Scott Davenport 10/3/26 Scott Davenport 10/3/26

Photographing California’s Eastern Sierra: Six Areas to Explore in Autumn

California’s Eastern Sierra brings together high desert, alpine lakes, historic places, and one of the most dramatic mountain walls in the West. In October 2025, fresh snow arrived while autumn color still held in the lower country, creating a useful study in how weather and changing light can reshape familiar landscapes.

This guide looks at six broader areas—from Mono Lake and Bodie to Convict Lake and the June Lake Loop—and the photographic ideas each one invites. The emphasis is on timing, composition, safe access, and staying flexible when mountain weather changes the plan.

Scott Davenport 9/30/26 Scott Davenport 9/30/26

Photographing Big Sur and the Monterey Peninsula: Ten Areas and How to Approach Them

Big Sur and the Monterey Peninsula are often treated as one photography destination, but the coast changes character from Pacific Grove to McWay Falls. Some areas reward an early start, others need a patient evening, and several are at their best when you slow down and work with the light you have.

This guide covers ten broader areas from the Monterey Peninsula south through Big Sur, with practical ideas for timing, composition, access, and safety. It is based on spring and early-summer visits across several years, so the emphasis is on how I approached these places rather than a promise of perfect conditions.

Scott Davenport 11/18/23 Scott Davenport 11/18/23

A Touch Of Sky Twilight With Curves - In Post #550

I have a little recipe I’ve used for years with Curves to add a twilight color to my sunset and sunrise photos. It’s simple to do and targeting just the sky in a photo has never been easier.

Scott Davenport 11/14/23 Scott Davenport 11/14/23

Hiking To San Simeon Point - In The Field #549

Reaching San Simeon Point, also marked as Donnay Point on some maps, is an easy out and back hike from Hearst San Simeon State Park, California.

Scott Davenport 9/16/23 Scott Davenport 9/16/23

Seascape Composites - In Post #546

Sometimes the ocean doesn’t cooperate with photographers. In one shot, the waves on the left look great. In another, it’s the right side that looks great. The solution? Composite! I’ll share my approach.

Scott Davenport 9/12/23 Scott Davenport 9/12/23

Arroyo De La Cruz, Cambria, California - In The Field #545

I had the whole beach to myself at Arroyo Del La Cruz on a quiet Saturday afternoon in May. Join me in the field along the California coast.

Scott Davenport 6/6/23 Scott Davenport 6/6/23

Montana de Oro, Los Osos, California - In The Field #543

The sky is gray, the tides are dull, and the fog is thick. What’s a photographer to do? Pivot.

Scott Davenport 1/19/23 Scott Davenport 1/19/23

Live Edit! Unscripted & Uncut - In Post #538

In my Live Edit videos, I process an image I’ve never worked on from start to finish, sharing my thought process and reasons behind choices along the way.

Scott Davenport 1/17/23 Scott Davenport 1/17/23

Dantes View In Death Valley - In The Field #537

In prep for my Death Valley workshop later this month, I made another scouting trip to the park. Join me for a sunrise visit to Dantes View on this edition of In The Field.