Railway to Infinity & Beyond: The Pier by the Waters

It's all about perspective. We can presume that we're heading towards a dead end or we're sailing onwards into infinity. 

Painting the Sky: Clouds Formation at Sunset

So much open space in the pier by the waterfront where you can see all the fabulous cloud formations just before the sunset. The clouds were so magical and artistic; it's like looking at a painting straight out of the sky. 

Sunset and Water Colors: Painterly Vibes

The golden hour is the best time of the day. 

Especially while watching the sunset colors from the other side of the city, all the changing hues in the sky and cool water effects. 

This is such a serene spot and I decided to incorporate extra painterly effects so it resembles more like a painting. 

Sunset Colors: Pink + Orange Dreams at the Walkway

Pier 7 Walkway Sunset Part I: One of the most photogenic walkways ever, mesmerizing during day, sunset, and night. Before the lights turned on, I captured this picture of the setting sun from the other side. 

Clear skies are covered by a couple wispy high clouds, with the Bay Bridge and pastel hues complementing it in the background. 

Shining Bright in Santa Monica: Reflections at the Pier

 

A bustling night out at the Santa Monica Pier. Crowds began to dissipate as we went further down the pier into pitch black darkness, hearing laughter in the distance and calming waves. 

From the other side, we could see the famous Pacific Wheel, altering into different colors and designs every other second. I particularly loved this color cast--a mix of orange and pink, creating that soft yet vibrant salmon color. 

The Great Wheel by the Pier Waters

 

The classic Great Wheel in Seattle sitting pretty by the pier. 

Windy weather = clearing skies. With the clouds slowly breaking through, the sky looks so much like a painting with some wispy cloud strokes across it and faded blue colors in its surroundings. 

A Million Miles: Pier 7 Walkway Bursting with Clouds

Pier 7 Walkway Daytime Part II: What a dream. Walking across the pier a couple hours before sunset with a partly cloudy sky. These cumulus clouds shined so brightly with the sun blaring out from above, creating some pretty cool effects. I decided to add in some light red gradient filters to create a vivid contrast from top to bottom.

Magnificent Walkway: Colorful Gradient Imagery

Pier 7 Walkway Daytime Part I: One of my favorite spots in the city that offers the best views of downtown San Francisco, the Bay Bridge, and surrounding waters.

After taking this image, I decided to add in a faded gradient filter effect with partly saturated colors. The blue and red hues add the perfect contrast to this, offering up a warm yet cool vibe--the best contradiction.

Soft, Pastel Sunset Vibes Above the Bay Bridge

While at the pier, I watched the blue skies and fading sun descend into sunset...then into twilight and into full darkness.

I love how perfect this sunset is--so simple yet magical with its pastel colors and soft, clear skies. Absolutely a classic.

Deep Blue Twilight Skies and Glistening Skyscraper Lights

Pier 7 at Night Part IV: The clearest, bluest, chilliest night ever in the city with winds blowing in every direction. But nothing can distract this gorgeous view of the new San Francisco city skyline. Illuminating lights deck the buildings of the Embarcadero; glowing yellow lights adorn the edges of the famous Embarcadero Center towers, and various purple and red shades magnify from the distance. 

Aqua Sky, Clouds, and Waterfront Reflections

These boats are all aligned so perfectly at the port by the waterfront. The cloudy sky and mid-afternoon light add an extra surreal touch to this image. The overcast skies and the boats also reflect upon the gray-aqua hued waters, giving it a magical, dreamy vibe.

Symmetrical Trees and Reflections By the Waterfront

While walking by the pier along the waterfront, I noticed these simple, symmetrical trees aligned together across the water and had to capture this spectacular photo, especially with the mid-afternoon sun shining below and clouds sweeping across the sky. The extra glow and the reflections don't hurt either!

Circle Art Sculpture: Through the Looking Glass

While taking a stroll by the piers, I noticed this zigzag-circle sculpture. I love how it blends in with the deep blue waters and perfectly captures the palm tree and bridge in the background. It's like a magnifying glass zooming in closely on the city!