Monochrome Calm: A Photo Essay from the SoCal Coast
Last month, we set off for the shores of Southern California in search of waves. The goal was for me to test drive a surfboard I’d had my eye on and decide if I’d like to make a custom order. I spent mornings in the water riding the long, forgiving waves that SoCal is known for.
Beacon’s Beach, Leucadia, Encinitas
Like on any trip, you are constantly at the mercy of Mother Nature. SoCal was gifted with a summer swell bringing waves that were a little out of my comfort zone. On these mornings, I carried my camera to the beach instead of a board and sat watching the guys catch some pretty epic rides. Similar to photography, surf days start pre-dawn, especially when you’re anticipating a crowded lineup. For this trip, my only gear was my Sony a6700 and a couple of lenses. Without a tripod, I had little forgiveness in the pre-dawn darkness and the thick, grey marine layer. The lack of sun made getting a clean shot difficult, even after sunrise.
Pre-dawn Paddle Out at Beacon’s Beach, Encinitas
Given the challenging conditions, I decided to switch my camera to black and white mode. I tend to see the world in color, and I’ve found that shooting in monochrome helps me to better visualize the final image as I’m composing the shot. The raw files will import in color, so I always have the option to process in color if I change my mind.
I also embraced the need for a slow shutter speed, choosing to allow the motion of the surfers and waves to be slightly blurred. Some images were epic fails, but some ended up with an aesthetic that feels almost painterly.
In the end, I loved the photos in black and white. They perfectly capture the quiet, peaceful mood of those early, grey mornings and the simplicity of starting the day without the distraction of color.
The custom surfboard I ordered, though, that’s all color 😉
