California Coast

"McWay Falls and Big Sur Coastline"

March 2010, Big Sur, California

Big Sur is a stunning area of coastline in central California, with approximate boundaries between San Simeon to the south and Carmel 90 miles to the north. Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, leads drivers through the heart of Big Sur on one of the most breathtaking stretches of pavement on earth. I’ve done the drive dozens of times, and it never gets old. Nature lovers are treated to a veritable smorgasbord of wildlife, including gray whales, California condors, elephant seals, and sea otters, just to name a few. When you throw in waterfalls, giant redwood groves, stupendous vistas, and the magic of a golden Pacific sunset, you have the makings of a memorable trip.

Big Sur has been photographed every which way imaginable, but I was determined to find a new vantage point. After extensive scouting and with the aid of binoculars, I finally found a location providing me with precisely the perspective that I had been looking for. However, the shot would require the use of a very long (400mm) lens. After waiting on scene for several hours for the soft light of sunset to bring the colors to life, I shot the image above.

In the foreground is 80’ McWay Falls, and off in the distance is a home on one of the most beautiful secluded pieces of real estate I have ever seen. The home was actually miles away from me, but my telephoto lens makes it look much closer than it is. I could not even see the home with my naked eye. The realtor's mantra "location, location, location" has never been more true.

Big SurCaliforniaCypressJulia Pfeiffer Burns State ParkMcWay CoveMcWay FallsOceanPacific CoastPacific Coast HighwayPacific OceanWaterfall