A study of California’s salt evaporation ponds.

Seeing everyday objects in a new way is one of the most exciting elements of aerial photography. That is the case with these salt evaporation ponds. What looks like an uninteresting, run of the mill industrial complex from the ground is a visual feast for the eyes from above. The evaporation of sea water to harvest salt is a process that can take 3 to 5 years. Brine shrimp and microorganisms thrive in the saline water and are the true master artists of the pond’s vivid color palette. Depending on the salinity level throughout the process, water colors can range from blue-green to cornflower yellow to vivid red, as seen in this study. As sea water evaporates, stark white salt materializes along the edges of the pond, eventually becoming a dry salt bed when ready to harvest. Seen from above mid-process, the contrasting border between water and salt crystal create exquisite abstract art formations. The shifts in color from deep red to pristine white and all shades between are captivating. Intricate patterns, shapes, textures and lines are beautiful and abundant, encouraging a new appreciation of the common mineral we call SALT.