Short Photo Vacation for a So Cal Guy

[jgunder]

Haven't left my city in about 10 years, (since having a special needs child).

My wife is urging me to take 2-3 days off work and go somewhere and sit and photograph beautiful landscapes.

So if I were to take a few days off work where can a so cal dude go without too much expense and within the western united states to take some breathtaking photos? I think I'm targeting August/September.

I was thinking of Olympic National Park, (washington state), or maybe Yosemite, but both are a bit dry in August/September.

I'm not a professional hiker or climber but I do enjoy gentle hikes and can walk all day.

Cheers
Josh

[JDArt]

Josh, the hills of Sedona, Arizona, are a restorative place. That would be a lovely time to visit, as well. Just get yourself out of the town and up to the hikes, away from it all. Take your camera, hike, wander and wonder.



This is my favorite book of Sedona hikes:

Amazon.com: Sedona Hikes, 130 Day Hikes & 5 Vortex Sites around Sedona, Arizona, Revised 9th Edition (9781891517082): Richard K. Mangum and Sherry G. Mangum: Books

Amazon.com: Sedona Hikes, 130 Day Hikes & 5 Vortex Sites around Sedona, Arizona, Revised 9th Edition (9781891517082): Richard K. Mangum and Sherry G. Mangum: Books
Amazon.com: Sedona Hikes, 130 Day Hikes & 5 Vortex Sites around Sedona, Arizona, Revised 9th Edition (9781891517082): Richard K. Mangum and Sherry G. Mangum: Books

[jgunder]

Originally Posted by JDArt

Josh, the hills of Sedona, Arizona, are a restorative place. That would be a lovely time to visit, as well. Just get yourself out of the town and up to the hikes, away from it all. Take your camera, hike, wander and wonder.

I love this! Amazing picture too. Restoration is key. Haven't taken time off in forever.

Is August/September too hot for this region though?

My goal is to hike all morning and then maybe find a idyllic location to setup my tripod and just photograph all day and sit, and not have sick dying children around me. It's been too long.

Thanks

Josh

[JDArt]

Originally Posted by jgunder

I love this! Amazing picture too. Restoration is key. Haven't taken time off in forever.

Is August/September too hot for this region though?

Thanks

Josh

Make it September, if possible. Enjoy.

[jgunder]

Any other must-shoot landscapes in the western USA that are easy to access and capture in just a 2-3 day trip?

Grand Canyon?
Utah somewhere?


Cheers
Josh

[JDArt]

Originally Posted by jgunder

Any other must-shoot landscapes in the western USA that are easy to access and capture in just a 2-3 day trip?

Grand Canyon?
Utah somewhere?


Cheers
Josh

I personally would avoid the grand canyon. Too touristy, and you don't get the immediacy of environment that you feel in the hills of Sedona--unless you venture down into the Canyon, which few do.

[jgunder]

Originally Posted by JDArt

I personally would avoid the grand canyon. Too touristy, and you don't get the immediacy of environment that you feel in the hills of Sedona--unless you venture down into the Canyon, which few do.

Good to know!

Thanks
Josh

[kenwae]

When I was traveling around that area, years ago, I by chance discovered Capitol Reef National Park. A wonderful area, higher up so not as hot, less known so less populated. Here's a link:

Capitol Reef National Park | Utah.com

[jgunder]

Originally Posted by kenwae

When I was traveling around that area, years ago, I by chance discovered Capitol Reef National Park. A wonderful area, higher up so not as hot, less known so less populated. Here's a link:

Capitol Reef National Park | Utah.com

Good stuff Ken, thanks!

[Sailor Blue]

Remember that by far the best time to shoot landscapes is from about 30 minutes before dawn to about 30 minutes to 1 hour after. For sunsets it is about 30 minutes before to 1 hour after sunset. The rest of the day you will want to be hiking while looking for closeups and interesting shadow patterns, or just sitting in the shade with a cool beer while you enjoy looking at the scenery. A mid-day siesta is also a good idea.

Where ever you go I hope you have a good rest and can go home with a refreshed soul.