Bay Area Photo Shoot Spot Thread

[BlaineWasHere]

Hey everyone!

Lets share all of your sweet (and maybe hidden?) photo shoot spots in the bay!

[BlaineWasHere]

I'm looking for some place(s) in or around the South Bay to shoot my car tomorrow. Anyone have any good suggestions?!?

[SC David]

South Bay is tough. I've done a couple shoots down there, and they were meh. If anything, Alviso, or head towards the base of the SC Mountains/Mt Hamilton. Empty office parks are okay, so long as you keep the backgrounds simple and uncluttered.

[BigFatFlip]

The naval base in Alameda is pretty sweet. There's a section (right by the hornet) that is lined up with the city and makes for good late afternoon/dusk shots when the light start to go on.

[BlaineWasHere]

Originally Posted by SC David

South Bay is tough. I've done a couple shoots down there, and they were meh. If anything, Alviso, or head towards the base of the SC Mountains/Mt Hamilton. Empty office parks are okay, so long as you keep the backgrounds simple and uncluttered.

I was actually thinking about Alviso. I have a client up there and there and I think there are some good spots.

[strat61caster]

Lakes = twisty roads and pretty natural views.

Look up Chesbro or Anderson, both < 1 hour from the heart of San Jose, and it's "cold" so there won't be a bunch of boaters messing up the shots.

[JackSmiley]

Marsh road at milpitas maybe? Or San Felipe road for a night photoshoot would be nice.

[SC David]

Originally Posted by BigFatFlip

The naval base in Alameda is pretty sweet. There's a section (right by the hornet) that is lined up with the city and makes for good late afternoon/dusk shots when the light start to go on.

Did a shoot there last month! Love that place, and I'm dying to go back for more.


1970 Corvette Stingray LT1 for Corvette Magazine by davidbushphoto.com, on Flickr

[PMok]

I've definitely cruised around the Bay Area looking for cool spots to take photos. Here are a few of my favorites...

There's a little known place near Sunol, but it won't be open on weekends... weekdays only.

Sunol Water Temple

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Also check out Sierra Rd in the hills above San Jose. It connects Calaveras and Mt Hamilton/Alum Rock, and has amazing views.


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Up in the hills around Cal State Hayward (East Bay):


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Treasure Island for a view of the Bay Bridge and SF skyline:

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and another vote for Alameda naval base.

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and Mt. Hamilton/Lick Observatory above San Jose.

[Veloist]

I've posted this a couple of times on this site.

But here is the summit of Radio Road at San Bruno Mountain State Park

[BlaineWasHere]

Can you just drive onto the Naval base?

[PMok]

you may not be able to drive onto the old runways, but parts of the base should be accessible... lots of the old hangars and buildings are now businesses. Should be plenty of industrial-looking structures to take photos in front of.

[BigFatFlip]

Originally Posted by BlaineWasHere

Can you just drive onto the Naval base?

Certain sections, such as by the Hornet and around the hangars, are open and have public roads. The runway is gated and I've only seen it open for a handful of events, ie the antique market, autoX and test drive events.

[PMok]

Originally Posted by BigFatFlip

The runway is gated and I've only seen it open for a handful of events, ie the antique market, autoX and test drive events.

Yeah, the time when I shot the pic above, the runway was open for a Taste of Lexus driving event. Not sure if they do that much anymore, the last time I went was a few years ago...