It’s one of San Diego’s most photographed natural spectacles, and it lit up the sky again Saturday night.
Known as “Scrippshenge,” the event happens when the sun sets perfectly between the pilings of Scripps Pier, creating a striking visual that draws photographers and spectators from across the region.
Despite cloudy conditions earlier in the day, the skies cleared just in time for sunset, giving crowds along La Jolla Shores a chance to capture the moment.
“Once I get it it’s phenomenal, it’s unbeatable and I can brag about it for the whole year,” said Sean J, a photographer who traveled from Arizona for his eighth time photographing the event.
Sean shared one of his favorite shots from last year, describing what makes the moment so unique.
“It’s the most phenomenal, sometimes you get the surfers between the poles and the sun shines on their back, you get the wave, you get the surfer, you get the sun from behind,” he said.
Even though the concept is the same each time, photographers say no two sunsets are alike, and that’s part of the draw.
“It’s been known in the photography community for a long time, with social media exploding and stuff, now it’s a known thing,” said Erik Jepsen, who first photographed Scrippshenge in 2014.
Jepsen said growing crowds have changed the experience, but in a positive way.
“I think it’s exciting with more people it’s more fun, I mean the crowds cheer after the sunset happens so I think it’s more exciting,” he said.
It also creates a community among photographers.
“We share how we did, what angle we took the shot. Also we fight over our positions,” Sean said.
For photographers, it’s all about timing, patience and finding the perfect angle- capturing a moment that only happens a few times each year.
Scrippshenge continues tomorrow night and typically returns twice a year, with the next expected appearance in August.
For those hoping to catch it, photographers recommend arriving early to secure a good spot, or coming closer to sunset if you just want to enjoy the view.
