Artwork 981
Photo Location: Pismo Beach, CA
Pismo Beach Pier
Stretching from the heart of Pismo Beach into the open Pacific, the Pismo Beach Pier is one of the defining landmarks of California’s Central Coast. In this abstract capture from under the pier, the long structure reaches across the water toward the horizon, connecting the energy of the roudy ocean waves with the gentle display of pastel colors in the morning sky.
Pismo Beach has the youthful character of a classic California beach town. Wide stretches of sand surround the pier, while restaurants, shops, hotels, and the streets of downtown sit only steps from the shoreline. Surfers move through the waves, fishermen gather along the railings, and thousands visitors walk to the end of the pier simply to watch the Pacific.
A Pier Built Against the Pacific
The pier’s history speaks for itself. Pismo Beach has had several versions of its pier since the late 19th century. Powerful Pacific storms and heavy surf repeatedly damaged earlier structures, requiring rebuilding and major reconstruction over the years. The pier standing here today continues that history—a familiar landmark that has survived because the community continued to rebuild it.
There is also another piece of Pismo Beach history beneath (and above) the sand.
The area was once famous for its enormous populations of Pismo clams. At low tide, people searched the beach for them in such numbers that Pismo Beach became known as the “Clam Capital of the World.” The clam population eventually declined dramatically, although more recently there are regulatios in place that let you harves clams of certain size only.
Good part is, if you don't feel like digging into the sand, you can see plenty of clams being rolled around in waves that are smaller in size, still unshucked that you can pickup and feel inside your hand before you put it back into the water.
Photographing Pismo Beach Pier
As I am building my fine art pier photography collection, I am constantly researching and looking for piers that have a unique and symmetrical structure. Pismo Beach Piers is definitely one of those nearly perfect subjects. I've shot it many times, but could never get a perfect light and color I was quite satisfied with.
I kept going there over and over and different times but could not get it quite right. During the sunsets the sun is setting in front of the camera which isn't always the best thing, with light and colors being a bit over dramatic.
Sunrise, was the right time to capture it. The only problem with sunrises, they are quite fleeting. Colors don't last in the sky as long and often times they are very subtle.
After about 6 months of going back there I finally was able to get this photo in a better way than I could have imagined. The metallic blues in the rushing ocean water compliment the blues in the sky with some added hint of magentas. It has a nearly perfect natural balance.
Pismo Beach Pier as Fine Art
As a large-format print, this abstract wall art can work especially well in spaces where the horizontal movement of the coastline and pier has room to breathe. It can complement coastal interiors, contemporary spaces, offices, beach homes, and rooms designed around neutral or ocean-inspired tones.
This photograph is available as a signed and numbered limited-edition of a 100 fine art prints by Jongas, including the signature TruLife® acrylic presentation. Each limited-edition print includes a Certificate of Authenticity.
Continue exploring the Jongas collection through Ocean Seascape Photography, or browse the broader collections of Landscape and Nature Fine Art Photography by Jongas.
