previous <  pier sunsets > next

Photo of sun going down over the Pacific Ocean - Some sunsets framed by the California piers are more magical than others, though all are really special.

From a monster, yellow globe sun to pier sunsets with clouds that glow wild melon orange, swirling in the dark blue sky, the colors cast a glow on life that's almost unbelievable.

Pier sunset picture tips: In this pier photo above, we chose to go vertical...something not normally seen when taking pictures of California pier sunsets. The piers are normally horizontal in shape, thus causing photographers to try to embrace the essence of the pier in its entirety.

But when you have a huge globe sun, and a telephoto lens, try vertical on some of your pictures.  The pier pilings, the sun in position and a fisherman or people looking or walking can create a striking vertical image. Give it a try your next time around. Of course you can always crop a horizontal picture later, but this vertical thinking may help you in your image shaping.

On any given day, the moments after the sun's gone down are a time of day you wish you could bottle up and make last a little longer. But such displays comes unexpectedly and quickly fade.

At the beach on a warm summer night when this type of sky graces life, you'll find families with their kids frolicking in the water line. Romping, jumping, a dad holds his toddler in his arms, with her little feet dangling loose as she gains a sense of comfort and security while she stares at the huge sky and the waves that make a splashing sound as they hit the shoreline.

During this theatrical display the sky puts on when your skin, the sand and water all turn darker shades of blue, purple or orange, the faint black shadows or silhouettes of surfers can be seen bobbing up and down in the waves. They're lingering a bit longer to enjoy the fading moments.

Teens trek with their logs to throw into a fire. Their evening has just begun and will include giggling, talking, snuggling and romancing under the vast sky. 

When you see one of these beautiful summer nights at the beach, you can't help but feel thankful that you've been given a gift. Melancholy, joy, solace or even sadness at the remembrance of someone you've loved are all emotions you can cherish in the brief moments that the sky makes you glad to be alive.