Framing the Transamerica

Posted by Don Smith (California, United States) on 30 June 2008 in Landscape & Rural.

I know this shot has been done by countless other photographers, but I have always avoided it, or more precise, have never pulled it off for technical reasons (mainly wind) in the past. This image was made using my Canon 400mmL f2.8 lens on perhaps the calmest night one could ever hope for at the Marin Headlands overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge and downtown San Francisco. This is a full frame image with no cropping. The Transamerica building was completed in 1972 and stands 853 feet tall, making it the tallest building in San Francisco and the tallest building west of the Mississippi. It is seen here framed through the north tower of the Golden Gate Bridge. To see more of my images, please visit my website at http://www.donsmithphotography.com

Comments (15)

Marie Le Corre from France

Perfect shot for me !

30 Jun 2008 6:59am

Don Smith from California, United States

Thanks Marie! It has been a bit overdone, though it is still a fun image when the conditions permit!

30 Jun 2008 1:01pm

Vink from Magagnosc, France

Amazing shot . So beautiful !

30 Jun 2008 1:58pm

Helma from Tehran, Iran

wow .. wonderful shot ! really beautiful .. excellent !
thank you for kindly attention on my images , Don !

30 Jun 2008 5:04pm

Stefan from Thiersee, Austria

cool composition, great!

30 Jun 2008 7:12pm

Laurent from Lyon, France

splendid shot. Just a tremendous light

30 Jun 2008 7:20pm

dj.tigersprout from San Bruno, United States

this is a marvelous shot! bravo!

1 Jul 2008 12:17am

Don Smith from California, United States

Hi Vink, Helma, Stefan, Laurent and dj,

Thanks to you all. It's a bit of a cliche shot but the conditions were perfect and I couldn't resist!

1 Jul 2008 12:47am

DarkElf from Perth, Australia

this is a fantastic composition and focus! especially since you were shooting at the 400mm end - great work!

1 Jul 2008 5:33am

Ana Lúcia from Leiria, Portugal

This is a great night shot! I loved the composition and color.

1 Jul 2008 8:28am

Don Smith from California, United States

Hello Dark Elf and Ana,

I always appreciate both of your comments. Dark Elf, three reasons really for the sharp focus - no wind (which always helps when using telephotos), plus this was Canon's 400mmL f2.8 lens - an extremely sharp lens. I use it all the time with my sports work. Lastly, I was on a sturdy Gitzo 1325 tripod with a Kirk BH3 ballhead utilizing mirror lockup and triggering the shutter with a cable release.

1 Jul 2008 11:12am

eddy from tehran, Iran

very good night shot

1 Jul 2008 11:58am

Don Smith from California, United States

Thanks eddy!

1 Jul 2008 3:04pm

Ivan Makarov from San Jose, United States

Don -

If you haven't noticed yet, NHL.com is displaying your Campbell's photo on their front page today under "Frozen Moment". I recognized it immediately - I believe you posted it before on your blog.

Not a good day for the Sharks however..

2 Jul 2008 4:04am

Don Smith from California, United States

Hey Ivan,

Thanks for the heads up - I'll check it out. No, not a good day, but I trust Doug will come up with something - there are some good free agents available. Hope you are having a good summer!

2 Jul 2008 1:53pm

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Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III
16/5 second
F/11.0
ISO 400
400 mm