← All photos Jay Ligda Photography

Benicia Depot Sunrise Behind Shimmering Reflections

October 6, 2024 · Benicia, California, United States of America (the)
Benicia Depot Sunrise Behind Shimmering Reflections

Click image to view larger

The bright morning sun shines behind the Benicia Depot, silhouetting it and the palm trees. The calm, shimmering water reflects the blue sky and white clouds.

Story

This was one of those rare mornings in Benicia when everything aligned.
I headed down to First Street before sunrise, not knowing exactly what I would find—just following that instinct to go and see what the morning might offer. That’s often how it works. You don’t plan the image. You show up for it.
What I found was something unusual.
The water along the Carquinez Strait was completely still. Not just calm—still. Smooth as glass. In a place known for constant wind and moving water, it felt almost unreal.
Above me, soft, pillowy clouds filled the sky.
Below me, they were perfectly reflected.
From the ground, it was beautiful. From the air, it was extraordinary.
I launched the drone and began exploring—moving in every direction, searching for angles, patterns, alignments. The reflections transformed everything. Sky and water became interchangeable. Orientation became unclear.

Read the entire story in “Stories Behind the Lens” on Substack

Metadata

Benicia, California, United States of America (the)
38.04479°, -122.16336°
PeaceSerenityEnergyDramaCheerSpaciousness
BedroomDormEntrywayKitchen & diningLiving roomOfficeSunroom
Art nouveauCoastal & tropicalContemporary
Architecture & cityscapeBeach & tropicalLandscape & sceneryClouds & SkySunrise & Sunset
Yellow
BlueGreen
AnniversaryBaby showerBirthdayEngagementHousewarmingMother's Day
Photography enthusiastsTravelersOutdoor enthusiastsSpiritual seekersCoastal style lovers