Idyllic Blue Hour by the Lighthouse

Hefner Lake and Park Part III: Dark azure blue skies have taken over.

The blue lights radiating from the lighthouse splendidly complements the cool hues of the stratosphere. 

Blue Rush: The Intricacies of Mission Dolores

Mission Dolores Basilica Church Part II: The golden hour (and the hour leading up to it) presents some of the best photographic moments. Buildings just look and hit differently depending on the lighting, the weather, and time of day. I love how this pic of the church looks like it's taken closer to blue hour and offers such a calming, chill presence. You can see the intricate details of the structure even more vividly during this moment. 

Contrasting Mountains in California: Aerial Views

The ridges, outlines, and contrasting colors of the San Gorgonio Mountains create an astonishing photo when captured on camera. 

Add in the crystal clear blue skies and this truly shines. 

Into the New: Desert Landscapes at Palm Springs

A new year = a new beginning. 

High above the mountains at over 8,000 feet, we are reminded of how quickly things can change and how vast the world really is. Opportunities present itself everywhere; we just need to take the leap in making that first step. 

Featured in Flickr's Explore.

Rustic Autumn to Winter: Fall Colors with Lights

Filoli Gardens Part III: The autumn season doesn't make an appearance until winter in California. With the holiday lights and decorations added to the mix, the gardens come alive. An array of rustic colors create a marvelous scenery for us to behold.

The Manipulation Effect: Magical Twin Stairways

The Myriad Botanical Garden is everything you would dream of. Tranquil, tropical, and filled with all of nature's surprises. 

Unique plants are tucked into every corner of the conservatory with picturesque staircases throughout. I decided to manipulate this photo by duplicating the stairwell, adding sun flare effects and lightening the tones for a magical twist.