My April 2025 Photo of the Month is TP524, photographed in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, here in San Diego.
TP524 Background
There have been several trips recently to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. One of the reasons for this is that friend and reader Alex has an annual pass, which handles the entrance fee. Plus, he buys me taco shop burritos after the hike. Who can say no to this?
April was also a great month for viewing the chaparral flower season. I spent far too much time in the Seek app adding plants to my finds, but I also made far too many images.
This sandstone cliff edge along the Guy Fleming Trail has long caught my attention. The cliff itself is picturesque, but the growth of a younger Torrey Pine, that may find it difficult up top to have enough room and nutrients to reach maturity, showed just how fragile these trees really are.
The photograph itself looks pretty straightforward, but there are areas of brush and cacti that can get in the way of a clean view. It took a little time and effort (and several visits) to finally settle on something I liked.
In addition, this photograph was made at a very specific time of day – mid-to-late morning, when the omnipresent marine layer is burning off. I enjoy this transition time, when the clouds being parting, and the sky begins showing. It took a couple visits before I really timed this one correctly.
Finally, it became apparent in my editing that I appreciated the shadows most – this made it apparent that a monochrome treatment would deliver what I wanted most.
As always, thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoyed the image.
Further Viewing
Torrey Pines Portfolio Archive
Greater San Diego Portfolio Archive
T.M. Schultze Fine Art America Print-On-Demand Store
T.M. Schultze is a San Diego-based photographer, traveller, and writer. He writes, photographs, and draws things of the outdoors that have inspired humans for thousands of years. He co-authored the Photographer’s Guide to Joshua Tree Park which can be purchased here.
Perhaps it’s necessary to know that spot and the place to truly appreciate the photo, but that is a really nice take on a spot that I’ve stared at many times myself. Nicely done.