This amazing stretch of land along California’s central coast has been strangely hidden from view from so many driving up and down it for years. Except for of its widely published Bixby bridge and a few known public beaches, the real Big Sur is largely hidden from view.
Big Sur and California’s Highway 1 have been a haunt for beat poets of the 50’s, followed by the hippies of the 60s and 70s. It’s now a known destination for the international tourist to explore by bicycle, car, or rented camper. And don’t forget your standard domestic traveler looking for a weekend stay at many of its numerous “New Age” resorts.
Most photographers explore this amazing place in a quick panic. Making numerous midday stops, as they rubberneck and careen up or down the Highway. They miss much, except for the few marked turnouts to snap a quick selfie with the masses doing the same. They then scurry off, saying they’ve experienced California’s Big Sur Coast, but somehow wondering if there was more?
The Big Sur was one of the last Spanish land grants, for good reason. It was one of the most inhospitable and difficult pieces of land in California to navigate, farm or ranch. Simply because its steepness and it was difficult to extract resources. This carries on in our modern era.
This dramatic and somewhat difficult area presents a challenge for the modern landscape photographer as well, wanting to capture its essence safely and effectively. It may take many tries to get it right if you don’t know Big Sur’s off the beaten path places intimately. We have been exploring it for years, finding amazing new locations each time we do!
We can show you the secret places you’ve always imagined along the Big Sur Coast. Join us for a private workshop to explore Big Sur’s unique light.
All the best,
Mark Jansen
www.JansenPhotoExpeditions.com
