Tonight, the January 29 sunset from Santee Lakes was spectacular. By this time of year, I am getting home from the office with time to spare to catch the last light. The high clouds this afternoon looked like they were setting up perfectly and it did not disappoint.
Because Santee Lakes closes at 5 PM this this of year, I don’t have time to enter the park and shoot inside. However, the Mast Blvd bridge is a perfect vantage point overlooking Lake 2. You have a wide view of the park, Mission Trails and Cowles Mountain, as well as plenty of water and sky to balance the image.
My home is near the corner of Fanita Parkway and Mast Blvd, and there are a couple other overlooks that provide nice views at sunset. This one is super nice, especially because in a moment’s notice, I can grab my camera and walk right to the bridge in just a minute or two.
It really is amazing how much of a difference the winter season makes for the light in Southern California. These high clouds are amazing, and maybe not an unusual sight in areas closer to the normal path of the jet steam, but they aren’t always prevalent in Southern California.
Below, I have included a gallery of several images taken in several overlooks and in different image orientations. I believe the Sunset in landscape from Mast Blvd is the best. Let me know if you have a preference!
As always, I thank you very much for reading, and I hope you enjoy the images!
Further Viewing
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.