My Favorite Sunrise

Magic On The San Mateo Coast

I have been photographing the Pigeon Point Lighthouse for many years. It's a magnificent structure, tall, well-maintained, and painted in bold white. It's brilliantly situated, towering over an unspoiled coastline of wildflowers, dark sand, and jagged rocks. 

Pigeon Point Sunrise

But the most fascinating feature of the San Mateo coast is the light that shows up here at certain times of the year and certain times of the day. Granted, I've been here when the light wasn't particularly appealing. We can't expect magic to happen all the time; otherwise, it wouldn't seem like magic.

But on days when that very special light reveals itself, it's breathtaking. And it can make for a pretty nice photograph if you happen to be standing around with a camera in your hands.

This is my favorite sunrise photo of all time. Thank you, Pigeon Point! Thank you, San Mateo Coast!


Camera:    Nikon D810
Lens:        Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2015 Daniel R. South

www.dansouthphoto.com

All Rights Reserved

Dreamscape - Rocks and Waves

Waves Flow Over Rocks In Soft Morning Light

Dreamscape - Rocks and Waves

Camera:    Nikon D810
Lens:        Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2015 Daniel R. South

www.dansouthphoto.com

All Rights Reserved

Winter Storm Over Grand Canyon

The Edge Of Light And Weather


Sometimes the worst weather is the best weather. 

Winter Storm Over Grand Canyon

On the morning after a blizzard so fierce that I didn't dare leave my cabin, I was treated to some of the most dramatic light I have ever witnessed.

Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Lens: Canon TE-E 24mm f/3.5L II

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2015 Daniel R. South

www.dansouthphoto.com

All Rights Reserved

Golden Chapel At Sunset - Santorini

Light On The Island Of Blue Domes


In Greece, the island is known as Thira. The rest of the world knows it by a different name: Santorini. But if you spend some time here, don't be surprised if another more familiar name comes to mind: Paradise.

Golden Chapel At Sunset - Santorini

Camera:    Nikon D800E
Lens:        Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2015 Daniel R. South

www.dansouthphoto.com

All Rights Reserved

Self Portrait 2014

With Heartfelt Gratitude

2014 has been an amazing year thanks to some very special people. 

To everyone who helped me in both small and massive ways - I can never hope to repay your generosity and kindness. Please let me know if I can do anything for you in return.

To everyone who encouraged and inspired me - you have been a joyous and important blessing for my heart and mind and soul. I love and appreciate each and every one of you, and I couldn't have done half of what I did this year without you.

To anyone who's ever put up with me while I stressed over a project (or several) - thank you for being there and for accepting me on my bad days as well as on the good ones.

To my friends and my loving family - whether you know it or not, you set my standards. Every project that I tackle carries the hope that you'll take pride in knowing the fellow who managed to pull it together. 

And to anyone and everyone who stopped by to have a look at my work - whether I know you or whether we have ever met, you are very important to me. I hope that I have been able to offer something of interest in return for your time.

Happy New Year! Don't let anything hold you back from your dreams.


Camera:    Nikon D800E
Lens:        Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
Light:        2 x Nikon SB-910 Speed lights (modified)

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2014 Daniel R. South

www.dansouthphoto.com

All Rights Reserved

Winter Sunset - Death Valley

The Magnificent Majesty of a Desert Turned Cold

We tend to think of deserts as hot places. It might be better to think of them as surprising places.

In the winter months, cold weather prevails. Even in the spring and autumn, nighttime temperatures can drop toward the freezing point and beyond despite balmy daytime weather.

Winter Sunset - Death Valley

If you visit a desert region during the cooler months, please take these potential temperature swings very seriously. You'll need to be prepared for almost any type of weather. If you're exposed to frigid overnight temperatures without proper clothing, you'll find yourself in grave danger. I shot this photo wearing the same clothes that I wear while shoveling snow, and I was very happy when I was able to climb into my waiting car.

But along with that unexpected chill, you might experience some unexpected beauty, some magical light, and the magnificent majesty of a rugged landscape that holds surprises for intrepid travelers all year long.

Happy Winter Solstice, everyone! And safe travels!

Camera:    Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Lens:        Canon TS-E24mm f/3.5L II 

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2014 Daniel R. South

www.dansouthphoto.com

All Rights Reserved

Blue Gate - Cinque Terre

Entrance To A Garden in Corniglia

The Cinque Terre ('Five Lands') were once isolated fishing villages situated along a rocky coastline in Northern Italy. Thanks to heavy promotion by the travel industry along with a convenient new rail line, the area now attracts a lot of tourists. 

The area is still charming. There aren't many hotels here, mostly just rooms for short-term rental, and everything closes early. Just don't expect an undiscovered wilderness. 

Blue Gate - Corniglia - Cinque Terre

There are surprises around every corner in the Cinque Terre. If you're willing to take your time and stroll a bit, and you'll discover all sorts of lovely secrets here. 


Camera:    Nikon D800
Lens:        Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED 

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2014 Daniel R. South

www.dansouthphoto.com

All Rights Reserved

Columbus Circle

Pulse Of The City

Columbus Circle is in constant motion. It's one of the most dynamic intersections in the city. Life races through here twenty-four hours a day.

Would you like to get a sense of what New York is all about? Do you have only a short time? I suggest that you begin at Columbus Circle. Stand here for a few minutes watching.

Watch the traffic. Watch the shoppers. Watch the taxis, the busses, and the seasoned pedestrians.

Watch the tourists try to negotiate the complex crosswalks. Watch the expensive cars and the guests at the grand hotels. Watch the performers at the edge of the park. 

Columbus Circle At Dusk

Spend some time in Columbus Circle, the ultimate gateway to the New York experience.


Camera:    Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Lens:        Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright © 2014 Daniel R. South

www.dansouthphoto.com

All Rights Reserved