Golden Light at the Marina – Ivan Ramirez Photography

The light hit differently at the marina today.
In late afternoon, just before sunset, everything had that soft gold tint, like the world was filtered through honey.

The boats weren’t moving much.
Just rocking gently in the water, little creaks and ropes shifting with the tide.
Even the gulls were quieter than usual.
It was one of those moments that don’t ask anything from you.
You just stand there, watch the water reflect the sky, and breathe a little slower.

“Can I sail through the changing ocean tides? / Can I handle the seasons of my life?”
— Fleetwood Mac, “Landslide”

The Next Morning (aka: I’m Officially Not Going Up There Again)

The Dark -  Ivan Ramirez Photography

So yeah, after my brilliant decision to investigate the attic in the middle of the night like some low-budget horror movie protagonist, I woke up the next morning thinking, “Alright, cool, back to normal life.”

Wrong.

I get up, walk into the hallway, and there it is: the attic pull cord. Just gently swaying. Not dramatically. Just... enough. Like it knew I’d be watching. Like it was saying, “Hey. You up?”

Now, I live alone. No cats. No raccoons. No ghosts (I think). So I did the logical thing: stared at it for 45 seconds straight, whispered “nope,” and went directly to the kitchen to make coffee I didn’t even want.

I didn’t go back to the hallway for the rest of the morning. At one point, I even walked the long way around the house just to avoid passing under the cord. I’m not saying something’s living up there... but I’m also not not saying that.

Anyway, I’m putting a chair under the attic door. For no reason. Just, you know. Decoration.

The Scary Attic – A Strange Night

The attic - Ivan Ramirez Photography

So, this happened a few nights ago, and it still has me weirded out.

I was up late working, just going through some old boxes in the hallway closet when I remembered the attic door was still cracked open. It’s one of those old pull-down ladder types, and honestly, I avoid going up there unless I have to. But something felt off that night—like the air was heavier near the hallway. The kind of feeling where your body notices before your brain does.

Being curious (and a little stupid, probably), I grabbed a flashlight and climbed up. The attic was pitch black, except for the narrow beam from my light. Nothing looked out of place… until I heard this soft scraping sound in the corner. Like something shifting slowly across the plywood floor. I froze.

I called out—quietly, because, I don’t know, what if it was a raccoon or something worse? No response. Just silence. And then—one small thump, like something was dropped or stepped on. I didn’t stay to investigate. I climbed down way faster than I went up and shut that thing tight.

Could it have been something harmless? Probably. But as I sat there afterward, trying to brush it off, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t alone up there.

Anyway, just had to get that off my chest. Whether it was in my head or something real, that attic's going to stay shut for a while.

Stay safe out there,

Over Emeryville

Emeryville, Ivan Ramirez Photography

Clear skies over Emeryville today.

Shot this while looking west — highways weaving, buildings stacking, and that little sliver of bay pulling everything toward the horizon.

It’s strange how calm a city can look from above. No noise. No traffic. Just patterns.

I like views like this — when the grid fades a bit, and all the chaos flattens out into something quiet.

📷 Emeryville, CA
Ivan Ramirez Photography.

“When you look at a city, it’s like reading the hopes, aspirations and pride of everyone who built it.”
— Hugh Newell Jacobsen

 

Flying into San Diego – A Smooth Trip by Ivan Ramirez Photography

At the air port - Ivan Ramirez Photography

 There’s something I’ve always liked about traveling by plane—despite the lines, the security checks, and the cramped seats, there’s still a strange kind of calm that comes with being 30,000 feet in the air.

This past week, I took a quick flight down to San Diego, and it reminded me why I enjoy short getaways. The flight itself was smooth—window seat, headphones in, just zoning out above the clouds. 

Watching the coastline come into view as we descended was something else. San Diego from the sky? Pretty gorgeous.

Once we landed, that familiar SoCal breeze hit me the second I stepped out of the airport. Clear skies, palm trees, and that laid-back energy you can feel right away. I didn’t plan much—just wanted a change of pace. Good food, ocean views, a walk along the harbor, and some time to reset.

Whether you’re flying for fun or to clear your head, there’s something to be said for just getting out of town for a couple days.

Anyway, just wanted to share that little slice of my week. If you’ve never been to San Diego, I highly recommend it—easy flight, great vibes, and plenty of sunshine.

A Ride Across the Bay – Ferry to San Francisco - Ivan Ramirez Photography

Ivan Ramirez Photography - Taking the Ferry to San Francisco

 

Hey everyone – 

The other day, I hopped on the ferry to San Francisco, and honestly? It was exactly what I needed. There’s something really special about being out on the water, even just for 30 minutes. You get this quiet, steady rhythm of the waves, the breeze in your face, and that perfect view of the Bay Bridge or the Golden Gate off in the distance.

It’s a far cry from the chaos of traffic or BART. The ferry feels… intentional. Like you're allowing yourself to slow down and breathe for a second. And watching the skyline come into view as you approach the city—it never gets old.

I always recommend grabbing a seat on the upper deck if the weather’s nice. Bring some sunglasses, maybe a coffee, and just take it all in. It’s not just transportation—it’s part of the experience.

If you’ve never taken the ferry to SF, do yourself a favor and give it a shot. You might come back with a clearer mind and a better mood. I know I did.

Until next time—
Ivan Ramirez Photography