Photographing California is always tricky, but exciting. Much of the fantasy created by the media and popular culture is not real; and what is real is so fantastic that it can’t be described with words. That’s why you must be sure to pack your camera, in your Gucci bag if you’re headed to SoCal and La La Land or in your backpack if you’re hiking through the Northern California wilderness.
You’re a 100%, rabid movie fan. You’re compelled, therefore, to head for Los Angeles, and specifically Hollywood. You want to see where the magic makers create the fantasy, how the rich and famous live and, above all else, to see, or (do you dare hope) to take a picture of a star. Go ahead, stroll down Rodeo Drive with an attitude or drive through Malibu like you live there, but make sure you photograph your starring performance to share with everyone.
Southern California has many family attractions, and your memories of your visits should be preserved in photographs. You could spend a day or more of adventure and picture taking on the Long Beach Pier: the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific and a day-trip to Catalina Island. You’ll need another day to experience Disneyland, Walt Disney’s original vision of a wonderland for kids of all ages. It’s the perfect backdrop for a camera-full of family pictures. Then, it’s off to the San Diego Zoo, one of the world’s best, and the Photo Caravan Tour through the Wild Animal Park. You’ll photograph more animals in one place than you ever thought possible…and you’ll be among them, not on the other size of a fence!
Photographing Northern California is an entirely different experience. Nature is the attraction, so be ready to record another breathtaking scene around every bend in the road. For many outdoors lovers and photographers, amateur and professional, Yosemite National Park, is the ultimate subject. Whether you leisurely drive through the park or head into the backcountry on foot, take plenty of pictures to record this amazing place.
Maybe you picture yourself enjoying a less strenuous Northern California vacation. Say, the laid-back lifestyle of the vineyards of Sonoma, Napa and other gently, rolling valleys. Photograph your visits to the classic wineries. Then, find a high vantage point to take panoramic shots of the sea of grapes under various lighting conditions.
From there, it’s a short trip into San Francisco and its highly photographic sea-bound cityscape and connecting bridges, including the famous Golden Gate. Then, consider a day-trip to the Monterey Peninsula to take pictures from the 17-Mile Drive. You’ll believe what many have said: That this is the greatest place where the sea meets the land.
Wherever you visit in California, you’ll have many great photo opportunities to capture you and your family and friends searching for the fantasy and living the dream that has attracted so many people to the western end of the continent.
