
I never get tired of ocean views at sunset!

I never get tired of ocean views at sunset!

We spent a few days in Southern California a week ago, including 3 days visiting beaches in the area. I told myself I have photographed too much surfing, which has produced hundreds of shots that will never see the light of day. But…the golden light at sunset at San Clemente proved irresistible, especially for slow shutter/ICM images.

Just a random everyday scene at the beach. . .

I haven’t had a beach day for almost two years- just in dreams.

Dog + beach- perfect combination!
Spotted at Newport Beach

Happy New Year!

Watching egrets on a southern California beach was new to us. We were used to seeing them in the marshes of the Bay Area, but watching them march through the waves on Newport Beach was a whole different experience. I took many more photos than I needed!

As I get ready for today’s Labor Day barbecue, I think about how Labor Day meant the end of summer when I was a child. Now, most schools have been in session for a couple weeks or more. This image is from last October’s visit to Huntington Beach; summer is still in full swing in Southern California!
I am thinking of getting my Fall wreath out soon though. . .

I have been going through old images recently and discovered this one from when I was first trying out Lensbaby lenses. I’m happy to say that I still love the blur!
Here is another almost abstract image created by using intentional camera movement and slow shutter speed. Although it might look like I added a texture, this is almost straight out of camera. I find it so interesting the different effects that can be created this way.

The morning fog was just beginning to give way to a bit of sunlight as I took this photo of a gull flying overhead at Newport Beach. I love the quiet of mornings at the beach!


Well, the people in the photo were having a day at the beach. I was having lunch with my husband and son at a restaurant across the street from the beach- but I managed to snap a half dozen photos while they talked sports. This is Huntington Beach- Surf City U.S.A.- a great place to take photos. And I’m still experimenting with my color textures- this one is more subtle.

On our first day in Southern California a week ago, we met up with our friends, Nevin and Darrell for lunch at Ruby’s in Newport Beach. It was our first time meeting up with friends at a restaurant since the pandemic began- and it felt so normal! We talked and laughed for over an hour- sharing news of kids, favorite TV shows to binge-watch, makeup tips (LOL!), and anything and everything! As I said, NORMAL- and normal felt so good!

We are hoping to travel to California in the next month. Our son and wife will both have their second shots, my photography group will be finishing up the semester, and the beaches beckon! It’s been a long year without family, friends, and travel . . .
This image is from one of our trips three years ago.
