The Beauty of Bixby Bridge: A Photographer's Perspective
As a photographer, there’s nothing more exhilarating than capturing the beauty of nature with your camera and sharing it with the world. Recently, I had the privilege of photographing the stunning Bixby Bridge on the iconic Highway 1, just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The majestic bridge stands tall across the breathtaking coastline, with the shimmering Pacific Ocean as its backdrop. I captured the magnificent scene at sunset, when the golden light illuminated the surroundings with a warm glow. The resulting photo was so stunning that I was excited to sell a 72' wide giclee of it. In this blog post, I’ll take you through my photography journey of Bixby Bridge and provide tips on how to capture the perfect shot.
Choose the Right Equipment
The first step to capturing a great photo is to use the right equipment. For Bixby Bridge, I used my medium format Fujifilm GFX 100s 102mp camera along with the GF 23mm lens. The medium format camera creates an incredible level of detail and clarity, making it perfect for large prints like the 72' giclee I sold. The GF 23mm lens has a wide angle of view, allowing me to capture the full breadth of the bridge and coastline in one shot. However, if you don't have a medium format camera, don't worry. You can still capture great images with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, and a wide-angle lens.
Scout the Location
The next step is to scout the location. Visit the bridge during different times of the day to get a sense of the light and the crowds. Bixby Bridge is a popular tourist destination, so it can be crowded during the day. I recommend visiting either early in the morning or at sunset when fewer people are around. During sunset, the light casts a warm golden glow on the bridge and coastline, creating a magical atmosphere. As a photographer, you want to capture the bridge when the lighting is at its best.
Set Up Your Shot
Once you arrive, set up your shot. Use a tripod to keep your camera steady and allow you to make any necessary adjustments to your shot. Shoot in either aperture priority or manual mode to control how much light enters the camera. Try different compositions and angles to find the best shot. Bixby Bridge is a unique and iconic bridge, which makes it perfect for experimenting with creative compositions. I suggest capturing the bridge from different angles, including from both sides of Highway 1.
Post Processing
After you have captured your shots, it’s time for post-processing. I used Adobe Photoshop to edit my photo of Bixby Bridge. I adjusted the colors and contrast to enhance the warm, golden hues and the details of the bridge. When processing your images, keep in mind that less is often more. You want your photo to look natural and not too over-edited.
Share Your Photos
Finally, share your photos with the world. Social media platforms like Instagram (@carmelsphotographer) and Facebook are great places to share your work and gain exposure. There are also a variety of online platforms where you can sell your work to galleries, collectors, and individuals. I was thrilled to sell a 72' giclee of my Bixby Bridge photo. Selling your photos can be a great way to make a living doing what you love.
Conclusion:
Capturing the beauty of Bixby Bridge on camera was an unforgettable experience for me. As a photographer, I’m always searching for the perfect shot, and Bixby Bridge makes it easy to create beautiful images. Remember to choose the right equipment, scout the location, set up the shot, post process your images, and share your photos with the world. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to capture stunning photos like the one I took of Bixby Bridge. Happy pixel hunting!
Thank you for stopping by... you can visit my Instagram account @carmelsphotographer or visit my website at www.mannyespinoza.com
Comments