If you frequent my blog, you may notice a pattern in location……Laguna Beach. As a Southern California photographer I understand the artist appeal of this beach city. With looming cliffs, hidden coves, amazing rock formations, rolling hills and a city rip for the artists picking, this location is a photographers dream.
My love affair started long before I became a photographer and started scouting locations for shoots. I adored this city decades before the reality show put Laguna Beach on the Nations radar. My affinity for Laguna started in 1978 when my parents would pack up our family in Golden Chevy with buckets, grass mats and boogie boards. We would drive the 15 minutes down El Toro Rd (this was back when there was next to nothing in El Toro and traffic was almost non-existent) and onto Laguna Canyon to take us to an afternoon of beach adventures. To a four year old, the excitement of going to a place with sand, water and waves was about as good as it got at that age.
And so the pattern of frequenting Laguna Beach on family excursions continued as I aged into the “wonder” years. In high school, as my love and talent for the arts began to blossom, I was introduced to the Laguna Arts festival and the Pageant of the Masters. Now it was solidified that I would forever love Laguna Beach. I had the comforting memories of my childhood and a community that welcomed the artist in my soul.
If you are ever to make your way to this amazing city, after you have scouted out the stopping grounds for the cast of Laguna Beach (am a little put out by that show…..oh no) there are a number of landmarks that you must experience.
The Lifeguard Tower on Main Beach
This may be the most photographed building in the city. Built in 1926 as the office of a nearby gas station office, City officials moved it across the street in 1937 and repurposed it as a lifeguard tower. It is one of the most photographic and painted landmarks in Orange County.
The Old Gazebow
Sometimes referred to as the most romantic spot in Laguna, this gazebo has seen its fair share of proposals and weddings. One can view the entire coastline from this spot and if you are lucky a little visit from a dolphin out amongst the waves (I have seen a number of them over the years!)
The Irvine Bowl
This is the home of the acclaimed Festival of the Arts and Pageant of the Masters. This outdoor, open-air setting provides a beautiful atmosphere for concerts and performances.
During July and August, the Pageant of the Masters features theatrical recreations of the world’s most famous paintings. Actors, magically bring classical and contemporary works of art to life by producing “living pictures.” (I try to get tickets almost every year).
Whaling Wall
Right outside Wyland’s gallery is a painting of a whale the size of the gallery. This painting is a part of his “Whaling Wall” series. These are painted in life-size dimensions to increase appreciation and understanding for aquatic habitats and the life within. Don’t forget to look inside the gallery also. We have to stop there every time we are in Laguna because my son Kaleb is OBSESSED with dolphins and Wyland has plenty of dolphin paintings and sculptures to keep him engaged. Our rule at the gallery is “look with your eyes only, not your hands”.
Nick and Jessica, I had so much fun with you on our Laguna Beach photo shoot. I can’t wait to see you in July for your wedding day! You guys are just to perfect together!
