| The Southern Portion of Big Sur and the Central Coast of California This rugged coastline gradually gives way to a more graceful look as you travel south from Big Sur. Some areas have truly surreal rock formations. There are still some outstanding seascapes of grand proportions to be seen. This stretch of coastline extends from just south of Pfeiffer Beach in the North to just north of Santa Barbara in the south. If you look at latitude, the exact center of the California Coast is actually in Santa Cruz, but with so many climate zones, it is easier to just declare the Central Coast to range from Big Sur and south. Go here for prints on metal, or canvas (24x36 and smaller) Go here for full-resolution downloads, photographic prints and framing of all images on this page. |
Library of Ages #1 Buy!
Location: Montana De Oro State Park, California
Story:
The rock layers which record the geologic history of Montana De Oro State Park can be read like books in an ancient library. A long
exposure emphasized the rock by smoothing the large surf. A shorter exposure would have emphasized the motion of the water and
distracted from the incredible rock formations. A dark fog moved in just as the sun set to enhance the mood and allow a longer
exposure time. The footing on the slippery stone was treacherous. One unusual effect seen here is in the small pool of still water
between the rocks on the left below the horizon and ocean. It shows the reflection of the rock layers as lines going in the opposite
direction as the rest of the ‘real’ layers.
Location: Montana De Oro State Park, California
Story:
The rock layers which record the geologic history of Montana De Oro State Park can be read like books in an ancient library. A long
exposure emphasized the rock by smoothing the large surf. A shorter exposure would have emphasized the motion of the water and
distracted from the incredible rock formations. A dark fog moved in just as the sun set to enhance the mood and allow a longer
exposure time. The footing on the slippery stone was treacherous. One unusual effect seen here is in the small pool of still water
between the rocks on the left below the horizon and ocean. It shows the reflection of the rock layers as lines going in the opposite
direction as the rest of the ‘real’ layers.
The Rock Buy!
Location: Big Sur Coast, San Carpoforo State beach, California
Story:
This 50 foot rock on San Carpoforo Beach at the south end of Big Sur really takes a beating at high tide. The 3,000-5,000 foot mountains
make a nice backdrop when the light is right. It took a considerable amount of running back and forth to get the proper perspective, as
the water was moving fast.
Location: Big Sur Coast, San Carpoforo State beach, California
Story:
This 50 foot rock on San Carpoforo Beach at the south end of Big Sur really takes a beating at high tide. The 3,000-5,000 foot mountains
make a nice backdrop when the light is right. It took a considerable amount of running back and forth to get the proper perspective, as
the water was moving fast.
Morro Sands Buy!
Location: Morro Bay, California
Story:
Morro Rock, is the 576 ft. tall plug of an extinct volcano and is one of a series extending for many miles inland. In the winter, the sun
cuts across the rock face at sunrise and illuminates the rock and sand ripples perfectly. This low sun angle is the only way to show
fine detail in the sand. It only lasts for about 3 minutes, so I had to work fast. A low tide also exposed just enough sand while
keeping it wet for the best effect. I liked how the sand ripples pointed in the same direction as the layers of rock.
Location: Morro Bay, California
Story:
Morro Rock, is the 576 ft. tall plug of an extinct volcano and is one of a series extending for many miles inland. In the winter, the sun
cuts across the rock face at sunrise and illuminates the rock and sand ripples perfectly. This low sun angle is the only way to show
fine detail in the sand. It only lasts for about 3 minutes, so I had to work fast. A low tide also exposed just enough sand while
keeping it wet for the best effect. I liked how the sand ripples pointed in the same direction as the layers of rock.
Avila Reflections Buy!
Location: Avila Beach, California
Story:
Avila beach at low tide in December really shows off the sky at it's best. No other time of year allows the sun to set so close to the pier. And only
low tide shows such complete reflections. This is probably the most sheltered beach in the state.
Location: Avila Beach, California
Story:
Avila beach at low tide in December really shows off the sky at it's best. No other time of year allows the sun to set so close to the pier. And only
low tide shows such complete reflections. This is probably the most sheltered beach in the state.
Lost Coast Buy!
Location: San Carpoforo State Beach, California
Story:
The south end of the Big Sur range feels like one of the most isolated places on Earth. Few people go to this beach, though many
pass it by on highway 1 on their way to more accessible destinations. The sand is like coffee grounds and it crunches when you walk
on it.
Location: San Carpoforo State Beach, California
Story:
The south end of the Big Sur range feels like one of the most isolated places on Earth. Few people go to this beach, though many
pass it by on highway 1 on their way to more accessible destinations. The sand is like coffee grounds and it crunches when you walk
on it.
De Oro Surf Buy!
Location: Montana De Oro State Park, California
Story:
The surf at Montana De Oro State Park near Morro Bay, California can be quite large, so I chose a modest sized wave to show how it feels to
be close to the action. The water was moving fast, so a 1/4 second exposure showed plenty of motion. The layers of rock show the long
history of this place. I often try to move in close to the waves to make a dramatic image. Then, I run away just before the wave hits. But
with this sort of surface, it was not easy to run or even crawl away. And the rock was quite slippery, which made matters even worse!
Location: Montana De Oro State Park, California
Story:
The surf at Montana De Oro State Park near Morro Bay, California can be quite large, so I chose a modest sized wave to show how it feels to
be close to the action. The water was moving fast, so a 1/4 second exposure showed plenty of motion. The layers of rock show the long
history of this place. I often try to move in close to the waves to make a dramatic image. Then, I run away just before the wave hits. But
with this sort of surface, it was not easy to run or even crawl away. And the rock was quite slippery, which made matters even worse!
De Oro Impact Buy!
Location: Montana De Oro State Park, California
Story:
Montana De Oro state park, just south of Morro Bay, California is a spectacular place to see large surf crashing against hundreds of layers of
angled rock. I wanted to get close to the action to show the texture of the rock but got drenched right after I took this shot. I covered the
camera so I was able to make more images after this.
Location: Montana De Oro State Park, California
Story:
Montana De Oro state park, just south of Morro Bay, California is a spectacular place to see large surf crashing against hundreds of layers of
angled rock. I wanted to get close to the action to show the texture of the rock but got drenched right after I took this shot. I covered the
camera so I was able to make more images after this.
Library of Ages #2 Buy!
Location: Montana De Oro State Park, California
Story:
The long historical record of Montana De Oro, California state park can be read like books in an ancient library. Here, a seagull appears to be
examining a volume! A long exposure emphasizes the rock by smoothing the large surf. Second in a series showing a different view than the first
image.
Location: Montana De Oro State Park, California
Story:
The long historical record of Montana De Oro, California state park can be read like books in an ancient library. Here, a seagull appears to be
examining a volume! A long exposure emphasizes the rock by smoothing the large surf. Second in a series showing a different view than the first
image.
Big Sur Sky Buy!
Location: San Carpoforo State Beach, California
Story:
This beach, just at the south end of Big Sur, California may have the most massive views of any beach in the state. The mountains on the
right range between 3,000 and 5,000 feet elevation and seem to stretch to infinity. There is an isolated rock over 150 feet tall with its own
cave. It looks small on this beach!
Location: San Carpoforo State Beach, California
Story:
This beach, just at the south end of Big Sur, California may have the most massive views of any beach in the state. The mountains on the
right range between 3,000 and 5,000 feet elevation and seem to stretch to infinity. There is an isolated rock over 150 feet tall with its own
cave. It looks small on this beach!
Walking on Glass #1 Buy!
Location: Pismo Beach, California
Story:
This couple was fortunate enough to be witnessing an unbelievable sunset just after an early winter rainstorm was clearing away from the
coast. As they walked along, the sky opened and the sun illuminated a low bank of fog and mist right behind them. They stopped and
watched it all happen for about two minutes before the clouds returned and the went on their way. The depth in the cloud deck was
impressive and the tide was the lowest of the month at sunset. Everything came together for just a moment on this evening.
Location: Pismo Beach, California
Story:
This couple was fortunate enough to be witnessing an unbelievable sunset just after an early winter rainstorm was clearing away from the
coast. As they walked along, the sky opened and the sun illuminated a low bank of fog and mist right behind them. They stopped and
watched it all happen for about two minutes before the clouds returned and the went on their way. The depth in the cloud deck was
impressive and the tide was the lowest of the month at sunset. Everything came together for just a moment on this evening.
Walking on Glass #2 Buy!
Location: Pismo Beach, California
Story:
A closer view of the strolling couple with more detail in the background cloud deck. See 'Walking on Glass #1 for more information.
Location: Pismo Beach, California
Story:
A closer view of the strolling couple with more detail in the background cloud deck. See 'Walking on Glass #1 for more information.
Pismo Pier Light Buy!
Location: Pismo Beach, California
Story:
After the light faded behind the strolling couple (see above), the sky opened up behind the pier. So I positioned myself so the pier would
block the sun and when the light was just right and the water was out as far as it would go with the lowest tide of the month, I made the
image. I felt fortunate to see this in person! I liked how the underside of the pier lit up and the sand glistened with the red of the sky.
Location: Pismo Beach, California
Story:
After the light faded behind the strolling couple (see above), the sky opened up behind the pier. So I positioned myself so the pier would
block the sun and when the light was just right and the water was out as far as it would go with the lowest tide of the month, I made the
image. I felt fortunate to see this in person! I liked how the underside of the pier lit up and the sand glistened with the red of the sky.
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Library of Ages #3 Buy!
Location: Montana De Oro State Park, California
Story:
A continuation of the series. The rock layers which record the geologic history of Montana De Oro State Park can be read like
books in an ancient library. They are angled at 45 degrees and are as slippery as ice. It is difficult to get this close to the surf but
this is where the best views are. I waited for a wave to move in between the rocks to show them as being separate. Otherwise
they looked like one rock. I also waited for the very last light to strike the rock layers at the lowest angle possible.
Location: Montana De Oro State Park, California
Story:
A continuation of the series. The rock layers which record the geologic history of Montana De Oro State Park can be read like
books in an ancient library. They are angled at 45 degrees and are as slippery as ice. It is difficult to get this close to the surf but
this is where the best views are. I waited for a wave to move in between the rocks to show them as being separate. Otherwise
they looked like one rock. I also waited for the very last light to strike the rock layers at the lowest angle possible.
script type="text/javascript">
var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");
document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));