GOGA-03272013-GTM Disclaimer: This is my mock up and not an actual brochure. Here's the story:

I shoot for the National Park Service. By now, most of you know that. Yesterday and assignment came in to redo the Golden Gate brochure distributed by the NPS.  The photo will be folded into a map like brochure with other photos, a map, and story about the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The service wanted some very specific details, namely; Include Alcatraz, The Presidio, The Golden Gate Bridge and the Headlands, 17 inches wide at 400 ppi. They also want people in the shot as well. Believe me, that's a big ask.

There are a few vantage points that offer a view of all three landmarks without the aid of a helicopter. I knew just where to go and what camera to take.

Slacker Hill is a nob that is the highest point closest to the Golden Gate Bridge. One has to hike there, so it is not readily accessible by the usual throng of tourists that drive to Hawk Hill, about a 1/2 mile to the west. Slacker Hill is 30 feet higher than Hawk Hill, but closer and has a full view of Alcatraz. It is not an easy ascent; 300 feet vertical for 1/2 mile. A real "burn" going up to the top, especially with 45 pounds of gear. 

The issue was the light. I have posted many shots from this location at dawn and sunset, but to get all this in a commercial package would have to be in full sunlight. I waited until the sun was at an angle that did not wash out the landmarks (about 5:00 PM PDT).  I finished in about 45 minutes and spent about 30 minutes in post the get this shot.

Regardless of the perspective, I will need to go back next week and get some people to go with me to be in the shot, as they requested. Hopefully, the end result will be the new Golden Gate brochure.

Technical Information:

Nikon D800 DSLR

Nikkor 28mm-70mm ƒ2.8 lens

Gitzo Mountaineer Tripod

Pocket Wizard III remote transmitters .