Golden hour is a magical time of the day for photography, characterized by warm and soft light that can turn even the most mundane scenes into stunning works of art. This period occurs twice a day, during the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset, and is highly sought after by photographers for its dreamy and ethereal qualities. If you’re planning a golden hour photoshoot, there are a few things you should keep in mind to maximize your shots and capture the beauty of this special time of day. In this article, we’ll go over some essential tips and tricks to help you make the most of your golden…

Coastal wildflowers at an elephant seal viewpoint, Point Reyes National Seashore. California experienced a brutally wet winter. But all that rainfall is paving the way for a beautiful Bay Area spring. The rain from the winter storms has brought gushing waterfalls, meadows with carpets of blooming wildflowers and sprouting mushrooms — the subject of a recent radio show from KQED Forum . Keep reading for our guide to the best Bay Area hikes near you as recommended in that conversation, if you’d like to experience some of these wonders for yourself. Waterfalls are supercharged right now Whether you’re planning to visit one of these locations to look for wildflowers or…

Enhance your quality of life with these inexpensive, creative ideas Living in Sonoma County can be expensive. But fear not; with a dash of creativity and a pinch of resourcefulness, you can still enjoy a high-quality life without blowing all your cash. Here are five fun life hacks to help you make the most of your time in Sonoma County without spending a fortune. Join a community garden Joining a community garden is a brilliant way to save money on groceries, get some fresh air and exercise, and meet new people (who doesn’t love that?). Sonoma County has numerous community gardens; you can find more information on the Sonoma County…

A super bloom of flowers has returned to California after a wet winter . Nature and photography lovers shouldn’t rush to visit without checking the rules; officials have put new ones into place after droves of tourists came out in 2019 to view the poppy super blooms, in some areas trampling the flowers. Many towns have cautioned visitors this year in the name of both safety and conservation. Lake Elsinore Mayor Natasha Johnson warned visitors they could face arrest this year if they come to see the flowers in nearby Walker Canyon in Riverside County. The canyon and parking areas are now completely off-limits. California Highway Patrol Lt. Craig Palmer…

A new visualization from Logan Williams shows where “tourists” and “locals” share photos of plants, animals and more with iNaturalist. When tourists come to the San Francisco Bay Area, where do they flock for nature photography opportunities? And where do locals like to record encounters with river otters, lovely periwinkles and the weird fungus called “hairy curtain crust”? The answers are revealed in this intriguing data visualization of photos uploaded to iNaturalist , a digital tool that allows people to document flora and fauna and share it with others and the scientific community. It’s a joint effort from the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society. The viz…

Are you in Antioch, California, and looking for a day full of culture, history, and learning? Look no further, as we have compiled a list of the best museums in the vicinity, complete with their geo-locations, exhibit highlights, and information on parking and accessibility. Get ready to explore and be inspired by the treasures that await you at these remarkable institutions! Antioch Historical Museum (Closest) Exhibit Highlights : Located in the heart of Antioch, the Antioch Historical Museum showcases the rich history of the city and its surrounding areas. Some of the most popular exhibits include the Sports Legends Gallery, the Native American Artifacts display, and a collection of vintage…

San Francisco is a city that is packed with things to see and do, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re new to the area and looking to buy a home in San Francisco or rent an apartment in the area , we compiled a bucket list of must-see attractions and experiences to get to know this vibrant and dynamic city. From exploring the city’s murals to riding a cable car up and down its steep hills, there is so much adventure, culture, and excitement to be had while living in San Francisco . So grab your pen and paper, and get ready to check…