Wanted to get into some updates, here during August Beach Volleyball in So Cal. As usual, this is quite the busy month for beach volleyball in the Southern California area. Thankfully have been able to attend, photograph, and enjoy watching some amazing volleyball, on our So Cal sands. Have you gotten out to the beach this month? There are a few more exciting tournaments on the way in the CBVA, and next month is going to feature the premier Hermosa Beach Open.
It’s an exciting time to be a beach volleyball fan.
With that, let’s get into a few website updates.
MOST of our day 1 galleries for the 2026 Charlie Saikley 6 man have been posted. There is just one gallery that is up, but isn’t public at the moment, due to a watermarking issue. Some of you may know, we have a serious Troll, who stalks our website, saves our photos, crops the “SoCalBeachVB.com” logo/watermark out of the photos, then posts them to their Instagram and Facebook Accounts – posing as the photographer. (Made an instagram post about him; couldn’t tag him cause he’s been blocked from the IG page; still working on screenshots of his multiple IP addresses, how he continues to visit the site for new content to steal, all ruining the free galleries for our visitors – going forward with our watermark in the center of the image – while subscribers will have access to galleries everyone is accustomed to.)
** these images are from Gallery 9; Day 1 2026 MB 6man: here, our watermark for FREE Galleries, moving forward, was placed correctly; but something doesn’t seem to want to work right with other images, in the same gallery. Will have to use a different program, to watermark, re-upload the gallery 9 images – and then it’ll be live, on the site. Below, a few images from gallery 9, where the watermark, just didn’t work.
– The Troll/Imposter would have posted those by tonight … as he is still currently/actively stealing images from other photographers, and pretending he’s the photographer; in spite of all the hard work it takes – only sharing a few he’s unlikely to use; to show how my watermark program failed to place the WM in the proper spot, for free galleries –
Outside of that, all is well – and Day 2 of the 2026 MB 6man galleries are going up, at the time of this posting.
additional galleries are being worked on … which is what I want to share a bit more about, next.
The work involved ….
Huge thank you to our subscribers, for your support of our efforts to bring you moments from beach volleyball, here in Southern California. I take a lot of photos at these events, and it definitely takes several hours to put together a photo gallery. I never really know if I got any good shots till I get home, and get the chance to look through those images. That doesn’t always happen the same day, or even the same week!
Our goal, with our galleries that are put together, aims to tell the story of: “what happened here?”
- Not just the challenge at the net, but, if possible, what was the result?
- Was that a block, or did she get that one past her, in spite of the great defense?
- Did it go out, or up, or just in, or back over?
Our goal is to tell you that story, with our image galleries. Hopefully, you’ve been able to relive the moment, if you were on the sands that day.
In the recent year, Video Clips have also been added to our website. The same camera that I use to take photos, also allows me to shoot video. Eventually, would love to start streaming these events live. A camera rig was added to my gear set up, which is leading to steadier videos – thanks again to our subscribers for your support. Supporters also enjoy an ad-free experience on our website. Thankful for the ads which do help support the website, although we don’t get nearly enough foot traffic for the ads to truly support our work. Maybe, one day, but for now, again thankful for the subscriber support!
In a way, the ‘troll/imposter’ forced an adjustment in our approach. Just as volleyball athletes must make adjustments throughout the matches they are in. Each opponent offers a different challenge. If you are a subscriber, do not hesitate to reach out and let us know if you need help with anything. Also feel free to drop suggestions, and if it’s possible to implement, the adjustment will be made.
All of that said …
It takes a lot of time, to put together galleries. Meanwhile, ‘life’ is still calling and that takes time too. Since losing my father in 2025, there have been added life responsibilities. Driving my mother to a church conference this weekend, which will eat into the time I planned to spend on galleries. Thankful however, to still have the opportunity, to look out for my mother. Our parents are so special.
In addition to covering beach volleyball in So Cal, I still have my other jobs, and so again, I appreciate the patience as many await galleries from events I was able to attend.
The photos are coming …
Our subscribers have access to an ever-growing list of forthcoming galleries, that are absolutely, on the way.
In fact, our subscribers are helping to free up more and more time, for me to get even more done. Day 2 galleries for 6man are almost complete: 3 & 4 will be ‘live’ later tonight. As of now it looks like there will be 2-3 more galleries to go, but again, that all depends on what’s in the remaining folders! Could just be enough for 1 more gallery, an answer I should know soon.
After the 6man galleries are complete, images from the 2026 Manhattan Beach Open will be in the ‘drafts’.
I do however, want to get images of a few CBVA tournaments up. Below, a clip from the 2026 MBO, posted to our Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DcKxel6wRXK/
Thank you again, for following our coverage, of beach volleyball here in Southern California. Much more of it, is on the way!
