Sometimes, a single photograph becomes a bridge to a forgotten story. With “Staircase to the Nowhere” it captures an abandoned staircase at Pismo Beach, descending into misty oblivion—its once purposeful path now fading into history. Taken in 2012, this haunting black-and-white photograph evokes both nostalgia and curiosity.

Preparing for a weekend getaway to Pismo Beach, I searched Pinterest for inspiration and came across a captivating image of a weathered staircase. Instantly drawn to it, I knew I had to find and photograph it myself. After tracking down its location, I set out early one morning, determined to capture its mysterious essence.

To create the dreamlike atmosphere, I used a long exposure technique, allowing the waves to blur into an ethereal mist. Black and white felt like the perfect choice to emphasize the moody, timeless quality of the scene. At first, I thought the staircase belonged to a lighthouse, but a client later informed me it was once part of a hotel, now long gone. I’ve since heard rumors that the staircase itself has disappeared, making this photograph not only a beautiful piece but also a memorial to a place lost to time.