This is one of my favorite sunset shots this year. Click here to see a shot minutes before this one and to read the story behind this day. I had been chasing the storm and light for two days and eventually got some luck with this one. By the way "La Luz" means the Light. Wishing you a great weekend. May you and your cameras find some nice light:) Thanks in advance for your support and visits. Jave

Tags:   Rodeo Beach Marin County Headlands San Francisco California Ocean Water storms rocks sea stacks waves motion pacific nature natural coast coastal sunset clouds sky color lansdcape seascpae CHASINGTHELIGHT NOTHDR CS5

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This photograph was recently selected as the 1st place winner in "Your Best Shot" contest for the August 2011 issue of Popular Photography magazine.

About two years ago, I saw an image of the fog rolling over the Golden Gate Bridge. Ever since then, I was determined not only to capture this amazing scene but to witness it for myself. I live about fifty miles away from San Francisco. For two years, I monitored the weather and traveled to the Golden Gate Bridge in my desperate attempt to capture this beautiful scene that only seems to occur a few times a year. Most of the time, I dealt with numerous obstacles like: the fog was either too thick or too thin; I missed the sunrise or sunset due to commuter traffic; there were heavy winds; there were road closures; there were cruise ships and cargo ships in your shot; and everything else you can think of. Despite these obstacles, I would scout out compositions so when the conditions were right I would be ready.

In January 2011, the fog finally came! I was not going to miss this epic shot. So, I took every opportunity to drive to San Francisco, which meant five sunrises in a row. I captured the scene in every imaginable way. I had remembered all of the compositions I had scouted out on prior visits. Luckily for me, the fog stayed for three out of the five days I visited. I estimate that I drove to the Golden Gate Bridge approximately 20-30 times in two years.

On this particular morning, I connected with James and Alan. We headed to the Golden Gate Bridge and met up with Max. Thanks to the guys who got up at 4:30 am five days in a row to catch this.

Thank you for your constant support and visits. I hope you all have a great week. Jave

Tags:   Golden Gate Bridge Marin County San Francisco California CA Pacific Ocean water fog towers traffic mountains hillside trees sunrise sun clouds trail nature natural 5DMK2 24-105L long exposure headlands hawk hill cold winter seascape landscape Iconic icon big stopper CS5 Lee

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On a recent Flickr meet up in San Francisco, CA, Rich , James and I met up with local San Francisco photographer Alan who showed us around a few spots. This spot was complicated to shoot at this time of night. One reason was due to the bright street lighting. The lighting caused heavy shadows on the rail and a yellow tint to the pylons here. I will definitely be back at sunrise to avoid those problems.

Hope you are having a wonderful holiday:)

Tags:   SanFrancisco CA Bridge 5DMK2 17-40L clouds water BayBridge pylons traffic lights sky city longexposure

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This is one of the most photographed places in San Francisco, CA. This scene is great to photograph both at sunrise and sunset. The sun was setting behind us and you could see some shadows on the bridge from the high-rise building. Minutes later a nice tone of color was added to these clouds. Have a great weekend everyone. Thanks for your visits and comments. Jave

Tags:   5DMK2 17-40L sunset CA coast Ocean clouds longexposure LEE SinghRay Filters seascape BayBridge SanFrancisco California Embarcadero commuters traffic urban lights pylons city NOHDR

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American Photo Magazine, 2011 Landscape image of the Year!

Tags:   San Francisco CA fog city under Pacific Ocean HWY 101 traffic light trails bridge cables lights shadows Golden Gate Marin County California water sunrise sun trail nature natural 5DMK2 tower color view vista sunlight smooth manmade CS5 24-105L SINGLERAWIMAGE Iconic Red historical Explore Front Page American Photo Magazine 2011 Landscape Image Year

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