Bodie California State Park- Photo Trips/Tips!

Bodie – California State Historic Park-designated in 1962 once had a population of around 10,000 people-hard to believe in such an extreme place to live- bitter cold winters and extremely hot summers- not a single tree for shade.

Bodie about 350 miles from Los Angeles area and 250 miles from San Francisco holds a wealth of photo opportunities.

If preparing to make the trip to Bodie it might be worthwhile to check www.bodiefoundation.org for Photographers Day passes- the passes are $50.00 which is a great way to support the ongoing efforts to stabilize and maintain the buildings in a “state of arrested decay”. Also with the pass you are entitled to enter the park a full hour before the park opens!! This is a great opportunity to get in and photograph during some of the best summer light. This privilege is offered the following days July 15,2011,August 20, 2011, September 17 and October 15 2011. Unfortunately you can no longer stay late with the photo pass.

Weather- extreme cold and extreme heat- wear layers-check the local weather and be dressed for the elements. If you aren’t comfortable it distracts you from being creative etc. Good walking shoes-possibly hiking boots recommended-there is a lot of broken glass, nails and old metal just laying there on the ground, and the potential for snakes! Watch where you walk, if you plan to kneel or get low for a shot, look around you.

Gear- think through what you will want to use-fisheye lens,black/white film, medium format, grainy filters, or other items might be of interest. Everything you bring will seem to get heavier – so again it might be adviseable to stick to “less is more” and leave some gear in the car.

Photo tips-look for reflections. Many of the buildings have remnants of lives that have lived there. There are old beds, dishes, a random book or a shoe tossed aside, look and document what is left.

Effects- Windows-in the old glass you can get some odd effects-reflections etc – try it for fun-

Ghost images-set up your tripod for a long exposure and walk in front of it slowly.. this produces a ghostly image..

Details-Bodie has been photographed a lot so look for small details, patterns in the old materials, abstracts of the cracks, and just the hodge podge of materials used to hold the buildings together.

Food- Snacks-Water- you are at altuitude it is easy to feel light of breath- carry water and some sort of snack with you!!