It has been a few months since I have been on a photography trip with Eric and Noel. Even longer since we have been out to the coast together. As we approached summer, we felt it was time go revisit the beautiful Big Sur coastline and the surrounding areas.

For this trip we were blessed to have our buddy Eliseo join us for the adventure. It had been about two years since we all were together to photograph the Grand Canyon. This trip was almost a complete reunion but unfortunately Damian who could not make it…we miss you buddy!

Our last trip was incredibly memorable as it was the first time a lot of us had been to the Grand Canyon, amazing photography conditions and Eliseo found out that his family was going to grow by one.

I was excited to reunite with the crew to celebrate these great life changing moments while enjoying some quiet time along the coast and make some new work.

Our trip started late Friday evening at 10pm as we all met at Eric’s place to pack up the car for the long trip. After a quick pit stop to get some last minute supplies, we were off for Big Sur.

We drove through the night and got caught up with what everyone had been up to. So much has happened in our lives, careers and photography. Noel has been traveling, cooking and documenting the country and continues to work on his tattoo diaries project. Eric has been kicking ass in his career, attending design conferences and his daughters are kicking butt with their volleyball competitions. Also, he is now our resident wine connoisseur, ha! Eliseo’s family is growing and recently acquired a new home. Kat and I are engaged and preparing for our next chapters in our story. Life couldn’t be more great. I am truly happy for all of them.

As the dark night skies started to lighten, we arrived at Garrapata State Park for sunrise. It was overcast and misty which made for some moody scenes. We were the only ones there for two hours or so. It was nice walking around the ragged coastline and simply take it in. Eliseo and I chatted for a little while just enjoying the view. Watching and listening to the coast was a perfect way to start the day.

Afterwards we headed north to Point Lobos to explore the area. We had been there a few times and it is easily of my favorite places to visit when in the area. We spent the morning exploring the groves and rugged coastline. It was nice to be back.

From a photographic standpoint, I was struggling to see compositions and kept my camera in my bag for most of the morning. After some walking around, I just let go of my personal expectations of “making new work” and simply just take in the experience.

In total I only fired 4 frames that morning. It felt good to be honest. It was nice to let go of the camera and simply be present.

After the guys got their fill we continued to Monterey for food and to check in to our little motel. We hung out and got to know some of the local folks at our motel, helped jump start a car and eventually got into our room to rest. The long drive was catching up with us. We all knocked out for a few hours.

After some well deserved sleep, we were off again. We headed north to Davenport to visit the Abandoned Pier. It was Eliseo’s first time there so he and Noel made their way down the cliffside down to the beach. Eric and I, not fans of heights, stayed up top.

The last time we had visited this location, I wanted a more peaceful image and used a 10-stop ND to quiet down the scene. This time around I wanted to capture a little more water movement. The image turned out ok but I think I still prefer the more peaceful and quiet version from a few years ago.

I went walking around the area and the Cypress Trees along the coast caught my eye. The way this particular tree’s branches spread wide was really interesting to me. It was also positioned right above some nice green grass and foliage which framed it nicely. Unfortunately there was some yellowing/browning happening on the underside of the Cypress. I hope to return one day soon to see this Cypress in full green.

Afterwards, we headed south to the Shark Fin Cove for sunset. Eric and I had been there twice before but were met with overcast and rainy weather. Today looked like a completely different story. I was interested to see what type of light Mother Nature was going to share with us this evening. Either way it was a beautiful view. No better way to end off the day than a coastal sunset. I made a few images that evening but none of the actual Shark Fin itself. I was drawn to the large crashing waves on the sea wall and the patterns from the receding waves on the beach. Eric and I hung out at one of the viewpoints and made some images of the waves hitting the sea wall. Eliseo and Noel explored the southern portion of the cliffside.

That is one of the things I love most about photograph and revisiting familiar locations, there are so many opportunities out there for you to explore.

As the last of the light faded, we packed up and headed back to the hotel for dinner and rest.

The morning alarms woke us up what felt like 5 minutes after we finished dinner. We packed the car and headed to a wooded area near Santa Cruz. We made quick breakfast sandwiches at the picnic tables before going into the trails.

Walking through the trails felt like walking amongst giants. It was a humbling feeling. It is really hard to explain it, you just have to go experience it. This has been a common theme as I continue on this photography journey. The images do not do any of these beautiful places justice. There is no replacement for seeing it with your own eyes.

We were one of the first on the trails and it was a blessing. Walking around the Redwoods was amazing. If only these trees could talk and share all the stories they’ve experienced in there. We explored the trails for a few hours taking in the peace and tranquility. It was a nice way to bring cap off our short trip to the area.

With a refreshed soul, we packed up the car and started our journey back to San Diego. I was excited to get home and hug Kat. I missed her a lot.

It was great catching up with the guys again. It had been a long time since all four of us were together making images. I am blessed to have them as friends.

Below are some of the images from our trip. Thank you for reading! Until next time.

- Marco