Natural Bridge by Stephen Oachs

Monday, 22nd December 2008

Natural Bridge

by Stephen Oachs

Natural Bridges State Beach, in Santa Cruz, California, is famous for its incredible natural bridge, as well as being an excellent location to view coastal birds, seals, otters and migrating whales. Washed by surf and the passing of time, the ancient rock formation known as, Natural Bridge, is all that remains of a much larger span of rock arches, eroded by the relentless repetition of the sea.
This photograph captures the photographer’s love of the ocean. Through light and movement, it evokes the vast expanse and serenity, making us almost forget the power waiting under the surface. This image draws us into the sunset hours, as if we are standing on the last few feet of solid ground before land and sea merge, and light gives way to night.

Equipment: Canon 1Ds Mark III

Stephen Oachs

Stephen W. Oachs is a successful entrepreneur, technology veteran and award-winning photographer. He began his journey in photography the moment he picked up his first SLR camera. Ever since, his lenses have focused on the inspiring majesty of mother earth and the unflinching beauty of the animal kingdom.
Whether trekking through the wilds of Alaska, enduring the raw challenges of nature or experiencing the thrill of life on the edge, Stephen captures rare and breathtaking moments of light and time. His exceptional eye is filtered only by his passion for life, deep affinity with nature and love of adventure.

www.lighttheexpedition.com

28 Comments

Jim Atkin Says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 2:11 am
I love the shot. I am fimiliar with the spot thus I am all the more impressed with your skill.
istvan Says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 4:20 am
good timing, great light, excellent photo!
Srirama Raja Says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 6:08 am
Great picture.
James and Kelly Stone Says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 7:35 am
Great shot Stephen. The reflection is a beautiful addition to the already gorgeous scene. Well Done again!
Anurag Says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 7:37 am
Beautiful shot, however I would have preferred the reflection of the arch to be a bit darker than what it is. Right now it gives me a kind of upside-down feeling.
Su Says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 8:34 am
Nice shot. surreal
Waseem Asmar Says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 8:54 am
what a terrific view !!!
amazing tones and perfect exposure settings
Mandy Kilpatrick Says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 9:27 am
The colors and lights of the sky and reflection are nicely done. Congratulations!
Malta Photography Says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 9:45 am
I like it. the reflection is pretty much in the right spot. Balanced color and mood.
Pauline Jones Says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 9:57 am
The colors are just lovely.
mark Says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 1:01 pm
“This photograph captures the photographer’s love of the ocean. Through light and movement, it evokes the vast expanse and serenity, making us almost forget the power waiting under the surface.”

Self praise is no praise Stephen.

Let the rest of us do it for you. It’s no wonder you have won awards, this is just superb.
Hanna Says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Great shot, congratulations! The waves of the sea are alomost soapy, and the birds on top of the rock are beautiful. Well done!
Karmy Says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 1:44 pm
I really love your work Stephen
mark Says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Can I encourage everyone to have a look at Stephen’s site. It is just superb. He is one of the best nature photographers in the world at the moment. Absolutely brilliant.
planet lover Says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Beautiful colors. A serene moment and setting that shows the power of Nature’s forces. Great job!
Marie Dunphy Harding Says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 4:12 pm
I viewed some of Stephen’s work, it’s really phenomenal; with this shot being no exception.
Su Says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 6:35 pm
So pleased you won the National geographic with the snow leopard Truly wonderful shot congrats
Karmy Says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 7:14 pm
No word can describe his work… really superb websites and unutterably beautiful work.
laurens Says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Nature Rocks!
Sue Gagnon Says:
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:53 pm
This is a BEAUTIFUL vision of loveliness. This has an almost surreal feel to it, and I simply LOVE this photograph! Hear, hear!!
Katherine Lee Strassburg Says:
December 25th, 2008 at 3:32 am
I especially like the way the water smooths the entire beach making it reflect the rugged rock and the pastel cloudy sky. Each second at the beach is unlike every other. Very lovely potd.
Saleh Rubat Says:
December 25th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Wow so Amazing
Stephen Oachs Says:
January 2nd, 2009 at 7:24 am
Thank you everyone for all your kind comments. It means a lot to me, thank you again.

Stephen
Ruben Lobo Says:
January 13th, 2009 at 9:55 am
It´s fantastic. I´m only a triying take ONE good picture and when I see your work I became sad. In Spain we have a lot lovely place to take a picture but I´ll never reach this …. Excuses for my english
mike Says:
March 4th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
I love the reflections.
su Says:
December 22nd, 2009 at 8:53 am
Still a nice shot a year down the line.
Renee Says:
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:27 pm
love it!
Renee Says:
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:27 pm
the water looks so calm too!