Thought I would throw this out to the forum...it looks like I'll be in Santa Barbara, CA (not Venezuela ) for a couple of days.

I'm looking for things to photograph in and around (within 5-10 miles) of Santa Barbara (Please no Solvang, "LA", "Big Sur" or Malibu locations).

What I've gathered to look at so far is:

Day #1:
Mid-day: Mission Santa Barbara
Late-day: ???
Sunset: Stearns Wharf or Skyline (from where??)

Day #2:
Sunrise: ???

Any ideas from those who live in and around that area or have had any good photographic experiences there???

Thanks,

Rich
NGOphotographer

The mission is well worth a look-see, and I seem to remember a small garden or arboretum in that same general area.

There are a number of parks:
http://www.santabarbara.com/activities/parks/

The small zoo near the beach south of the pier may be of interest.
http://www.santabarbara.com/points_of_interest/zoo/

Also take a look up in the hills above Montecito (just south of SB).

The UCSB campus north of the city is probably out of your range.

If you're there on the weekend, Sunday brunch at the Biltmore is very nice (but pricey and probably requires reservations). If you like Cajun, the Palace is supposed to be excellent. And I have good memories of Enterprise Fish Co (not sure if it is still there).

Paul

The coast in Santa BAtbara runs east-west, not north-south. Directs are toward the ocean and away from the ocean. Watch the street names. Cabrillo, Castillo and Carrio (?) all cross the 101. It can be confusing.

The Mission in Santa Barbara is arguably the most photographed building anywhere because of the requirements of Brooks Institute. Watch for the student shoot and go back another time. But it is nice. Better I think is the Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church (white with blue roof) and/or the Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Montecito. Around noon, the light is tangent to the east stucco wall showing amazing texture. The interiors of both churches are very nice.

Look at the Brooks photo displays by students.

Have lunch at La Superrica on North Milpas. It is very crouded for lunchdo go early or later. A favorite local and tourist place. Julia Child really chatted the place up.

Try Cold Springs Tavern for live blues on weekends. Food is OK too

The harbor is good most of the day with boats reflected in the water and fishing boats with colorful gear.

For street stuff, try down town along State St. The Brooks parking area is a good spot for city views w/ocean. UCSB isn't very far if you like that. The railroad tracks west (not north) of SB are interesting. Tressels and such. There are some interesting buildings and some painted walls. Look for details.

There are some well photographed funky trees south of down town (just south of 101 and the railroad tracks).

Nice city park just north of the Mission. Depemding on when you are there, the botanical gardens may be in bloom.

Because of Brooks, something new to photograph will be hard to find. People may mistake you for a Brookie and can be rude about photos. If you promise a print for modeling fee, follow through.

Paul and Howie:

Thanks for your help! My trip got postponed, but I'll keep these ideas in my file for later. Thanks again.

Best regards,

Rich
NGOphotographer

Rich,

This is what I would do. Visit the Chamber of Commerce/Visitor's Center Website in Santa Barbara at http://www.sbchamber.org/. This should give you all the information you need. If not, I would contact them for suggestions based on your shooting goals.

Have a great trip!

Sherri

http://www.sherrimeyer.com
http://www.sherrimeyer.com/Blog

I took a lot of pictures in Santa Barbara while accompanying my girlfriend on a business trip.

We went kayaking, to the zoo, and walked around the city. Maybe my gallery will give you some ideas of where to go when your trip finally rolls around.

http://www.paulstravelpictures.com/Califor...-2005/index.htm

This is my girl's favorite picture from the trip. I blew it up to poster size and framed it.

Hang out on State Street and you might get to see another gang killing.

Sunrise can be good along Chase Palm Park and down to east beach (Cabrillo Blvd.). You can get the palm trees with a morning sky in the background. Sunsets, anywhere along the pier area, low tide the beach below Shoreline Park or Hendry's beach. You can also head up to the mountains and see what you can find. The Santa Ynez valley can be good for pastoral shots.

A few ideas anyway.

Blues Sunday afternoon at Cold Spring Tavern is a good call, especially if Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan are playing. They are excellent. There are a million restaurants in SB. Drop me an email and tell me what kind of food you like and I can probably recommend something good. I am an SB local.

Harley

The natives are often colorful:

...or not...I'm trying to do things different than what I can do around home.


Thanks everybody for your continued help.

Best regards,

Rich
NGOphotographer