Partington Cove
Partington Cove is a secluded rocky inlet along the Big Sur coast, reached by a short but steep trail that drops down through redwoods before opening onto dramatic kelp-filled water framed by rugged cliffs. The historic wooden dock and the hand-cut tunnel through the headland are two distinct compositional anchors worth exploring. Shoot from the dock looking back toward the cliffs for a strong sense of enclosure, or pass through the tunnel to reach the south-facing cove, where you get open ocean views and wave action against layered rock walls. Midday light can be harsh here, so overcast days are actually ideal for bringing out the deep greens of the water without blown highlights. A wide angle lens works well for the tunnel interior and cove walls, while a longer focal length pulls in detail on the kelp and cliffs. Parking is limited on Highway 1 and fills quickly, so arrive early. (Big Sur, California, United States)
