Category Archives: santa barbara county

How to photograph Mission Santa Barbara

2011/07/15 – 04:26

Known as the “Queen of the Missions”, Santa Barbara Mission is a primary tourist attraction in Santa Barbara, a Spanish style coastal town in Southern California. The parish church is still in use today.

The façade of the mission and the nearby rose garden are popular backgrounds for wedding photography, whereas the mission grounds and the architecture are the main subjects for travel photographers and tourists interested in early California history.

The location of the Santa Barbara Mission sets it apart from all other California Missions. It sits atop a small hill, exposing it to a cool breeze from the ocean. The nearby Santa Ynez Mountains provide a wonderful backdrop for panoramic images while the rose garden is a popular foreground motif for mission photographs.

I highly recommend spending some time around the waterfront to soak up the cool relaxed atmosphere of Santa Barbara before photographing the mission. Take advantage of the location.

Font - Santa Barbara Mission

By myphotoscout | Also posted in California Missions, Central Coast, Faith, flowers, landmark, Museum, Southern California | Tagged , , | Comments (5)

Santa Barbara Presidio

2011/06/29 – 03:16

Santa Barbara’s Presidio hides in plain sight in Downtown Santa Barbara. Occupying parts of two typical city blocks, the red roofed buildings fit well into the overall city architecture making them nearly invisible at first glance.

The Presidio was the fourth and last fortress that the Spanish built in California. Not much is left of the original 1782 buildings. The reconstructed buildings are home to a few interesting artifacts and a fountain in the backyard that remains of the original building.

The Presidio is definitely not a main attraction for photographers, but it is worth a quick stop. It is a fantastic place to learn about California’s early settlement history.

Carriage at the Presidio

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Central Coast, Fort, landmark, Southern California, state park | Tagged , , , | Comments (1)

Stearns Wharf – Santa Barbara

2011/06/22 – 05:00

The quaint coastal town of Santa Barbara with its palm lined beaches and mountain vistas is also known as the American Riviera. Stearns Wharf, California’s oldest working wharf,  is a favorite tourist destination. Strolling over the water and feeling the wharf shudder under the power of the waves crashing against its pillars, taking a breath of fresh sea air while gawking at the busy fishing boats and surfers or hunting down a souvenir and and a tasty snack are among the many things you can do here to kill time.

To photographers the wharf is a superb platform and subject. From the pier you have sweeping views of Santa Barbara, you can see seals and albatross compete for fish, you can observe the surfers, and on good days even witness a whale blow in the distance. The wooden colorful stores, tourist crowds, and pillars of the pier are also worthwhile subjects.

Beach from Pier

By myphotoscout | Also posted in beach, Central Coast, Coast, landmark, Southern California | Tagged , , , | Comments (1)

Santa Barbara Superior Court

2011/06/15 – 05:35

Santa Barbara’s nestles between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Coast. The Spanish architecture and clean, palm dotted neighborhoods, and the superb location create a relaxed holiday atmosphere unparalleled anywhere else. When city planners chose to rebuild Santa Barbara in this clean villa like image, they built America’s most beautiful courthouse as the crown jewel of city architecture.

Santa Barbara’s Superior Court occupies an entire block in downtown. The building complex features a tall clock tower, a garden, murals, a fountain, ornaments, tiles, and other architectural highlights. Of all the features, the views of Santa Barbara from the “El Mirador” clock tower are the most remarkable.

No other building in downtown is higher, making this the best spot to photograph overviews of the city. Amazingly, I have never encountered crowds on the tower during my previous visits, but tourist traffic has increased over the years.

Do not miss the chance to visit the courthouse and enjoy the view from the eighty-five feet tall tower.

Santa Barbara Mountains

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Central Coast, Coast, landmark, South Coast, Southern California | Tagged , , , , | Comments (2)

How to photograph Solvang

2011/04/06 – 03:32

Solvang, a Danish town, is located in the fertile Santa Ynez valley, just north of Santa Barbara. The valley receives nearly 300 days of sunshine every year and is home to many fine wineries. The climate could not be more different from the northern European Denmark, yet the city, complete with Danish style studwork houses (bindingsvaerk), windmills and Danish culture feels authentic.

It is fun to explore California’s quaint little Denmark and immerse yourself in a different culture, in a town where time seems to stand still. The stores carry items that you can only find here and the bakeries tempt your senses with the sweetest smells. During Danish Days in September, the town turns into a giant fairground, where the towns’ people celebrate their Scandinavian heritage.

ingeborgs

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Central Coast, landmark, Southern California | Tagged , , , , | Comments (4)

How to photograph Santa Ines Mission

2010/08/26 – 04:17

Santa Ines Mission is located between Santa Barbara Mission and Mission La Purisima Concepcion. The Mission was built as an afterthought to relieve overcrowding at these two nearby missions and to “serve” (exploit) the friendly Chumash Indians that lived in the fertile Santa Ynez valley.

Although the Mission does not stand out next to its two famous neighbors, you will still find many unique compositions and wonderful subjects that are worth the time and effort. The pleasant city of Solvang and their delicious sweet Danish treats can always help you justify the side trip.
Santa Ines Mission

By myphotoscout | Also posted in California Missions, Central Coast, Faith, landmark, Southern California | Tagged , , , | Comments (3)
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