This is the start of I suspect a series of sunsets as tonight's sunset at Carlsbad beach area was fantastic! I almost missed it as I did not realize we were so close to the ocean (less then 10 minutes away -- teaching me I must look at a map even when traveling to a conference!). One of my former students and I snuck away for an hour and were rewarded by such a colorful sky, birds, lapping waves, surfers...quite fun!
Looking forward to tomorrow's meetup with Joe, Joy, and Elizabeth!
Our sunset in Minnesota tonight was amazing. I wonder what's in the air? Your shot is absolutely gorgeous...this could be a carefully crafted painting. Love it!
You make me laugh Taffy! You find this fabulous scene by accident. The sunset just happens to be perfect making this a standout composition. And then a flock of birds just happen to fly past to bring your shot alive! I sat for a week on the West coast of England and not one sunset did I get! Not jealous at all! Lol! So pleased you found this beautiful spot! Huge Fav!
@pamknowler Haha!! I cracked up reading your comment...but in fact, you are exactly right in how you described it! I was sitting reading my iPad when Ginny walked by as there was an overflow for the plenary speaker. I mentioned I couldn't drive and navigate but had toyed with finding a beach. We quickly changed clothes, got the hotel 'map' (tourist thing, not a real map), and headed out. In less than 10 minutes we found the beach. Then, found a parking spot and walked down. Commented that the clouds might make it a good sunset. Then just watched it all unfold. Stayed an hour, then hurried back, changed to professional clothes, and it was hours before I could look at the shots. I was thrilled when I saw them!
Beautiful capture of the West Coast sunset - birds and all! Glad you made it to the beach last night. Here's hoping the clouds give way for another attempt tonight!
Absolutely beautiful, Taffy. Wonderful composition with the boulders on the edge, the lines of waves across the scene and of course the birds' silhouettes crossing the amazing sky.
Wow - did you ever find a perfect spot - those colors are amazing and the composition is outstanding with those huge boulders against those little birds. Fav
Absolutely beautiful Taffy! There's a solidity and strength to those waves, and the pelicans at sunset..doesn't get any better! I so wish I could have been there to see you again & enjoy the get together...said, all the while I'm lamenting having to leave Lunenburg! I want it All!
@newbank You are so sweet to come back!! It was quite a night. I have 3 other photos from it that I actually am quite fond of and am wondering whether to post them all or not! And then there was last night's. And then Junko and I found a bird playing with a fish this morning. I may not leave for a photowalk for the near future!
Utterly fabulous, Taffy -- how did you train those birds to perform in such a magical way, making that beautiful line across the colorful sunset? FAV, of course. Can I vote on more than one fav?
I'm with @pamknowler. We went to a highly photographic coastal place for a week and zero sunsets. You go, and get this stunner in an hour. Whatever you're on, can we please have some? More seriously this is a real winner Taffy, it's got everything so far as I can tell. Not sure what the gender-neutral term is for (the former) masterpiece, but this is absolutely one of them. PS If you were a social scientist or arts academic you wouldn't even need to change your clothes, no-one would notice, let alone care.
@golftragic Thanks Marnie -- high praise coming from you and much appreciated! I LOVED photographing at the beach. And both nights were really special. Even this morning, Junko and I had some luck finding a bird with a fish (check out her shots if you can). Such a change from the city. Laughed at your wardrobe comments!
@taffy Wardrobe? I speak from long experience!! Photos? I shall definitely be checking out Junko's shots, but she hasn't posted any yet, and I need to get dinner organised. As for luck, you may have had a special night and a special place, but it takes a special eye and ability to take a shot like that one. I rest my case. Get it on to your wall!!
Pink Ladies Day (breast cancer big fundraiser, and very big deal) at the golf club tomorrow, stand by for photos of same.
I missed this one when it was posted, but now that I see it, I can't stop looking at it. The broken line of the pelicans brings so much interest to it.
Well, I'm back, and what do I see but a gorgeous sunset from Taffy....and, in my own backyard, nonetheless! So sorry I missed you here in San Diego, but hopefully there will be other opportunities, and I was glad to see what a great time you had with Elizabeth and Joe. FAV for this fabulous scene so wonderfully captured, and looking forward to seeing it on TT this Friday!
Pink Ladies Day (breast cancer big fundraiser, and very big deal) at the golf club tomorrow, stand by for photos of same.
Thank you all for your kind comments! I'm thrilled!!!!! An early birthday present!!