Photo Opportunities in Sonoma, CA?

[janet_fikar]

I'm going to be in Sonoma, CA during July. From what I understand this is not

the best time for photography in this area. Does anyone have hot spots for some

good photo opps in this area?

[lake_photography]

The usual places to photograph in this area are wineries. I would also check out some of the

smaller towns in the area. Sonoma is a great place to photograph all year round plus it is

right next to Napa which also has very interesting places to photograph

[don_e]

Coastal range between Petaluma and Mendocino. Drive the back roads (if any are left...its been decades since I lived there).

[cooltpmd]

Tall trees and winery properties. Korbel used to have a lovely garden area at their winery, a nearby Redwood area, and lovely buildings. The champagne wasn't bad either.

[Norma Desmond]

The Mendocino coast, not a far drive, on a foggy day in July can be breathtaking. Raw, wild,

and a lot of area that's untamed. Often, the sun breaks through a bit and the lighting can be

magnificent.

[KenPapai]

Early in the moring then if you are "forced" to shoot in July. Otherwise nearby Redwood forests always make great subjects, as saud.

 

Also, get high on some of the hilltops, look down early in the morning and catch the fog layers.<div></div>

[diy photography]

Some good comments about early in the morning. I would suggest Sugarloaf State Park

east of Santa Rosa. Some good trails that go up to the gunsight high on the ridge. Any

where on the coast can be good. The tidal flats of Bodega bay can be OK for some birds.

On the drive out to the coast stop in the town of Bodega. Up the hill from the town is the

schoolhouse that was used for a scene in Alfred Hichcock's "The Birds" The beach at the

mouth of the Russian river "Goat Rock" is good for harbour seals. Further North up the

coast is a recreation of a Russian Fort. Any of the backroads of Sonoma county can be very

interesting. I personally like Coleman Valley Road over to the coast from Occidental. Some

good Italian food there. The Napa Valley is close by. The Oakville Trinity Grade from

Highway 12 s Valley of the Moon is a nice drive. Plenty of Wineries to visit off of Highway

12. If you do go to the Napa valley lunch is superb but expensive at the CIA. The Cooking

Institue of America. Its in a really cool old stone winery that used to be run by the

Christian Brothers. A real rough and tumble drive can be had by driving Skaggs Spring

Road around lake Sonoma over to the coast from Highway 101. The Stewarts Point Store at

the end of the drive. A last possible suggestion would be Armstrong Grove for a good view

of some mighty Redwoods. Good luck and God's light to you.

 

Chris