Description

Bio Pier

Bio Pier, short for bioluminescent pier, is one of my favorite photos taken during the bioluminescent phenomenon that occurred along the coast of Southern California and parts of Northern Baja in the early spring of 2020. Starting in late March, reddish-brown water resulting from a marine algae bloom known as a "Red Tide" started to appear in the region containing phytoplankton. It included one of only a few dinoflagellates that produce bioluminescence, called Lingulodinium polyedra. Lingulodinium polyedra creates a light show which, at its peak, made the oceans glow at night, dazzling anyone lucky enough to see the spectacle in person. Viewable only under the darkness of night, the site is truly an unforgettable one. Taking advantage of the fact that I live in San Diego, I set out to document the event utilizing both photography and timelapse video. I shot for seven nights in total over the course of two weeks venturing to some of the most remote spots on the San Diego coastline to avoid other visitors and their flashlights, headlamps, and general presence in the shots. After a few nights of long difficult hikes, which included almost getting trapped and having gear ruined by rising tides, twice, I decided to document the crowds of onlookers around Scripps Pier located in La Jolla Shores, CA. This particular photo, named “Bio Pier” was one of my final shots on the last night of the seven and it was the last night the ocean glowed this bright.