Putting things in perspective
Whenever I’ve got more on my plate than I can handle, whenever I don’t feel like I can get everything done, whenever I’m so stressed I want to curl up in a ball and disappear…I scream and panic, first and foremost. Then I take a deep breath and go out and take some pictures. Nothing helps me put things in perspective more than getting behind the camera and seeing the amazing light show that nature puts on twice a day, 365 days a year.
I went out to Golden Gardens again, because I wanted to see the ocean and the sunset beyond the horizon after spending the last few weeks capturing the cityscape. Something about the sounds, smell, and the feel of the ocean that is soothing to the soul. I’d spent the day doing sprint workouts in the mornings with my brother, doing work on the car with my dad because of a sudden anti-freeze leak, and generally fretting about the amount of work I had to do in the short amount of time left to a Sunday afternoon.
Screw it, I said. The sun had burst out of the mostly overcast sky and I hopped in my parents’ Civic hybrid and took off down to Golden Gardens. I took only my s90 and my tripod. Oh the joys of traveling light 🙂 It’s always so rejuvenating to not have to worry about your gear and focus solely on composition, exposure, and using your imagination to take creative and beautiful pictures.
The conditions were brilliant – no winds for extreme glassy reflections, and light clouds that really accentuated the colors of the setting sun. For a Sunday evening it wasn’t crowded at all. I was joined by couples leisurely strolling on a walk; a family fishing off the pier; and a father and his two children enjoying the last glimpse of the setting sun.
All in all a worthwhile 2 hours, which I paid for later by staying up until 2am grading and lesson planning.
Still, nothing like looking out on to the sun setting above the ocean, the expanse of the sea and sky beckoning you, to put things in perspective. Who gives a shit about work sometimes 🙂 The geese certainly don’t!
Brian Chu Photography 
Fantastic work, and good insight about putting things in perspective.
Beautiful water reflections with great compositions. Well Done! 🙂
Beautiful pictures Brian! I randomly decided to check out your blog tonight. Man I miss BBQing at Golden Gardens. I seriously used to do it every other week in the summer. Hope you’re doing well & happy holidays 🙂