Big Sur Sea Caves - New Years Day

dereksurfs

I went back to Pfeiffer yesterday knowing it would be packed for a holiday. But who can resist 70s in mid-Winter in Big Sur. I had fun exploring the less popular, more dangerous cave below. I was also able to find a better place to sit the tripod for bracketing. Here a few shots from different angles while avoiding getting knocked into the water with a bigger swell And higher tide! I did get a little wet this time, but nothing too bad.













This was shot at the more popular location:





And one of my kids having fun in the water after sunset:

R.Jay

Hi Derek, #1 & #4 are the pick for me.

Cheers, Richard.

JRomie

#1 is my favorite. I certainly hope the way out isn't in front of you in this image! Nice shots.

Sam

Very nice work. I really like #4 the best it not only has the sun coming through the opening but lighting up the ocean spray, reminiscent of an arc welder or fire works.

Sam

angevin1

Great work! How do you access these caves?

kdog

Great shots, Derek! Going in that cave looks like a pretty ballsy move.

dereksurfs

Thanks guys for the comments. Getting into the cave for comp #1 is somewhat dicey to say the least. So be carefull if you go there. The rushing waves crashing across the rocks (where you have to walk) can knock you into the water with all your gear if not timed properly. Its good to know your limits and really check out the water levels through a few larger set waves first.

Tom, this cave is accessed from Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur here:

angevin1

Thanks, Derek. Some of the most inviting photos I've seen of the left coast yet. Makes me want to visit.

Sexy6Chick

kdog wrote: »

Great shots, Derek! Going in that cave looks like a pretty ballsy move.

Agreed, but it paid off here! These are some spectacular shots!

Marc Muench

You get two thumbs up for originality thumb
and bravery

David_S85

Holy cats! Some of these look like lava explosions. I've got to look at all these about 20 more times.

JC

Nice, to say the least. The setup and timing for these shots is great, especially #1 and #4. Beautiful.

Cornflake

I agree with the others. Fine work!

FlyNavy

Splendid work. Well done!

bgarland

These are all awesome! Very well done.

grimace

Great looking series!!

Doug Solis

Great fresh spin on this seasoned location. I absolutely love your first image.

Crokey

Amazing light!
The light hitting the sea-spray creates a really moody scene. Have to say I like the third photo the best, great timing to get the wave on the right to balance the opening on the left. Although the photo beneath it has an ethereal feel to it, like your about to step through the square door into some dragons lair from a Tolkien novel!

LightMagic

the fourth shot is just spectacular!

dereksurfs

Thanks guys. I didn't realize these would be such a hit. And the surprising part is the variety of ppl's preferences. Honestly its hard for me to one also. But since #1 was the hardest to plan and setup, not to mention watch as large waves broke toward me its a personal favorite.

Crokey

dereksurfs wrote: »

Thanks guys. I didn't realize these would be such a hit. And the surprising part is the variety of ppl's preferences. Honestly its hard for me to one also. But since #1 was the hardest to plan and setup, not to mention watch as large waves broke toward me its a personal favorite.

Way to put yourself on the line for your art! You could've ended up floating in the washed-up photographers section of the great pacific garbage patch on that one!