Guides! I Pacific Coast Photo Guides

Anyone can drive you around this peninsula to snap some photos; you can do it yourself.

Why on Earth would you need Pacific Coast Photo Guides?

THE DIFFERENCE

We've taken the TIME to find the places you wish you had time to explore. Whether it's that side-street packed with amazing gardens, the old abandon farm, an agricultural scene, a swampy marsh, an active tide pool, a river or a harbor setting; we enjoy shooting what others often miss!

We've done the LEGWORK of reaching out to our community and businesses to gain permissions for access to areas otherwise overlooked.

We live here. We love here. We are LOCAL. There's no one more suited to show you the places most people miss than those who drive these neighborhoods day in and day out. We simply know where to go, and when.

Further, we keep finding more the more we tour with you!

VIEW

The left is a standard stop. To the right you have a slightly different stop but a completely different photo set-up.

ACCESS

To the left is the only view of the pier from the main road. The location to the right is accessible with the right permissions ahead of time.

COMPOSITION

To the left is a great example of a typical shot that can be framed much nicer with a small trail walk down from the main road.

TIME / PLACE

The picture to the right is around the corner with a 30 minute difference.

The right guide makes a significant difference to your photo's quality!

THE WEATHER

All weather days happen frequently. With the various micro-climates in and around the Monterey Peninsula, you can expect all kinds of lighting and weather conditions on these tours. It’s best to come fully prepared as not to miss anything with a lack of gear.

Cloudy days are the most common and can be very disappointing if you don’t know where to look for those ideal coastal shots. In our experience, cloudy days allow us to get close to nature and architecture. Some of the best pictures taken are on Cloudy day tours. Be excited for gray!

When expecting full sun, lighting will be everything. It’s best to start tours early and follow the best lighting conditions throughout the tour. Here, expertise is crucial as washed-out pictures are difficult to avoid. In the end, be ready for vivid colors and high contrast!

Rain is inevitable when headed to a location where sunny conditions are ideal ;) That said, there are a few places in the world where rain enhances the area’s mysterious features. Nature and fog can help create a surprisingly stunning tour, that is visually spectacular.