One of my favorite places to hang out in California. The Santa Monica Pier. I actually want to move here eventually. This place is really awesome. The vibes are good and the crisp ocean air is truly amazing. I really enjoy watching the California sunsets from here, they are always epic. This particular day, it was cloudy and a bit cold but it was really good being out there. I miss it… I’m long overdue for a California trip.
I spent lots of time snowboarding this mountains when I lived in Reno Nevada. It’s always great coming back and spending some quiet quality time up here. I love the peaceful silence the snow brings, followed by a smile going down the mountain.
This is one of those hidden jewels where you will find mostly locals. It’s never overcrowded and always loads of fun. Edited with one of my landscape presets.
Explore the Elements Photo Contest.
Below is my entry for the Thomas Cook photo contest. You can see the full details by clicking here. This is a really cool contest and I think you should enter it also :)
Below are the four elements.
Earth
Represents the hard, solid objects of the earth Associated with stubbornness, collectiveness , physicality and gravity.
Rock formations at Mono Lake California as defiant as can be. Shot minutes after sunset.
Fire
Represents the energetic, forceful, moving things in the world Associated with security, motivation, desire, intention, and an outgoing spirit.
Right after the sun sets over Bonsai Rock in Lake Tahoe Nevada, the sky makes its presence known.
Water
Represents the fluid, flowing, formless things in the world Associated with emotion, defensiveness, adaptability, flexibility, suppleness, and magnetism.
Well after the sun had set the waves were getting really big at La Pared beach in Fuerteventura Spain, out of the corner of my eye I spotted this surfer, it was starting to get really dark but he didn’t care, he just wanted to surf into the night.
Air
Represents things that grow, expand, and enjoy freedom of movement Associated with will, elusiveness, evasiveness, benevolence, compassion, and wisdom
Azure window in Gozo Malta. After the sun set the wind followed the blue hour, you could hear it cutting through the rocks making a beautiful melody that just made me smile.
I nominate everyone reading this post, but I also nominate my following friends:
The amazing Jaci, Mr Siracusa, Sweet Caroline, The one and only Vijay, and of course the lovely Inma. I think you guys can win this thing.
Where is the Bonsai Rock in Lake Tahoe located? The Lake Tahoe Bonsai Rock location is exactly one mile south of Sand Harbor Beach. This place is incredible, it’s a bit of a steep climb down and up but nothing a decent pair of sneakers can’t handle. It’s about a 5-minute hike if you walk slow. This is one of the most photographed places in Lake Tahoe and when you get there you will see why. (see map below at the bottom of the page).
Are you are looking for amazing skies for your images? Check out my vast library of EPIC sky overlays you can use to create award-winning photos.
The Lake Tahoe Bonsai Rock exact address is NV-28, New Washoe City, NV 89704. It can be easy to miss so drive slowly and make sure you look out for it.
The gear I used for all my photos: Nikon with a Nikon 14-24mm and a Nikon 24-85mm. A MeFOTO tripod and a wide angle is a must. I edit all my images with my Lightroom Presets download them and give them a try.
It’s a good idea to get here about 45 minutes before the sun sets so you can scope out a good spot to shoot from and also get some good day shots, or simply to enjoy its beauty. If you have more time I suggest you go check out Sand Harbor Beach, but you might get stuck there, it’s that good :)
This is my favorite photo I of the Bonsai Rock. When I shot it I had the biggest grin on my face, not only because I knew I was getting a great shot, but simply because I couldn’t believe what was happening in front of my eyes.
When you get there you are guaranteed to run into other photographers, usually, there will be one or 2 setting up or simply enjoying the scenery.
I always find it a bit crazy when photographers leave after the sun sets. Make sure you stay for the blue hour and get some night shots, I mean this are some of the best photos you can possibly get, so be sure and stay a while.
Please leave me a comment if this was helpful in any way. That is the best way to say thank you.
Do you want more detailed locations with maps all around lake Tahoe? Download my Lake Tahoe Photography guide here!
California Highway 1
There are no views like the views you see from the famous California Highway 1 drive. I try to do it once a year. Its miles and miles of twisty roads with incredible views of the Pacific, there is small coffee shops, restaurants and view points along the way.
It’s really hard for me not to stop every 5 minutes, there is an incredible photo every inch of this road. It’s a must on anyones bucket list…
Camera settings: 1/160 of a second F11 ISO 500 14-24mm Lens
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