Archive 2018 · Los Angeles area Sunset Location

castlekeeper01
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Los Angeles area Sunset Location

Bucket list trips to LA 3/23 -3/25, and 3/30 - 4/1. Looking for suggested vantage points for dramatic sunset photos. I'll be staying in Santa Monica.

I've invested in a great selection of Lee filters, and want to try these out on a classic ocean sunset. Last year I tried this near Malibu ... only to watch in horror as the sun slid somewhat sideways behind the cliffs instead of plunging straight down into my pre-selected location. I know, rookie mistake.

So - asking for location tips. Yes, for the typical calendar type photo, boring as it may seem.

If it matters, I will be shooting with a Canon 6DII and a 16-35, 24-70, or 70-300L as perspective warrants. Tripod, mirror lock-up, 2 sec timer - and anything else your collective experience suggests.

I'm still trying to get 1 good print-and-frame worthy photo ...

Thank you in advance for your replies.

Mar 14, 2018 at 12:37 PM

tmiller9
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Los Angeles area Sunset Location

Unfortunately, if you are set on shooting down by the beach - you may be fighting with the marine layer / offshore fog during your visit. Doesn't mean you can't get some decent light - just understand what you may be up against. While I shoot the beach areas in south OC (I highly recommend little Corona or anywhere in Laguna) - I will give you three recommendations...
1) Photographers Ephemeris - use this app to determine sunset/sunrise times and general location - this will help you avoid spots that will result in the sun "sliding behind some cliffs".
2) Satellite maps - take a look up and down the coast. Depending on where you are - look for some rocky formations as a starting point. Sunsets over the ocean are nice - but put some dynamic foreground action/rocks/etc - and you increase your odds of having something to print.
3) An app for Tide levels. The beach changes dramatically as the tides move in and out. Low tides = more rocky formations and possible green stuff! High tides = surf hitting rocks. (generally speaking).

If you're bucketlisting LA - hit the Disney Concert Hall. Its a fun building to shoot - and its amazing how it changes as the light transitions in the early morning or late afternoon. There's also the classic "freeway with building shot" you can get from a freeway overpass. While looking at your apps - find the location on 4th street bridge over the 110 fwy. If you go there just be aware of the "tent city" that has formed on S. Beaudry. While downtown - you can also get a pretty cool view from the LA Dept of Water and Power bldg. on Hope. Fountains in the front - city buildings in the back - all lit up! If you want to brave the crowds - get to Griffith Observatory (early) for a sunset view of downtown.

Todd

Mar 14, 2018 at 01:25 PM

01Ryan10
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Los Angeles area Sunset Location

Below are my most favorite places. They photograph best at mid tide, but be careful because you can get locked in by the tide, and you either swim out, or wait it out. You'e welcome.

https://goo.gl/maps/KJSC6RKbQ5u

CDM Ladder Rock by Ryan Luna, on Flickr

https://goo.gl/maps/rz92prx8QD22

Victoria Beach Pirate Tower by Ryan Luna, on Flickr

https://goo.gl/maps/qizWmKDM2iL2

Woods Cove Seascape by Ryan Luna, on Flickr

https://goo.gl/maps/m55n4EeyGpL2

1000 Steps Pool by Ryan Luna, on Flickr

Mar 14, 2018 at 05:39 PM


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