Category Archives: state park

Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park

2010/10/20 – 04:53

Withstanding the development boom in Sacramento’s Downtown, Stutter’s Fort claims a large block of prime real estate. It is a monument to the frontier spirit of early California settlers and to globetrotting John Sutter.

John Sutter, a self-made emigrant from Germany, built the fort as a trading post after traveling for years and making a name for himself. His influence grew and his generosity was legendary, until the discovery of gold attracted too much attention and he lost a lot of his fortune.
Rifles at Sutter's Fort

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Fort, Gold Country, Museum, Northern California, Sacramento | Tagged , , | Comments (4)

How to photograph the California State Capitol

2010/10/06 – 06:06

The California State Capitol is located in the heart of Sacramento, in a large landscaped park. It is the seat of California’s government, the location of bitter budget battles in the debt-ridden state, and the governor’s office, a position of power and humiliation. It is also a shining beacon of hope and endless optimism that fuels California since the gold rush, and a fantastic example of neoclassical architecture that dominates the administration buildings of the United States.

The California Capitol was indeed modeled after the US capitol in Washington D.C. Upon completion in 1870, its construction did cost the California taxpayers 25 times its original estimate. Splendor has created Sacramento’s most noteworthy attraction, adorned with public arts displays and antique furnishings. The California State Capitol is one of the most rewarding buildings to photograph.
California State Capitol

By myphotoscout | Also posted in central valley, Gold Country, landmark, night, Northern California, park, Sacramento | Tagged , | Comments (3)

The California State Railroad Museum

2010/09/29 – 05:15

Travel back in time to the golden era of train travel and discover the most beautiful transportation machinery ever conceived in the California State Railroad Museum. It upholds the title of “Largest Railroad Museum in North America” with an impressive collection of fire breathing and steam puffing iron horses.

At some point it must have been every child’s dream to steer one of these monsters and be the hero of other like-minded children. At least it was mine, as I observed the last of the giant steam locomotives put on a show of a giant white plume of smoke while blowing their deafening air-horns. Eventually, smaller and more efficient diesel electric locomotives replaced these beautiful machines and I grew up to become something else. However, the romantic mystique of the steam engines stayed with me to this day.

Transcontinental Railroad

By myphotoscout | Also posted in central valley, Gold Country, Museum, Northern California, Sacramento, Transportation | Tagged , , , | Comments (4)

How to photograph Sacramento Old Town

2010/09/22 – 03:17

Gunslingers, cowboys, and tough railroaders mingle with candy store kids, baby stroller pushers, and gawking tourists in Old Sacramento, the historic downtown core of Sacramento. Beautifully restored buildings, dating back to the 19th century, divulge authentic western town flair, just a few blocks from the modern, slick city blocks of the business district.

Book a scenic train ride with a historic steam locomotive or an exclusive horse carriage ride through the streets of Old Sacramento, visit one of the superb museums, sample the candy store offerings, and dine in a restaurant overlooking the Sacramento River. The entertainment options and tourist traps will keep your family happy while you can indulge in the superb photography opportunity of Old Sacramento.

Despite the convenient location and being one of Sacramento’s most notable tourist attractions, Old Town was not at the top of my to-do list, but I was pleasantly surprised during my first visit and I kept discovering superb compositions and came to appreciate this area on my second and third visits. Allow the atmosphere to catch you and you too will be pleasantly surprised.
Old Town Sidewalk

By myphotoscout | Also posted in central valley, Gold Country, Northern California, Sacramento | Tagged , , | Comments (7)

How to photograph Mono Lake

2010/08/18 – 04:50

Mono Lake is one of California’s most prominent photographic icons. Countless photographers travel to this remote area to photograph the alien landscape, courtesy of Los Angeles’ unquenchable thirst for California’s precious water resources. Avoiding the dry death of Owens Lake, Mono Lake levels are rising again, thanks to the tireless efforts of conservationists.

Tufa, the dramatic rock spires protruding from the seabed, stand testament to the value of the water resource and the ecologic systems depending on it. Yet, in its unnatural state, the lake is most beautiful. Photographers appreciate the unusual formations, reflections, and colors.

Easily accessible, Mono Lake is a treasure that everyone can own. Showing up is all it takes to take good photographs. If you are willing to stay after dark and bring your own light source, you can create bizarre yet gorgeous masterpieces.
Mono Lake Nautilus

By myphotoscout | Also posted in hike, lake, mono county, Northern California, Sierra Nevada | Tagged , , , | Comments (8)

How to photograph Carmel by the Sea

2010/08/11 – 06:08

The attractive community of Carmel by the Sea retained its small town charm in spite of a booming real estate bubble. It encompasses two of the finest beaches in Northern California and the most expensive housing market outside Malibu, turning Carmel into a playground for the rich and very rich.

Upscale Carmel also attracts affluent tourists, who pamper themselves in the expensive cottages and spend their days shopping in boutique stores.
Carmel River State Beach

By myphotoscout | Also posted in beach, Central Coast, Coast, flowers, hike, Montery Peninsula, Northern California, park | Tagged , | Comments (1)

How to photograph Fort Tejon SHP

2010/07/21 – 05:54

Fort Tejon is conveniently located along Interstate 5, the main travel artery connecting Los Angeles to Northern California and the Central Valley. Its location is too convenient for its own good. I have flown past the Fort countless times, on my way to and from destinations in the south, always noting that the location would make it a perfect candidate to visit some other time.

On a recent trip south, I decided that it was time to follow in the footsteps of the Indians and scout out the Fort the white men built to suppress them and to protect settlers and fortune seekers.

By myphotoscout | Also posted in central valley, Fort, Kern County, lake, Los Angeles, pass, Southern California | Tagged , , , | Comments (3)

How to photograph La Purisima Mission SHP

2010/05/26 – 18:49

The extensive complex of the La Purisima Mission entails the church, workshops, gardens, and living quarters. It presents a detailed picture of mission life in the early 19th Century. With ten of its original buildings fully renovated, La Purisima Mission is the most completely restored mission in California.

It is also one of the most photogenic missions.
La Purisima Mission

By myphotoscout | Also posted in California Missions, Central Coast, Faith, landmark, Museum, Southern California | Tagged , , , | Comments (11)

How to photograph Santa Cruz Natural Bridges State Beach

2010/05/18 – 02:04

The Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz compresses numerous coastal attractions into a small, protected area. Here you can visit one of California’s Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries, watch migrating whales, spot a sea otter, discover amphibian life in the tide pools, view wildflowers or just take in the spectacular cliffs of the California coastline.

Natural Bridges State Beach is easy to photograph and a pleasure to explore. The visitor center offers a free map and valuable information about the park. The beach is easily accessible and the coastal climate is pleasant, even on hot days. The park is also a Mecca for beach lovers. It bustles with beachgoers and BBQ parties on warm days. Bring your bathing suit if you are up for a little refreshment.
Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz, CA

By myphotoscout | Also posted in beach, Coast, flowers, hike, Northern California, santa cruz county, Seasonal, Wildlife | Tagged , | Comments (4)

How to photograph Mt. Diablo State Park

2010/05/07 – 03:52

Mount Diablo is the highest mountain of the San Francisco Bay Area, a sacred Indian shrine and a Mecca for outdoor lovers. The mountain towers high above the flat surrounding landscape, resulting in a geographic oddity. From the summit, you can see more of the earth’s surface than from any other location in the world, despite its relatively low elevation of “just” 3849ft. Only Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa offers even more viewable land from its summit.

The park also provides a fantastic diversity of picnic areas, secluded or with a view, and no less than three separate campgrounds. The park is a favorite weekend destination for Bay Area Residents. A few easy trails and many strenuous trails reach the farthest corners of the park, offering a fantastic diversity of sights to hard working photographers.
Mt Diablo

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Bay Area, flowers, hike, landmark, Northern California, park, San Francisco, scenic drive | Tagged , | Comments (4)
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