There are often weather alerts for “sneaker waves” for the Monterey Bay coast where I live. Pacific Grove is a quiet small town, right on the coast that is often full of drama. Such was the case on a recent afternoon, so I took my camera with 70-200mm lens (medium telephoto) to see what wave splashes I could capture. When I took the above shot, about 100 shots into the time I was shooting, I knew immediately it was the shot I had been looking for, and that was even before I noticed the birds in it, which just added to the shot. I took a few more photos after that, but I knew I had gotten what I envisioned before even leaving the house. This is something very satisfying and recommended for any photographer, envision what photo you want to get before going out, and then when you get it, you will know.
Candid Event Photography for Ribbon Cuttings in Pacific Grove
This was a very high energy ribbon cutting because the owner of I heart You Candles, Sherry, is a very high energy and enthusiastic person! As an ambassador for the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce I regularly attend events like this and of course always bring my camera. This time I was also a customer purchasing a candle to bring home to my girlfriend. Thank you Sherry for your help in picking out the best candle and good luck with your new business here in Pacific Grove!
Venue Event Photography at Asilomar Conference Grounds Street Fare in Pacific Grove California
This was night two of three photographing different venues at Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California that each had a very different theme. The first night was a rustic theme, while this night went in a totally opposite direction, and underground at that, with a street fare style and DJ vibe. Asilomar Conference Grounds was the client, and wanted me to focus not on the guests, which is the usual for photographing an event, but rather the venue itself and the experiences that could be had at this street fare style setup they created. It was a striking venue to photograph and I am sure it will be something many other guests will see and request for when they book with the conference grounds! Thank you to Alex, Crystal, and the whole team for a fun evening of photography in a dynamic setting.
Interior Event Venue Photography showing off Asilomar Conference Grounds
This was my first opportunity to make interiorevent photos at the nearby Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove focusing on the setups and venue spaces themselves. This was the first of three nights in a row, all within a different space on the grounds, with this one being in Crocker Hall and a country theme to the food and venue presentation. The fireplace was a focal point, as well as the hay bales used for display and even seating! I used a variety of photography styles from typical wide angle shots, to shallow DoF (depth of field) shots, to even a long exposure letting the people “ghost” out of the shot, allowing a photo to be used to show the venue rather than actual guests, while still showing guests in the space without identifying them.
My adopted custom from Japan of the last sunset and first sunrise of the year continues in Pacific Grove California
I was introduced to the custom of going out to see the last sunset of the year, and then the first sunrise of the new year when I lived in Japan in the 2000s. It is a custom I have tried to keep each year no matter where I am in the world. This year I was back home in Pacific Grove and went to my beloved Asilomar Beach for both the sunset and sunrise, and Mother Nature provided a spectacular one for both. It was a time to reflect on my first full year in California and what I hope and want for my second one.
I cannot help but feel a part of the Pacific Grove Holiday Light Parade because the staging of it takes place right on my street right in front of my house! So all I have to do is walk out my front door to see the start of the parade action. I took my camera along the route entrance to get some unique views, as well as up top from a bird’s eye viewpoint.
Sanderlings a fast running shore bird that fascinate me
I have always been very curious about these funny little birds running along the shore at Asilomar Beach in Pacific Grove, California. They search along the water’s edge for food, but seem quite adverse to the water washing over their feet, so they run at an incredible fast pace, their little legs moving like a blur, to avoid getting wet! I finally learned their name, sanderlings, and had a chance to photograph them at their eye level thanks to an unusually high sand dune.
