What to shoot in San Francisco?

[paddygirl]

Hi folks-

On Saturday, I will be heading to San Francisco with my family for a week. Hubby will be attending meetings during the day. So I will be keeping our 3yo son occupied. Depending on how well my son handles the 3 hour time change, I would like to get out there and shoot SF. We will be staying on Telegraph Hill. And I would like to stay close by. Besides Coit Tower, what else is a must to see/shoot? We will also take trips to Muir Woods and the wine country. Thanks!

Eva

[OsmosisStudios]

The Golden Gate bridge? o_O

I dont know: ive never been. Wish I could help.

[inkista]

Transamerica Pyramid. Can't have San Francisco photos without one of the Transamerica Pyramid. Nearby, there's also the Embarcadero and that funky Hilton with the rotating restaurant on top. Bay Bridge is right next door, too.

There's Chinatown, the Embarcadero, Fisherman's Wharf, Exploratorium, Palace of Fine Arts, the fog, and, of course, cable cars. The cable car turnaround at Powell/Market might be fun. Golden Gate Park is huge if you wanted things botanical. Alcatraz with a 3yo in tow might not be the best idea. And there's always Lombard Street, although that's a difficult one to tackle photographically if you're actually on it.

If you've got a car, and you want a fantastic skyline of the City, take the Bay Bridge (heading towards Oakland) and stop off at Yerba Buena and/or Treasure Island. You can get the most amazing vista from out there.

[garncarz]

pier 39 down on fisherman's wharf is awesome shopping. down aways in walking distance there is even a submarine you can climb in (you have to pay) but you can even take pics of the torpedo room and engine room. there used to be a naval ship docked there as well. don't forget to get a shot of the cable cars. they turn around giradellay(chocolate)? square by fisherman's wharf. good places to eat there! good place to eat is the cliffhouse!!! a little pricey but go at sunset but about 30min before. there used to be a bath house down next to it in the 20's i believe. part of it is still there. cliffhouse famous people go there in tux and people go in overalls and jeans and tshirts!. the beach is below and next to the cliffhouse and bath house. along the piers their are sideshows of performers to photograph as well! you can see alcatraz from that area with a LONG lens 500MM equiv. maybe. but going there is much better. have fun!!

garncarz

[oldwolf]

if you're going to the pier then go check out the harbor seals.

[Kenny E]

It's in the Ferry Building along the Embarcadero at Market Street.

I read about it this past Spring shortly before we flew out for a cycling fund raiser in Napa. I had a half day to myself before my wife arrived and spent it photographing and eating at the Farmers Market. Lots for the eye AND the stomach.

Bring your camera(s). Bring your appetite and have a great trip!

[paddygirl]

Thanks, everyone, for your ideas. I decided to check out my local library for some SF guide books and was in luck. This way I can plan out my shots a little. Doing landscape shots is unchartered territory for me. If all else fails, I can at least people watch, right? LOL. Anyway, I'm looking forward to this trip. Hubby and I adopted our son from China. So we are sure to hit Chinatown.

Eva

[Deb]

I realize this is a rather old thread but, I guess it could be for anyone who is anywhere trying to figure out what to shoot photos of. But especially of SF! There is so much just walking down the streets!
You don't always have to find historical landmarks...its the places people don't get to see that are interesting.
Debbie