The best things in life are often accidental. This shot was. On a whale watching trip with my daughter off the coast of Southern California, I learned to appreciate any photographer that can capture sharp dolphin action. It takes incredible patience, certain awareness, and sharp skills. And I got a cool action blur. I'll take it.
At first when I heard that the wedding I’d be shooting was at a public swimming pool I was a bit skeptical. However, when I arrived at the the venue I was blown away by the beauty and simplicity of the spot.
Balance is everything. A life that is unbalanced will topple over in due time. Free yourself from the things that hold you back and grasp onto the things that will better yourself. Only you can make that decision. As I look from above, the ocean is a big place and we merely just small creatures, sharing the Earth among billions.
I love when the beaches are cold in winter. The seaweed covers the sand, the beaches are clear from footprints, and mother nature lets her hair down for some awesome photos.
I headed down to Inspiration Point to catch the sunset. It was cloudy, but with a chance of an incredible sunset with clouds lit up. Unfortunately it wasn’t and we could barely see the sunset. Anyways, flew the drone and got some nice pictures anyways. Sometimes, having no expectations is the best way. I’m always grateful for what I can take back home.
I was walking along Newport Beach looking to find a great spot to catch the sunset. When I stopped to shoot, a small kid stepped right in front of me – holding a balloon perfectly in front of the setting sun.
Sometimes the subject you set out to capture isn’t the one you end with, and in this scenario, that was just great.
I love California Sunsets. It’s where I’ve been born and bred. But, just below my love for California is my affinity toward Batman. Perhaps this is me projecting, but that sure looks like Batman’s cowl at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. If you dig it, check me out @Troynikolic for all my stuff.
I remember getting out of the car and looking out towards the pier to see how busy it was. There were lots of families and people taking photos near or under the pier. After 37 minutes of waiting, I fired off a series of 21 shots hoping that I didn’t get people in the frame. This shot was one of a few that didn’t have people. The photo makes me feel calm, mainly because it was so busy at the time I took this.
I Drove to the Beach, so I can Try out my new ND filter I was Excited and I saw a moment where someone across from me was admiring the water. This photo captures someone admiring the water, and I captured the beautiful scenery where there is a City in the back, I love this photo because it makes me feel relaxed when I look at this, and I love the Minimalist look to this image.
It is truly amazing, how fast things change.
Just a few months ago, when I visited these hills up in Anaheim, they were filled with vibrant green grass and it was absolutely astonishing.
A few months later, the grass turned yellow. It neither a bad or good thing, it was just that, things change… fast.
We found this cross on a field trip with our grandson at the top of Mount Rubidoux and thought it was so amazing… the way it was displayed for the entire City to see!
“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” —Matthew 5:15
I was in the middle of some fun with my kids when I noticed how incredible the sunset was. And that is why I dropped everything, grabbed my camera, and captured one of my favorite shots over the ocean. It’s not really spectacular in terms of the setting and that’s the point. That you don’t need to be wowed by the destination. Just an ordinary beach and waves with an extraordinary golden hour moment to enjoy. That’s life.
We were exploring beautiful locations around Los Angeles and found this sweet place in Palos Verdes. This place sucked us in and let us wander around to contemplate for a good couple hours. Even though the place is actually super small, it felt like a truly personal and intimate experience. More at http://DmitryKotov.com
I took this photo while standing on the Hermosa Beach Pier in California this past January. It was my first time out to the West Coast and it rained the whole trip. At first I was bummed, but it also meant that there was near perfect lighting every time I wanted to take a photo. This little sailboat was one of a few out on the water since it was off-and-on showers but I sure am glad they were there.
I’ve shot on the Manhattan Beach Pier over a hundred times and have felt completely creatively drained. However, once I added a model it took on a completely different form. Challenges me to add a different element in old environments to force me to think differently and create new things out of old spots.
The other day while we were walking at the Manhattan Beach Pier my one year old son kept staring at all of the birds. So in an attempt to make him laugh we went down to the sand to get a closer look. As soon as we got close the seagulls lifted into the air and my son just started laughing. There are few things in life that are as satisfying as seeing your child smile.
While on a shoot for a local coffee shop, Vitals, we started shooting just before sunrise crested the hills. Eventually, as the sun shown through the streets at the top of the hills we were treated to a stunning and soft glow.
Snapped this photo atop City Hall in Los Angeles. The wild colors are due to a forest fire burning in Venture – with smoke stretching down to Los Angeles and visible along the horizon.
Hope everyone is staying safe!
I’ve seen this sign photographed a million times but during a recent walk downtown I noticed a parking garage near the sign. I walked 8 flights of stairs and found this little window looking out to the Jesus Saves sign.