Seaside Sunset

A couple of years ago, I was inspired by a really incredible photog from Flickr-- Lisa Lucky-- to take some wide-angle photos of the kids in front of a beach sunset.  I loved what she got here and here.  I asked Lisa how she got some of her shots, and she gave me some pointers.  The biggest tip?  You're at Mother Nature's mercy.  You just can't create a beautiful sunset-- it has to be there for you to work with.  So, I bought the wide-angle lens I'd been lusting after, and waited for beach vacation time to come around.

Lisa was right.  In the whole week we were there, there was *one* day with a sunset that was close to what I wanted.  I mean, all sunsets in Seaside are beautiful, but this masterpiece was the one that would really sing in a photo.  After checking every day, I saw it, and ordered the kids out to the beach immediately.  They took direction well-- just hold hands and walk away from me!  Of course, I've learned a lot since then, and see things that I'd change now.

For the past several months, the folks at Cottage Rental Agency-- the company that handles all the real estate and rentals in Seaside-- have been running a contest:  "Picture Yourself in Seaside."  I sent in this picture and didn't think much of it for several months.  And now, I find out that I won the Grand Prize!  Four days and three nights in Seaside!  Thanks CRA!  Let me unfold my remarks here.  I'd... uh... like to thank the Academy, Lisa for the inspiration, Mother Nature for the awesome view, and my kids for being cooperative and cute.