When I saw our June cover pinned to the wall I did a double take, then a head tilt as I tried to figure out where and how this shot was taken. I recognized the International Orange color and art deco design of the Golden Gate Bridge, but how the photo was taken gave me pause.I emailed Jay Graham, bay area photographer, who has a studio near our office in Sausalito to get the scoop.
Q. Where were you when you took the photo?
A. I was just south of the north tower on the east side of the GG bridge. I’d gotten up early to photograph my wife Eileen and her doubles partner Stefan on one of their early morning rows to the Golden Gate Bridge and back (from Open Water Rowing at Schoonmakers). I photographed them rowing shortly after 6:00 a.m. and then started photographing the bridge and the activity on the bridge. I got the shot of the bridge at about 6:20 a.m. and then shot a portrait of a local Sausalito bicycle commuter at 6:30 before heading home to second breakfast.
Q. Did you expect to catch the light reflecting as it did?
A. I was hoping the light would be great but didn’t know exactly what to expect. I composed the bridge shot and fired off a few frames to make sure my exposure and angle were what I wanted. Then I waited for the right bike commuter to show up.
Q. What time of the year did you take the photo?
A. April 2, 2009 at 6:22 a.m., to be exact.
Q. What type of camera do you have?
A. I’m using a Canon EOS single lens reflex digital camera.
Q. Advice to people who want to try to replicate?
A. Get to the bridge at about sunrise and start watching the light. There’s lots to see. Just wait, watch, and be ready.
For fun and our continuous viewing pleasure, he has included the shot he had intended to take as well as a couple more.
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Mimi Towle has been the editor of Marin Magazine for over a decade. She lived with her family in Sycamore Park and Strawberry and thoroughly enjoyed raising two daughters in the mayhem of Marin’s youth sports; soccer, swim, volleyball, ballet, hip hop, gymnastics and many many hours spent at Miwok Stables. Her community involvements include volunteering at her daughter’s schools, coaching soccer and volleyball (glorified snack mom), being on the board of both Richardson Bay Audubon Center. Currently residing on a floating home in Sausalito, she enjoys all water activity, including learning how to steer a 6-person canoe for the Tamalpais Outrigger Canoe Club. Born and raised in Hawaii, her fondness for the islands has on occasion made its way into the pages of the magazine.
