| Places to photograph; best time
of day/year to shoot; tips about shooting there: |
Elephant Seals
Ano Nuevo State Preserve in California
is the best access to northern elephant seals in America, as
the beaches are home to one of the largest colonies of elephant
seals in the world. Seals can be found at the preserve all year,
but the population of the colony fluxes by season. You'll find
the most seals during breeding season, December through March,
but that's also when you'll have to stay with a tour guide,
as the number of visitors is strictly monitored. Many seals
are around during summer, too, for the molting season; this
is the better time to go because there's no admission fee, the
weather is warmer, there will be fewer tourists and you'll definitely
be allowed to wander the grounds alone. That said, it's about
a mile-and-a-half walk to the beach, half of that over sand.
March and April are the best months to photograph pups. The
best light is at the end of the day, but you'll likely be asked
to leave the seal beaches before magic hour. Morning light is
fine, too, and light does hit the beach all day (no major obstructions).
Park rules limit you to the boardwalk on the beach with the
seals; that's fine, as you'll find plenty of good angles from
there. Park rules also prohibit getting within 25 feet of the
seals, which is a good idea anyway. Figure on needing at least
a 200mm. Longer lenses are the most useful.
Ano Nuevo Island
Packed with a huge colony of harbor seals,
which rarely come to shore to mix with the elephants. Also,
the island is home to the remnants of Ano Nuevo Lighthouse,
which was abandoned because of the seals. You'll need a boat
to photograph the island, but you can't go ashore. You can also
photograph the island with a large lens (figure a 400mm to 600mm)
from the mainland shore.
Tide Pools
Can be found along the non-seal beaches
of the preserve. Bring a macro, a tripod and a polarizing filter.
Birds
Bird photography is good. Hawks, waterfowl,
etc., especially during spring and autumn migrating seasons.
Landscapes
Definitely. Both sunrise and sunset light
hits the preserve. You'll see plenty of places to set up around
the dunes.
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| Area labs, camera stores, etc.: |
The New Lab, San Francisco. 415-905-8555
Chromeworks, San Francisco. 415-957-9481
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| Other notes: |
Temperatures range from the 30s in winter to the 70s in summer
(Fahrenheit). The preserve has fresh water, but no other food
or drink.
Preserve Hours: General preserve: 8 a.m. to sunset
Seal beaches: April - August, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.; September
- November 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Getting a permit will buy you
a little more time.
* Access to seals' beaches is prohibited from December 1 -
14. Access only with ranger from December 15 - March 31, it
costs $4 and you should make a reservation.
Reservations: 800-444-4445
Ranger: 650-879-2025
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