By Shawn Styles / CBS8 / June 4, 2026
San Diego’s coastal beauty offers endless opportunities for photographers, but capturing the perfect shot often comes down to timing, preparation, and a bit of luck. Local photographer Jim Grant knows that balance well.
Grant gained national recognition in 2024 when his image of a rare “Green Flash” sunset earned the grand prize in the American Meteorological Society’s annual photo competition. The photo featured a sailboat perfectly aligned within the glowing sun as a green flash shimmered above it.
“It was a shot of the green flash, setting sun with the green flash on top with a sailboat right in the middle of the sun,” Grant said.
The award-winning image was not entirely accidental. Grant had been tracking weather patterns and positioning himself between Ocean Beach Pier and the Mission Bay channel, where evening boat traffic increases the chances of capturing a dynamic foreground.
“If I can get at least a good sunset, the sailboat in the image was strictly a bonus,” he explained. “I was just there at the right place at the right time.”
That kind of timing has led to other remarkable moments. Just last week at Children’s Pool in La Jolla, Grant witnessed an extraordinary wildlife scene.
“Hundreds, if not thousands of pelicans were flying my way, diving into the water,” he said. “They were after bait fish, just 30 to 40 feet offshore. It was like being in a National Geographic movie.”
Grant emphasizes the importance of awareness and observation, especially after seasonal weather changes. Following winter storms, for example, clear skies can reveal rare views of snow-covered mountains in the distance.
“When you look across the lifeguard station on a clear day, you can see snow on the San Bernardino mountain peaks over the Torrey Pines cliffs,” he said.
[Here’s more photos by Grant:]
Sometimes, stepping back can offer a better perspective. At Point La Jolla, moving several hundred yards away can reveal powerful waves, soaring pelicans, and even sea lions riding the surf alongside people.
Grant also points out that many natural moments go unnoticed by casual observers. While demonstrating his camera equipment, a pair of ospreys flew overhead—something he says many people might miss or mistake for seagulls.
“You just have to be situationally prepared and appreciate it,” he said.
That mindset is what keeps Grant consistently in position to capture San Diego’s most striking moments.
Grant’s work [was] featured in a show [last week]at Turtle Rock Ridge Winery Bar in downtown La Jolla. More of his photography is also available online.
