Phil Colla

Pelicans of La Jolla Seabird

Pelican Portraiture in Overcast Light, Winter 2022-2023, Part VI

In overcast light there is really only one type of photograph I am looking to make: a portrait. Overcast skies can be thought of an enormous soft box, diffusing the light so it has little or no directionality. That means no shadows, which can be a good look for portraits!…

Phil CollaDecember 30, 2022

Pelicans of La Jolla Seabird

Brown Pelican Glottis Exposure: A Curious Seabird Behavior

Glottis exposure -- what is it? A "glottis exposure" is a not-so-well described pelican behavior. I have seen it thousands of times among California brown pelicans but didn't know the proper term for it until recently, when I became aware of some guy on Twitter who described what the behavior…

Phil CollaDecember 29, 2022

Seabird

Royal Terns in La Jolla, Sterna maxima

I've got a couple places in La Jolla that I go to to photograph animals or seabirds. Lately, one of those spots has had many Royal Terns (Sterna maxima). These images illustrate both non-breeding plumage (which is distinguished by the tern's black head cap only covering the back of the…

Phil CollaDecember 29, 2022

Birds Bosque del Apache New Mexico

A Bird Photography Weekend at Bosque del Apache NWR, December 2022

I had been discussing the possibility of re-visiting Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico for the last several months with Skip Stubbs, and we finally decided to commit a weekend and get out there. It had been 12 years since I was last there and I was…

Phil CollaDecember 28, 2022

Pelicans of La Jolla Seabird

Goldfish Point Pelicans: the Gift that Keeps on Giving, Winter 2022/2023, Part V

I'm shooting the La Jolla pelicans often this winter; see recent blog posts about La Jolla Pelicans as well as a gallery of my favorite brown pelican photos. Our wonderful weather and bird activity continues. It's the day after Christmas and the rest of the country remains freezing and in…

Phil CollaDecember 27, 2022

Pelicans of La Jolla Seabird

A Very Good, Not So Bad Pelican Photo Day, Winter 2022/2023, Part IV

If, like me, you enjoy photographing pelicans, Christmas came a day early this year. Well, sort of. I had to get some bread at Girard Gourmet for Christmas dinner, so went into La Jolla early on Dec 24. I had been photographing 3 of the previous 4 mornings but the…

Phil CollaDecember 26, 2022

Pelicans of La Jolla Seabird

Pelican Yoga, Winter 2022/2023, Part III

When photographing the birds in La Jolla, lately I have found myself trying to capture their bizarre contortions and realized these birds are the original yoga practitioners! (When brown pelicans bend their head backward to their back it is usually as a part of preening, so that the preen oil…

Phil CollaDecember 24, 2022

Islas Coronado Sea Lion Underwater Photography

A Huge Mellow California Sea Lion Bull, and a Sea Lion Pup’s Odd Coat

My efforts to photograph California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) this fall were not as productive as in the past, due to a combination of cancelled trips, poor weather, dirty water and a lack of sunshine. But on my last scheduled day diving in the Coronados this year I did have a…

Phil CollaDecember 23, 2022

Pelicans of La Jolla Seabird

California Brown Pelicans in La Jolla, Winter 2022/2023, Part II

The first few weeks in December were generally great for photographing a variety of subjects in La Jolla with the exception of La Jolla's California brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis), at least on the mornings I was there. The pelicans seemed to be mostly gone, perhaps offshore foraging or just occupying cliffs that…

Phil CollaDecember 21, 2022

Pelicans of La Jolla Seabird

Interesting Variations in California Brown Pelican Plumage, Pelecanus occidentalis, Winter 2022/2023 Part I

This is the time of year that I photograph in La Jolla often, and California brown pelicans are one of my favorite subjects. Adult brown pelicans are now entering the period when they display vibrant breeding and non-breeding winter plumage. And there is a variety of juvenile plumage to be…

Phil CollaDecember 20, 2022

Islas Coronado Sea Lion Underwater Photography

California Sea Lion Pups: Instagram Models and Another Runway Image

This year has been a challenge as far as diving locally is concerned. I had multiple trips planned to Mexico's Coronado Islands but so far only one has really produced any good diving and images. Here are some photographs from a single long dive at Lobster Shack, enjoying the company…

Phil CollaDecember 2, 2022

Pelicans of La Jolla Seabird

Perfect Conditions in La Jolla for Pelican Photography

November is a bit early for the best displays of California brown pelican breeding plumage. But we recently had a week-long run of perfect weather to photograph mornings in La Jolla. By perfect I mean just the right combination of sunlight, wind, certain water conditions (hint: think how the water…

Phil CollaNovember 29, 2022

Fur Seal Guadalupe Island Mexico Underwater Photography

Guadalupe Fur Seal Photos Underwater, Isla Guadalupe, Mexico

Guadalupe fur seals (Arctocephalus townsendi) can be found in small colonies along Guadalupe Island, resting in shallow water and hauled out on rocks. In fact, their coloration is such a fine match for the dark volcanic rocks that make up the coastline of Guadalupe Island that they are often hard to…

Phil CollaNovember 10, 2022

California Surf

Sunrise on Cylinders, The Wedge, Newport Beach

This image is an old favorite of mine. There was a period of time when I was visiting the Wedge often, usually midweek during the school year so the water was empty and I could shoot waves alone. I had many great mornings like that, with glassy water, no wind…

Phil CollaNovember 9, 2022

Argentina Underwater Photography Whales

New Photos of Southern Right Whales in Argentina, Eubalaena australis

After a three year break, I made it back to Peninsula Valdes with friends in September for another visit with Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis). There were two sessions planned and I was looking forward to both. The first was filled with sunny weather, inquisitive whales and generally great conditions.…

Phil CollaNovember 8, 2022

Aerial Photography Beautiful Views of San Diego La Jolla Panoramas

Aerial Panoramic Photo of Point La Jolla, Boomer Beach and Scripps Park at Sunset

Point La Jolla is the ideal place in La Jolla to watch the sunset. Flanked by Ellen Browning Scripps Park and the La Jolla Bridge Club, the point offers views north past La Jolla Shores and Torrey Pines State Reserve and west over the ocean. Sea lions are usually found…

Phil CollaNovember 2, 2022

Aerial Photography Beautiful Views of San Diego La Jolla Panoramas

Aerial Panoramic Photo of Children’s Pool in La Jolla, California

The Children's Pool in La Jolla is one of San Diego's coastal landmarks. Also known as Casa Cove and set amidst the Gold Coast of San Diego, the Children's Pool sea wall creates a snug little sand beach protected from the elements. It was gifted to the City of San…

Phil CollaNovember 1, 2022

Argentina Underwater Photography Whales

Courtship and Mating Groups Among Southern Right Whales

Courting groups of whales are spectacular. I have seen many humpback courting groups (aka, active groups, or heat runs, although the latter is misleading) in Hawaii and, at one time in my life, was tasked with getting in the water to determine who the focal animals were (female and male)…

Phil CollaOctober 26, 2022

Argentina Whales

Southern Right Whale White Calf, Peninsula Valdes, Argentina

About 5% of southern right whale calves are born white, although that is a rough statistic which varies from year to year, study to study and which population is studied (Argentina or South Africa). A white calf is not an albino though, since it lacks the pink eyes of true…

Phil CollaOctober 25, 2022

Argentina Sea Lion Underwater Photography

South American Sea Lions, Otaria flavescens, Peninsula Valdes, Argentina

When I was in Argentina recently to photograph southern right whales, one of our secondary goals was to also photograph South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens), aka "southern sea lions". In 2019 we had spent a little time with them near Puerto Madryn, but that rookery is heavily visited…

Phil CollaOctober 24, 2022

Argentina Elephant Seal

Southern Elephant Seal Giving Birth, Peninsula Valdes, Argentina

While in Argentina recently to photograph southern right whales, we had a stretch of unfavorable weather with winds too high to get out on the water. So we drove from Puerto Piramides to Punta Norte and Caleta Valdes to check out the Magellanic penguins (which were just starting to arrive…

Phil CollaOctober 24, 2022

California San Clemente Island Underwater Photography

San Clemente Island Underwater: a Symphony of Sea Fans, or, Gonzo for Gorgonians

San Clemente Island is one of my favorite places to dive. Maybe my favorite. I have almost certainly logged more time on a scuba tank here than anywhere else, hundreds of hours. And almost all of those dives have been made jumping off the deck of the M/V Horizon and…

Phil CollaOctober 22, 2022

Aerial Photography Panoramas Utah

The Tree of Eons, A Spectacular Dendritic Erosional Pattern in the Utah Badlands

The Tree of Eons. That's the name I have bestowed upon this amazing structure found deep in the badlands of Southern Utah. To my eye it is an ancient tree, about 150 million years old. It is also similar to the dendrites found in crystals or our nervous system. A…

Phil CollaAugust 13, 2022

Aerial Photography La Jolla

Aerial Photos of Coastal Reef Systems during King Tides in California

One of my projects has been to photograph favorite spots on the coast at extreme low tide, to best depict the rocky reefs that are not normally visible. The best time to do this, of course, is during a King Tide, when the high-highs and low-lows of the tidal swing…

Phil CollaAugust 8, 2022

Bodysurfing Sea Lions La Jolla Sea Lion

La Jolla’s Amazing Body Surfing Sea Lions

One of my photographic projects the last couple years has been the California Sea Lion colony in La Jolla. I spend a lot of time making portraits of them on rocky Point La Jolla. These are beautiful animals and I try to depict them as such. But where sea lions…

Phil CollaMarch 14, 2022

Birds

Walking on Water – Photographing Rushing Grebes at Lake Hodges, San Diego

Yesterday was a wonderful morning on Lake Hodges, in north San Diego County. I went out hoping to see Western Grebes and Clark's Grebes Rushing. The day before a storm system had passed through, but surprisingly it dawned clear and still the morning I was to go out. As I…

Phil CollaMarch 8, 2022

Antelope Canyon Arizona The American Southwest

New Images of Lower Antelope Canyon, Navajo Tribal Lands, Page, Arizona

We recently made a quick Southwest loop and spent a little time in Page, Arizona, just enough make a trip into Antelope Canyon. It was super. The canyon itself was almost empty with just a few other people, and we were able to spend all the time we wanted walking…

Phil CollaMarch 3, 2022

Sea Lion

Sea Lion Entanglement and Injury by Fishing Line and Fishing Net

Too many times I have come across sea lions entangled and injured by fishing line. It sickens me. For each sea lion that survives such a mess, I believe there are many others than do not survive. In fact, I believe many that become entangled in fishing line or nets…

Phil CollaMarch 2, 2022

The American Southwest Utah Zion

The Temple of Sinawava, Zion Canyon, Zion National Park

The Temple of Sinawava lies at the end of the Zion National Park scenic drive, where the canyon becomes so narrow one must proceed on foot. On approach to the Temple of Sinawava is the Pulpit, a dramatic sandstone column rising above the Virgin River, monolithic and huge yet dwarfed…

Phil CollaMarch 1, 2022

Arizona Horseshoe Bend The American Southwest

Earthshadow over Horseshoe Bend and the Colorado River at Dawn

Horseshoe Bend is a stunning 180° bend in the Colorado River which has eroded a dramatic, 1100-foot gorge below the surrounding mesa. It lies near Page, Arizona, Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell and is a short, easy hike from the highway to the precipice. Thankfully the personal injury attorneys have not…

Phil CollaFebruary 28, 2022

Pelicans of La Jolla Seabird

Late Season Brown Pelican Flight and Portrait Photos, 2022

While February does bring a pronounced fading in the colorful breeding plumage of the California brown pelican, it also brings a near-absence of other photographers and as a partial result, a lot of birds on the cliffs. There are usually at least a few that are still exhibiting beautiful colors.…

Phil CollaFebruary 27, 2022

Arizona Grand Canyon The American Southwest

Alpenglow and Earthshadow over the Grand Canyon at Dawn

The best time to photograph the Grand Canyon is a short while before sunrise or just after sunset. On a clear, cold day, these are the two moments when alpenglow will bathe the terrain with soft but richly-colored light and when the Belt of Venus will appear opposite the rising…

Phil CollaFebruary 26, 2022

The American Southwest Utah Zion

Alpenglow and the Big Walls of Zion Canyon at Dawn

Shortly before sunrise I was greeted by this sublime scene. This is one of my favorite spots in Zion National Park, and I photograph sunrise here every chance I am able. This morning there were thin clouds hanging above the high cliffs, and together they caught the alpenglow that precedes…

Phil CollaFebruary 25, 2022

Arizona Grand Canyon The American Southwest

Dusk over the Grand Canyon from Grandeur Point

The Grand Canyon at dusk, viewed from Grandeur Point on the South Rim.

Phil CollaFebruary 24, 2022

Arizona Grand Canyon The American Southwest

Sunset over the Grand Canyon from Mather Point, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Sunset over the Grand Canyon, viewed from Mather Point on the South Rim.

Phil CollaFebruary 23, 2022

Arizona Grand Canyon The American Southwest

Grand Canyon Sunrise from Hopi Point, Grand Canyon National Park

A beautiful Grand Canyon sunrise, seen from Hopi Point on the South Rim.

Phil CollaFebruary 21, 2022

Seabird

Black Oystercatcher, Haematopus bachmani, La Jolla

I don't have the discipline to be a real bird photographer, but when seabirds (which are my favorites) walk right up to me I will of course do my best to get an image. This black oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) was walking among the sea lions on Alligator Head one recent…

Phil CollaFebruary 4, 2022

Beautiful Views of San Diego La Jolla

Scripps Pier and Earthshadow at Dawn, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla

One any clear morning, about 20 minutes before sunrise, the Earth's shadow will appear. Here it is depicted against La Jolla's famous Scripps Institution of Oceanography research pier. The pinkish band is high enough above the horizon that the sun can reach it, and is actually dust lit by the…

Phil CollaFebruary 3, 2022

Beautiful Views of San Diego La Jolla

The Gold Coast of La Jolla, Scripps and Torrey Pines at Sunset

The Gold Coast of La Jolla is, at sunset, literally that: a long stretch of spectacular golden-hued beach and sea cliffs, extending from La Jolla Shores, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, north along Black's Beach and Torrey Pines State Reserve up towards Del Mar. Here the Gold Coast is seen in…

Phil CollaFebruary 2, 2022

Beautiful Views of San Diego La Jolla

Point La Jolla and Surf at Dawn

One of my favorite coastline views is that of Point La Jolla at dawn, with the waves along La Jolla Shores beach blurred in the early morning light. The seawall at the Children's Pool is just seen at the extreme right side, and a few kayakers are headed out…

Phil CollaFebruary 1, 2022

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