My October 2018 Photo of the Month is SDR1, taken at a pond along the San Diego River in Santee, California.
SDR1 Background
The San Diego River is an overlooked subject for photographers throughout this County. Even this location, the vicinity of which was a recent Photo of the Month, is a spot I totally overlooked in living in Santee for the last 16 years, about 12 of which I was seriously into photography.
Recent weather influenced by recent Hurricane/Tropical Storm Rosa and the occasional pineapple express have produced very interesting evenings the last couple months. A couple of high pressure zones also produced clear evenings and postponed our marine layer season. Only recently has the familiar fog and onshore flow returned in season.
This meant that looking for good evenings to shoot with some locations in mind were a priority. I enjoyed this photograph because of the light pinks, which seems to be a little rare. This section of the San Diego River is restored riparian habitat, although I hesitate to call it natural since it is below the El Capitan Dam and likely fed with recycled water from the area’s water districts. This isn’t a bad thing, but there is a big difference between truly natural and restored habitat. The ducks seem to enjoy the peace and quiet (and water!) though.
This is also a heavily urbanized area. Beyond that tree line is urban jungle. In fact, hundreds to thousands of people are shopping beyond those trees, oblivious to this beautiful and scenic spot. For the sake of the area, I hope it stays that way.
I still have a huge backlog in images to edit and post from the last two months, including a number which would be candidates for a Photo of the Month had I not picked this one already. I’ve been in Arizona, Northern California, and parts between seeing the outdoors, family, and friends.
I changed my work schedule last year after missing so many beautiful November sunsets, and I hope we can see somewhat of a repeat this year. I hope you get a chance to make a number of great images too.
As always, thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy the image.
Further Viewing
Photos of the Month Portfolio Gallery
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.
Nicely seen, Tracy. I have not been doing much local photography this year and I think Nov-Dec will change that as desert hiking season approaches and the clouds in the foothills will, hopefully, become abundant.
Thanks Joe. I think taking some breaks during certain times of the year is a good thing (my processing backlog being evidence of that).
Our group of friends love the desert, so it’s just about time to get busy and get some cholla stuck to our boots. Looking forward to some more adventures.
TM