Tag Archives: Digital Photography

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 | Posted in Bay Area, hike, landmark, Museum, night, Northern California, San Francisco, Skyline | Also tagged , | Comments (1)

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 | Posted in Bay Area, golden gate, Marine, Northern California, NRA, park, San Francisco | Also tagged , , | Leave a Comment

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 | Posted in California Missions, central valley, Faith, flowers, Northern California, Southern California | Also tagged , , , | Leave a Comment

Mission San Miguel Arcangel

2011/07/21 – 04:50

Despite its convenient location along a well-traveled path, San Miguel Arcangel Mission is an often-overlooked photographic treasure. Due to recent earthquakes, the old mission used to be in a desolate condition. The mission church was long closed with the thread of an immanent collapse looming over it. Today the church has reopened, owing to extensive restoration projects funded through donations.

The decay that threatens the very existence of this mission also makes it one of the most appealing ones to photograph. Crumbling walls, rusting ornaments, and peeling paint give it an authentic old feeling that some other missions lack. While you walk through the old mission remnants, you can feel the age of the buildings.

Simply plan a stop on your next trip along Highway 101, you won’t regret it.

San Miguel Archangel Mission

By myphotoscout | Posted in California Missions, Faith, landmark, Museum, San Luis Obispo, Southern California | Also 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 | Posted in Bay Area, golden gate, landmark, Museum, Northern California, NRA, park, San Francisco | Also tagged , | Comments (2)

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 | Posted in beach, Central Coast, Coast, landmark, santa barbara county, Southern California | Also tagged , , | Comments (1)

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 | Posted in Bay Area, flowers, golden gate, hike, lake, landmark, Northern California, NRA, San Francisco, waterfall | Comments (2)

How to photograph Newport Beach

2011/05/17 – 02:57

Motor yachts, sailboats, and villas define the public face of Newport Beach, North America’s richest city. Wealth is all that matters here. The servants, slipping through the backdoors, must have abandoned their American Dream a long time ago. Bronze tanned beach boys, conceited women with salon styled dogs, and aging playboys on large yachts compete for each other’s admiration. The exuberant display of wealth has gotten out of control in Newport Beach.

Newport beach is located around a natural harbor, shielded by a peninsula. The geography makes it the ideal location for the largest yacht harbor in North America. Islands within the bay are all residential neighborhoods. Balboa Island, the largest and most hospitable island, is pleasant to discover on foot. Accommodations and food choices are less appealing to casual travelers on a budget though.

Offering a greater diversity of food, an excellent beach with white sand and clear water, and several other attractions, Balboa Peninsula is more fun and less formal. Children’s entertainment, bay cruises, and the ferry to Avalon are also located here.

Newport Beach is unique with its idiosyncratic residents who wish to be seen while shielding themselves from sight. Beneath its surface, Newport Beach offers a unique beauty that is difficult to find elsewhere.

Balboa Island Yachts

By myphotoscout | Posted in beach, Coast, Island, Orange County, South Coast, Southern California | Also tagged , , | Comments (1)

San Diego Old Town

2011/05/11 – 05:38

The site of the first European settlement in California, San Diego Old Town, is a place rich in history. The bustling state park, where history mixes with entertainment, is one of San Diego’s most famous and easiest accessible tourist traps. The park offers a romanticized glimpse back in time, through a pair of kitschy commercial goggles. Nonetheless, the amusement park style historic core is a nice diversion from the modern glitter of San Diego.

If you manage to look past the candy and novelty stores, you will still be able to gain glimpses of the harsh life of those early settlers. The tiny jail, original courthouse, and several museums preserve the history of California’s birthplace. The colorful shops at the Fiesta del Reyes Plaza, the Mexican dancers, and the Old Town Market complement the experience with the rich Mexican heritage of California.

The site of the first European settlement in California, San Diego Old Town, is a place rich in history. The bustling state park, where history mixes with entertainment, is one of San Diego’s most famous and easiest accessible tourist traps. The park offers a romanticized glimpse back in time, through a pair of kitschy commercial goggles. Nonetheless, the amusement park style historic core is a nice diversion from the modern glitter of San Diego.

If you manage to look past the candy and novelty stores, you will still be able to gain glimpses of the harsh life of those early settlers. The tiny jail, original courthouse, and several museums preserve the history of California’s birthplace. The colorful shops at the Fiesta del Reyes Plaza, the Mexican dancers, and the Old Town Market complement the experience with the rich Mexican heritage of California.

By myphotoscout | Posted in landmark, Museum, park, San Diego, Southern California, state park | Also tagged , , , | Comments (4)

Crystal Pier, Pacific Beach

2011/02/02 – 05:47

Pacific Beach is a laid-back beach community within the northern city limits of San Diego. Its long beach and boardwalk are a perfect example of Southern California’s beach culture.

I am not a fan of beach photography. Beaches often lack an interesting foreground, are often overcrowded, and generally difficult to photograph. Fortunately, Pacific Beach has an intriguing pier, an active surfing community, and an abundance of characters that should provide you with plenty of things to photograph.

Pacific Beach, or PB, is a place to relax. You will find a diverse restaurant and nightlife scene, resorts, motels, and small B&Bs in close proximity. It is close to Mission Bay, Sea World, and many other San Diego attractions, making it perfect for taking a break and doing as the locals do. Enjoy your time out and take your photographs along the way.

Three Friends at Crystal Pier

By myphotoscout | Posted in beach, Coast, landmark, San Diego, South Coast, Southern California | Also tagged , , | Comments (2)
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