Last week, I had the opportunity to go on an amazing photography tour in historic downtown Saint Augustine.
We are very lucky to live near such a beautiful and fascinating area, so rich with history and legends, and when my friend approached me about purchasing a Groupon for ShutterGuide Tours for a two-hour walking tour of the city, complete with photo challenges, I was all in. My photographic interest lies more with portraits and party details, but I’m always down with learning something new.
Our group consisted of six “tourists” and a guide, Tom. We started at the Bridge of Lions, where Tom talked about how the bridge was built, and later, how it was refurbished. Our challenge was to shoot one of the famous lions at the entrance to the bridge, being mindful of distractions (cars and boats), and capture the full impressiveness of the statue.
We moved down along the waterfront. Tom wanted us to focus on the chain barricade, where one upright is different than the others, but suddenly, we spotted two dolphins swimming along. Of course, we all had to stop to watch them, and as soon as they were gone, a manatee surfaced!
Best. Day. Ever.
Oh, yeah. The uprights. We were to use our knowledge of depth of field to make the black upright super sharp and focussed, while blurring out the others in the background. Check.
Our walk took us down to the Castillo de San Marco, where we arrived just in time for one of the cannon firings. I’ve watched it from the top of the fort a few times, but today, we were on the ground, underneath it, and I really enjoyed the different perspective. Fantastic timing.
This wasn’t part of the actual lesson, but I loved the birds sitting on top of this tower.
We continued along the fort and Tom asked us to work with the light to get a photo of the structure and the palm trees over the water. Because of the contrast of light and shadows at this time of day, it can be difficult to see all the detail in the coquina, but I am happy with how this came out. The sky and clouds were just beautiful.
We walked along to the old city gates, through St. George Street and along the main square. I saw these little flags lined up by the sidewalk and loved them.
Finally, we headed over to Flagler College. I really need to schedule an actual tour. The building and grounds are absolutely gorgeous, but I’ve never gone inside.
It was a really interesting experience. Tom was very helpful with expertise and tips for shooting and it was neat taking some time to set up shots I wouldn’t have previously thought to create. I would definitely do it again, and would love it if other tours covered other areas of the city. We had a nice, relaxing afternoon and learned a few things while we were at it.
St. Augustine! Another place I have yet to visit! I need to get my butt over to the East Coast ASAP! 🙂 It looks AMAZING!
Lora recently posted…Being Comfortable with the Uncomfortable
Oh, it’s absolutely incredible. One of my favorite cities.
runswithpugs recently posted…ShutterGuide Tours
Beautiful beautiful pictures… and place too. Wow the sky and water are such a pretty blue.
Ari @ The Pace of it All recently posted…On collecting… memories.
Thank you. The day could not have been more perfect. It was hot as blazes, but worth it for the sky.
runswithpugs recently posted…ShutterGuide Tours
St Aug! A definite place I need to add to my “Must See” list…looks so great, and I hear you guys have a rocking bar scene…
Beth @ Read Hard Run Harder recently posted…Hydration Favorites Giveaway!
It really is beautiful here. There is definitely some nightlife 🙂
These turned out awesome!
Thanks! I wish my dolphin pics were better, but it was too much of a surprise! I hope you had fun!
Wow. Your pictures are AMAZING. You must be a total camera pro. Love St. A, such a cool little town.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…A Runners’ Tree
Thank you! That means a lot. I love taking pictures but I’m not a pro by any stretch of the imagination.
Well I think you are awesome. These pictures totally look like something I see the photogs sell at the shows around here.
<3 Thank you.
Ahhhhh So glad you had so much fun in my hometown!
Next time you go let me know, and I’ll give you some of my fav local restaurants and local things to check out! The town has come so far in the past few years!!!!
Anne recently posted…I Win, I Win!
There have really been a lot of changes (most good). My current faves are Aunt Kate’s, Spy (OMG tuna guacamole) and Mango Mango. It’s such a great place. They are doing free movies on the bay this summer, and I am hoping we can get out there once or twice to enjoy. I can’t think of anything cooler than watching a movie over the water like that.
LOVE these photos! The next time we’re in town, I’m so doing this.
FiddleDeeAshley recently posted…The Magic of Netflix and Disney (Review and Giveaway)
It was a super cool experience. I’ve been on a few tours of the city, but you learn something new each time, and there’s always more to see and explore. I’ll totally be your shutter-buddy. 🙂
Those pictures are stunning, wow! So vibrant! Luckily you to get to see all of those sights!
jan recently posted…John 3:16 Race {Milledgeville, Illinois}
Thank you so much!
Thanks for sharing your experience!!