Monday, November 25, 2019
Waikiki Harbor Storm

It's no secret that Hawaii, Waikiki especially, is known for its breathtaking views. But one of the things I enjoy in a place like this is capturing something a little different. Now don't get me wrong, I love a beautiful sunset view and have shot my share of them, but to my eye this has to be one of the most interesting and beautiful images I've ever captured in Hawaii. This is a single image, captured in camera, and not a particularly long exposure since the movement of the boats in their slips would make them unpleasantly blurry over even a matter of seconds. I'm always amazed at the beauty and complexity of lightning bolts as they try to find their way through the atmosphere, and after staring at the structure of these for longer than I probably could accurately estimate I'm convinced that lower one on the left was generally coming straight for us emanating from the bright point in the center of it. An absolutely beautiful evening, and the sunset that preceded it was actually something to behold too, I'll probably share that at a later date.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Evening Harbor Glow

As we are at the start of another heat wave here in Santa Barbara, it's time to spend more time at the water. And I've noticed an interesting change, as the weather is so unseasonably warm, the water is actually warming up enough that people play in it much more and later into the evening than normally. They were still in the water well after dark, and if you've ever spent any time on our beaches you know they are usually get a bit cool once the sun goes down, and, unless you're really active the water can cool you off uncomfortably pretty quickly even during the day. But these days with over 70 degree water temperatures it's warm enough to stay quite pleasant. Hopefully this will also mean a good wet winter and an end to our drought.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Yacht Racers

This evening walking out to the breakwater at the harbor, we immediately noticed something a little different. In the distance there was a noticeable presence that was a little out of the ordinary. In the place where the hard working fishing boats normally sleep tucked safely away in their slips, there was a very orderly procession of perfectly identical (and very large) sail boat masts. As we got closer we saw that the location is now (I assume temporarily) inhabited by a fleet of very nice looking racing yachts. It seems there is some sort of race in town, and the people involved were having a great time at the many restaurants along the harbor. This area is usually quite festive with tourists and people out for an enjoyable evening, but this evening there was an even more noticeable party atmosphere.

Saturday, August 8, 2015
Harbor Glow

Another view of one of the spectacular sunsets from this week. This is our reward for the hot humid days, usually we have to wait until winter to see sunsets like this. But every once in a while we get a nice surprise.

Thursday, August 6, 2015
Thoughtful Dolphin

This evening was another unseasonable evening of beautiful clouds and moist air. In fact the clouds were so heavy it looked like there wouldn't be much of a sunset at all. The clouds had completely blocked the sun about an hour before sunset. But it was still a beautiful evening for a nice walk. As we were wandering along the breakwater, it became apparent that the sun had other ideas. Even though we never actually saw the sun itself, just after sunset it decided to make its presence known. The sky started to glow pink, and it just kept getting brighter until the whole sky from horizon to horizon was involved. It was truly a spectacular scene and as vibrant as the colors are in this image, it was even more amazing standing there. At the peak of the sunset we reached the end of the breakwater. We watched the show with this beautiful dolphin who seemed to be pondering the sunset as much as we were. He is actually part of a memorial sculpted by Bud Bottoms in memory of those lost at sea. You can't see it from this angle, but the plaque in front of him reads "IN MEMORY OF OUR LOVED ONES WHOSE LIVES AND DESTINIES HAVE BEEN CLAIMED BY THE SEA." I guess that's why he looks so thoughtful.

Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Reflections

Ahh sailboats, I know it seems like a theme lately. It's only partially because I really love them (especially the bright colors in this shot.) The other reason is, near the water is about the only comfortable place to be these days. The cool air coming across the breakwater is the only thing that makes a walk bearable during the day lately. Well that and the cool water if you don't time the waves right. Still humid summer or not, it's absolutely beautiful!

Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Butterfly Catamaran

There is this beautiful spot I love to take a walk at sunset. Sometimes it's more crowded than others, regularly there are weddings and parties and all maner of tourists passing through from drifter types to the executives staying in the very nice hotel across the street. But if you spend more than a couple of nights in a row there you start to recognize the regulars. Being a dog person, the people who are owned by the more recognizable pups are the ones who stand out the most. There are the Weimaraners, the golden labs and one very slow moving but adorable older Dachshund. Lately one of the regulars is this beautiful catamaran that comes for the sunset. Not sure which one it is from the Santa Barbara Harbor, but it usually just stays for the sunset then moves on. Must be a really nice perspective from out on the water.

Monday, August 3, 2015
Harbor City Lights

This afternoon it looked like we might have some beautiful sunset clouds. But the sun at the end of the day was just a little too much for them. As the sun faded so did the last beautiful wisps of clouds. But they left in their wake an interesting haze that scattered the late twilight with a beautiful glow making for some particularly beautiful long exposures.

Thursday, June 18, 2015
Harbor Sunset

Walking back along the breakwater at the Santa Barbara Harbor. No better place to spend this time of day. Unless of course you happen to be able to take one of these beautiful sailboats out for an evening cruise.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Whale Tail Golden Hour

Sitting on the whale tail bench enjoying the sunset with my best friend. There are actually two of these beautiful benches next to each other, we were sitting on the other one. These beautiful benches are by Bud Bottoms, the creator of our wonderful "Dolphin Family" fountinan at the base of Stearns Wharf.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Santa Barbara Harbor Reflections

Walking at the Santa Barbara Harbor enjoying the reflections in still evening water.

Sunday, March 15, 2015
Golden Hour Paddle

Evening on the Santa Barbara Harbor breakwater. The afternoon was a little more cloudy than expected, it gave us a nice break from yesterday's heat. But the sun still managed to peek under the clouds at the end of the day to bathe the city in golden light. I had the good fortune to spend the day exploring with my best friend, location scouting for beautiful spots for a new senic shot of the city. But in the end everything came together at one of our favorite locations. That's ok, we still found some good spots for another day when the light is different, and had a great time!

Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Stearns Sailing

There are few better places to spend a beautiful afternoon than on the water sailing. Just one of the many amazing things made even better by the wonderful views of Santa Barbara. Add to that an breathtaking show put on by mother nature and you'll have an adventure you won't soon forget. Now if we could just get those beautiful clouds to give us a little rain. Well I guess we can't have everything. (Maybe next week)

Saturday, April 5, 2014
Harbor Bound

The end to what looks like it was an amazing day of sailing. This sailboat is motoring its way back into the Santa Barbara Harbor under one of the most beautiful skies imaginable.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Harbor View From La Playa Stadium

View of the Santa Barbara Harbor from the beautiful campus of Santa Barbara Community College

Friday, January 24, 2014
Golden Reflection

Reflecting on the last sunset of 2013. This was during a beach walk on New Years Eve. I love the sailboats anchored off the coast, they always make me ponder going down to the harbor and renting one for a day or two. This one was at the perfect location relative to the beautiful stretch of Butterfly Beach I found myself on to line up perfectly with the sun and cloud above. Perhaps before the sun sets on another year I'll get down to the harbor and get the perspective from out on the water.

Thursday, January 2, 2014
Santa Barbara Harbor Golden Hour

Just after the sun dipped below the mountains in the distance the sky still had some amazing color. An evening walk on the breakwater is a great place to watch the sunset.

Tuesday, December 31, 2013
New Years Eve On Butterfly Beach

The Last Sunset of 2013. What better way to enjoy it than at the beach?

Monday, November 18, 2013
Sunset Cruise

The beautiful catamaran in the reflection of the sun is called the Double Dolphin. They do whale watching cruises and sunset crusies around the Santa Barbara Channel. Looks like a great way to spend an evening.

Friday, November 15, 2013
Peaceful Evening on the Water

I love to walk on the beach and at the harbor and look at all the boats. There are a wide variety of amazing crafts around Santa Barbara, but the sailboats have to be my favorites. It's been a long time since I've been sailing, and I'm pretty sure I'd have trouble living full time on one. But it sure looks like a nice relaxing way to spend the sunset hours. Someday soon I'm going to find the time to spend more time out on the water.

Sunday, October 20, 2013
Butterfly Sunset Panorama

An amazing evening at Butterfly Beach. Some evenings the sunset just doesn't quit. This was one of those evenings. As the sun set the display was breathtaking, and every time it seemed like it was going to fade, a whole new deeper pallete of colors appeared. This was not only one of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen, it had to be the longest.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Shipwrecked After Dark

If you have to be shipwrecked, this is a nice place to do it. Every so often a sailboat slips its mooring in the Santa Barbara area, and it seems more often than not they end up on Butterfly Beach.

Sunday, August 25, 2013
Mountains and Harbor Lights

The Santa Barbara Harbor is a great place to be on a warm day in Santa Barbara. Walking on the breakwater is always a beautiful experience, from wildlife to views of Stearns Wharf there is no better place to be.

Friday, July 19, 2013
Santa Barbara Harbor From Above

I love to wander around the Santa Barbara Harbor and Stearns Wharf with my camera. But sometimes you have to step back and get a little perspective. This is from the hills above Santa Barbara. On a beautiful evening recently I wandered the hills with a very long lens looking for a different view. This is one of my favorite shots from that adventure.