“Photography is a small voice, at best, but sometimes one photograph, or a group of them, can lure our sense of awareness.”
~ W. Eugene Smith
Autumn Layers
The Old Gal
Cypress Tunnel
“In every outthrust headland, in every curving beach, in every grain of sand there is the story of the earth.”
~Rachel Carson
Beach Hues
Driftwood
Ice Plant
Cypress Twists
“Keep your love of nature, for that is the true way to understand art more and more.”
~Vincent Van Gogh
Dune Grasses
Vibrant Dunes
Take A Bow
That poor rotting boat. We have one like it that I’ve watched for perhaps a decade. It’s getting pretty sad. If those boards could talk…
Seems you had fun playing with all the splendid color spectrum this season brings to the coast. Very nice to visit.
Hi Gunta, Thank very much. Yes, the poor boat…it is slowly losing its battle. I’m happy you enjoyed this day at Point Reyes- a favorite retreat.
This is a gorgeous series. You take an already beautiful area and elevate it. 🙂
That means a lot, Melissa, thanks very much. It’s a great place to get lost in nature. 🙂
These are fantastic. Captivating colours and composition.
Thanks so much, Matt. I love getting lost in photographing this area. Happy you enjoyed them.
Wow, these are great. I haven’t spent enough time out in Point Reyes. Sigh, one of these days…
Hi Mike, Thank you! You would love it. The beaches are wild and the farmland and nature areas are gorgeous. Hope you get there someday soon. 🙂
I don’t normally associate California beaches with fall colors, but there they are. It almost looks like Alaskan tundra in places. That boat is amazing. Is that a natural shipwreck or did they plant it there?
Hi Jeff, The first time I saw this area in the fall, I was floored. The colors are so vibrant. The shipwreck has been there for years and I assume is natural. It’s become an icon of the area and is slowly losing its battle with the elements. Happy you enjoyed this series- thanks very much. 🙂
Beautiful captures!
Thanks very much, Donna. One of my favorite nature escapes!
Beautiful work, Jane, I feel like I’m right there. I like the way that together, these images tell a story. The driftwood echoes the old boat, the ice plant closeup echoes the dune and beach landscapes, and the grasses punctuate with simplicity. It all fits together like a box and its lid. 🙂
Thank you so much, Lynn. Your thoughts make me feel like W. Eugene Smith’s quote rings true with you as much as it does for me. Much appreciated. 🙂
Oh yes, that’s a good one. 🙂
I’m late getting to this, Jane. Your photos of Point Reyes are lovely. I particularly like the depth of field and color tones in “Driftwood”.
Hi Susan, And I am late in replying to your nice comment. I’m happy you enjoyed these and it was fun to wander the dunes and find small scenes like Driftwood. Thanks very much for stopping by and hope all is well with you.
All is well and I hope the same for you, Jane. Heading to Palm Desert in the morning for Thanksgiving with family. Hoping to have a chance to take some photos.
Have a wonderful time!
Hello
the first photograph is absolutely sublime; this carpet of wild flowers or bruyeres brings nice colors of autumn
the third photograph; Is not this famous place where was shot a scene from a cult movie (which I have forgotten the name for that matter) …
I also like other images, they are so clear and crisp that you would think (in reality) that you are photographing
HI Yoshimi, I’m so glad you enjoyed these images. It’s a beautiful time of year in Point Reyes with the autumn colors. Maybe a movie was shot there…I am not aware of it. I would think permitting would be difficult. 🙂 Thanks so much for your terrific comment.
Wonderful! My favorites are the beautiful nature pattern of the first and and the close-up, skewed look in the last.
Hi Denise. Your reaction always means a lot to me. Thanks very much. It’s a great time of year up there.
Love the trees – and also the boat shot. Beautiful
Thank you, Lisa. Two iconic places in the Point Reyes area. 🙂
Not until now, has nary a post pulled me away from slump and out of ordinariness. From the out front W Eugene Smith quote , your entrancing photographs and stray replies about the ice plant, the Reyes and irresponsible photographers… thanks for taking the viewers along through your captures.
How important today more than ever, that conscious photographers leave only with memories and without a torch taken to the set. Thanks also for sharing what depicts solace and how it presses for thoughtfulness.
HI BlueSpade, Your comment is beautifully stated and I appreciate is so much. Thank you for stopping by and enjoying this post. Point Reyes is one of my favorite places for a quiet escape in nature’s beauty.
Wonderful images Jane. I can tell you enjoyed your day there.
Thanks so much, Karen. It is a wonderful place to enjoy the quiet beauty of nature. 🙂
No sorry I can’t agree with W Eugene Smith, your photography is certainly not a small voice. I thought I fell in love with the Old gal but the I saw the cypress tunnel
Hi Abrie, How lovely- thank you so much. If I’ve lured at least one person’s sense of awareness then I have succeeded. I’m happy I lured yours today and that those images spoke to you. Great to hear from you. 🙂
That is why your surname is Lurie
🤣🤣
As usual, these are gorgeous images. The Cypress Tree Tunnel shot looks like a painting.
Hi Rebecca, I’m happy you enjoyed these- much appreciated! I was pleased with the detail on the cypresses- it’s a great spot. Thank you so much.
Just gorgeous! I love the colours of the vegetated dunes. I usually think of fall colours on trees or bushes, so this is a beautiful surprise.
Hi Caroline, Me, too, and the first time experiencing these colors on the coast was a revelation. Happy you enjoyed them- thanks very much.
We had an afternoon at Point Reyes in the spring, for us the magic moment was being on an almost deserted beach and finding we were sharing it with seals! In the UK seals tend to avoid beaches where people go 😂
Hi Andy, I’m so happy that you’ve spent time at Point Reyes and yes, the seals are fascinating to see there! At certain times of the year there are large groups congregating and resting. (Maybe they gather comfortably here since it’s illegal to disturb them or scare them back into the water. I saw a fisherman get a citation once.) Thanks so much for sharing your experience. 🙂
I love the ice plants, Jane! Those colours get me every time 🙂 🙂
Thanks, Jo. They’re unusual and pretty especially in the fall. Glad you enjoyed! 🙂
Beautiful pictures, Jane. For sheer WOW! factor I’m smacked between the eyes by the shapes and colours in Ice Plant – especially those bright, vibrant, almost day glow yellow-greens. A 🙂
Thanks, Adrian! I am enthralled by the ice plant, especially when the light makes the succulent glow. It’s especially vibrant right now. Glad you enjoyed these. 🙂
So beautiful! Love the textures, colors and patterns.
Thanks so much, Erica. It’s one of my favorite places near SF to be immersed in nature. Glad you enjoyed and I appreciate your visit. 🙂
The next time I am in CA, I´ll have to visit the area. I was in the Central Coast area this past spring, when the wild flowers were incredible! California has such beautiful wilderness areas.
That’s great! We’ve had fabulous super blooms these past couple of years.
Lovely photographs, as always, and it’s good to see the Old Gal hanging on!
Thanks very much, Adam. It’s like visiting an old friend when we stop by to see how she’s feeling… 🙂
Are all those colors and textures on the dunes from the ice plant? Are the reds just this time of year? It looks great, whatever it is. I’ve seen a lot of pictures of that old boat, and they’ve all been good ones. Hope I age that well. 😉
Hi Dave, Aren’t those colors amazing? It’s a combination of ice plant, grasses and succulents. The ice plant does turn red this time of year- it’s very pretty but I read that it’s invasive and non-native and they are trying to eradicate it in some places. The Point Reyes is an iconic shipwreck. Sadly, some irresponsible “photographers” set it on fire a couple of years ago and did her in. I’m glad you enjoyed this series. Thanks very much! 🙂
Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
Thank you for sharing, Chuck! 🙂
Fantastic images – the richness in texture and colour is gorgeous.
Thank you so much, Carol. You would love this part of the California coast (maybe you’ve been?) Glad you enjoyed these images.
Never been to the US at all – Californian coast looks great.
Splendid work! I do like those textures on the boat and the tree tunnel shot is very fine.
Hi Graham, Thank you! Glad you like the old shipwreck– I spent some time shooting some detail shots of her hull…for another post someday. I do love the challenge of shooting the Cypress Tunnel- they are so grand. Appreciate your visit here. 🙂
Beautiful shots! I love the 2 cypress ones! I think I identify with the boat listing on its side!
HI Mary Lynn, Haha- you and me both! I got a little sad seeing her listing even more on this visit… she’s a hardy old bird and is hanging on…like us. 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the shots– thank you very much!
Loving these shots….the autumn colors on the seashore r spectacular..not sure i have ever seen before…just dreamy!!
Thanks, April. It’s a gorgeous time of year there. The rich colors really come out in the fall. Would love to take you there someday! 🙂
Stunning textures and colours. Love these pics!
Hi Karine, I’m pleased you enjoyed these photos–thank you so much. Appreciate your visit.
I like!
I’m glad! Thanks so much, Poetpas. 🙂
Lovely photos💚💙
Thanks so much, T. 💙💚
Excellent set Jane; great colors. Can’t pick one, they are all beauties. 🙂
Thank you, Harrie. I had fun getting lost in the details of nature. Pleased you enjoyed! 🙂
Oh that first photo! So beautiful. And the cypress tunnel. I do enjoy what your eye sees.
Alison
Thanks, Alison! The colors are really incredible this time of year and I can’t go to Point Reyes without checking out the Cypress Tunnel. Glad you enjoyed these– much appreciated. 🙂
Such splendid images I see here, the California coast is always full of wonders, as you have captured so very beautifully.
Hi Cornelia, It was a wonderful day – quite foggy to start – accentuating the colors. I loved getting lost in nature’s details which I know you love to do, too. Happy you enjoyed this set. Thank you very much.
Every one of these is a marvel! The colors are so rich and deep in some of them, yet the very simplest (the grasses) may be my fave today!
Thanks so much, Lex, and I’m happy you singled out grasses…I am captivated by nature’s patterns. Much appreciated. 🙂
The ice plant is a terrific capture Jane. And loved Take a Bow
I’m happy you enjoyed this series, T. Thank you. 🙂
Such a feast for the eyes, Jane! The cypress tunnel gives the impression of a gateway to another world, and the weathered old boat conveys such a melancholy atmosphere.
Thank you, Dries. This is a wonderful coastal preserve only an hour from San Francisco. You would love exploring its natural beauty. The shipwreck is slowly eroding into the bay and is a beloved icon of the area. Pleased you enjoyed this series. 🙂
Super interesting post
Thank you, Linda. It’s a favorite stretch of the CA coast. So glad you enjoyed it.
The words from “W. Eugene Smith” are good introduction to the pictures in this post. They stuck to me while looking through your pictures. I think I had the opposite, that I lost sense of awareness when looking at them.
Hi YC, I’m so glad you like that quote by Smith and your reaction is a wonderful compliment- getting lost in art is a great feeling and as the creator, it’s what I hope for. My interpretation is that each image comes together as a whole for a new sense of awareness of a time or place. Thank you so much for your encouraging response. 🙂
These images are remarkable! Thank you, Jane for giving us an opportunity to appreciate and enjoy!
Thank you, Amy, for taking a moment to view. Much appreciated!
Aaaah! Those Autumn Layers and Vibrant Dunes – glorious. Always feel inspired after visiting you Jane 🙂
Thanks again, Andrew. 🙂 🙂
Glorious details Jane!
Thank you, Maria. I got very caught up in the plant life on Friday. So pretty this time of year.
Yes, it is 🙂
Fantastic set of images, Jane. Well done!
Thanks so much, Ken. It was a very creatively inspiring day there. Happy you enjoyed them. 🙂
Aaaah! Those Autumn Layers and Vibrant Dunes – glorious. Always feel inspired after visiting you 🙂
Hi Andrew, How lovely, thank you so much. When photographing the colorful dunes, I thought how perfect they would be for a painting. 🙂
You’ve captured all the beauty that I love along the northern CA coast, Jane. The second best thing to being there in person! Thank you! ❤
Thanks, Eliza. A pleasure to bring you there until you visit again. ❤️
Beautiful colors Jane!
Thanks, Nicole. It’s a beautiful time of year there. Glad you enjoyed!
Fascinating!!
Thank you, Manja! A magnificent part of the CA coast and great that it’s less than an hour from SF. 🙂
Wonderful pictures of a wonderful coast. (It’s no secret that I love coasts). The driftwood looks like bones! And it’s interesting that your dune grasses are very similar to ours. Over here we plant those grasses in newly formed natural dunes, or the ones we make ourselves, in order to prevent the sand from being blown away by the wind. We don’t have a high raised rocky coast, so dunes and dykes are essential to keep our feet (and heads) dry. I love the colours in your pictures and the vastness of the landscape.
Hi Peter, I’ve learned that some of these plants, the ice plant and certain grasses, are invasive species but serve that same purpose of slowing erosion and holding the dunes together. This area is one of my favorites for its largely uninhabited coastline. I’m so glad you enjoyed this series– thanks very much. 🙂
Wow-colorful foliage!
Sent from my iPhone
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Thanks, Sue. The ice plant and succulents are gorgeous this time of year. Glad you enjoyed. 🙂
Beautiful!
Thank you, Sharon! 🙂
Marvellous images Jane. I need to go for a beach walk and see what’s going on there.
Thanks, Jude. I love autumn and winter beaches. Enjoy your walk!
Beautiful cypress tunnel Jane.
Thank you, Pam. I’m so glad it’s holding up over the years. Appreciate your visit.
Gorgeous images Jane 😊 The Cypress Tunnel is amazing.
Thanks, Joe. These trees were planted along a drive of an old radio station. You’d enjoy the history and the old building.
For whatever reason, I don’t hear as much about W. Eugene Smith now as I did in the 1970s. He had a sometimes-difficult life and lived to be only 59.
HI Steve, Considering the subjects he covered as a lauded photojournalist, it’s no wonder he was troubled.
Fantastic, Jane.
Thanks so much, Rabirius. Happy you enjoyed!
I love the beached boats. And I love how you format your posts!
Thank you, Alexandra. The Point Reyes shipwreck is an icon in this area…slowly eroding into the bay. Glad you enjoyed my blog- appreciate your visit. 🙂
Cypress Tunnel is so awesome👍👍👍
It’s a wonderful spot. A path planted decades ago that leads to an old radio station in Point Reyes. Glad you like it, Detlef, thanks so much!
Marvellous images, Jane!
Thanks very much, Sue. I’m glad my love for this place shines through! 🙂
It most certainly does, Jane!
Ice Plant = wonderful – eco 🙂
Thank you, Eco. I love photographing this colorful plant. I’ve learned, though, that it’s an invasive species that the parks are trying to eradicate. Deceptively beautiful and it’s everywhere on the west coast.
Aggressive beauty 🙃
Deceptive…
Fab photos , cannot be faulted!
Thank you, Paula. I’m always happy to read your appreciation. Hope you are having a great weekend. 🙂
Thanks once again Jane for bringing a deep pause to my day. Your precious gift both stills and stirs the mind.
Hi Bob, Your beautiful comments make my day. Thank you very much.
One of my absolute favorite places, as you know. Beautifully shown.
Thank you, Michael. The foggy skies on Friday brought out the fall colors nicely. I’m glad you enjoyed these familiar spots- we’re lucky to have them close by.
We should all go out there together sometime.
That would be fun. 🙂
I’d love to join you. 🙂 You have presented it in the best of ways, Jane.
wonderful picture jane, i especially like the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th and 8th. i wish you all the best for your next photo series and look forward to it.
greetings robert
Some really tasty images.
Thanks, Bruce. It’s a magnificent time of year there. Glad you enjoyed. 🙂
Hi Robert, I’m pleased you enjoyed these especially those in particular. This uninhabited stretch of the California coast is a natural wonder. Thank you so much. 🙂