The Golden Gate Bridge has always held a special place in my heart—its iconic beauty and grandeur make it my favorite bridge in California. My photograph, “City by the Bay” captures the bridge’s essence from Baker Beach, where I couldn’t wait to capture its breathtaking view through my lens. I meticulously planned my visit, experimenting with angles and snapping dozens of photos, driven by a desire to showcase the bridge in a truly unique way.

But the journey wasn’t smooth. Earlier that day, after photographing Pigeon Point Lighthouse, I returned to my rental car to find a completely flat tire. With no spare and no cell service, I felt stranded—until a kind tourist let me borrow their phone to call for help. AAA arrived and temporarily inflated the tire, but the nearest city was 25 minutes away. Thankfully, the AAA driver followed me to a tire shop, where the repair was quick. Miraculously, I made it to Baker Beach just in time to catch the bridge bathed in golden light.

Standing there with waves crashing at my feet, I couldn’t help but reflect on how close I’d come to missing this moment. This photograph is more than just a beautiful image—it’s a testament to perseverance and the thrill of capturing an iconic landmark against all odds.