CKirk

Hello,

Well, I decided not to go to Palo Duro Canyon and go to Fredericksburg instead. We are going to visit Enchanted Rock and was wondering what is the best time to photograph in the morning or evening light? We probably won't be doing a lot of hiking due to health problems so the closest vantage point to the road would be best.

Thanks and Take care,

Craig

Shannon

I'm usually at ERock from when it opens (8AM) up until early afternoon (1-2 PM), rather than near dusk. That said, I think the best non-hiking shots of the environs and granite are probably early/mid-morning; I also have plenty of images clearly shot at midday that are OK (we've used a polarizer in those cases to help control the glare). On several occasions, we've arrived at the park at 8 AM to find the dome and surrounding area shrouded in dense fog -- more than allows for good photos, actually. As the fog lifts, though, it filters the sunlight well and really helps the colors pop, though you'll want to try to minimize the amount of sky in your photos if it's overcast. Deep blue skies, typical of stable weather patterns, make a wonderful contrast to the rock and can be included in the photo frame to good effect. Experiment on your own for what you like best.

There's a pagoda/pavilion a relatively short walk from the parking area that you should walk to if possible -- it'll give you the best non-hiking vantage point to take photographs of the primary dome at Enchanted Rock (the one most people hike to the top of). We have flown over the park many times and you can even spot people hiking the dome from the air, so if you look closely you may photograph a training line of hikers making their way up to the top of the batholith. Rock climbing is popular at the park, but most of the most popular routes are around the back side of the domes where the rock is even steeper and more sheer.

I've seen some nice sunset shots from the park, but it appears the best vantage point for that may be from the top of the domes or on the opposite side of them from the parking area. That said, the pink of the domes is so vibrant (especially this time of year with spring vegetation to accompany it), that any time of day is probably worthwhile.

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- Shannon Moore
Your Host @ WildTexas.com
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CKirk

Hello Shannon,

Thanks so much for the reply and the good information. I really do appreciate it, especially since we have never been there and to know what is the best light really helps in our scheduling.

You did reference that sometimes you go in when the park opens at 1pm or 2 pm, does it close and reopen later?

Again, thanks for all the great advice.

Thanks and take care,

Craig

PS Anymore tidbits of good places to shoot in and around Fredericksburg? We are going down to Kerrville for 1 night also.

Shannon

Actually, I meant I usually arrive shortly after 8 AM which is when the park opens, and depart around 1-2 PM. The park closes to day use visitors at 10 PM, though since it's such a busy park they do occasionally close the gates when the parking lot fills up. I've never been turned away due to the park filling up, but I try to visit on weekdays to avoid that risk. If the park does reach capacity, they can only let registered overnight guests enter the park. If you're travelling a ways, a quick call to the park headquarters is probably a good idea before you arrive on a weekend; that way, they can warn you and provide alternatives.

If you like aviation, or just enjoy a bit of nostalgia, visit the Hanger Hotel and Airport Diner in Fredericksburg -- both are located at the municipal airport there (Gillespie County Airport). Good food, good prices, and if you didn't already have reservations for the night, a wonderful place to stay as well.

While not necessarily a prime photographic opportunity, the Admiral Nimitz State Historic Site is a wonderful way to remember the service our military has (and continues to) pay our country. The museum looks small from Main Street, but once you enter the grounds and exhibits, you can easily spend several hours there. The Pacific War Combat Zone tour is also worthwhile -- it's a short walk or drive from the Museum and is an immersive re-enactment and educational tour of the Pacific War. Justin and I were very impressed with it when we visited in December.

I hear there's a brewery worth visiting in Fredericksburg, too, though Justin and I aren't much for alcohol so we didn't visit it.

Can't remember the name of the church, but there's a gorgeous old church just a ways off Main Street that we took many photographs of during our visit. I still haven't posted our trip report and photos from that visit, unfortunately, otherwise I'd direct you to that for planning purposes. Fredericksburg's a wonderful town and you'll find much to see and do there just by driving or walking around.

__________________
- Shannon Moore
Your Host @ WildTexas.com
http://www.twitter.com/ageekgal

CKirk

Hello Shannon,

Thanks again for all your help, I will let you know how our trip turns out. We will be heading that way this weekend.

Take care,

Craig

ploddinTod

Fredericksburg is one of our favorite towns. Shannon mentioned some of the things to see and do. If you like wine or would like to learn more about wine, be sure to visit the winery on the west end of town. It's a family-run operation where the folks are very people-friendly. With free tastings, learn about any and all of their wines.
If you're visiting the winery, you'll pass by the old library surrounded by majestic live oaks. This place is also worth a stop. Enjoy your trip.

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PloddinTod

CKirk

Hello PlodinTod,

Thanks for your reply, I think the Winery Tour is definitely on our list<G>.

I am really excited about the trip, I get like a kid when we travel, I just love seeing new things, either historical or nature.

Any other things you can recommend would be greatly appreciated. With all the data on the web these days, sometimes it is almost overwhelming reading through all the articles and items, but the old "word of mouth" seems to make things so much simpler.

Thanks and take care,

Craig

Our gallery of pics are www.pbase.com/ckirk/galleries