The Big Sur Coast seems to strtch on forever, with rugged mountains dropping precipitously into the Pacific Ocean. Ridges are separated by small valleys, and a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway often follows a pattern of turning inland to cross a valley and then turning toward the ocean to cross another ridge. And from high on these ridges the views are usually spectacular, taking in great expanses of that coast and Pacific Ocean panoramas.
A combination of characteristics makes this area quite “photographable” outside of the favored very early and very late hours. The coast trends from northwest to southeast, so as midday approaches the sun can be right above the coast, providing backlight that highlights the receding ridges. (A bit later its light reflects off the water.) And often the morning fog has cleared but left a bit of haze behind, and on the best days it glows luminously.
G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” is available from Heyday Books, Amazon, and directly from G Dan Mitchell.
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