California Photo Scout

Reagan's Air Force One

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is a monument to one of the most influential Presidents in recent history. The beautiful California Mission style architecture of the complex overlooks Simi Valley from the top of a mountain.

The library contains a huge amount of historic documents, personal artifacts and official historic objects. The original Air Force One plane is by far the most prominent of these. It is accompanied by Marine One, the President’s helicopter, which you can find in the same hall that houses the plane. Some of his personal vehicles and an F14 Tomcat fighter jet are also on display as well as a giant piece of the original Berlin Wall, replicas of the Oval Office, the White House lawn and the Rose Garden. The library is thus a fantastic insight into the inner sanctum of the most powerful nation and the private life of one of his strongest leaders, President Ronald Reagan.

Even if you are not a history buff, you will find this place moving. I felt like a time traveler to an era marked by the cold war, a time I had comfortably banned from my awareness for some time now. Many personal memories of those times surfaced and mixed with the new impressions and insights I gained through this visit.

This library is a remarkable place, waiting for your discovery.

How to get there

The Reagan Library is located in Simi Valley, 50 minutes north of Los Angeles. Overlooking a pleasant valley, the library is an ideal detour from the hectic bustling life of the big city.

The address of the Reagan Library is 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, CA 93065.

Reagan Library Location Map (click to enlarge)

GPS position

34°15’34.53″N 118°49’8.50″W

How to photograph the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

Below Air Force One

The library is surprisingly unrestricted to photographers. The only area that is off limits for photography is onboard Air Force One. Otherwise, you are free to draw your camera whenever you please, as long as you know how to turn off the flash. Most libraries and museums disallow flash due to the harmful effects of light. Instead you need to rely on a steady hand and advances in image stabilization and high ISO performance to get your shot. In most inside areas, the dim lights are supposed to help preserve the artifacts, making photography challenging.

Reagan Movie

In the Air Force One Pavilion, which also harbors Marine One and the Presidential Motorcade, the light is much better due to the three story high panoramic window. The impressive plane rests on pedestals and the walkway that circles the plane lets you view it from all angles. Don’t forget to capture some detail shots to support larger images.

Photographing in museums poses serious challenges to your composition. You cannot influence the arrangement of objects. Other objects often block your point of view or restrictions block you from assuming the best possible position. Try playing certain elements off each other. In the shot of the movie theater mockup, I used a very wide angle to include the sign above the entrance and waited for Ronald Reagan to show up on the screen.

Another alternative is to concentrate on detail photographs. However, I find that simply photographing one object after another does not leave much creativity to the photographer.

White House Oval Office

I enjoyed my time at the library beyond my usual photography. The oval office is a perfect replica, including Reagan’s original chair. There isn’t much to do here except putting a wide-angle lens on and taking a few shots while listening to the stories of the museum guide and imagining how it must feel like to sit behind a desk that has served so many powerful men before.

Slab of Berlin Wall

Some of the most interesting subjects are outside the walls of the library. Here you have more freedom to move around and can take advantage of the light. The valley below provides a wonderful backdrop to your compositions.

One of my favorite objects is this large slab of the Berlin Wall, a tool of oppression and a reminder that nothing stands forever, despite the infamous claims of its creators.

Best Time of the Day and Best Season

Any time is a good time to come here. I like to photograph the outdoor objects last during afternoon visits or first during morning visits to take advantage of the lower angle of the sun.

Time required

You can spend an entire day in the library and come back the next day to see more. You should plan a minimum of 3 hours to see the most important sights.

Equipment

• Wide-angle lens
• Image Stabilization
• Zoom lens for detail close-up shots

Fees

Admission is $12 for Adults. Senior and Junior discounts are available. Children under 11 get in free.

Difficulty Photographing

You cannot bring a tripod into the library and you cannot use flash. You cannot photograph inside Air Force One.

Close Locations

• Getty Center
• Malibu Creek State Park
• Griffith Observatory
• Mulholland Drive
• San Gabriel Arcangel Mission
• Venice Beach and Canals
• Santa Monica
• Downtown Los Angles
• Walt Disney Concert Hall
• Malibu
• The Huntington Library and Gardens
• Pasadena
• Mission San Buenaventura
• Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve
• Fort Tejon

Useful Resources

Official Website

Archives of the Reagan Library

ReaganLibrary.net

Ronald Reagan Library pictures

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