Category Archives: Northern California

How to photograph from Corona Heights Park

2012/01/08 – 16:31

Corona Heights Park is the only place in San Francisco that offers a true 360 degree unobstructed vista. The former quarry does not show up in most guidebooks. Corona Heights is thus, mostly a local hang out spot and a dog’s playground.

The rocks are easy to climb, yet steep enough for superb unobstructed views. Randall Museum is located on the grounds of the park. It too has breathtaking views.

Corona Heights is the ideal place for scenic photography. Its views are less familiar than those of nearby Twin Peaks, yet often more spectacular.
Corona Heights

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Bay Area, hike, landmark, Museum, night, San Francisco, Skyline | Tagged , , | Comments (1)

Taking great pictures on top of the Golden Gate Bridge

2011/10/12 – 03:30

Take brilliant pictures of San Francisco from the top of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The iconic Golden Gate Bridge that spans the waters where the San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean meet, symbolizes the Gold Rush and wealth of the Golden State of California. San Francisco’s most recognizable landmark is also its biggest tourist attraction. Featured in every travel publication, the Golden Gate Bridge is the most photographed attraction in California.

Although it is hardly possible to photograph this icon in a novel way, the hike across the bridge promises some distinct compositions that are harder to find than the most typical overview photographs. Hiking on this majestic bridge also lets you appreciate the marvelous accomplishment that this bridge represents.
Golden Gate South Tower

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Bay Area, Coast, golden gate, hike, landmark, NRA, San Francisco, Skyline, Transportation | Tagged , | Comments (4)

How to photograph Fort Mason

2011/09/21 – 01:59

Located on a small hilltop overlooking the entrance to San Francisco Bay, Fort Mason was the obvious choice for defensive fortifications. In the age of high tech weaponry, Fort Mason still makes a formidable base for high tech shooters of a different kind, photographers.

Throughout the years, the fort was home to Spanish and American troops and earthquake refugees and served as a port of embarkation for World War II.
Fort Mason roofs and Palace of Fine Arts

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Bay Area, golden gate, Marine, NRA, park, San Francisco | Tagged , , , | Leave a Comment

How to photograph Alcatraz

2011/09/07 – 03:33

Alcatraz, the infamous penitentiary, is visible from the hills and beaches of San Francisco. It is San Francisco’s second most famous tourist destination, after the Golden Gate Bridge. Deceptively beautiful from a distance, the sheer cliffs, icy cold water, and treacherous currents made escapes from “The Rock” a futile attempt.

Authorities sent only the hardest criminals to this maximum-security facility. Among its famous residents were former Chicago mobster Al “Scarface” Capone, murderer George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and snitch Theodore “Blackie” Audett. The design of “The Rock” served to intimidate the criminals while it simultaneously reminded them of their lost freedom, due to the close proximity to San Francisco.
Alcatraz Broadway shot with Fisheye Lens

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Coast, flowers, golden gate, Island, landmark, Marine, Museum, national park, San Francisco, Skyline | Tagged , | Comments (2)

San Juan Bautista

2011/08/11 – 05:22

The attractive Mission San Juan Bautista and the equally named charming small town surrounding it are easy to miss if you don’t already know its location. San Francisco Bay Area residents therefore consider the town one of their insider secrets, a place to relax, to shop, and to eat.

Art stores, antiquities shops, and restaurants line the narrow streets, each competing for your dollars. Unusual characters and harmless but grim looking bikers mingle at the saloon, just next door to the ice cream parlor filled with the excited noise of children begging their parents for sweet treats. San Juan Bautista’s rich, colorful street scenes seem made for photography.

Most visitors come to see Mission San Juan Bautista, the main attraction of the city. Founded 1797, the mission was the largest of the 21 California Missions. The mission is still active today, continuously serving the parish. Its lush gardens are an oasis of color and its bell tower and St. John statue are well-recognized symbols. The mission and nearby buildings of San Juan Bautista State Park are relics from different periods. An old west hotel, horse stables, Plaza Hall and Castro-Breen Adobe provide a unique insight into the old West and provide a great way to complement your portfolio of photographs.

San Juan Bautista has a lot to offer to the casual visitor. Many of its sights reveal their secrets only at the second glance, providing hours fun for exploration.

Flower Pots

By myphotoscout | Also posted in California Missions, central valley, Faith, flowers, Montery Peninsula, Museum, state park | Tagged , , | Comments (3)

Soledad Mission

2011/08/03 – 03:27

Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad is the thirteenth California Mission. This very small mission does not receive the attention of its more famous sisters. It lies within the Salinas Valley Farmlands that once were dry and inhospitable.

Once a larger mission, the adobe buildings crumbled after its abandonment for over a century, leaving only small piles of rubble and remnants of walls. Some of the original remains are still visible behind the museum, but they are not very photogenic.

Although Soledad Mission is not as attractive as others are, it is only a small detour from Highway 101 and therefore always worth a quick stop. If you are weary of traveling and happen to be in the Salinas area, Mission Nuestra Senora de la Soledad is the perfect stop.

Mission Nuestra Senora de la Soledad

By myphotoscout | Also posted in California Missions, central valley, Faith, flowers, Southern California | Tagged , , , , | Leave a Comment

Point Reyes Lighthouse and Chimney Rock

2011/07/27 – 03:49

Point Reyes Lighthouse is perched on a steep cliff in the windiest place on the Pacific Coast and the foggiest place in California. Despite the unusual weather, the lighthouse is a favorite destination for visitors. Located on the westernmost outcrop of Point Reyes National Seashore, the lighthouse is also the best location for whale watching from land.

Chimney Rock is a similar outcrop, on the opposite side of the tip of Point Reyes’ peninsula, at Drakes Bay. It is a narrow stretch of land of unbelievable beauty. Surrounded by deep blue and turquoise sea, this small peninsula is vividly colorful during spring, when carpets of wildflowers cover portions of the lush green pastures.

It is not a secret how picturesque this portion of Point Reyes is. Consequently, you will have a lot of competition for your photographs. Despite the large number of visitors, both locations still are exceptional photographic treasures that you shouldn’t miss.

red queen fungus

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Coast, hike, landmark, lighthouses, Marine, National Seashore, Point Reyes, Seasonal | Tagged , | Comments (1)

A Walk through Time in San Francisco’s Presidio’s Main Post

2011/07/07 – 05:52

Unravel the history of San Francisco’s Presidio and take great photos on a self-guided walking tour of the Main Post, the heart of the Presidio.

The former Spanish / Mexican / US military site is part of the National Park Service and in public hands since 1994. With over 200 years of military history, the park offers a unique combination of attractions for history buffs and photographers.

The stylish 19th century houses, lavish porches, and beautifully maintained gardens make this area of the park attractive to photographers. Most of the buildings serve as residences and offices and are thus off limits to exploration, but there is still much to see on the short walking tour.
Presidio Brick House Porch

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Bay Area, golden gate, landmark, Museum, NRA, park, San Francisco | Tagged , , | Comments (2)

Golden Gate Park: Stow Lake, Strawberry Hill, Botanical Garden

2011/06/01 – 02:55

Stow Lake, Strawberry Hill and the San Francisco Botanical Garden (Strybing Arboretum) are photogenic attractions inside the giant Golden Gate Park. Stow Lake surrounds Strawberry Hill, creating a picturesque artificial island. Strawberry Hill is also the highest point in Golden Gate Park, presenting good views of San Francisco. The Botanical Gardens lie next to Stow Lake, making a combined visit practical. Nearby you can also find the Japanese Tea Garden, the parks most famous attraction.
Stow Lake Footbridge

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Bay Area, flowers, golden gate, hike, lake, landmark, NRA, San Francisco, waterfall | Tagged | Comments (2)

12 Best California photography locations of 2010

2010/12/28 – 03:37

Discover my favorite photo spots of 2010.

2009’s top list was very successful. Many of my readers appreciated the short summary and keeping with this tradition, I hereby present to you my favorite places of 2010. This year was very exciting. I introduced my new iPhone application, a travel companion that makes all my articles available for offline consumption. I have traveled to many new places, collecting photographs and ideas for new location guides, and much more. I have revisited many places and I have discovered new places as well.

Wrapping up another fantastic year of photography, gives me the chance to go back to some of my favorites again.

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Announcements, Fall, Los Angeles, Southern California, spring, Summer, winter | Tagged , , | Comments (6)
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