Bowling Ball Beach by Stephen Oachs

Friday, 9th January 2009

Bowling Ball Beach

by Stephen Oachs

The sky was ugly but high and thin so the light wasn’t too bad for a mid day shot. I focused low to exclude the sky and tired to pick up some of the color in the water. It’s a very shallow beach so the water color is that nice tropical teal. I really liked how the water was swirling around the rocks and it was evident why they were so round. I had to work quick…the beach is shallow and the tide pulled out faster than I expected.

Equipment: Canon 1Ds Mark III

Stephen Oachs

Stephen W. Oachs is an award-winning photographer, successful entrepreneur and technology veteran, who 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.
Completely self-taught, Stephen’s unique and distinctive style has earned him recognition as one of today’s finest nature photographers. He was recognized in 2007 as wildlife photographer of the year by the National Wildlife Federation and was awarded best nature photographer in 2008 by National Geographic Magazine for his work photographing the endangered snow leopard.
Stephen has received many other awards and his work has graced the pages of on and offline publications worldwide, such as National Geographic, Popular Photography, Outdoor Photographer, National Wildlife Magazine and many others.
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

20 Comments

Katherine Lee Strassburg Says:
January 9th, 2009 at 4:11 am
I like the composition, color, exposure……but where on earth is this? It reminds me of horseshoe crabs or sea turtles coming in to lay eggs.
James and Kelly Stone Says:
January 9th, 2009 at 4:12 am
Wow Stephen. This is a beautiful shot. I like the mist look in the background and (like you said) the swirling motion of the water around the rocks. Great job!! Congratulations on your POTD!
Stephen Oachs Says:
January 9th, 2009 at 4:57 am
@Katherine - this place is called Bowling Ball Beach. It is located on a remote beach about 10 minutes north of Gualala California, on Hwy 1. If you go, eat at “The Bone Roadhouse” in Gualala. The best BBQ I’ve EVER had!

@James and Kelly — thank you and look forward to seeing you guys at the next shows.
Rastello Says:
January 9th, 2009 at 5:29 am
thats crazy
Anurag Says:
January 9th, 2009 at 8:23 am
Talk about eating. - those rocks themselves look like blobs of dough getting fried in a giant skillet. They also look Like “Alien” (ala the movie aliens) eggs being incubated. The shot has an eerie air about it.
Su Says:
January 9th, 2009 at 8:27 am
What strange wave action there must be to give the rocks that shape, strange but I like it, congrats.
titter Says:
January 9th, 2009 at 10:00 am
Awesome shot!! Great smooth and silk!
I like the title
Malta Photography Says:
January 9th, 2009 at 10:50 am
It is a great artistic shot indeed. I must admit it has an eerie effect but at the same time calm an smooth.
Gerry Pacher Says:
January 9th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Hi Stephen - you did a fantastic job. I like the way you captured the scene.

Regards, Gerry
Marie Dunphy Harding Says:
January 9th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
An interesting shot! The rocks look really smooth & slippery.
Kirk Jordan Says:
January 9th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
I know you didn’t, but it almost looks like you used a giant “clone” tool to duplicated the rocks into the water. What an amazing planet.
planet lover Says:
January 9th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
It takes an artist to see the art in a relatively “simple” landscape.
planet lover Says:
January 9th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
Very, very nice shot!
SPAIN Says:
January 9th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
Does it really not have spetial effects?
Renee Says:
January 9th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
Such a excellent photo, its so weird to me but very intrigued! Thanks for sharing Stephen.
Pam Wood Says:
January 10th, 2009 at 3:41 am
Oh Stephen,
You won again….And you deserve it! Keep em’ coming.
Pauline Jones Says:
January 10th, 2009 at 9:41 am
Interesting shot; not one I would have thought of.
Sue Gagnon Says:
January 13th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
‘Alien’ and ‘Eerie’ are certainly thoughts that come to mind with this shot, but it must be remembered, this is here, and beauty lies in all areas on our beautiful Earth. Thanks for bringing us to Bowling Ball Beach in CA!
Mandy Kilpatrick Says:
January 15th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
I lived in California for many years and never even heard of this place! Now I want to visit and see it for myself. I agree with the otherworldly feel of the photo. Great photo and great fun. Congratulations!
mike Says:
January 17th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
They look like bowling balls. A lot of rocks in the area.