Picture of the week

Bay Bridge from Yerba Buena

The western span of the Bay Bridge as photographed from Yerba Buena island after sunset.  This particular capture is particularly tricky due to access restrictions to the location necessary for this composition.  It has been on my bucket list for quite some time, and finally got around to taking my chances to get the shot.  Based on the signage (or lack thereof), it is not particularly clear if it is indeed restricted, and thus could be construed as a gray area.  I scouted the location earlier in the afternoon, and then returned just after sunset during the blue period, keeping my presence and camera gear low-key, traveling on my motorcycle.  GPS coordinates for the parking area are: N 37° 48.60’, W 122° 22.10’.

This was shot with my Canon 70D and 17-55 IS f/2.8 on a tripod. Settings were 50mm, ISO 200, f/14, and 13 seconds for the exposure time.  The biggest challenge was positioning of the tripod to avoid the overhanging tree branches in the foreground.

On the way out I also identified a location for a composition of the new eastern span of the Bay Bridge.  The unlit old span which is in the process of being dismantled is also present in the background.  There was no room for a car at this location, but with the motorcycle it was fairly easy to pull off the road and park without raising the ire of the CHP.  Ideally this should have been shot earlier, closer to sunset when the bridge and sky would still have a stronger hint of illumination by the sunset sky.

All content and images are property of Stephen Fischer Photography, copyright 2014.  Last updated: 8/18/2014   ()