Grotto Cliffs

Shot on the coast of Santa Cruz, CA

The wind whipped at my face as I stood on the edge of the cliffs, staring at the crashing waves below. The sun was sinking fast, and frustration gnawed at me—I hadn’t found the shot. The salty tang of the sea filled the air, the taste sharp on my tongue. I could hear the constant roar of the waves hitting the rocks, and feel the grit of sand under my boots as I climbed over the rugged terrain. Time was running out.

I’d spent what felt like hours searching for the right angle, but nothing clicked. The sky was painted in soft blues, purples, and pinks, and the light was fading quickly. Just when I thought I’d missed my chance, I spotted it: a natural cove where the cliffs dropped into the dark, swirling water. The waves crashed against the rocks, throwing white foam into the air, and the last light turned the cliffs to gold.

I set up my camera, excitement rushing through me. The sound of distant gulls faded as I focused on the scene. The textures of the cliffs, the colors of the sky, the movement of the ocean—it was all perfect. I pressed the shutter, and in that moment, everything came together.

In that instant, I captured not just the landscape but the energy of the place—the ocean’s roar, the winds’ bite, and the fleeting beauty of a day’s end. As the last sliver of sun disappeared, I knew this shot would stay with me, no matter how many sunsets I chased.