These are a variety of my San Francisco travel photography images. I took them on a variety of dates in a variety of locations in the city: Financial District, the Castro, Chinatown, Sunset District, Cathedral Hill and more. More than once, I’ve had to keep reminding myself to make images that include people in the city because I absolutely love the patterns and reflections of the buildings that include so many unique architectural styles. I had to include a couple of images from events I was there for, including Bernie Sanders election campaign stop in Yerba Buena Gardens and then Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom at a CNA Nurses rally.
Of course, these images certainly don’t include many of San Francisco’s other great photo opportunities. The city is of course renowned for its stunning landscapes and iconic landmarks. I happen to be strongly attracted to its architectural wonders, but for landscape photography, San Francisco offers remarkable vistas.
The Bridge
The city’s famous Golden Gate Bridge is of course the most famous must-photograph subject for most folks. Honestly, I’ve never taken a shot I loved enough to include in a collection, but with the ever-changing weather creating a dynamic backdrop, you won’t go wrong to check out Crissy Field and Baker Beach to try your lens at capturing the bridge from different angles, especially during sunrise and sunset golden hours.
The Neighborhoods
From my images, I hope you get a flavor for how the city’s distinctive neighborhoods present a real tapestry of cultures and architectural styles. The Victorian houses of Alamo Square’s “Painted Ladies” are an iconic sight, and you can see I made an aerial image through the greenery from Golden Gate park at some colorful older ladies.
Public art
If you like murals and public art, then you might want to check out the murals of the Mission District for an artistic feast for the lens. Exploring the charming streets of Chinatown, North Beach, and Haight-Ashbury near the park (where I made several images here) can also lead to unique shots that showcase the city’s diversity.
Street Photography
San Francisco also offers numerous opportunities for street photography purists. The once-again bustling Fisherman’s Wharf, the colorful Ferry Building Marketplace, and of course, the vibrant Castro district provide an endless array of subjects, from street performers and local characters like the guy with the balancing rocks to stunning street art.
Landscapes
If you want to get beyond the concrete jungle, nature lovers can photograph the breathtaking landscapes nearby. The Marin Headlands, Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods provide serene environments with majestic coastal views, towering redwoods, and diverse wildlife.
It’s a no-brainer that San Francisco is a photographer’s dream, offering a wide range of subjects and settings to capture all kinds of images. Whether it’s the city’s iconic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, or picturesque natural surroundings, there is no shortage of inspiration for photographers exploring the “City by the Bay.”
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All photos are copyright Chris Allan and cannot be used without my written permission. Please contact me for usage rights. Thank you for reading my blog post “San Francisco Travel Photography.” To learn more about me and my work, please see my About page.