Travelling California

colined

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Colin
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Hi guys,

im travelling down the west coast of california next year and am taking my canon 550d.

has anyone been there or travels with their camera that can give any tips or cool ideas to make some great shots?

I want to take some pictures that will look really
good on the wall

thanks

colined
 
I drove down the West Coast (Highway 1) From San Francisco to San Diego a couple of years back, so many opportunities its unreal, the coastal views are incredible, and there's plenty of tiny little towns you find on the way, you really cant go wrong! Golden Gate bridge, coast views, Santa Barbara and Santa Monica are great, the list is endless.

:cool:
 
All of above, PCH has the most gorgeous scenery. Hurst Castle in Morrow Bay and Sundays it is just full of Harleys
 
I did from L.A. up to San Francisco about 5 years ago, as has been said there is great opportunities everywhere. Enjoy it. I would love to go back!
 
Thanks guys not till next year but will share a picture or two.
See what you think.
 
I am from the u.s. and took my first trip San Francisco this past July. The city is beautiful and there is so many things to photograph there. It is truly a photographers dream. I heard that the drive from LA to San Fran is breathtaking. Of course you will need a driver and a convertible car to really make it great. You need to plan for the weather when you go, it can be very different from place to place and day to night. Have fun it's really nice.
 
Take your time and go for quality not quantity

Consider shooting at dusk or dawn for interesting sky colours

Take a tripod and remote release.

If possible, drive North to South

Get hold of a few tourist guides as well to give you inspiration and information
 
Few things that you should follow while capturing stunning images are mentioned as below:

Tips as follow:

1. Watch your composition.

2. Adjust your elevation.

3. Adjust your camera settings.

4. Use the user programmable modes.

5. Shoot away from the sun.

6. Shoot away from the sun.

7. Don’t skimp on depth-of-field.

8. Shoot with both eyes open.

9. Pay attention to the background.

10. Don’t skimp on Image Stabilization.

try these tips and feel the difference.
 
Did a trip earlier this year from Sonoma/Napa Valley down to Santa Barbara, and back again with a 2 day stop in San Francisco (2 days isn't neearly long enough!). The West Coast is a great part of the world, but don't forget to travel inland too. It's not a long trip to Yosemite when you're in San Fran! The valleys in and around Santa Barbara offer some great sights, plus you're also going to be in some great wine country, too. Have a great trip.....and don't speed!!!!!
 
I too have done the PCH San Francisco to San Diego, and the section down from San Francisco to LA is the best for photos, As other say too many to list, but Hearst Castle is well worth a visit.

Do lots of research before you go, personally I think google maps and street view is a great tool for ideas.

My main advice is NOT to pre book any hotels, as you want the freedom to change your mind where your going or stay longer at one place. I know many people who have done the trip and missed loads out as they 'had' to get to the next hotel.
 
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i'd love t know how cheaply a 14 day trip like this could be done for :)
 
Take a couple of filters ie UV would be my strong tip. I needed them when I went to S F and did Alcatraz etc.

If your doing Alcatraz book your tickets over here first it can get very busy. Do Yosemite National Park its spectacular. take a trip in Muir woods with the Redwood trees that only grow in that and one other part of the USA I understand
Try the clam chowder in Fishermans Wharf for which its famous and I have to say tasty having never eaten it before.



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Don't forget the cable car ride its something else ( get in the front to photo the hills it goes up/down)
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Realspeed
 
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