I have written a previous blog about planning a shot. Today I would like to show you how to practically work that plan. I had to be in San Francisco for a public speaking appointment. Naturally I wanted to get another image of San Francisco, but I wanted an image that I don't already have. That eliminated the Golden Gate bridge, the Bay Bridge, and the view from Angel Island.

          The first step was to use Google Earth. I looked at the satellite images of San Francisco. After spending some time browsing around I noticed that Market street formed a nice line into the city center. Next I started to look for a place from where to shoot. Was there a high building that I could shoot from? Once again I looked around using the internet, maps, etc. I found Twin Peaks.

          Next I consulted the Photographer's Ephemeris to find out if the sun or moon can be in the composition. Unfortunately this was not going to happen on the dates that I was going to be in the area (but I know when to go back). I looked at the sunrise time and worked backwards to figure out how long the drive would be from the hotel. Lastly, I looked at the weather.

          The day came. My wife and I got up real early and headed for Twin Peaks. The wind was terrible and quite cold. Here is the shot:

I also used the opportunity to look for future images. The next shot is in my mind already, I am just waiting for the next time I will be there. Some images just happen, others require you to plan and make them.

          When last did you plan a shot and made it happen?