Options
Suggestions for shooting in San Fransisco
net1994
Registered Users Posts: 269 Major grins
Hi Guys,
Go to San Francisco in about two weeks and would like to get an idea of places in the city to do some great walk around photography. Of course I will probably check out the bridge and Golden Gate Park, but what else??
I’m trying to avoid the ‘Tourist Death Traps.’ You know, pictures of the cable cars, etc. Been there, done that. You’ve seen those pics on a billion postcards. What am I looking for you ask? I love urban color and great contrasts, architecture. Abstract images and simple arraignments.
Maybe a cultural event that is happening on June 22nd? Thinking of going on down to Chinatown which is a bit of a cliché perhaps, but great colors and people shots.
Anyone have an idea. FWIW, I will have the super wide-angle Nikon 12-24 and super sharp 70-200mm VR lens.
Go to San Francisco in about two weeks and would like to get an idea of places in the city to do some great walk around photography. Of course I will probably check out the bridge and Golden Gate Park, but what else??
I’m trying to avoid the ‘Tourist Death Traps.’ You know, pictures of the cable cars, etc. Been there, done that. You’ve seen those pics on a billion postcards. What am I looking for you ask? I love urban color and great contrasts, architecture. Abstract images and simple arraignments.
Maybe a cultural event that is happening on June 22nd? Thinking of going on down to Chinatown which is a bit of a cliché perhaps, but great colors and people shots.
Anyone have an idea. FWIW, I will have the super wide-angle Nikon 12-24 and super sharp 70-200mm VR lens.
0
Comments
GG from the Sausilito side in the Early morn to capture sunrise with fog........ night scape of SF from the Treasure Island side....... down the small streets off of Pier 39..... I got some great photos of fisherman when I was there.... of course the group of people I was with was afraid to slink into those dark pathways with me .... even in DAYLIGHT........ watch out for flying squab...... it is everywhere................
sunset above fog
The Palace of Fine Arts. Its a great building but last time I was there it was under construction. Its still worth checking out.
Rodeo Beach in Marin Headlands is a great place for sunsets and birds:
Fort Point is one of my favorites, but bring a tripod. It also has great views of the bridge:
Chinatown is a great place for street photography
There are lots of great places to shoot. I'll see if I can come up with some more.
Where to start!
Given your preferences, I'd suggest spending time in the mission district, good urban, edgy stuff. Get off at 16 or 24th and wander Mission, Valencia, etc between say 15th and 26th. And if you are feeling brave there are some great waterfront and graffiti / urban landscapes all along mission bay through to Hunters Point.
Also, for architectural try Embarcadero at the Ferry Building and wander back through the financial district.
If you want some different but excellent landscapes and tree shots, try Presidio park.
PM for detailed locations.
Cheers
Wow! Can you give me an address or link to google maps so I can add this to possible spots to visit for my trip to CA in July/August - thanks
Jase // www.stonesque.com
That looks like it was taken near Hawk Hill which is on Conzelman Road in the Marin Headlands, just north of the Golden Gate bridge. Cross the bridge on 101 and get off at the Sausalito exit and follow the signs for the Marin Headlands. You want Conzelman Road (which goes up the hill) rather than Bunker Road (which goes through a one lane tunnel). Some of the best views of the bridge and the city are from this road, but if you keep driving past the intersection with McCullough Road, you can park at the top of the hill and hike around a bit for great views out toward Point Bonita.
My guess is this shot was taken from very close to the same location.
Here is a view from Conzelman Road back toward the city
Note that on a clear day everybody and his brother heads up there with his camera so you won't be alone.
I've posted this before and hope that folks find it helpful.
Here's my Google Map of Bay Area photo locations.
Alvin
Fremont, CA
SmugMug Gallery
The Chihuly exhibit at the DeYoung Museum allows photography (no tripod or flash). It's very cool if you're into glass art. Bring a beanbag or gorillapod or something and shoot from walls and floor. The DeYoung itself is a great subject for architectural photography, both indoors and out.
Maybe check out some urban gardens, such as the one next to the Transamerica pyramid. There are even some public roof gardens... two of them, including my favorite, are accessible through the Galleria shopping center. (Ask for assistance--they're not so easy to find.) Those tend to be wide open (no one else there) and are quite beautiful.
The fountains in Levi Strauss plaza and the beautiful Filbert Steps that rise from a block away are both worthwhile.
You can get a pic of a real live Buffalo there, right in the middle of the City! Plus there is the Rose Garden, and some new art museum they just built there a couple of years ago.
But all the other places mentioned are good. Too many places to mention without being vague. It all depends on what you want to shoot. I personally love the Sunset district, lived there for a few years. Allbeit, if you go this time of year you'll get sand in your equipment, too much wind.
Best time to go is October or even in Dec or Jan, that way you can catch some shots of the BIG waves at Ocean Beach. :ivar
Of course, I just remembered they had an oil spill there last year. So it might not be that pretty anymore.
www.tompyron.com
Yellow Footprint Films - A motion picture production effort that focuses on military content
Second that. Many good places to shoot. I like going to the Japanese Tea Garden when I visit. Not sure now, but last spring the museum was under some heavy construction.
SF is an amazingly photogenic city with too many places to shoot for one visit. After two recent visits myself, I still have lots of places I want to hit & some I'd like to shoot again.
http://www.chrislaudermilkphoto.com/