Playa Dominicalito, Dominical, Costa Rica

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I traveled to Costa Rica to explore the rainforests and photograph the amazing array of wildlife. Photographing coastal areas has always been a favorite of mine, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to visit Playa Dominicalito, located a few minutes south of Dominical on Costa Rica’s Costanera Highway.

I arrived a few hours before sunset to explore the beach and set up a few compositions so I would be ready when the dramatic light began painting this beautiful seascape. I focused on the small island and searched for leading line elements. Interesting cloud formations arrived just in time for the show to begin.

I like positioning myself in the water to give the view an interesting perspective. My foot found an indentation in the hidden sand at one point, and I began falling. I grabbed my tripod, camera attached and held it high. I ended up in the water, but my camera was saved. I got up, reset my tripod and captured this image. Fortunately, the temperatures in Costa Rica are mild, so being wet wasn’t much of a problem.

Capturing dramatic photos requires luck and, most important, preparation. Understanding the weather and exploring potential shooting locations ahead of time is critical. Spending time at a location will help you discover its hidden treasures, and you will surely be ready to capture that magic moment.

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David

David's passion for nature photography was sparked by a trip to Glacier National Park in the summer of 2000. Exploring this amazing National Park inspired him to study the art of photography and travel the world to witness and capture the wonders of our natural world. David is a member of the North American Nature Photography Association and an Associate Naturalist with The New Jersey Audubon Society. Over the past 17 years, David has shared his knowledge of photography, teaching workshops, leading tours and writing articles. David’s photos have been recognized in several international competitions and published in books, magazines and calendars. David is an accomplished public speaker who has lectured throughout the United States.

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