Reflections

For years, my inspiration came from diving the kelp forests of the Monterey Bay. But as the years passed, I was diving less and less and as a result, my time spent doing photography also declined.

Seascapes started a new fire inside and my creative energy led me to explore and photograph the beautiful coast near my home. This evolved into a desire to photography all types of landscapes. I found something new to keep me focused, excited, and most importantly, made me happy.

But recently, something inside me longed for a change. I was feeling that unfortunate sting of 'burn out' creep in. I can't really explain it, but I wasn't motivated to photograph the same beaches I have been to dozens of times. Not that new images can't be created at my familiar spots, but I wanted something new. I often was under the misconception that this meant I needed to photograph something different all together. A trip to the mountains or the desert would certainly do the trick. Or do I start diving more? Do I visit some of the iconic National Parks I have yet to visit?

The answer, however, can be much simpler.

Let me explain that part of my 'formula' for shooting seascapes was always to get in to where the action is: the surf zone. Capturing water motion in dynamic and interesting ways was my main approach. I looked for objects, mainly rocks, for this water movement to interact with.

But as a series of storms passed through my neck of the woods, a strong desire came to photograph some beaches further north than I usually visit. Ultimately, I settled on San Gregorio State Beach just south of Half Moon Bay and a few miles north of Pescadero. There were no rocks to fit my formula, but the large creek flowing out to sea was keeping the sand in a highly saturated state. The reflections were intense and captivating.

In my previous post, I focused on the unique ripples formed by the out flow. But the reflections just off to the right of that scene kept drawing me in. As the clouds split open, the arcing curve of the sky's reflection created a worthy lead-in.

I realize using reflections in an image is nothing new, but it was just enough to get me inspired again. And inspiration means spending less time inside and more time seeking new photographic opportunities. May you find your inspiration in whatever form it presents itself!