Availability: Late November to Late December when scheduled.

In 2010, this image garnered me the title Astronomy Photographer of the Year. I will take you to the spot where you can – conditions permitting – recreate the same image. Not only will I take you to the spot, but I will provide assistance in how to capture and process this High Dynamic Range (HDR) image using some fairly simple Photoshop magic. (A NP150 Photomanipulation webinar is included).

Big Sur has a LOT to offer, but this event is focused on one location and one image:

In addition, I’ll point out how to determine the best time and place to capture an image like this. Indeed, there is another portal very close to this spot which also has charms and which we can photograph as well.

Cost includes: park entry fees, personal instruction, use of loaner equipment if desired.

In the event of inclement weather, we will postpone the event to the following day. If you do not attend on the following day your fee will be refunded.

The meeting location is the Nepenthe Restaurant (which is a few miles south of the turn off to Pfeiffer Beach). If you’ve never been to Pfeiffer Beach (and even if you have) trust me that the entrance is not easy to find!  Nepenthe, however is VERY easy to find.

Be sure to be at Nepenthe by 3:30 PM as that is when we will be leaving to go to the Portal location.  I will cover the cost of entry ($5) for those in my vehicle and one other car.  If you don’t want to ride with me or the second car, you’re free to enter the park on your own nickel.

SCHEDULE (Subject to Change)

• 3:30 – Depart from Nepenthe for the shooting location (2 cars)
• 3:45 – Arrive on site, walk to shooting location
• 4:15 – Arrive at shooting location, set up.
• 4:59 – Sunset
• 5:30 – End shooting, return to Nepenthe to discuss post-processing of the shot (what and how). and for Coffee/Snacks (or dinner)  (OPTIONAL)
• 7:00 – End of Event.
• 9:00 – Arrive back in the Bay Area

NOTE: Limited to 8 attendees due to location restrictions. Shoes with good tread recommended. Some uphill hiking required.

NOTE: Beware: Despite the similarity of names Pfeiffer Beach is not at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park or Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. JPB SP is a great destination itself since it includes McWay Falls.  If you want to make a day of it, go to McWay Falls first. In fact, you can spend a WHOLE WEEK exploring Big Sur country starting with Point Lobos in Carmel,  Garrapta State Park with its rugged rocky beaches and often huge surf, The Bixby Bridge, the Point Sur Lighthouse. And much more. Pfeiffer Beach itself has TWO portals, purple sand and a lot to explore. We’ll only be hitting the highlights.

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