Rainbow behind the California Tower in Balboa Park.

Fleeting | Rainbow over the California Tower, Balboa Park

A rainbow appears behind the historic California Tower in Balboa Park after a brief rainstorm. The colors of the rainbow cut diagonally in a broad swath across the blue sky.

The Story Behind the Photo

Rainbows always bring a smile to my face but they never last a long time. Because they live on the border between the rain and sun they appear quickly and then are gone in the next moment. If I get a few minutes with one, I'm happy. If I have my camera with me, even better, and I feel exhilarated as I rush to photograph it. I have to watch myself so my hands don't get too shakey with excitement when I'm setting up my camera. And when all is done I'm left with something akin to a runner's high.

For this rainbow, I had been watching the weather all day. We had quite a bit of rain but the skies were overcast so no chance of a rainbow. But in the mid-afternoon I looked out my window and started to see the sun in the south west. Sun and rain meant there was a chance of a rainbow. So I rushed to Balboa Park in hopes I could catch one, and as I was driving I could see it outside the passenger window. I just hoped that it would last long enough for me to get there. When I finally arrived I was lucky to find parking right away and then I ran towards the tower to get a better vantage point. I had about a minute before the rainbow faded but I managed to get the photo. It's quite the feeling when you finally achieve something you've been seeking for a few years.

About the Prints

This photograph is available in a limited edition of 100 fine art prints. Each print is made to order with the highest quality pigment inks and fine art papers. They are signed and come with a certificate of authenticity. Small prints under 15" on the long dimension are excluded from the edition. If you have any questions about this specific image or my prints in general, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Museum Quality Print

Archival Pigment Print on Fine Art Paper

This is a photographic print made on Canson Infinity Platine Fibre Rag which is a heavyweight (310 gsm) and 100% cotton paper. The image is printed using pigment inks with outstanding archival properties. All images are printed at the listed size on paper that is slightly larger resulting in an additional border. This is a print only, shipped rolled in a robust protective tube.

Please allow 3-4 weeks for production and delivery of your print. The prices include U.S. shipping, please inquire for international rates.

 

Acrylic Fine Art Print with a Float Mount — Ready to Hang

Trulife Acrylic Fine Art Print

This is a photographic print where the front has been directly adhered to a sheet of TruLife acrylic which is an ultra clear, scratch resistant, and anti-reflective glazing. This process is known as face mounting. The acrylic captures light internally and bounces it off the surface of the print resulting in a display with incredible depth and vibrancy. With proper lighting, the acrylic print will appear to have light emanating from the image itself. The back of the print is sealed with another layer of protective acrylic.

The print comes ready to hang with hidden mounting hardware on the back that makes the print appear as if it is floating in front of the wall. No additional framing is needed. Choose this medium for a modern and minimalist presentation.

Print is signed and numbered on verso (back).

Please allow 4-6 weeks for production and delivery of your print. The prices include U.S. shipping, please inquire for international rates.

 

For additional information, you can learn more about my prints and read testimonials from my customers.

Subscribe to My Mailing List

Sign up to receive email updates about Stephen's artwork, show schedule, and promotional offers.