Kelp Washed Ashore, Point Lobos, 2019
Point Lobos is sometimes referred to as the crown jewel in California’s state parks. It is teeming in plant and animal life, both on the land and in the sea. Its rock formations, inlets, and coves are just as diverse. Point Lobos lies on the Pacific coast just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea and north of Big Sur. It is a popular tourist destination, so much so that when parking spaces fill up during peak hours visitors must park along the highway and walk to the entrance.
Soon after I began to make photographs, I became aware of Point Lobos, but not for the reasons mentioned above. I wanted to explore Point Lobos because Edward Weston, one of the masters of 20th century photography, had made several famous photographs there. So, when I was visiting that part of California three years ago, I had to include Point Lobos in my itinerary. I spent two days with my wife hiking the trails and exploring the reserve. As is often the case, two days was not enough time, but I can finally say I got to make photographs at Point Lobos.