Take the Time to Explore.

Earlier this week I had coffee with a wedding photographer in my area who I really admire, Ken Kienow.   We talked for about an hour and half about all kinds of things and he was kind enough to share what he’s learned over the past few years about running a successful business and how he has done things thus far.

When we were parting ways I asked him if there was anywhere that I should be sure to check out since I haven’t done enough sight-seeing in the area while we’ve been in California.  He mentioned a couple of places, one being the Avila Valley Barn.  Knowing I had probably missed the open hours for that day, I decided to drive out there anyway.  Sure enough, the cute little pick-your-own-produce, ice creamery, bakery and gift store barn was closed for the day, but I was interested in seeing what lay beyond as I knew I was close to the water.  I kept driving past the barn and came to a beautiful secluded bay.

It turned out to be an exciting experience and a beautiful one too:

Look closely and you’ll see what I did, or what I thought I did: a dolphin!  It really caught me by surprise, and not a minute later I heard this amazingly loud arh! arh! arh! arh! arh! coming from just down the pier. . . Not a dolphin.  Lots and lots of sea lions!  I’ve seen them in aquariums before but never in the wild . . . I put my brave face on and started down the stairs to get a closer look at this guy who had just jumped onto the landing from below. I definitely had a quick escape plan ready in case this giant decided to flap his flippers and charge at me ;) He wasn’t so bad after all . . . The light became really magical as the sun went down. Self portrait to remember the day by (and a reminder of how absolutely f-f-f-freezing it was out there!  I was not prepared!)

Thanks so much, Ken, for pointing me in the right direction on many levels :)  It’s photographers like you who share their knowledge who make this industry a great one to be a part of!

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