Pacific Ocean | Russ Bishop Photography

May 14, 2026May 14, 2026

Point Lobos State Reserve

Point Lobos State Reserve on the Big Sur Coast south of Carmel is the quintessential California seaside location. Once the haunt of luminary local residents Edward Weston and Ansel Adams, its rocky cliffs, cypress groves, pebbled beaches, and blue lagoons provide an endless variety of photographic opportunities.

As part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary its waters are home to abundant sea life including the endangered sea otter and California’s state fish, the garibaldi making it a favorite with divers. Extensive trails wander through rare groves of Monterey Cypress, which only occur here and in the nearby town of Monterey, and are the classic wind-swept symbol of the central California coast.

Exploring the Big Sur area provides a wealth of natural history opportunities and a visit to Point Lobos is a highlight of any trip.

July 11, 2024July 12, 2024

The Fire Within

The Fire Within. For more than a quarter century Madame Pele the goddess of fire has let her temperament be known on the Big Island of Hawaii. Often without warning she has re-awakened many times during a forty-year period sending a river of lava flowing into the sea and creating one of the most active volcanoes on earth.

This image made in the pre-dawn hours in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park shows the raw force of fire and water combining to form new land. It is an incredible spectacle to witness and one of the most challenging subjects I have ever photographed.

For many years walking across miles of a’a lava fields (the sharp brittle variety) in the dark and carefully setting up a tripod on a newly formed shelf above the sea was the only option. But when the lava began flowing into the sea an off-shore view provided a new perspective to this ever-changing landscape.

In stark contrast to shooting the lush forests and beautiful beaches on the windward side of this same island, this is a land of raw earth and fire – and beauty of a different kind. The experience is intoxicating, and once you’ve caught your first glimpse of Pele’s glow the desire to return again and again is hard to resist.

November 30, 2023November 30, 2023

The Magic Sands

The north shore of Kauai has long been the stuff of lore. From children’s songs like Puff the Magic Dragon to movies including South Pacific, King Kong and Jurassic Park, the backdrop of lush spires and sun-drenched sands on the aptly named Garden Isle leaves a lasting impression on anyone who visits.

From the village of Hanalei to the end of the road at Ke’e Beach the views are spectacular and easily accessible. At road’s end, the famed Kalalau Trail begins this classic trek that hugs the cliffs and wanders the verdant valleys along the dramatic Na Pali Coast for 11 challenging miles to Kalalau Beach.

Whether you’re looking to get away from it all in a remote tropical valley you can call your own, or simply want to experience a sunset like no other with your toes in the sand, you’re sure to find your little piece of paradise at the end of the road on Kauai’s north shore.