Willie Huang Photo
Light Force
This was shot back in early December when I headed down to Pfeiffer Beach for my first attempt at the portal. This is the other light beam area of Pfeiffer Beach that is overshadowed by the popularity of the main portal. I had discovered this area on my first visit to Pfeiffer Beach over the summer. At first I had thought this area was the famous portal area until I turned my head and realized the true portal was sitting right in front of the open beach.
With time to kill prior to sunset I realized there was an intense beam shining through the opening here. I decided to give this place a shot at capturing the light beam here as well. After looking around I knew what I wanted: foreground rocks with water flowing down over them, intense light beam, and a glowing splash at the end of the tunnel. Yes, I wanted all three elements in my one shot. It took a while but I finally figured out what I exactly needed to get this shot. I needed a large wave followed by a small wave shortly and a time of calm after.
Luckily it was a high surf day and the waves kept coming and coming. The large waves would engulf the entire tunnel section and cover the light beam but would spew up significant mist and would create water flow over the foreground rocks. Right after a smaller wave arrived. It was not enough to interfere with the light beam but was enough to crash into the end of the tunnel and created a splash that glowed in the sunlight. I fired away and captured my ideal moment.
On a side note, I’m not completely sure if this light beam occurs all the time during sunset in the winter months. My buddy Aaron said this light beam did not exist this past weekend during low tide. Perhaps this beam only occurs during higher tides that produce enough mist for the beam.
Canon 5D Mark II
EF 24-70mm f/2.8L
(IMG3496)
Light Force
This was shot back in early December when I headed down to Pfeiffer Beach for my first attempt at the portal. This is the other light beam area of Pfeiffer Beach that is overshadowed by the popularity of the main portal. I had discovered this area on my first visit to Pfeiffer Beach over the summer. At first I had thought this area was the famous portal area until I turned my head and realized the true portal was sitting right in front of the open beach.
With time to kill prior to sunset I realized there was an intense beam shining through the opening here. I decided to give this place a shot at capturing the light beam here as well. After looking around I knew what I wanted: foreground rocks with water flowing down over them, intense light beam, and a glowing splash at the end of the tunnel. Yes, I wanted all three elements in my one shot. It took a while but I finally figured out what I exactly needed to get this shot. I needed a large wave followed by a small wave shortly and a time of calm after.
Luckily it was a high surf day and the waves kept coming and coming. The large waves would engulf the entire tunnel section and cover the light beam but would spew up significant mist and would create water flow over the foreground rocks. Right after a smaller wave arrived. It was not enough to interfere with the light beam but was enough to crash into the end of the tunnel and created a splash that glowed in the sunlight. I fired away and captured my ideal moment.
On a side note, I’m not completely sure if this light beam occurs all the time during sunset in the winter months. My buddy Aaron said this light beam did not exist this past weekend during low tide. Perhaps this beam only occurs during higher tides that produce enough mist for the beam.
Canon 5D Mark II
EF 24-70mm f/2.8L
(IMG3496)