skies. A swell kissed our shores. And it all coincided with USA Surfing’s Championships at Lowers. And oh, what a day!!
Continue readingWhen the Groms Take Over Lowers
When many surfers hear the word SUP, they immediately think of the over 40 crowd floating along the bay inexplicably wearing a leash as they slowly cruise along over 2″ ripples. Then there are the surfers who also surf SUPs. This is a different breed of watermen and waterwomen and nothing like the bay floaters.
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Marking the coast of San Diego County are a series of piers stretching out into the ocean past the surf line. Some of these were built in the late 1800s to support coastal trade. More were added in the early 1900’s as pleasure piers. Today, they stand silently in the depths, willing couples to stroll, fishermen to cast and surfer’s to shoot.
Continue readingThe Piers of San Diego County
It always amazes me how the story an image tells changes depending on the finish you apply to your image. Let’s take, for example, this image I shot of the Hotel del Coronado. To me, it provides a glimpse into the past. The tonal range of the photo suggests a film camera; something appropriate for a vintage resort. Perhaps it is a stormy day, yet it has warm tones so it is a bit of a mystery…
Continue readingChoosing Finishes in Post Production
Every race has its own pageantry and large visuals. Yet every race is comprised of many individuals, all with unique feelings, struggles, and personal victories. While we tend to think about action shots in the middle of races, the finish line should not be overlooked as the place and moment where individual expression is at its highest. Last weekend…
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May Gray has definitely settled in for those of us that live along the coast and we can expect June Gloom to follow. As a photographer, my work is all about the light and usually color. I absolutely love sunny days, blue skies, and blue water and the vibrant images that can be created in those settings. So what to do in May and June? Well, in the spirit of lemonade from lemons, our annual marine layer presents some wonderful opportunities to see our world in a slightly different way.
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Back button focusing is one of the simplest ways to improve your surf photography (or any photography for that matter) and I have grown to love the versatility it provides. Here’s what you need to know…
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Big wave surfing has sometimes been compared to bull riding. Training, scoring, lifestyle, injury and respect are all aspects shared by both sports. I decided to see for myself whether these similarities truly existed…
Continue readingFrom Bucking Waves to Bucking Bulls
Winter was long and wet and then the sun appeared. Spring is now in the air. I journeyed fourth to Torrey Pines to see what spring looks like in its natural, coastal environment. Boy, was I in for a treat. Just seconds onto the trail, the wildflowers were ablaze. From cacti flowers to curling vines, the variety of shapes, colors and textures caused my shutter finger to fire at abandon. Here’s a sampling of the natural beauty of coastal So. Cal.!
Continue readingWhen Spring Hits Torrey Pines
Photography is an incredible medium for capturing memories, sports and events. Is, however, photography art? Today, on #worldartday, I will emphatically and positively say that well…maybe!
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2023 started off with a bang on the West Coast. Big waves, er towering monsters, were providing dramatic moments as the watermen and waterwomen paddled out to meet these challenges day after day. Photogs were clicking away from the shore and we were producing awesome images on a daily basis. Then the ocean went flat. What to do?
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