From Tree to Shining Sea

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As part of America’s State Parks First Day Hike Program , I had the great fortune to hike in two amazing state parks located virtually in my front and back yards. My first post celebrates this remarkable location on the Monterey Bay. One does not always need to travel far to photograph something compelling when it can be found just around the corner. On New Year’s Day, we hiked from “Tree” to “Shining Sea” — Nisene Marks to Seacliff Beach State Parks.

Please feel free to comment or ask questions about this post.

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Photographers note:
Nisene Marks Forest image – December is usually the best time of the year to capture sunbeams in the redwoods. When the sun comes out the next day after a good rain, the moisture rises from the forest floor. The late afternoon sun striking the moisture creates these spectacular sunbeams. The man in the picture gives the image a sense of scale.
Visit the Nisene Marks State Park Gallery
Camera settings – tripod; .3 secs @ F8; iso 200; lens focal length 51mm.

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Photographers note:
Seacliff State Beach – Generally, wintertime brings the most spectacular sunsets at this state park. I shot this at a low and wide angle to accentuate the sunset in the mirrored sand at low tide.
Visit the Seacliff State Beach Gallery
Camera settings – tripod; 1/4 secs at F16; iso 200; lens focal length 27mm.

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