In April 2022, I was on a scouting trip to the Big Sur area in preparation for a landscape photography workshop I am hosting soon. One of the places I visited is the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and did the hike to the Pfeiffer Falls. I had never been before and was eager to visit.

The morning was perfect for a hike. The air was cool, but not cold. I started early enough that the trail was mostly empty, just a few other early birds like me. The hike is not technically challenging, although it does involve climbing a lot of stairs. One section of the trail has a very cool wooden bridge that cuts across a chasm. The zig-zagging stairs on either end make for a great photo. I wish I’d set up a timer and put myself into this shot!

When I reached the end of the trail, there it was, Pfeiffer Falls. Pfeiffer Falls are not epic and the angles for photography are limited. Nevertheless, the steady stream of fresh water cascading down the rock face was a nice payoff for a leisurely hike.

Having started early, I had the location almost entirely to myself. Occasionally, another visitor would come by, look at the falls, then continue their hike. I spent about 30 minutes or so Pfeiffer Falls. Some of that was camera work, some of that was just relaxing and enjoying being outdoors.

As I sat on the benches across from the base of the falls, I became intrigued with the base of the falls. In and of itself, it was a nice scene, a simple story. I set up my gear once again and took a final frame.