A Photographer's Paradise

by Charlotte "Ginger" Rushton

Taken at "Little Walls," Southside of Morro Rock

Here on the Central Coast, we all rave daily about how lucky we are to live here. Like Alaskans, Montanans, and Mainers, we are quietly proud of braving our bizarre and at times challenging weather patterns. Many who visit admire it, but secretly think "I couldn't handle that fog/wind/unpredictability."  Whereas we who live here, embrace it. I'm not just talking about the birders or the surfers. It is a photographer's paradise. We have the best of two worlds: stunning natural landscape (and so varied too) and phenomenal light.

Anyone with a remote interest in photography knows that light is a key element to an outstanding picture. Lucky us — we can combine stunning, ethereal light with breath-taking scenery.  And we barely have to step foot out of our front doors. On a truly miserable day, we might have to drive twenty minutes. Oh, the hardship.

Most especially in Morro Bay, that blessed Rock blows my mind every single day. It jumps out at me from in between residential streets, stands tall and strong from Montana de Oro or even coming down the 46 from Paso. Like Ayers Rock in Australia, it also changes color depending on the time of day. It always seems to say, "I've got a secret." I long to know what that secret is. 

As a portrait photographer, the single thing which I love most about working in this area is the wild range of landscapes available as locations. The trick is to choose wisely according to the wind, fog, tide, and time of day! How hard can that be, right?

I thought it would be fun to share my top ten locations with you. I'd love to hear yours, so write to me!

Sandprints Top Ten Locations:

Dunes by Morro Rock 

Turn RIGHT onto the embarcadero when it turns into a dirt road. Head around the back of the dunes, as if going straight towards the High School from the Embarcadero, as the crow flies.

Let's face it, most people want photographs with the rock at some point. From this vantage point, you lose the car park and get to play in the tall grasses of the dunes, or run down the beach to the water and get a killer reflection. All with that glorious rock as a backdrop. Note: even though you may not see the reflection so easily in the cold light of day, it shows up brilliantly in camera so don't crop the reflection out! Also important is the wind factor. Reschedule if it's windy. Your subjects will be cold and have hair straight up. Not the ideal portrait.

Cayucos Pier

On the pier itself (position your angle so people behind your subject disappear), walk down under the pier and to the rocks far north end of the beach. It's worth the trek as the rocks create a fabulous texture, especially at sunset.

Piers really lend themselves to great photographs as they draw the eye into the picture. Put the railings on the outer edge of your frame and your subject in the middle. It's just cool without even trying. The greatest locations offer multiple types of backdrops and Cayucos is one of these as you can go under the pier itself as well as further up the beach so the pier is a cool structure behind your subject.

Avila Beach

Again, on the pier itself, under it or in the water with the golden rocks at the South end of the beach.

Clearly, the big bonus of photographing at Avila beach is the weather. The beach there also just has a lively buzz and there's a little more width than at Cayucos so you can get away from the people. The steps down to the pier offer a great graphic element to your pictures.

Little Walls

Southside of Morro Rock
This tiny beach with slow lapping waves is perfect for younger kids (safer for wave jumping) and for escaping the wind (you are shielded by the rock) but choose your time carefully as you don't want the sun in your or your subjects' eyes (at sunset with an offshore wind, you are left with few choices). Do beware the breakers which crash over the jetty! (See photo at top of page.)

Montana de Oro

Spooners Cove   This cove is quite dramatic and exciting. The waves are often big, making great white and frothy crashes behind your subject. The cave is a fun place to be. The combination of greenery, sandy rocks and darker pebbles makes for a stunning backdrop.

Corralina Cove   This might well be my favorite location of all. It's a little walk along the Bluff Trail which enables everyone to relax and enjoy themselves, the rabbits, and the view. The cove itself is simply amazing. A truly incandescent light whenever I have photographed there. The whiteness of the rocks and pebbles make a fantastic up lighting of your subject.

Toro Lane Yerba Buena Rocks

Driving North on Hwy 1, take Yerba Buena westwards and immediate right onto Toro Lane

Whether you are photographing dogs or humans, this is a fun location as depending on the tide you can have puddle galore to stomp in, crabs to look for or simply cool black rocks to pose upon.

Sweet Springs   

On Ramona Street in Los Osos

Hard to go wrong with Sweet Springs. The light slips in between the eucalyptus trees making it perfect for a midday shoot – where everywhere else you would all be squinting. It is a very calm place with ample opportunity for either slow meanders, or giggling running.

Map of Locations Used

Please send any specific camera or photography questions to Ginger. Answers will be published next month
Great Horned Owl Image on Banner by Cleve Nash