For an ocean photographer in southern California, there is one season that stands out from the rest: fall. 

Spring is full of weird winds and begins the season of overcast mornings (e.g. Graypril, May Gray). Summer continues with overcast mornings (e.g. June Gloom, No Sky July, Fogest, Meh-tember). 

But usually, by the time we get to October, those gray mornings are few and far between, the air is crisp, there is color in the sunrise and there are combinations of both late-season south swells and the beginning of NW swells arriving. 

This results in ideal ocean photography conditions: good light, swell, light winds, colorful sunrises and not many people at the beach. 

This season often lasts through winter, though the temperatures drop, and finds it end sometime in March or April. 

And the cycle begins anew. 

Here's to an excellent 2025/2026 season!