A Photographers Guide to Asilomar

• Work Your Angles 

Asilomar has stunning architecture. Take note of the apparent angles and line your camera up with them. While this is a simple example, let your creativity flow and try shooting close-up, from the side, or down if you can!  

• Fast Shutter Speed

There will be a few activities in which you want to get awesome detail of an action! Bump up your shutter speed to freeze time.  

• Open Your Aperture 

The more you open up your aperture, the more light you will let into your lens. The more light the better in my opinion, especially at golden hour with reflective sand dunes on all sides! 

• Bring a wide lens

Scenery is best captured with a wide lens. A 50 mm is pretty standard... But the lower you go, the more epic-ness you will be able to fit into one frame.

• Friends or "models"

Get out with friends! Subjects can truly make photographs. They provide scale and content to images. Friends who are comfortable being in front of a camera can be a rarity... I find that champagne can calm their nerves a bit ;).

• Zoom Lens 

Asilomar is home to thousands of bird species. A zoom lens is key to get up close and personal with these small creatures, unless of course, they land right on your picnic table. 

• Bring a Camera Bag

A good camera bag is an adventure-photographers greatest asset. I suggest one that is small and well-insulated to protect your gear. If you are like me, you will wear your camera around your neck 90% of the time, but if you are on the move or you want to take a moment to be present without your lens, you should have a safe and accessible place for your camera.

Asilomar is full of beautiful places, architecture, and wildlife to photograph. These tips and tricks will help you get your best shot! 

Enjoy.