On a serene September morning, I set out for Strands Beach in Dana Point, accompanied by my then two-year-old daughter. My photograph, “California Surf,” captures the essence of that day and marks the beginning of what I hoped would be a series of shared photography adventures. Influenced by vintage aesthetics, the subdued tones of the overcast sky immediately captivated me, conjuring a timeless quality. Seated with Violet on the shore, we reveled in the sight of surfers gracefully riding the waves’ arcs.

With each click of my camera, I captured the surfers’ triumphant moments, sensing a perfect alignment of elements—Violet’s joyous presence, the rhythmic waves, and the soft, muted sky. This singular photograph transports me back to the iconic beach scenes of the 1960s, reminiscent of cherished vintage beach art.