The art of photographing Manhattan Beach
The Manhattan Beach Pier on Friday October 8, 2021, by Jefferson Graham for the Photowalks series
How can you not fall in love with Manhattan Beach?
I’ve been photographing her for over 25 years, since moving here in 1996, and let’s face it, there’s not a bad angle down by the beach, whether that be early morning, mid-day, sunset, from the left, right or above.
For my YouTube Photowalks travel photography series, in which I bring viewers along with me to iconic places, to find the best photo spots, I was joined by a fellow photographer from Morro Bay. I first met Charlotte “Ginger” DiNunzio when she showed me around the Central California coast for a season 1 episode, in Morro Bay and next-door Cayucos, in search of the best photo spots there. (And there are many.)
So this time around, for season 2, I showcased the crown jewel of Manhattan Beach, the Pier, from both sides (south is best for sunsets and reflections) and we of course went under the pier for portraits. From now through the end of the year, you’ll see big crowds under the pier, with people lining up for their holiday card portraits.
Ginger has a new book coming out in November, “Ginger Snaps, a Photographic Exploration of Redheads Across England,” and I’m proud to say she used her marketing photo from under the Pier. Why not? It’s a pretty magical place.
Please take a look at the episode, and hopefully stay tuned for part 2, in which I explore Redondo Beach with my mom Judy.