Drakes Beach

Drakes Beach in Point Reyes looking East before sunrise on a crisp, clear, cold morning.

Looking East at 6:06 AM, March 22 – ten minutes before sunrise. My wife, Eileen, and I left Mill Valley a little before 5 AM to get to Drakes Beach on the Point Reyes National Seashore before sunrise. Eileen was sleeping in the car as I was exploring the many different views of the beach. Canon EOS 5D, EF24-105 mm f/4l IS USM at 105 mm, 1/10 sec at f/9.0, ISO 100, RAW

Echo

Early morning reflections in Lake Nicasio as the fog was lifting.

Lake Nicasio looking Northwest just off the Nicasio Valley Road. This was my first shot of the morning and just a few minutes before I captured Nicasio Mirror. It’s almost alway perfect picture day early in the morning at Nicasio and especially Lake Nicasio. Warm morning light, fog, and perfect reflections make the views spectacular. If you happen to visit on a cold winter morning, the frost on the grasses add another intriguing element. Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF24-105 mm f/4l IS USM at 105 mm, 1/200 sec at f/10, ISO 200, RAW

Infinite Sky

Early morning mist rising from Lake Nicasio in Marin County, California. Photo by Jay Graham

Lake Nicasio about an hour after photographing Drakes Beach. We were on the way back to Mill Valley, taking a detour around Lake Nicasio, and came upon this beautiful site. Using one the photographer’s most important tools, the u-turn, we parked on the side of the road and shot this photo. Canon EOS 5D, EF24-105 mm f/4l IS USM at 55 mm, 1/250 sec at f/10, ISO 100, RAW

Marinscape

Looking south across the grassy ridges at sunset above Stinson Beach, California. Photo by Jay Graham

Bolinas Ridge looking south above Stinson Beach. I was driving South on Ridgecrest Blvd. in the Mt. Tamalpais State Park and shot this scene from the side of the road about 20 minutes before sunset on November 30th. The grasses were still brown but because of the fall rains, new green shoots are starting to show. Canon EOS 5D, EF24-105 mm f/4l IS USM at 32 mm, 1/80 sec at f/4.0, ISO 100, RAW

Mt. Tam Fog Sea

Mt. Tamalpais under a single cloud just after sunrise on crisp winter morning.

Lake Nicasio about an hour after photographing Drakes Beach. We were on the way back to Mill Valley, taking a detour around Lake Nicasio, and came upon this beautiful site. Using one the photographer’s most important tools, the u-turn, we parked on the side of the road and shot this photo. PENTAX Optio W60, 28 mm, ISO 50, 1/160 sec at f/3.5 jpg

Nicasio Mirror

Beautiful reflections of grassy hills, fog, and blue sky on Lake Nicasio in Marin County, California. Photo by Jay Graham

Lake Nicasio looking Southwest in April shortly after sunrise and about two minutes after shooting Echo. The grasses are still green and the lake is brimming at this time of the year. Once you’ve warmed up and taken in all the views, continue on to Point Reyes Station and enjoy some of the best pastries and coffee at the Bovine Bakery. Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF24-105 mm f/4l IS USM at 47 mm, 1/160 sec at f/10, ISO 200, RAW

Strawberry Point Sail

A lone sailboat on Richardson Bay with afternoon light slicing Mt. Tamalpais, Marin County, California. Photo by Jay Graham

Mill Valley and Strawberry Point viewed from Belvedere Island  just before Sunset on April 24th. One of those perfect days to be by the Bay. Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF70-200 mm f/2.8l IS USM at 200 mm, 1/500 sec at f/11, ISO 100, RAW