Derek Zhao, a machine‑learning engineer who calls Treasure Island his home, stopped mid‑jog earlier this year to photograph the Salesforce Tower piercing a blanket of marine fog. Using only his iPhone 16 Pro Max, he turned a routine run along the island’s perimeter into a striking visual reminder that extraordinary scenes can appear in the most ordinary moments.
A Jogger’s Unexpected Muse
Every morning Zhao circles the 400‑acre man‑made island, an eight‑minute ferry ride from San Francisco’s bustling centre. He admits that leaving his professional camera gear behind can be frustrating, yet he has learned to appreciate the convenience of a smartphone lens. “It’s an endless source of frustration for me that I can’t bring my cameras with me,” he says. “When the island gifts me its beautiful scenes, I should be grateful that phones have pretty decent cameras, too.” This mindset allowed him to seize the fleeting spectacle that unfolded before him.
The Fog‑Veiled Monolith
The image that stopped Zhao in his tracks shows the upper portion of the Salesforce Tower isolated above a thick layer of marine fog. He describes the moment with vivid clarity: “I was mesmerised by how the fog, caused by what’s known as a marine layer, completely covered the rest of the skyline, leaving only the tower looking like a monolith.” He adds, “It’s ironic that something that obscures, like fog, can make a scene more clear.” The photograph, taken with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, transforms a familiar urban landmark into a solitary pillar emerging from mist.
Finding Peace in the Everyday
Beyond the technical achievement, Zhao reflects on what the shot means to him personally. He notes that his favourite pictures now arise not from far‑flung trips with professional gear, but from “improbable scenes near home that somehow only reveal themselves when I’m not expecting them.” This realisation brings him considerable peace, especially given his ambivalence toward the surrounding world of tech, AI, urban density and hustle culture. “The universe can still grant such awe‑inspiring moments of quiet,” he observes, underscoring how everyday technology can still facilitate wonder.
Why it Matters
Zhao’s experience highlights a shifting relationship between creativity and the devices we carry daily. As smartphones continue to close the gap with dedicated cameras, they empower amateurs to document fleeting, high‑impact moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. In an era where urban life often feels overwhelming, such accessible tools encourage people to pause, observe and find beauty in their immediate surroundings — fostering a sense of mindfulness and connection that resonates far beyond the frame.
