$Million Dollar Sunset View

Sunset overlooking San Francisco

I can't stress how pretty this view is.
I wish I can afford a house close to here

I took this during a sunset long exposure workshop I held here in SF. I basically took a group of friends through the type of photography i was into and how I do it. I can share some of it here.

1.Planning is key. Like Ramit Sethi from Iwillteachyoutoberich.com. 80% of the work is done before you walk in the door. Location research, when things are open or close, what views.....

2. Know your equipment and pack for the right job. A friend of mine showed up a bit late that day and forgot the tripod mount..............which leads to

3. Improvise. You can't be prepare for everything. The view wasn't so good where I first shot it up top, so I climb down to the rocks and then I angled low. The CRANES IN THE MID GROUND, were in the way. It could have been an aweful shot, but I worked them into the photo for good composition. Adds to the story of this city/landscape. They are there to keep the channel deep enough so that teh ships that dock in the oakland harbor running. Without it, Oakland wouldn't even be what it is.

4. Keep trying. so look for something interesting and keep shooting regardless. Shoot a lot, its digital for god sakes..... and you'll at least have 1 good one. But dont shot randomly, think about it. Edison once said he messed up 999 times to get the perfect light bulb. Learn from the mistakes to improve, dont get trigger happy to adapt a "SPRAY AND PRAY" strategy .

Keep trying. !!

Check out the conditions in which this shot was taken...
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