Dennis Lee
August 2026 - Morro Rock from the North Point
About the Image(s)
Morro Rock is seen here from the North Point area, rising dramatically above the coastline. This towering 581-foot volcanic plug at the entrance to Morro Bay, is one of California's most recognizable coastal landmarks. It is the most prominent of the Nine Sisters, a chain of ancient volcanic plugs that stretches from Morro Bay inland toward San Luis Obispo. Morro Rock formed about 23 million years ago, when magma solidified beneath the Earth's surface and the surrounding softer rock gradually eroded away, leaving the resistant volcanic core exposed.
1/250s, f/13, ISO100
8 comments posted
The good aspects of this image are that it is well-composed, focused and perfectly exposed. Unfortunately, to me, it lacks any significant visual appeal. Rather than creating a shot that causes me to pause and admire, I found little visual interest beyond a rock jutting out of the waves. It's like something I'd shoot to remember from a vacation. I anticipate there are more creative ways to capture this volcanic relic. Posted: 08/03/2026 21:14:05
The photo is the combination of the curving shoreline + repeating waves + massive Morro Rock. The tiny people along the beach make the rock and coastline feel large. Posted: 08/08/2026 17:21:42
This is a good snap shot of the beach and the rock, interesting wave patterns and the wet shine on the beach Posted: 08/09/2026 19:04:18
Dennis,
This is a good snapshot of the shoreline. I think the rock should be the dominant subject, and it appears that the light was quite nice. A tighter crop that emphasizes the rock could strengthen the composition. The colors seem a little flat, and the image could benefit from more contrast.
Best wishes,
Michele Posted: 08/12/2026 17:25:18
This is a good snapshot of the shoreline. I think the rock should be the dominant subject, and it appears that the light was quite nice. A tighter crop that emphasizes the rock could strengthen the composition. The colors seem a little flat, and the image could benefit from more contrast.
Best wishes,
Michele Posted: 08/12/2026 17:25:18
Dennis, very interesting narrative. I also agree with Michele that the image feels slightly flat. I dehazed it and cropped it a bit, which I think gives it more depth and impact. Posted: 08/16/2026 23:28:07
The only reason I think this feels flatter than it should be for me, is that you have a dark village and hills in the background with not much light, shade and contrast, coupled with a dark rock and a light sea. Sometimes the more natural WYSIWYG approach can also work. I think my take on it might have been to find a way to get more from the background to provide more depth together with some light and shade on the rock. Ended up after an edit similar to Michele's.
Posted: 08/17/2026 14:49:53
Posted: 08/17/2026 14:49:53
Similar to Tom's I meant...
Posted: 08/18/2026 09:06:44
Posted: 08/18/2026 09:06:44
Thank you all for the comments and suggestions. Also appreciate the edited images, I think they do help make the image stronger. Much appreciated. Posted: 08/18/2026 17:00:57