Chapter 7. Downtown
A view of the downtown taken just after sunrise from Randall Park on a clear winter morning. The sunburst effect was added in post-processing. Taken at ISO 100, f/11, 1/320 second with a 24–70mm lens.
Why It's Worth a Photograph
San Francisco is a unique and breathtaking city, known for its exquisite landscape, steep hills, and bay views. The city takes pride in its many unrivaled attractions, famous museums, and its unique neighborhoods that are like small towns within the city. Each of these small neighborhoods has a variety of sites, shops, and restaurants that reflect the city's great ethnic and cultural diversity. One of San Francisco's greatest assets is the combination of old and new architecture. If you have the time, spend an hour or so walking around downtown. Take your time and look around and take it all in. The city has so much to offer a photographer — breathtaking views, unparalleled skyline, a mixture of modern and Art Deco architecture — that you will have no shortage of inspiration.
Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
You can photograph downtown from many vantage points. Some of these places reside outside the downtown proper, allowing you to create beautiful photographs of the city skyline. A couple of the places involve short strolls around the down-town area, where you can find many great opportunities to photograph. Every time I go out, I find something ...
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