Golden Rule Loc: Washington State

We have got to get out of Washington state because I'm sick of the cloud and rain that has been nonstop this year. Any suggestions on where the hot photography spots are this time of year? Thanks in advance.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

I have visited Seattle twice. Once in the month of May, it was raining. Six months later in November, it was raining. Now I know why the terrain is so green there. San Francisco is a hot spot, but has been known to be cloudy and foggy sometimes. A great city to photograph though.

Photocraig

Any and all times of the year Napa is very photogenic. And downtown is a nice small "street scene." Also, on that note The Oxbow is an indoor gormet market with great food and a real Oyster Bar. Silverado Country Club is photogenic as well as several of the wineries, Paul Masson, Berringer. Sterling, I believe, still runs a Tram from their parking lot tot he winery. Stop at the tourist Center and ask for more suggestions. Any winery with some elevation like on top of a hill will provide some nice views of the vines. They look like braided hairdos. Also shooting toward the West, often there will be "Cat's Paws" of fog coming over the hilltops in teh morning and evenings.

There are a number a Hot Air Balloons flying in the valley, so be on teh lookout and you'll need 200mm or more to get any detail. They make teh clear blue sky of mid day more interesting. I bet there are rides available. That would be a great photo op, too.

This time of year there should also be some fruit trees in blossom, plus the formal gardens around.

Enjoy. And if you have the time scoot over to the Sonoma valley, lower key, laid back and more reasonable.

C

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

If you plan on going wine tasting do visit Turnbull. Good wines and a world class photography exhibit in the tasting room: http://www.turnbullwines.com/visit-us/

Many more excellent locations within driving distance: http://napavalleystateparks.org/local-activities-attractions/

Have fun

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Hey, if you're gonna go to Turnbull...., forget the wine..., they usually have one of the best Photography exhibits outside of the best MOMAs in the world.
Between Turnbull and Mumm's you'll see some of the best Ansel Adams prints in this country!!
SS

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

Including the comments that Sonoma valley is more laid back and reasonable. The Napa wineries have made an income stream of charging $20 to partake of their tastings, whereas in the Sonoma region, it is usually free, but occasionally $5.

In addition to the wineries, both areas have many olive oil producers--really worth tasting different oils--also amazing variety of delicious and delicate vinegars. (Who knew?) Also have many great cheese producers. More recently, the Sonoma Brinery produces the best dill pickles, sauerkraut and similar products in the whole western US.

All of these places will provide amazing photo ops.

markjay

Napa Valley ! :) Get that sign... welcome to Napa Valley !

Most of the vinyards look pretty much the same. The great vinyards (Turley, Harlan, etc) are gorgeous - but hard to get in - you need an appointment and not easy - but try !

Vtimmer

Our daughter lives in Napa, so we've spent some time there. Recommend visiting Artesa winery for a beautiful 360° view + San Francisco skyline on a clear day. Also Bartholomew & Cline wineries for their gorgeous grounds. Jack London State Park is also interesting, plus Point Reyes for some seascapes.

Golden Rule Loc: Washington State

Thanks to you all. Making a list of all the suggestions and will start researching. If I want to photograph only some of the wineries such as Castello di Amarosa, will I be charged for walking the grounds? Are there any lakes in the region for letting my 2 Golden Retrievers swim?

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Lake Berryessa perhaps?

phlash46 Loc: Westchester County, New York

I strongly suggest Marin County, San Francisco and the Napa Valley. If you have the time, Monterrey and Big S ur further south are spectacular. I know all that area well (family) and, whichever you choose would be happy to make specific suggestions.

philo Loc: philo, ca

Don't forget Mendocino Co. There are lots of place to shoot and taste. You can get to the Pacific with no trouble, the redwoods, the village of Mendocino, the City of Fort Bragg. Enjoy your visit.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Big Sur is quite some distance, and not accessible since the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge on Highway 1 got damaged and is having to be rebuilt. Scheduled to reopen Sept 30th currently.

bigdukeor

Head North towards Calistoga. There is a huge winery called Castillo de Amarosa, which is a like a large Italian castle. It is just unbelievable how this was built and how large it all is. The area around the stable building has some great spring flowers, and a beautiful stream thru the sooded area.

Golden Rule Loc: Washington State

Can we walk the grounds without paying the fee? Do they open the grounds early in the morning so I can get some decent shots?