Dockweiler State Beach
Dockweiler State Beach is a wide, open stretch of coastline in Los Angeles where two unusual elements set it apart from any other beach shoot: planes from LAX thunder overhead on their takeoff path just seconds after leaving the runway, and hang gliders launch from a small bluff at the northern end of the beach. For aviation shots, position yourself near the water's edge north of the fire pits and shoot with a telephoto lens, 200mm or longer, to compress the aircraft against the sky or ocean. Wide angle lenses work well for hang glider launches from the bluff, especially if you get low and shoot upward. Sunset is the prime time here, with the sun dropping cleanly into the Pacific and warm light catching both the waves and any aircraft in the frame. Street parking is available along Vista Del Mar, and the beach is flat and easy to walk. (Playa del Rey, Los Angeles, California, United States)
