Best photographic spots in Los Angeles
The icons of America, those of the movies I grew up with, gathered in one place. How can you not love Los Angeles, despite the streets with their dubious frequentations, the decadence of the boulevards of Hollywood, the questionable monuments of downtown. There are a thousand photographic cues, beyond the city center, more anonymous than the wonderful suburbs of Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and Venice.
THE DECADENT HOLLYWOOD THEATRES
Don't expect a glittering neighborhood with VIPs, because you'll be disappointed. Hollywood can't be called a nice neighborhood, but it's certainly picturesque in its present decadence. Between some historic theatre with bright signs, and the inevitable stars on the ruined sidewalks, you're sure to find something to photograph.
RODEO DRIVE & BEVERLY HILLS
For those of my generation, who grew up with the legendary Beverly Hills 90210 series, walking down Rodeo Drive, and taking a picture of the iconic Dayton Way intersection, is a moral obligation. Stroll through the expensive and luxurious shops, look for some exclusive (maybe not too expensive) brands to take back with you a unique piece made in Beverly Hills, as well as some picturesque photographs.
THE TREE-LINED BOULEVARDS OF BEVERLY HILLS
The boulevards guarded by rows of tall palm trees that stand out against the sky are everywhere in Los Angeles. But clean, tidy and clear streets like Beverly Hills are rare to find. They are a great backdrop for photos that spark the mood of Los Angeles from every pixel.
THE ATHLETES OF SANTA MONICA
Another stop imposed by the mythical series of the '90s. If you're curious to see if the muscular athletes hanging from the rings, the shortskin models on roller skates and the skateboarders that appeared more or less in every episode of Bay Watch were just an invention of the director, go to Santa Monica. You could spend hours observing and photographing sportsmen and women in swimsuits and caps strutting on parallel bars.
THE BAY WATCH TURRETS
Maybe I watched too many TV-series in the '90s? I waited a long time to grab a place at sunset on one of the iconic bay watch turrets, disturbing couples in love watching the sea. But the photos on Santa Monica beach, on top of the closed turrets, at sunset, or with endless rows of turrets dotting the endless beach, are my favorite.
THE LAMPPOSTS OF THE LACMA
This beautiful light installation at the County Museum Of Art, called Urban Lights, by Chris Burden, consists of 202 iron streetlights arranged in neat rows that offer beautiful views and perspective escapes to photograph, especially during blue hour in the morning, when the sky starts to light up but the streetlights are still on.
THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN
It towers over the entire city, and it's impossible not to see it. Too bad for the forest of parabolic antennas that crowns the hill on which the famous luminous sing stands. An excellent viewpoint for some portraits with the inscription in the background is the road to Lake Hollywood Park. You'll have no trouble finding the best spot, just follow the crowds of tourists.
