The Nature Photography Group of the Central Coast of CA

It's Monarch butterfly migration time, and the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove is one of the best spots to see and photograph them! The current count is very low, but that might give us an opportunity to seek out great portrait settings instead of clusters. And if the butterflies aren't cooperating, there are a few other wildlife opportunities just a short walk away towards the beach. We'll gather just inside the main entrance to answer any questions and make suggestions for settings, compositions and approaches for those who would like some help.
Gear: I recommend bringing a tripod, a long lens or a long zoom, and a short distance lens or zoom like a 70-200 or even a macro lens. There will be low light in many spots, so fast lenses help.

The forecast calls for partly cloudy with temps in the mid 40's to mid 50's, layers are always a good way dress.

End of January is great time to visit the rookery. The seals are busy fighting for space, dominance, mating, and birthing. All of this taking place just a few yards away from the viewing path. Elephant seals are pretty large mammals, and sometimes they are close to the boardwalk. You can use a variety of lenses to get good images, from wide angles to capture the habitat to a long lens to get closeups of the adults fighting at a distance. Zooms, like a 70-200 or 100-400 range come in handy.

Since there is the possibility of rain a couple of days before the event, it's a great opportunity to stop at Fiscalini Ranch on our way home. It's a beautiful place and wild mushrooms are abundant. Bring a macro lens, wide angle, or one that will let you get close and creative with the fungi. Other accessories that might help (but not necessary) are a flash and a sheet of plastic or a yoga mat to lay on and get a really low angle.

Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. My cell phone is 8056105527 and my email is adi@adiringer.com

Adi