Ventura County is so close to the ocean, yet most of us don't usually get down to the beach often enough. Now, with winter bearing down on us, we surely won't make it down to the beach.  That's too bad, because winter sunsets are the best according to local photographer Greg Clure.

Why winter?  Ventura County beaches are mostly south facing, which means during the summer when we are more likely to be at the beach, the sun is difficult, if not impossible, to include in your sunset photos. The sun is too far north.

With the approaching Winter Solstice (December 21st) the sun's path across the sky travels a more southerly route. As each day goes by up to this date as it reaches its southern most path and then begins to move north each day thereafter.  As a result, you will be much more likely to capturing a beautiful sunset photo during the winter. Winter also means fewer people at the beach, so you'll likely have your favorite beach all to yourself.

Clure shares three of his local sunset images taken during winter below.  Greg adds, "When taking sunset images that include the sun, be sure to meter the bright sky near the sun but don't include the sun and you will generally get the best exposure for the entire scene."  If you would like to see larger versions of the images below or other fine art images of nature, visit Greg's website at www.gregclurephotography.com.