The sun was setting, and most of the few people watching the waves, the surfers, and the sunset were leaving the beach. Now it was the life guard stations all in a row that caught my eye.
Haze
I suspect that smoke from the fires added to the haze at sunset last week at Huntington Beach. If you look closely you can see surfers in the waters.
HB Surfers
Multiple exposure play with surfers heading into the ocean
Surf City Sunset
We have just returned from a short but wonderful visit to Southern California, where we visited with our son’s family. We have developed a tradition of spending one night at the beach before heading over to see the family. This time it was Huntington Beach with its majestic waves and ever present surfers. We got there just in time for sunset and had a great time walking around- people-watching and soaking in the ocean views and sunset.
This is the Huntington Beach pier, which I have photographed many times- and that’s Ruby’s Diner at the end. I reduced clarity in post-processing to enhance the dreamy mood.
Unfortunately, I took so many photos I managed to wear out my shoulder again- when will I ever learn? My favorite way to shoot is to walk around with my (heavy) camera on my cross body strap- constantly bringing it up to my eye and snapping. I think it’s the repetitive motion (and the weight of the camera)that causes the pain. The next day, I just used my iPhone camera. This whole issue is weighing on my mind; I am definitely not ready to give up my big camera (or go to a lighter mirrorless camera), but am considering only using my iPhone for street/beach photography and camera on tripod for scenes like these. I hate having physical issues get in the way of doing what I love, so I am determined to find a work-around!
Before It Began
While waiting for the Veterans Day Parade to begin, I amused myself by doing some street photography. This is not an unusual street scene here- and I was taken by the contrast between the fellows in the old western wear and the woman busy with her phone.
Impermanence and Imperfection
The frayed edges of these old books illustrate imperfection and impermanence with the passage of time. Time and use have softened the edges, but their beauty remains.
Natural
Continuing on with my little wabi-sabi series, here is an image illustrating natural.
Kitchen Stars
I’ve been working on a series of wabi-sabi photos for my photo group final, which has to be a series. I may not have enough photos for my series on the beach, so this is my Plan B. Here is one of the photos I am working on- my favorite wooden spoon and some star anise. I had thought the series would be in black and white, but I really like this one better in color! There is a very slight reflection and shadow on the cookie sheet background which don’t show up in the black and white.
Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aethetic based on acceptance of transience and incompleteness. Characteristics include asymmetry, roughness, simplicity, economy, austerity, modesty, intimacy, and appreciation of the ingenuous integrity of natural objects and processes.
Honor Our Vets
Lonnie and I went downtown yesterday for the Veterans’ Day Parade. There is something very moving about seeing the open display of patriotism in our divided world- and especially the veterans of World War II and more recent conflicts proudly wearing their uniforms to the cheers of the crowds.
I always love the vintage uniforms- and was taken with the soldier on the right and his resemblance to George Washington – at least in my mind.
Leaf Greetings
As we walked around Courthouse Square a week ago, the branches over our heads formed an arch so the autumn leaves could greet each other.
Choices
If leaves could choose their colors, maybe they would look like this . . .
Downtown Reflections
Autumn captured in late afternoon reflections
November Blues
Autumn abstract captured with iPhone
Both Sides Now
And here is another view of the Courthouse- from the “backside”. Actually all four sides have the big steps and columns- a beauty from each direction!
Happy Halloween!
melinda anderson photography 