merrion13 - 6-1-2009 at 06:45 AM
I will be staying in Loreto for 3 days as part of a Baja road trip, and I really want to make the trip to this Mission when the light is at its best.
Anyone know if the light is better in the early morning or evening? Is the Mission in a shadow at any time in the day?
Any insight is appreciated.
gnukid - 6-1-2009 at 06:53 AM
It can also be cloudy. I think morning or late will give the most color, but late 4... the color pops. That's what I found on a recent trip.
David K - 6-1-2009 at 07:37 AM
Anytime is good with such a magnificent structure!
Photos taken by Jack Swords, history from my revised Baja Missions web pages:
San Francisco Javier de Biaundo 1699-1817
The second California mission was originally founded 5 miles north, but moved here in 1710. The church was built from 1744 to 1758, and remains as the
finest preserved stone mission in Baja California. GPS: 25°51'36.9" 111°32'37.0"
wilderone - 6-1-2009 at 09:25 AM
It's in the shadows in the morning - best after 2 pm or so (noon washes out color).
Skeet/Loreto - 6-2-2009 at 03:29 PM
Merrion13.
Anytime!
About 30 years ago I took Photos of the Misson when it had one of the largest Honeycomb{beehives} on the South side of the Tower.\The Honey was so
thick it was dripping on the ground. It stayed up there several years.
When you go up there be sure and go upstairs and look around.
The old Mission sure has some stories to tell.
Skeet/Loreto
Skipjack Joe - 6-3-2009 at 11:17 AM
In the morning if you want a cooler image. In the evening if you want a warmer one.
I think it shoots best with long shadows coming down from the edges. Long horizontal shadows tend to give it a peaceful feeling. Use the mountain as
background to enhance the mission.
If you have photoshop you can change the mood of the image as you see fit.
Good luck.
tripledigitken - 6-3-2009 at 11:34 AM
I haven't been to the Mission yet, it is on my list though. In reading the thread it appears that it is in shade in the morning, and not in
afternoon. Based on this I would plan on shooting it after 3pm.
Given a choice I prefer afternoon shots for the warmer colors that it gives.
Please post your shots!
Ken
Cypress - 6-3-2009 at 11:48 AM
Check out the 300 yr. old olive tree behind the mission.
San Javier
tehag - 6-3-2009 at 12:00 PM
The mission is in a canyon, so direct sun comes late and leaves early. Photoshop can make up for some timing issues.
The beehives are still there, several, in the walls. Still oozing wax and honey down the stones.
Officially, I think the tower is closed now, but I know of people who have been able to go up fairly recently. Not sure how they arranged it, but...
well, you know. If you do get in, take the time to admire those centuries-old, hand-carved, seawater-cured-oak spiraling stairs. They are a story in
themselves. Also take the time to visit the ancient olive trees. Tell them I said, "Hi."
merrion13 - 6-5-2009 at 06:28 AM
Wow, great information everyone, thank you. Sounds like I'll be heading out there in the afternoon. I'll post pics when I get back from my trip.
motoged - 6-6-2009 at 09:52 AM
The church's front door faces north, so David's pictures (Sword's) are of the east side of the church....it is unlikely to get sun on the
front...afternoon for other side of church....
Lots of other photo-worthy sights in town....if you get there in the morning by 9-10 am and leave by 4 you should have your best light....mid-day
tends to be shadowless and "flat" for pics
My July, 1973 Photos
David K - 6-6-2009 at 10:20 AM
north side:
west side:
east side:
My July, 1976 photos... on the roof:
David K - 6-6-2009 at 10:24 AM
