Chris Ewen Crosby Photography

Chris Ewen Crosby Photography Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Chris Ewen Crosby Photography, Photographer, Long Beach, CA.

📸 8-Year Landscape Photography Pro & Educator
🎓 Master your camera, composition & light with premium 1-on-1 private field workshops.
📍 Serving Los Angeles, Long Beach & Southern California.
👉 Private Sessions and Group Workshops: bio.site/cecphotos

Finding hidden green pockets along the coast. 🌿☁️Overcast days are my favorite conditions for shooting lush scenes like ...
09/04/2026

Finding hidden green pockets along the coast. 🌿☁️

Overcast days are my favorite conditions for shooting lush scenes like Big Sur’s Calla Lily Valley. Without the harsh glare of direct sunlight, the natural greens pop, the whites hold their delicate detail, and the soft light wraps evenly around the canyon.

I hadn’t visited this location in many years, so I was really looking forward to returning. I was honestly pretty disappointed to hear that over the winter someone went in and cut down the lilies. It’s always tough seeing places we love get damaged like that, but I’m holding out hope that they’ll recover and bloom strong again. I'm also very concerned about the recent fires happening in Big Sur. It seems like Big Sur can't get a break after years of landslide issues forcing road closures, recent closing of parking at the Bixby Bridge, fires, and the list goes on.

Behind the Shot:

To pull off a composition like this—where the nearest flower is just inches from the front element—a focus stack was essential. I captured multiple exposures moving from the closest lily petals all the way up to the overcast sky and canyon walls, keeping the frame tack-sharp from front to back. I also used a Circular Polarizing Filter to remove the glare off the leaves and deepen the colors.

Do you rely on hyperfocal distance or do you utilize focus stacking?

Have you ever visited Calla Lily Valley, or is Big Sur on your bucket list? Let me know below! 👇

Proper planning is 80% of capturing a successful night photo. 🌌📱Before you ever step foot into the field in the dark, kn...
09/01/2026

Proper planning is 80% of capturing a successful night photo. 🌌📱

Before you ever step foot into the field in the dark, knowing where the Milky Way will rise, the moon phase, and how light pollution will interact with your horizon makes all the difference between coming home with a keeper or a washed-out frame.

This shot from Joshua Tree National Park is a prime example. Over the past decade, rapid growth across Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley has created a massive light dome along the southern horizon. Instead of letting light pollution ruin a shot, knowing how to scout your position allows you to use that glow to separate your foreground subject—like this iconic Joshua tree—while keeping the Milky Way core crisp above it.

In my latest blog post, "How to Plan & Scout Milky Way Photos," I break down step-by-step:

How to read light pollution maps and position yourself effectively around urban glow.

Tools and apps for tracking Milky Way alignment throughout the night.

Scouting foregrounds during the day so you can execute safely and seamlessly in the dark.

Creating a seasonal plan for knowing the best time for shooting specific areas and compositions

🔗 Click the link in my bio to read the full guide!

How do you handle light pollution when shooting astro: do you try to completely avoid it, or do you incorporate it into your compositions? Let me know below! 👇

Revisiting a local favorite. 🚢✨Living so close to the Queen Mary, I used to shoot here all the time. Lately, though, I’v...
08/28/2026

Revisiting a local favorite. 🚢✨

Living so close to the Queen Mary, I used to shoot here all the time. Lately, though, I’ve neglected it a bit over the last few years—something I’m definitely changing this winter when the sunrise angles align perfectly with the harbor.

These shots were taken right at high tide, which opened up some incredible reflections.

Behind the Shot:

Getting as low as possible to the water was key to keeping the reflection perfectly symmetrical with the ship's bow. I also dialed in a longer exposure to smooth out the slight wind ripples across the surface, turning the harbor into a clean, glassy mirror for that glowing sky. I also used a graduated filter to help balance the sky with the reflection, which is always darker. This helped to balance the exposure to help create that mirrored look and ensure that I was capturing all the dynamic range I needed.

Swipe left to check out a few different perspectives from this shoot!

Which view grabs you more: the symmetrical bow reflection in Slide 1, or the wider angle in Slide 3? Let me know below! 👇

Desert light at its finest. 🌵✨There’s a unique energy that settles over the Arizona desert right as the sun dips below t...
08/25/2026

Desert light at its finest. 🌵✨

There’s a unique energy that settles over the Arizona desert right as the sun dips below the horizon. The way the final light catches the rugged face of the Superstition Mountains while casting a warm glow across the cholla cactus in the foreground makes the entire landscape feel alive.

Behind the Shot:

Getting low and right up next to the cholla was essential to creating that immersive sense of depth. To pull this off, I shot a focus stack—blending multiple exposures from the needles just inches from my lens all the way out to the mountain range—ensuring the entire frame stayed tack-sharp from front to back as the sky lit up.

Desert sunsets like this never get old.

Have you ever explored the Superstitions, or is the Arizona desert on your list to shoot? Let me know below! 👇

When the storm clears in the valley. 🏔️✨There is nothing quite like watching a late fall storm break over Yosemite Natio...
08/18/2026

When the storm clears in the valley. 🏔️✨

There is nothing quite like watching a late fall storm break over Yosemite National Park. After days of heavy rainfall, the reward comes during that brief window when the clouds begin to lift, trapping thick layers of low fog on the valley floor while golden morning light hits the granite walls.

Swipe through to see two perspectives from this incredible morning:

Slide 1: The sweeping wide view as the storm completely parts, revealing snow-dusted peaks, Bridalveil Fall in the distance, and a river of fog weaving through the pine canopy below.

Slide 2: A tight, moody frame catching dramatic mist swirling around El Capitan as a warm beam of light strikes the sheer cliff face.

Moments like this move so fast—the fog shifts minute by minute, and you’re constantly balancing shutter speeds and exposures to keep the light highlights intact while preserving shadow detail in the trees.

🚨 ONLY 2 SPOTS LEFT! 🚨

Want to chase and capture autumn conditions in the valley with me in person?

I am hosting a Yosemite Autumn Masterclass this October 23–26, and there are only 2 spots remaining! We’ll be hunting peak fall color, dynamic light, and atmospheric conditions like this while diving deep into composition, focus stacking, and post-processing techniques.

🔗 Head to the link in my bio and click "Group Workshops" (or send me a DM) to secure one of the final spots!

Which view captures the mood better for you: the grand valley panorama in Slide 1, or the intimate El Cap detail in Slide 2? Let me know below! 👇

Textures of the playa. 🏜️🌩️Standing out on the dry lakebeds of Death Valley while a storm passes over the distant mounta...
08/14/2026

Textures of the playa. 🏜️🌩️

Standing out on the dry lakebeds of Death Valley while a storm passes over the distant mountain range is a surreal experience. The stark contrast between the cracked mud tiles in the foreground and the heavy, moody clouds overhead creates an atmosphere that feels completely detached from the rest of the world.

For a composition like this, getting right down low and utilizing a focus stack was critical. By blending multiple exposures from inches off the ground all the way to the distant peaks, it allowed every single fracture and fine detail in the mud to stay razor-sharp while leading your eye straight to the horizon.

Want to capture scenes like this with me in person? 📸

Death Valley is a masterclass in texture, light, and composition. Join me this November for an immersive group workshop where we’ll explore the salt flats, mud tiles, badlands, and sand dunes while mastering field techniques like focus stacking and dynamic range management.

🔗 Click the link in my bio and select "Group Workshops" (or send me a DM) to learn more and secure your spot!

Which element catches your eye first in this frame: the deep mud cracks in the foreground or the storm clouds building over the mountains? Let me know below! 👇

A fresh look at an old favorite. 🌊✨Every now and then, I like to go back into the archives and re-process frames that he...
08/11/2026

A fresh look at an old favorite. 🌊✨

Every now and then, I like to go back into the archives and re-process frames that held a lot of personal meaning. As our eye for light and editing style evolves over time, going back with fresh eyes can bring out a completely different energy in a shot.

With this coastal long exposure, my focus was on refining the textures and bringing back a clean, natural balance. By cooling down the water tones and dialing in the contrast, it allowed the dynamic wave motion and leading lines in the foreground to truly take center stage. This new look feels cleaner, more mature, and captures the exact feeling of standing on the shore as that sunset sky lit up.

🚨 LAST SPOT AVAILABLE! 🚨

If you want to master long exposure seascapes like this, from getting the perfect water flow in-camera to dialing in precise shutter speeds, I’d love to teach you!

I have ONLY 1 SPOT LEFT for my upcoming Seascape & Long Exposure Workshop on Saturday, August 22nd.

This is your chance to take the final seat and elevate your coastal photography in person!

🔗 Head to the link in my bio and click "Group Workshops" (or send me a DM) to grab the last spot before it’s gone!

Have you ever gone back and re-edited an older photo with your current editing style? Let me know below! 👇

Mirror in the mountains. 🌌✨Even after 8 years, this photo still stands out as one of the best astrophotography nights I’...
08/04/2026

Mirror in the mountains. 🌌✨

Even after 8 years, this photo still stands out as one of the best astrophotography nights I’ve ever experienced. The still water of the lake allowing a near-perfect reflection of the Milky Way will stand out in my mind forever.

When everything aligns in the high country—dead calm waters, pristine dark skies, and the galactic core framing the peaks—it’s pure magic.

Behind the Shot:

This frame is a 3-frame vertical panorama. Stacking was done for both the sky and water to keep noise minimal and detail sharp, paired with longer exposures for the mountains to pull out shadow detail while keeping the stars crisp. The subtle green airglow dancing along the horizon was the ultimate finishing touch to an unforgettable night in the Eastern Sierra. It's pretty common to see Photoshoped reflections on the internet these days, but this one is real and makes it all the more special. Shout out to my old road dog Steven J Magner Photography for sharing this location and night with me all those years ago.

Have you ever witnessed a mirror reflection under the stars like this, or is a clear night in the high mountains high on your bucket list? Let me know below! 👇

Drastic changes along the coast. 🌕🌫️Shooting long exposures under a bright moon along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu is...
07/31/2026

Drastic changes along the coast. 🌕🌫️

Shooting long exposures under a bright moon along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu is always a wild card. While chasing the fog in the spring with a few friends, we made our way to this Malibu classic only to be greeted by an ultra-special low fog event. It’s a rare occasion when the fog sits just feet off the ocean's surface.

Within the span of just an hour, the marine layer thickened and swept over the coastal cliffs, completely changing the vibe of the shot.

Swipe to see how fast the fog rolled in:

Slide 1: Clear skies with a full moon illuminating the green hillsides while car headlights carve glowing light trails along the curves of PCH.

Slide 2: Shortly after, as a wall of sea fog swallows the entire coastline, turning the highway into a ghostly glow.

That’s the magic of coastal night photography—you can plan for the moonlight, but the fog always writes its own ending. It’s these late nights chasing fog with friends that seem to hold a permanent place in my memories.

Which mood do you prefer: the crisp winding light trails in Slide 1, or the misty dreamscape in Slide 2? Let me know below! 👇

Unearthing hidden gems. 🏜️✨After diving back into the archives, I realized this unreleased frame from Death Valley was s...
07/28/2026

Unearthing hidden gems. 🏜️✨

After diving back into the archives, I realized this unreleased frame from Death Valley was sitting on my drive, way overdue to see the light of day.

There is a surreal, almost alien quality to the salt flats that forces you to think differently about composition. The ever-changing fractal patterns of the salt flats can have you pulling out your hair trying to find something that makes sense of them. It's different from most landscapes and not very straightforward.

Standing out on the basin floor as the sky caught fire, the goal was to use those natural, raised salt patterns in the foreground as leading lines to pull you straight toward the horizon.

For this edit, it was all about balancing the delicate details: holding onto the subtle texture in the mud and salt while letting those rich sunset oranges and cool twilight purples pop across the sky.

Want to shoot scenes like this with me in person? 📸

I’m heading back to Death Valley this November for an in-depth photography workshop! We’ll be scouting the best light across the salt flats, sand dunes, and badlands while diving deep into composition, technical setup, and post-processing techniques.

Head to the link in my bio and click on "Group Workshops" to learn more and lock in your spot! 🔗

Have you ever walked out onto the salt flats during sunrise or sunset, or is Death Valley still on your bucket list? Let me know below! 👇

Address

Long Beach, CA

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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