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I'm back from my stay in Southern California with a bunch of good shots (I hope!). I'll mix them in with some from Hawaii and some local ones during the next few months. We had the requisite star sightings at a local Sushi place on New Year's Eve in Malibu. Steven Spielberg and Kenny G stopped by for takeout.. It is strange how the place gets really noisy in a hushed sort of way when a famous person walks in. LOL - Anyway, they wanted my autograph but I didn't want to be disturbed while I ate. You know how it is...
This is the pier at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography in La Jolla (pronounced hoya) California near San Diego. They conduct large scale studies of the world's oceans and often have large research vessels docked at the end.
On this day however, there was a fierce storm blowing with lightning and 30mph sustained winds with gusts to 50+. The waves were actually reaching the underside of the pier at the end. And the pier has at least 20 feet of clearance. There are no rocks out there to lift up the waves either, that was the size of the swells.
I have never seen weather like this in San Diego and this is the worst weather that I've ever been in while trying to get a photo. I had a plastic bag over the camera while I waited for the sun rays to arrange themselves in a nice symmetrical way. The bag had a white coating of salt when I was done and I used a lot of paper towels to clean off the grads.
I also got my worst soaking to date. That rock is not wet because of the rain! I got trapped in front of the cement wall when a deceptively slowly moving surge came in and rose up above my waist. I held the camera above my head holding onto the bottom of the tripod legs! I was ready to go swimming if need be.
I was out there for an hour and that was the only time that happened.
0.6 second exposure @F18 with 2 hand held ND grad 0.9's. One slanted above the pier and one level at the horizon.
| Title: | Light Behind the Pier |
| Username: | 
PatrickSmith |
| Uploaded: | 3 Jan 2007 - 3:57 PM |
| Camera: | Canon EOS 5D |
| Lens: | Canon 17-40L @20 |
| Recording media: | RAW ISO 50 |
| Tags: | Architecture, California, Diego, General, Jolla, La, Landscape / travel, Pier, San, Scripps |
| Votes: | 192 |
Comments
Hi Patrick, welcome back. Happy new year, beautiful shot, great perspective and light. Paul
Superb work Patrick ... all in place for an excellent capture.
Bert
Brilliant shot,beautiful light and great perspective,love the sky and detail on the rock,fantastic shot.
Mo.
wow!!!! patrick this is outstanding, what a excellent view piont and the light is superb, great camera work, well taken.
marc.
Well taken shot Patrick and by the looks of things worth getting that little bit damp. Very nice golden colours.
Scott
stunning cloudscape, love the light and perspective.
CLIX
Awsome shot Patrick, viewed large is a real joy it makes my eye's wet just looking at it.
darren.
And there was me thinking this was in Yorkshire 
Happy New Year.
Andy...
Excellent image and description Patrick.All the best for 2007.
~Alley~
Happy New Year Patrick!
Bumping into Steven Spielberg...now that's cool but Kenny G - dear oh dear! 
Mike
I feel a bit presumptous even thinking of commenting on this.How about -marvellous-superb-brilliant?
Ron
Love the tones to the sky and beach.The pier is perfectly sited within the frame.Well composed.
Tom.
Thanks for looking! Happy new year to you too.
LOL - Scott, I got 'damp' all the way above my waist when I surge came in. There is a cement wall behind me and nothing to do but take it!
Andy, I have new respect for the difficulties of shooting in bad weather! But it was amazing to be out there even if the shots had not turned out very well.
I know what you mean Mike. I joked about it to the guy next to me. And of course the women were swooning... uggh!
You too Alley.
Patrick
Great reflected light on the f/g rock Patrick, superbly detailed as always. Happy New year
Malcolm
Happy New Year Patrick. I hope you were not to harsh on the autograph hunters : )
A wonderful image and an interesting story with it.. lucky that the weather is warmer over there, otherwise you would be cold and wet when taking these shots : )
Jeanie
Looking at your story and seeing this WA view I can imagine how wet you got!
A fine composition with the FG rock leading your eye towards the pier. Well caught sky detail that you have managed to show reflected in the wet sand and rock.
PS, I carry with me wipes for spectacles, they're individually wrapped and impregnated with cleaning fluid, the do a wonderful job of removing seaspray, grease deposits etc
Thanks for looking!
Jeanie, the air temp was 8c and the water was 14c! And with the wind? Well it was definitely not warm!!
Great idea Melanie. I've been trying to figure out what to do about that. And yes, I spent most of the hour completely wet. And the wind did not help.
Patrick
spotted miles away your work, Patrick.......
You have that magical Patrick-touch all over your images......Sorry, I can´t explain it......my broken English...LOL...
Anyways.....good to have you back and I hope you had great holidays with your family..........
We had some snow for Xmas, but now all the snow has gone AGAIN : (
Global warming thing is HERE! : (
Jouko
I hope we don't read about your adventures in the obits! Never experienced such weather in San Diego personally but there was that resturant many years back that nearly washed away - or was that northern CA?
Another fine image - your web site is bookmarked for further browsing.
Regards,
Jan
ballsy and allways putting yourself up for the master shot, some people dare to be different, you are the master and i am learning quick
chris
A beauty and sounds like a lot of hard work to get it! I especially love the suns rays under the bridge. Happy new year Patrick, hope 2007is a great one.
Dave
Jouko, it does seem to be getting warmer in many places. Especially up north. Here, it seems to be a little colder, as the north winds are much stronger and more frequent. But the north wind itself is warmer than it used to be. We just get so many now that the average is colder. No snow in Nwe York City yet this year. Back in the 1700's, the entire Hudson river froze solid and you could walk to New Jersey on the ice, as you could across the Thames at the same time.
Thanks Jan. I'm usually very cautious but San Diego is usually so placid that this did catch me by surprize. Several places have washed into the sea in both Northern and Southern California in the past few years.
..or maybe just dumb Chris. I should have been a little more careful, but I did watch things for about 10 minutes before going out there.
Ange and Dave, happy new year to you too!
Patrick
Yet another superb image.
I thought at first that it was the Mumbles pier on the Gower peninsular, Wales. But when I looked at the large version I realised that there is no giant transvestite,demented monkey half way down!
Good work,
Dave
The image itself is fabulous; coupled with the description, it becomes magnificent. The light you've captured has such luminosity, and those waves at the end of the pier are fearsome. Superb work.
Allie
Now that pier stretches beautiful light quality and atmosphere.. superb photography !!!
Nikki
stunning pic, what a long pier, the rock in the foreground is lovely, great shapes in it.......jojo
Thanks for you comments.
LOL Dave, I think if you look very closely, there is a monkey in one of those lifeboats near the end!
Jojo, the pier has to be long, as the water is shallow for quite a ways out there and large boats need to dock at this pier.
You're welcome Jouko, the warming is getting noticeable. Yet many religious conservatives in this country ignore it because they say that we are insignificant specks on this planet and we could never ruin this planet that God created. (of course the same people believe that the earth is 6,000 years old and the Grand Canyon was created by the biblical flood!)
Patrick
Patrick
nice that you caught the sun bursting through behind the pier. Sounds like an interesting neighbourhood
Superb work Patrick and amazing light.
Have a great and a happy 2007.
Trish x
Beautiful-wish I had your time-I've got little kids in tow almost every time I'm out taking shots. Great photo!
it was definetly worth all the hardship to get the shot. love the sun bursting through the cloud.
sorry you got wet taking it.
your usual high standard Patrick,looks great large ,very well done.
Ian.
Blimey patrick. Now thats what I call passion and dedication. It was well worth the soaking. A lovely composed shot.
Chris
A very happy and wet 2007 Patrick! Lovely image, although the image looks fairly calm to me - how pictures can deceive!
Mark
Patrick, every photo of yours is a treat to look at. The dramatic sky and light is your trademark. It's amazing how you managed to get such a shot under the conditions you described. You must have been constantly cleaning mist off the grad ND filters before each shot. This photo proves that the worst weather conditions can yield the best photos. The problem is, these conditions are not common in southern California LOL. Did you visit Sunset Cliffs? Also, north Laguna Beach and Newport Beach are nice. Crystal Cove has some nice coast including an arch.
It's funny how the image manages to convey a sense of calm (it does to me anyway) despite all the chaos you endured to capture it.
This appeals to me a lot. The diagonal of the pier is an obvious feature of the composition, and I like how the rock forms another diagonal leading the eye to the end of the pier. The question is - would the image be better or worse without it?
I like the subtle, stormy light here and the sun rays behind the pier add another point of interest.
Me like.
Pete
Always amazed at the clarity and sharpness of your images..
Chris
hoping you had a good xmas and cheers to this new year Patrick
Thanks for looking!
I'm glad I got the light beams too Mark (slaterm), I could see it coming and then waited for almost too long!
Yes MaryLynn (mommy2cutekids), and if I had them you probably would not see me around here much. I may adopt one though. Watch the quality of my shots go down the tubes if I do - LOL!
You're right Ian, though I did not think it was worth it at the time!
True Peter, this is a very long one.
Chris, "passion and dedication".. and near-stupidity if I lost my camera!
I know what you mean Mark (sneazy), I did make an extra long exposure just to smooth the water out a bit since there was so much going on everywhere else. It just seemed too busy to me.
Yes Dennis (Chamberlain), I had to clean the grads after each shot. It was just impossible. I only took 4 shots during 30 minutes! And then I changed lenses from the 24-105 to the 17-40 in a plastic bag. That was fun too! I needed that extra wide view for this one. I haven't spotted any dust or other spots on the sensor yet. BTW, I had that sushi at Nobu's just after I met you at the Malibu Pier. The rolls are just okay but the rest is great!
I have not shot anything near Newport Beach, though I will someday. I like the arch idea. Is that the arch on your website? That one is north of Pt. Dume, right?
Yes Pete, I wanted part of it calm since it was so busy in most areas of the frame. I do have one without it and it doesn't look as interesting to me.
Maddie, I had a great Christmas. I'll do my best for this year!
Patrick
Love the light Patrick, definately worth the effort involved as this is a 'Patrick Smith classic'!
gill
Great depth and composition on this beautiful image. Love the sky.
Antonio
This is a beauty Patrick, lovely light.
All the Best for 2007.
Pete.
My pleasure to be #100, Patrick.
Has all the Patrick Smith quality hallmarks.
Colin
This is landscape photography at its finest. A superb capture Patrick that draws the viewer in to the photo.
Best Wishes in 2007,
Eric
i like the sunrays and i like the cloudscape, also the light reflecting off the rock is very attractive too. i doubt i would have got this shot though as i'm not as brave as you...lol i'd have watched the surf for a long time before getting this close in these conditions, i hope your equipment is insured (and your life)
Hi Patrick,
I don't have any images of the arch at Crystal Cove on my website, but I have been thinking about going down there to try to get some good shots of it. Crystal Cove is part of the Orange County coast. It's just north of Laguna Beach, but a long way south of Point Dume. The rock formations are really nice down there. Sushi? Gross! I will just settle for the rolls. lol
WOW..I have been there a few times way back when but only on a business trip..the wide angle makes the view along with your superb talent a fantastic image, glad to see you went over to Pismo Beach, cant wait to see your new 2007 images...
alex
Hi Patrick-- 105 it is and i don't think i could add anything more-- I am glad you know how to swim!
Jennnnnnn
Excellent shot, love the brief glimpse of rays shinning through the underside of the bridge, gives it that something extra. Spot on! Click!!!
Greg
It's the deceptively slow surges that can catch you out. A taylor made subject for demonstrating perspective but how well you've taken the opportunity.
Nick
Happy New Year Patrick.
Super shot. The sun behind the clouds was well seen and patiently waited for, and lifts the shot from a good pier shot into another league.
BTW - what a pier!!!
Martin
Happy New Year Pat,
Ah the sea, a togs best friend & worst enemy! I have to say that I always enjoy the tale with the photo. Having travelled a lot, I have conjured up a superb image in my minds eye - can just imagine the language!
I think you'll find more bonkers weather in the coming months due El Nino conditions in the Pacific
Cheers
Thanks for your kind comments and wishes for 2007! I hope it is a good year for everyone.
No insurance Terry. I don't think that a company would buy me a new camera because I decided to go swimming with it! Would they?
LOL Dennis (Chamberlain), Nobu has lots of items besides sushi. Check it out. I'll check out the arch next time I am around too. It sounds interesting.
Thanks Alex, I just processed a 3 image shot cropped to the regular 2x3 from above Santa Barbara looking over to the islands with an unreal cloudy sky near sunset. I may put that one up next time. I could print it at 40x60 no problem! And Pismo and Avilla, and those Oceano dunes have lot of potential so I'll be back.
Me too Jennnnn! I wasn't too worried, as it was a slow rise and I could swim and keep the tripod over my head. And my other lens was in a double ziplock bag! I took this a few minutes after that mini tsunami.
Yes Nick, it just snuck up on me. I saw it coming but it was so slow that I didn't think much about it. Even as it was at my knee level (while I stood on the rock) I still thought it would go down.
It is an awesome pier Martin. You'll
have to see it sometime!
I think you are right Steve!
Patrick
Hi Patrick,
It's all been said,perfection as always.
Hope you had a brilliant time on your trip and are enjoying being back.Happy New Year and i wish you a year full of peace,happiness,EC's,prosperity and PotW's for 2007.
Have a really good one.
Take care.Ann
Superb view! It certainly has been an adventure for you taking the picture Patrick!
Happy New Year!
Patrick your composition really stands out the most for me here, simply lovely.
Love the way the rocky outcrop is mimmicked in shape/direction by the pier. Same style as the one of the bridge with the wee fence of similar shape you posted a while back. Excellent viewing,
Ian.
Beautiful light foreground detail light tones and composition.
Pauline.
Amazing sight Patrick - risk taking again I see! Happy New Year.
I'm late again Patrick (no excuse this time). Clouds, rays and a wonderful shot. Sorry to hear that the severity of the weather took you by suprise.
Nigel
The lighting is unbelievable and that pier goes on forever. Wondeful image.
John
WOW...what a gorgeous loooooong shot! And what awesome sunrays!!
Andrew
. . . amazing light and clarity . . what a tremendous image Pat! . .
Mike.W
Thanks for looking! I'm a bit behind right now but I'll catch up soon.
Ann, the same goes out to you in this new year.
Yes Sandy (cameragirl), 'adventure' would be one kind word for it!
Ian (camairish), even I did not spot it but now that you mention it, I do see the similarity. I did like how the rock lined up. I was lucky that the rock was there!
Happy new year to you too, Angela.
LOL Nigel, yes it was quite a big surprize. But I didn't think I'd get any good shots down there because the weather can be so boring. But not this time!
Patrick
Looking at your images has totally ignited my rather jaded interest in getting up at 3am. Thanks for a much needed power surge. Your portfolio is inspiring
An awesome image Patrick, this pier seems to stretch for miles and makes even the large ones in the UK appear tiny in comparison. Love the lighting, sky and composition
Hi Ya Patrick,
So where have you been???
Sure has been quiet while you were gone....
It must be nice to be on an all year vacay....?
Dang.....Where are those cameras when you really need one, would have paid good money to see a shot of you trapped in waist high water in lil ol La Hoya.....hee hee!!
What a shot....This is a good one for sure. Luv the lighting on the rocks and sky....You've captured yet another masterpiece.
Hoping you had a nice Holiday...Happy New Year to you and your family,
Suze
Just awesome Partrick, I could waffle on, but I think everything else has been said?
HNY....Ade
a lovely composition, I love the clouds and the textures in the foreground rocks, beautiful tones too,
Chris.
Be careful out there!
It's all been said Patrick. I'll just say Happy New Year and CLICK.
Geoff
As above its all been said, lol. Love how the pier leads you into the image. Excellent as always. Hope you had a great great christmas and have an excellent New Year
matt
Hello Patrick.
Happy New Year to you.
I see you still continue to upload perfect beach shots.
Nice story you wrote here too.
Jan
Thanks for your comments!
Where have I been Suzzzz? Actually out getting more shots. I have a bunch of new ones now. Thanks for the kind words. You would would have been bored witnessing it. It was all in slow motion and I just held it up.
Patrick
Worth the effort and the soaking if you ask me! Another beautiful image to add to the folio!
Ben
Real beauty, - like how it fades off into oblivion.
W
fantastic archectural image, the bridge and the bould both lead you into the image
Anne
you always have such good light, in all your pictures. Do you photoshop? or is it always gloomy yet beautiful in San Fran?
*click*
A stunning shot! An image to put on a wall and enjoy every day the detailing and atmosphere.
Sorry to hear that you were soakes - luckily that the camera did not get wet!
Jacqueline
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