Carmel-by-the-Sea: Through the Lens of Aaron Chang

Carmel-by-the-Sea

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



Carmel-by-the-Sea
Through the Lens of Aaron Chang
2nd Edition

Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery
South Side of Ocean Avenue, between Lincoln and Dolores
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, 93921
Ph: 831-574-8038

Produced and Published by Aaron Chang Galleries
415 South Cedros Avenue, Suite #110
Solana Beach, California, 92075
Ph: 858-345-1880

AaronChang.com
[email protected]

All photographs and contents: Copyright © Aaron Chang 2020
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 Tony MacAllister

On the Cover: Pacific Green. The crisp, cool water in the Pacific
creates a moment frozen in time, like a glass sculpture. This photo
captures the crystal clear water moving towards the white sandy
beaches ahead, releasing its beautiful energy in the cool shallows of the shore.

ISBN 978-0-578-46383-4

Printed in USA

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Carmel-by-the-Sea

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POINT LOBOS STATE NATURAL RESERVE
The rugged coast in the China Cove area of the park includes magical
spots like Hidden Beach.

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INTRODUCTION

With its blue skies, dynamic coastline, and sparkling beaches, Carmel-by-the-Sea has a powerful magnetic quality that
has attracted scores of artists since the turn of the century. Today, with nearly 100 galleries located within one square
mile, it is a place of endless inspiration, where time stands still and artistic creations can shine and be treasured.

Aaron Chang is among the latest generation of artists to showcase his fine art photography at his new gallery on
Ocean Avenue. In Carmel-by-the-Sea: Through the Lens of Aaron Chang, the internationally acclaimed surf and ocean
photographer shares evocative images that celebrate the unique character of the beaches, landscapes and wildlife
around Carmel and the California Central Coast, alongside some of his best-selling ocean photography.

Armed with three decades of experience shooting the world’s most exquisite beaches, the master photographer is
uniquely qualified to capture the timeless and untamed natural beauty of Carmel. With the turn of a page, readers
will be transported to enchanting locales like the dramatic shoreline of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, the iconic
Bixby Creek Bridge, and Carmel Beach at dawn.

“It is a great honor to showcase my work in this vibrant artistic community. The color and tone of the ocean in Carmel
is unlike anything I’ve seen in my travels around the world,” says Aaron. “Combined with the crisp sea air and the
friendliness of the people, I am hooked! I look forward to many years of capturing the region’s beauty through my
lens.”

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.

CARMEL BEACH PERFECTION
A perfect wave curls offshore at Carmel Beach.

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21 DOLPHINS
Dolphins bodysurf the shorebreak off the coast in
this playful panoramic shot. To hear Aaron’s story
about this shot, visit AaronChang.com/21-Dolphins.

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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 viewer
internationally acclaimed artist, Chang has collectors all connecting with nature in a meaningful way.
over the world and his work has been published in hundreds
of books and magazines. Respected as a creative force who Aaron continues to create unique innovative pieces for his
helped visually define the sport of surfing, Aaron spent many commercial clients, including mixed media sculptures
25 years as a senior photographer at Surfing Magazine, commissioned in 2019 by the healthcare industry. One
traveling to the far reaches of the globe. During this time, piece spans 9’ wide x 12’ high. It is a lenticular image of a
Chang set new standards for modern ocean photography. wave that’s breaking as the viewer moves alongside the
piece.
Today, as a fine art photographer, Aaron’s company has
owned and operated two thriving galleries in California for With the trend toward biophilic design (bringing the
the past 11 years. In 2019, Aaron opened his Carmel gallery connection with nature into the design of where we live and
on Ocean Avenue. Aaron continues to travel the world, work), Aaron’s art is aligned with the concepts that focus on
having melded his passion for the ocean and the visual arts the energy and power of the ocean.
into a successful lifelong career.
Aaron’s passion is to share his love and connection with the
Aside from photography, Aaron is delving into multi-media ocean. Whether through photography or sculpture, Aaron
sculpture. The most exciting piece in the works is a 20- has a base of passionate fans that long to experience the
foot surfboard sculpture, comprised of 65 environmentally beauty of the ocean through his eyes. You can see more of
friendly, algae-based surfboards. The purpose of the Aaron’s work at AaronChang.com.
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 Artist” or “Best Gallery” from 2011 to 2019. Aaron also serves as San Diego’s
“Ambassador of the Arts” appointed by the San Diego Tourism Authority.

AARONCHANG.COM

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GOLDEN HOUR
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.

BIXBY BRIDGE
Bixby Creek Bridge, also known as Bixby Canyon Bridge, on the Big Sur coast of California,
is one of the most photographed bridges in California due to its aesthetic design.

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ENCHANTED SUNSET
This extraordinary view was captured from the water during the last moments of a perfect sunset. 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: AaronChang.com/Enchanted-Sunset

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POINT LOBOS FLOWERS
Wild flowers cover Pinnacle Cove in the northwest corner of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

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PEBBLE BEACH 18TH HOLE
A perfectly manicured, dew-kissed green awaits a
day of golf and sun at Pebble Beach. Considered
the best finish hole in golf, with a view of Carmel

Beach that can’t be beat.

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CARMEL BEACH
The view from the Pebble Beach Golf Links course overlooks the stunning white sand and pristine waters of Carmel Beach.
The Santa Lucia mountain range frames this beautiful scene with its soft rolling hills.

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KELP 21

This black and white photo is a
study in texture, design and tone

in a tribute to the style of local
Carmel master photographers,

Edward and Brett Weston.

CARMEL SHOREBREAK
The shorebreak at Carmel Beach can be powerful when the open ocean swells hit the shallow sandbars,
creating spectacular moments like this.

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STILLWATER COVE

A local favorite beach, Stillwater Cove, is located below the Pebble Beach Beach Club and is known
for scuba diving, kayaking, sailing and sunbathing.

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CARMEL MISSION SANCTUARY

The sanctuary of the church features the Mission’s collection of Spanish Colonial Liturgical Art and
Artifacts. The Basilica Church is a registered National Historic Landmark.

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CARMEL MISSION BASILICA CHURCH

The second of the 21 California missions built, the Carmel Mission was first dedicated in 1797 and remains
active and alive to this day. It is considered one of the most authentically restored missions in California.

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C A L IF O RN I A’S M OS T P I C TU R ESQ U E B EAC H
McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park plunges 80 feet down a cliff into a secluded cove in the Pacific Ocean.
This view of McWay Beach is among California’s most iconic views.

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SWAMI’S REEF 27
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

MORNING STAIRS
A crisp morning light shines on the stairs that lead down to the sand on the south end of Carmel Beach.

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GALLOP

Early morning light bounces off gold-toned waves at Carmel River State Beach,
creating a moment of pure beauty and strength as the surf gallops to shore.

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HARMONY
This stunning representation of the iconic Lone Cypress captures the beauty and essence of the California coast. At over 200 years old, this
type of cypress only grows at Pebble Beach and Point Lobos.

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BLUE BEACH
A flock of sandpipers run through the shallow waters of Carmel Beach, racing the tides in search of their next meal.

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BIG SUR COAST
This view looking south down the coast shows the rich coastline of the Santa Lucia Range,
as the mountains cascade into the sea.

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SOBERANES TREES
A local favorite, Soberanes Canyon Loop Trail in Garrapata State Park, takes you into a hidden forest of redwoods and pines.

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TRANSCENDENCE
The warm light of sunset in Carmel illuminates the final moments of day, casting a silver glow on the clouds and beach.
To see more about this shot, visit: AaronChang.com/Transcendence-Blog

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CYPRESS POINT
A cluster of stoic cypress trees
cling to a cliff above the crisp
blue waters of Bluefish Cove
in Point Lobos State Natural
Reserve.

MARBLED GOTWITS
One of Carmel’s many

groups of sea birds, these
Marbled Godwits are a
pleasure to watch.

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CARMEL BEACH
Through the trees that line the beachfront looking south towards Carmel Point, stands a house on
the point designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

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NISENE MARKS FOREST BRIDGE
Lush, verdant, moss covers the trees in this storybook photo of a bridge in the heart of the forest.

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ASILOMAR BEACH
A popular surfing beach, Asilomar, with its white sand, is a beautiful place to experience the ocean.

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BLUE OMBRE
Crystal clear water and bubbles from the aerated surf lace this delicate wave.

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SALT WATER RH APSODY

A wave explodes against a rock, sending droplets flying towards the golden setting sun. Earth meets water meets sky in this warm,
sultry explosion of warm tones and crisp white water. Learn more about this shot here: AaronChang.com/Salt-Water-Rhapsody-Blog

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CYPRESS COVE, POINT LOBOS
Often described as the best view in the

reserve, Cypress Cove could not be more
perfectly composed.

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CYPRESS TREE
The mist of the Carmel River lagoon highlights the silhouette of this ancient cypress tree.
This is the view from the scenic drive in Carmel heading south.

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MONTEREY MARINA SUNRISE
Predawn sunrise colors light up the harbor in Monterey.

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SERENITY
This predawn, abstract, line-up shot captures a perfect set of ten-foot waves peeling on the reef as the rising sun illuminates the western sky.
To watch Aaron’s video about this image, visit: AaronChang.com/Serenity-Blog

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