During a romantic getaway with my wife, we found ourselves in Ventura just as the sun began to dip below the horizon behind the iconic Ventura Pier. I had my camera with me and couldn’t resist the chance to capture the stunning contrast between the wooden structure and the vibrant hues of the sky in this photograph I ended up calling “The Ocean Calls.”

To add a dynamic element to my shot, I set up my tripod and opted for a longer exposure, aiming to give the crashing waves a dreamy, fluid quality. Determined to get the perfect angle, I positioned myself as close to the water as possible, fully aware of the risk of getting drenched—which I did—but it was completely worth it.

As I sat down to edit the photo, the name “The Ocean Calls” just made sense because I couldn’t shake the feeling of being connected to the water itself. It was as if the waves were whispering an invitation, urging me to lose myself in their rhythmic dance. That sense of tranquility and connection is what I hope to share through this image.