Hi, I am going to be in LA for 6 days (family) in 1 week and then im gonna drive out to San Francisco. I have 4 full days to drive to SF and make some photographs along the way.
I have just three icons on my must do list in that general area: 1- McWay Falls 2- Bixby Bridge 3- Pfeiffer Beach
All three are late afternoon / sunset shots but I know the famous Pfeiffer beach rock won't have the sun shinning through it late in the day since that only happens right in the winter with the sun setting more towards the SW. Im thinking there are other great shots to be made on that beach?
With that plan I would have just one sunset left. Where to go?
If Pfeiffer Beach is not worth the trip this time of year then il go somewhere else and then have two sunsets free.
Little further south, Moro Bay, Pismo Beach, San Simeon. Do stop in Cambria for the wine. Best Chardonnay spot in California.
Just so you're aware, this time of year the coast gets a lot of marine layer fog in the evening. Quite possible that you won't see sunset one. Though this year has been unusually clear. Good luck.
Looks like Mike has been hangin out in my territory
The Garrapata & Santa Cruz areas are full of opportunities.
Big Sur & south, much more. The fog is an issue this time of year
By the time you shoot the sunset from McWay Falls Cove, it would be well past 8 pm. McWay Falls and Pfeiffer Beach are very close to each other, but going into Pfeiffer Beach.. due to the road condition, it takes some time.. and without having the sun ray going through the hole in the rock.. not much worth, IMHO.
Kee
Neddie Seagoon wrote:
Just so you're aware, this time of year the coast gets a lot of marine layer fog in the evening. Quite possible that you won't see sunset one. Though this year has been unusually clear. Good luck.
If I could ask, what are the better times of year to visit the CA coastline? I'm planning on doing a similar trip myself in mid-July and would probably re-schedule if my timing won't yield good conditions for photography.
My take of the Big Sur coast is in the winter. In between the big winter storms. The skies have storm clouds instead of overcast and the waves are tremendous crashing on the rocks.
Paul
If I could ask, what are the better times of year to visit the CA coastline? I'm planning on doing a similar trip myself in mid-July and would probably re-schedule if my timing won't yield good conditions for photography.
In Southern California, the marine layer is persistent starting from about mid-May all the way to the end of June. From the beginning of July on, it's typically sunny most of the day. However, even in the middle of the summer, we can have cloudy days, so there are no guarantees.
Agree with Paul. Best light all up and down the coast happens November to March. Most dramatic light happens right after a storm, clear air, sunlight off receeding storm clouds gives those "Whoa" moments. Late summer, not so much. Lots of just plain haze. You can still get fog in late summer, especially up North but SoCal will be OK. And with no real clouds to reflect sunset light the sky can be pretty drab.
"Coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco." Twain was talking about the fog.
