End of Summer...or is it!

Summer...it's not over in Sunny California!

Photography by Karen Ruhl

This past week has been very hot in Southern California with triple digits across the board.  One thing to keep in mind when being outside and at the beach (and anywhere on a sunny day) is to not only keep sun screen handy, but to not let the cool breeze fool you.  The heat snuck up on me twice this week while I was shooting at the beach, so I highly recommend keeping a bottle of water with you for hydration and to be sure you have cell coverage if you are alone so you can call for help if needed.

I love people and I love talking - just ask my husband Craig! (Who, by the way, is wonderfully suited to me because he too loves people and talking).  I get a kick out of watching people on the beach meeting strangers and carrying on conversations. It makes me smile to know that there are places where people put away their prejudices and just enjoy being out enjoying the beauty God created.

Craig and I use to have "corporate meetings" on these very benches when our son went to Laguna Beach High School.  The early morning breezes were great and we really were able to talk and plan our day.

*Note: Copyright Karen Ruhl, all rights reserved.

These two beauties were enjoying the board walk while their owners played a game of sand volleyball at the Main Beach in Laguna.  I have to admit that I was feeling a little sorry for them in their fur coats at 104 degrees.

It isn't hard to see why people from all over the world want to come and visit Laguna Beach. California has some of the prettiest ocean views around.  This is a little cove just above the main beach as shot from a nearby park that sits on a cliff.

After skipping breakfast and walking on the beach for a couple of hours, it was time to head for food! A quick 20 minute drive to Dana Point and a nice lunch gave us energy to take more photos.  The harbor at Dana Point is beautiful. You can enjoy the water, watch the boats coming and going and you will always see pelicans and other birds following the fishing boats in, just hoping for the bait to be thrown overboard after a long day out at sea.  

Dana Point hosts the Tall Ships each year and has a couple sitting at the Ocean Institute, the Brig and the Spirit of Dana Point. 

A little further up the coast at Huntington Beach, the local fishermen were on guard as these two friends wanted to share their catch.  You aren't supposed to feed the birds but a couple of fishermen threw little fish to the pelicans and were rewarded with laughter from the little children watching - or was that me squealing at the photo op?

When you are shooting photos, look for shadows and interesting shapes.  Let your picture tell a story.  

Further down the pier, we met three more pelicans.  I couldn't help but wonder if they were waiting to be seated at the restaurant or protesting the sign that said "Do not feed the birds!"

I hope you have enjoyed this week's blog.  Please feel free to pass this along to family and friends.  Subscribe by email...I will be posting a new blog at least once a week.

Have a blessed week.

All photos used in this blog are copyrighted to Karen Ruhl, and all rights are reserved.

Prints are available, feel free to contact me at 714-731-0564 

for information on prints and on photography lessons.

People, color, landscape....oh...everything!

Karen Ruhl Photography

People often ask me what type of photos I like to shoot most.  I have considered this question and my answer is everything, I like to shoot a little bit of everything.  

Street photography:

People are interesting, with each one having their own personal story. It's a way to document real life. Below is a photo of a man just taking a "break". 

I took a candid shot of this lady, and then felt the need to talk to her and offer her a couple of dollars to get something to eat. Some will look and make fun of her sign, I saw a beautiful person who was just out of luck and was grateful for the personal interaction.

The Beach:

My husband and I love being around or on water.  We have driven from Southern California up through Oregon taking the coast highway.  What a blessing.  We live about 20 minutes from this pier in Huntington Beach.  The other day, my great niece Jenn asked me to meet her there and we had a wonderful morning talking and taking pictures of the big waves and surfers. 

Night Shots:

Not a category I shoot often, but after walking around in San Diego all day shooting with my friend Pam, we decided to go to Coronado Island. It was a great night of shooting and a beautiful spot to capture the San Diego skyline.

Color:

The brighter the better! Color attracts me, I don't go out with the intent to find colorful shots, God puts them in my path. When I see bright color blocks, my heart pumps a little faster and I can't wait to get the camera up and shooting.  

And everything else...

I have always loved Ansel Adams. He was the "Master" of photography and I study his work because his shots have depth, clarity and love. Ansel once said, “Sometimes I arrive just when God's ready to have someone click the shutter.”  I call those my God shots. Some days you can be out for hours just looking for a shot and just when you are ready to head back in, you will get your "God Shot." Those are the shots I have learned to love.

I'm leaving you with a few random shots.  I hope you enjoyed the blog today. I will be posting a new blog at least once a week. It would be great to hear from you. You can email me at karenruhl12@gmail.com.

Now, get out there and make your camera "Click!"