Now that Aunt Maybell and the rest of the family has headed back to Nebraska, it’s time for us locals to break-out our cameras and take advantage of free parking spaces and uncrowded photographic venues! When it’s not tourist season, one of my favorite spots to shoot is Pacific Beach.
For one reason, PB is, almost, a 7/24 hour photo op. There are myriad funky bars and off-beat restaurants worth shooting far into the wee hours. Then, at sunrise, patrol the beach to see what’s washed-up on shore that needs its photo taken. Usually, the surfers are there early, also. Finally, the afternoon ‘golden hour’ and sunset shots are just too numerous to catalogue. But, remember: if you are going to take sunset shots, be SURE and include something in addition to the sun and sea (like the Pier) in your composition!
Another good reason to drag your camera and tripod to the end of Garnet Street is the period, and sometimes just plain weird, architecture. Examples are Crystal Pier and its cabins, and a few side street houses were painted by the Lollipop Guild!
But, perhaps, the best reason for a ‘tog to visit PB is to photograph the denizens patrolling the “Boardwalk”. Officially dubbed Ocean Front Walk, it teems with joggers, walkers, shoppers, rollerbladers, skateboarders, and bicyclists of all stripes. Most don’t mind being photographed or, even, posing if approached and asked in a respectful manner.
Smile,
Rick
