Capture Ocean Waves near Mavericks Beach, Half Moon Bay CA

Happy New Year everyone and welcome back! Let's get this group going again after my health hiatus and go explore capturing some curling ocean waves around and near Mavericks Beach. I will continue to host more modeling-focused workshops for you all, but I'd like to also increase some more recreational nature photography adventures for us to connect in 2025 as well. This event will be the kick-off for more nature stuff!

Mavericks is a big surfing location in California outside Pillar Point Harbor, just north of the town of Half Moon Bay and January happens to be the best time of year to visit for the Big waves! This January beach trip has been on the bucket list for a while now so it's time to make it happen.

There are two potential parking locations and I am not sure which one to use just yet, so make sure you RSVP to get the exact updates. Maybe we will have time to relocate and do both angles.

Location City:
Half Moon Bay, CA

This event will occur regardless of bad weather, so prepare to raincoat yourself and have rain covers for your camera bag and equipment as necessary.

This is a practice session where we get together and help support each other's creative eye and practice our camera skills. This is not a class-type event or private lesson for beginners on how to use your cameras. Please have a basic understanding of the gear you have decided to purchase.
But, artistic collaboration and photography gear talk is highly welcomed and encouraged by all participants!!!

Please RSVP by the Respond by time window. This is when I will email out the event location and details within a few hours after or on the evening of the RSVP close time. Meeting location and event details are only provided to RSVP's via email for the safety of our members and their gear.

Please ensure your Meetup notifications for the group are turned ON so you don't miss these valuable emails with more event details.

This event is a fun FREE photography social session!
However, if you enjoy your experience with this Meetup group then tipping or donations to give back to your organizer are highly encouraged and welcomed via the Pledge fundraising link, this section is found on the main page of our group https://4142298.xyz/allshiva/

OR If you wish to show appreciation and give directly back to your host for volunteering her time on research, scouting and hosting these events for you, then please send to
https://venmo.com/u/AllShiva (last 4 digits of phone #9100)

Every donation helps as Meetup has been increasing their charges to Meetup organizers for hosting their groups each year, so this kind of support does help assure that more photography events will be planned in the future.

WHAT TO BRING?
A telephoto lens or your longest-reaching focal lengths will do best for trying to get in on closer compositions of the ocean waves. I only own a 70-200mm, so I might do a lens rental for this adventure as I have a feeling a 400mm or 600mm might be more fun. Google says around 300mm will do fine but bring out and practice with what you got.

More importantly, come prepared for bad weather just incase.
Bring a raincoat for yourself and have rain covers for your camera bag and equipment as necessary. This could be risky bad weather conditions that could risk your equipment so come responsible and prepared, but because I said this it will probably be sunny LOL! But bad weather makes the greatest photography.

Also, a tripod is not required but you might want to bring one and your ND filters.

Pack water & snacks for yourself.
Please dress smart. Pack layers of clothing. Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.
Please do not bring your pets to these photo events.

LIABILITY & SAFETY WAIVER DISCLAIMER: All participants agree to assume 100% responsibility for their own safety, conduct, and well-being and recognize that possible hazards exist while participating in outdoor (or any other) activities, and agree to participate solely at their own risk.

By your RSVP "Yes" and voluntary participation in this event, you agree to enter into this liability waiver in which you hereby release any rights or claims to pursue any type of accident, injury or damages, whether bodily or to personal property, is the fault of Shiva Sharifi. All participants release their right to any claim or fault of the organizer, any partners, associates or members and do hereby discharge now and forever any occurrence at the location(s), surrounding areas or traveling to and from location(s) on the day of this event.

I certify that I am physically fit, have no health-related reasons or problems that preclude my participation and have sufficiently prepared for the aforementioned activity or event.

By your RSVP “Yes” and/or attending any of our events, it shall be conclusively presumed that you understand and agree to this policy.

Check traffic conditions and give yourself enough time.
This event will happen regardless of bad weather.

Looking forward to seeing you and enjoying a photo adventure together!

- Shiva Sharifi