San Diego: Through the Lens of Aaron Chang, 5th Edition

SAN DIEGO
THROUGH THE LENS OF AARON CHANG

The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep,
and the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

Genesis 1:2-3



San Diego
Through the Lens of Aaron Chang
5th Edition

Produced and Published by Aaron Chang Galleries
415 Cedros Avenue, Suite #110
Solana Beach, California, 92075
Ph: 858-345-1880
www.AaronChang.com
[email protected]

All photographs and contents: Copyright © Aaron Chang 2018

All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced, in any form,
without permission from the publisher except by a reviewer.

Design by Nanette Newbry and Tony MacAllister

Distributed by Sunbelt Publications, Inc.
www.SunbeltPublications.com

On the Cover: Sunset Over Torrey Pines. A fiery sunset lights up the sky against
a serene landscape of the new Torrey Pines bridge. San Diego is one of the most
beautiful coastal cities in the country because of the diversity of the coastline
and moments like this.

ISBN 978-0-692-99748-2

Printed in USA

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SAN DIEGO
THROUGH THE LENS OF AARON CHANG
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SAN DIEGO SKYLINE AT TWILIGHT
Shot at 3,000 feet from a helicopter, this defining portrait of downtown San Diego and the surrounding communities shows
the intimate relationship between the city and the ocean. To see Aaron’s slideshow of San Diego night photography: AaronChang.com/san-diego-nights

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INTRODUCTION

With 70 miles of coastline, the beauty of San Diego is unmistakable. Seen from the perspective
of celebrated surf and ocean photographer Aaron Chang, Southern California’s most scenic
city is all the more breathtaking.

In the best selling gallery book, now in its 5th edition, San Diego Through the Lens of Aaron
Chang, the master photographer once again turns his eye toward San Diego—Aaron’s
hometown and the place he is most passionate about.

Armed with decades of experience shooting ocean scenes around the globe (both from shore
and while swimming in the waves with his camera), Aaron is a prolific photographer with the
unique ability to see the innate beauty in every moment. His stunning shots of San Diego
capture the full sensory experience—including the smells, sights, and sounds—of the region’s
vibrant coastline.

The cover image depicts an evocative sunset scene where fiery clouds float over the new
Torrey Pines bridge. On the pages that follow, viewers will discover a carefully curated selection
of Aaron’s most beloved photographs, along with new images like striking downtown skyline
panoramas and meditative scenes that capture the rustic beauty of San Diego’s inland area.

This interactive book also contains web links to behind-the-scenes stories about Aaron’s
inspiration, slideshow videos, and photography tips. To view the videos, simply enter the URL
into the address bar of your browser.

CLIFFS AT NORTH TORREY PINES
A paper-thin mirror of water is created by
the low tide, reflecting the sandstone cliffs
and cerulean sky. This image was shot at
North Torrey Pines, looking toward Del Mar.

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PALM TREES IN MISSION BAY PARK
Palm trees are silhouetted against the setting sun at Mission Bay. Shot on a warm winter’s day, this peach-toned sunset keeps summer
memories alive all year long. To see Aaron’s slideshow of San Diego night photography: AaronChang.com/san-diego-nights

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ABOUT AARON CHANG

Aaron Chang is an American-born artist, known for his Aaron’s new direction in photography melds the abstract
exceptional ocean photography and stunning visual art. An and reality genres in the ocean realm, resulting in the
internationally acclaimed artist, Chang has collectors all viewer connecting with nature in a meaningful way. Aaron
over the world and his work has been published in hundreds continues to create pieces for commercial development
of books and magazines. Respected as a creative force who companies, including two mixed media sculptures
helped visually define the sport of surfing, Aaron spent commissioned in 2017 by the health care industry. One
25 years as a senior photographer at Surfing Magazine, piece spans 10’ wide x 15’ high. It is a lenticular image of
traveling to the far reaches of the globe. During this time, a wave that’s breaking as the viewer moves alongside the
Chang set new standards for modern ocean photography. piece. With the trend toward biophilic design (bringing the
connection with nature into the design of where we live and
Today, as a fine art photographer, Aaron’s company has work) Aaron’s art is aligned with the concepts that focus on
owned and operated two thriving galleries in the San Diego the energy and power of the ocean.
area for the past 9 years. Aaron continues to travel the
world, having melded his passion for the ocean and the Aaron’s passion is to share his love and connection with the
visual arts into a successful lifelong career. ocean. Whether through photography or sculpture, Aaron
has a base of passionate fans that long to experience the
Aside from photography, Aaron is delving into multi-media beauty of the ocean through his eyes. You can see more of
sculpture. The most exciting piece in the works is a 20- Aaron’s work at AaronChang.com.
foot surfboard sculpture, comprised of 65 environmentally
friendly, algae-based surfboards. The purpose of the
sculpture is for the public to experience what it’s like to ride
a big wave, bringing awareness of the beauty and power of
our oceans.

The Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery was voted “Best Gallery” in 2017 by Ranch & Coast magazine. Aaron was named San Diego’s
“Best Artist” by the magazine from 2013 - 2016 and was named San Diego’s “Ambassador of the Arts” by the San Diego Tourism
Authority.

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GOLDEN HOUR, CARLSBAD
Some of the most magical moments in surfing happen in the last hour of sunlight. In this photo, a surfer is running out to catch one last wave
at Ponto Beach in Carlsbad.

EVERGLOW, BATIQUITOS LAGOON, CARLSBAD
The majesty of sunset is captured at the Batiquitos Lagoon in Carlsbad on a warm summer evening. The setting sun crowns the silhouetted
tree with wings of fire painted in the sky. To watch Aaron’s video about this piece: AaronChang.com/everglow-blog

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BLACK’S BEACH BOMB
A deep undersea canyon, just off the coast of La Jolla, acts as a funnel to trap and amplify the ocean swells. When the swells break on the
sandbars of Black’s Beach, they are some of the biggest and most powerful in San Diego.

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GRANDIOSE
A majestic Torrey pine tree reaches for the sea and sky. This photo was captured on the trails of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve,
between Del Mar and La Jolla.

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NIGHT AT BALBOA PARK
Warm lights shine from under the bridge at Balboa Park into the indigo night sky. In contrast, the California Tower
on the Prado is lit in majestic blue for the holidays. To see Aaron’s slideshow of San Diego night photography: AaronChang.com/san-diego-nights

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NEW YEARS EVE AT THE GASLAMP
When the sun sets in San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter comes to life. The trolley gates blink red as the
train gets ready to pass through the city. People get ready for the festive night ahead.

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BORREGO SPRINGS BADLANDS
In the heart of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the Borrego Badlands. This area, dating back 4 million years,
speaks of a time when water from the Colorado River once covered this area.

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SWAMIS REEF
The winter months produce King Tides - exceptionally high tides
that occur during the new or full moons. These tides also create

extreme low tides, great for exploring the tidepools and reefs.
To see a video about this, go to: AaronChang.com/swamis-reef

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OLD POINT LOMA LIGHTHOUSE

Built in 1854 and operational until 1891, the light from this lighthouse was reported to be visible

from 30 miles away. Powered by an oil lamp and projected by a Fresnel lens, the light required a dedicated

keeper 24 hours a day, seven days a week. SUNSET CLIFFS NATURAL PARK

Dedicated in 1983, the 68-acre Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

stretches along the Pacific Ocean bordering the western edge of

Point Loma. Sunset Cliffs is a wave rich surfing destination.

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SAN ELIJO EVENING PANORAMIC
A 180 degree view of the San Elijo Lagoon captures the beauty of North Coastal living. Shot at sunset, this peaceful
panoramic has incredibly high resolution, enabling the viewer to step into a day in the life of Cardiff-by-the-Sea.
To watch Aaron’s slideshow of San Diego images: AaronChang.com/san-diego-photography

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BRIDGE AT TORREY PINES
Misty early morning light illuminates the bridge where the estuary meets the sea. You can see the point at Del Mar and the headlands of
Encinitas in the distance. To see Aaron’s story behind this shot, visit: AaronChang.com/bridge-blog

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WINGS OF DESIRE, CARLSBAD

On a crisp California morning, the high tide backwash collides with an incoming wave, creating a plume of sparkling water
silhouetted against the tropical foliage.

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DOG BEACH, DEL MAR
A playful day on the beach in Del Mar where dogs run free, the water is warm and life is good. This beach is home to the
Helen Woodward Dog Surfing Competition.

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CARDIFF CAMPGROUNDS
A blanket of clouds cloaks the coast in this moody portrait of the beachside campgrounds in North Coastal Cardiff-by-the-Sea.
To see Aaron’s video about Cardiff-by-the-Sea: AaronChang.com/cardiff-royale-blog

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ENCHANTED SUNSET

This extraordinary view was captured from the water during the last moments of a perfect sunset in Solana Beach. The light offshore
wind turns each airborne water drop into a lens, refracting the light of the setting sun. To see Aaron’s video about this image:

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INDIAN SUMMER

Shot on a warm, tropical Indian summer evening at Cardiff Reef. These balmy days are rare, treasured moments in Southern California. To see Aaron’s Endless Summer video:
AaronChang.com/endless-summer-blog

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JOEL TUDOR
Longboarding surf legend, Joel Tudor, glides down the face of a wave with style and grace in La Jolla at Black’s Beach.

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TOP OF THE HYATT

One of the best views of the city by far, this image captures the beauty and city life of San Diego. Not a bad view with a black martini in hand, watching
the city come to life after a splendid sunset. For info on Aaron’s guided walking photo tour around San Diego Bay, go to: AaronChang.com/photo-tour

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DEL MAR BEACH
This view of Del Mar, shot from the
cliffs in Solana Beach, captures the joy
of a “Santa Ana” evening, where warm
winds draw out the community for a
stroll on the beach. Open and inviting,
this image embodies the beauty of
coastal living in Southern California.
To hear Aaron’s story about this image,
visit: AaronChang.com/del-mar-beach

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LA JOLLA AERIAL
The jewel of San Diego, downtown La Jolla sits on the coastal point overlooking the majestic cliffs to the north of
Black’s Beach. In the distance is Scripps Pier, home to the world-famous Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

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EPIC CARDIFF REEF

A powerful north swell connects with this Cardiff surf break on a crisp California winter
day. Delighted to have the peak to himself, this surfer paddles out to catch his next wave.

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IMPERIAL BEACH PIER
In this modern photo, sodium vapor lights, from a bygone era, cast a turquoise hue on the water while contrasting with a fiery red sunset.
To hear Aaron’s story about this iconic image, visit: AaronChang.com/ibpier

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GREEN TUBE DEL MAR
A green wave crashes off the shore of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in the first morning light. The Reserve is in the background.

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LAKE HODGES PANORAMIC, ESCONDIDO
From a hill above the lake, this southern view reveals the natural beauty of the North County wilds.
To see Aaron’s San Diego Inland Collection, commissioned by Sharp Hospital Rancho Bernardo: AaronChang.com/sharp

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CLIFFS ABOVE FLAT ROCK
The low tide mirrors the sandstone cliffs at the south end of Torrey Pines Natural Reserve looking south toward La Jolla.

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CHARIOTS OF FIRE, CARLSBAD
Shot in Carlsbad above Ponto State Park during a summer south swell, this photo captures an exquisite firey sunset. Many people on Aaron’s
Facebook page (@aaronchanggallery) suggested a name for this image, with Chariots of Fire winning the contest.

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BL AC K ’ S B E AU T Y, LA J O LL A
La Jolla consistently has the prettiest water in San Diego and Black’s Beach consistently has the best surf. In this
photo, the water clarity makes itself visible in the richness of blues and depth of color; all framed by a perfect wave.

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TORREY PINE TREE, LA JOLLA
Perched on the very edge of the cliffs in La Jolla, a rare Torrey pine tree, iconic in its outline, is a lone witness to the setting sun.

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RAIN CLOUD
Learning to surf in the rain takes dedication and courage. Aaron captures this intimate moment in Encinitas.
To watch a video about this inspiring shot, visit: AaronChang.com/rain-cloud

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PERFECT VIEW 46

The pristine beauty of the Pacific Ocean and the Torrey Pines State Reserve is captured by Aaron’s lens while he swims inside a wave. A surfer through
and through, Aaron’s skill at knowing where a wave breaks has helped him capture photos like this one. To see how Aaron captured this shot, go to his
behind-the-scenes video: AaronChang.com/perfect-view-blog

SAN DIEGO SKYLINE AT DUSK
San Diego lights up in this panoramic cityscape, shot during a golden sunset. Mountains loom over the skyline on a crystal clear “Santa Ana” day. The buzz of
commerce and city life comes alive in the details of the image, yet is settled by the elegant surroundings of the water and the afterglow of the setting sun. To watch
Aaron’s slideshow of San Diego images: AaronChang.com/san-diego-photography

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SURFERS PADDLING
Surfers stroke toward shore to catch an incoming set wave in Encinitas.

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