location-photo
camera
len
Sony Alpha 7R III
Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G Lens
Shutter Speed
1/1000 sec
Aperture
f/5.6
Focal Length
12mm
ISO
160

Salk Institute for Biological Studies view of Fountain

avatar
@erubes1
Intricately designed by Louis I. Kahn in the 1960s, the Salk Institute remains an architectural marvel, as its central, symmetrical courtyard is unique to the eye. Hidden in plain sight on the San Diego coast, the modernist beacon-styled building features a beautifully laid out mini-canal leading down towards the horizon, followed by its stunning concrete-made buildings on both sides.

Plan

Overview

Skill level

Moderate
Accessbility
school

Hours

Weekdays 9AM-5PM, closed weekends

Fee

$7.50

Pack

  • Wide-angle lens (12mm)

How to get there

N32° 53' 13.5456"W117° 14' 44.682"
This image was taken within the main quad at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. I stood facing west toward the pool to get this perspective. The best way to access this location is by parking in the lot (32.887175, -117.244449) and then heading west into the entrance. Because the institute is a private, not-for-profit research campus, you must have an online reservation before coming to the site. Once you’re on the tour, you’ll come across this view in the middle of the campus. You can also reference the GPS coordinates to see the exact place where I stood to take the photo. Please note that commercial/professional shoots are not allowed here. Security will check your bag before entering and although they will allow you to bring in a camera, they will not allow you to have equipment (i.e. a tripod) or a professional model. For more information about the tours, check online: https://www.salk.edu/about/visiting-salk Address: Salk Institute for Biological Studies 10010 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Tips

When to go

Best season

All months

Best time

Late afternoon
The building closes at 5pm on weekdays and is closed on weekends. If you want to catch sunset, it's best to come in winter when the sunsets are earlier (before 5pm). If you don't care about that, any weekday year round is accessible.
The lighting is best late-afternoon to sunset, which sometimes even lines up with the flow of water. Make sure you arrive before the building closes at 5pm or you'll find all access doors locked.

Field tips

Do not bring a tripod as they discourage taking professional looking shoots at the location. It's best if you leave your big camera bag / gear in the car and visit with only your camera so it won't look like a high end shoot.
By using a wide-angle lens (12mm) you'll be able to fit more of the architecture into your frame. Try centering your shot so the buildings on each side are perfectly symmetrical.
I chose to shoot directly above the fountain and centered the water path. Placing a subject adds scale to the buildings and help emphasize the symmetry.

Current weather

La Jolla, California
Clear
57o
F
Thu
60o
50o
Fri
59o
53o
Sat
55o
52o
Sun
57o
52o
Mon
59o
51o

Blue Hour

13:17
57o
Clear

Sunrise

13:42
57o
Clear

Golden Hour

01:34
57o
Clear

Sunset

02:07
57o
Clear

Do nearby

Head right down the street to the end of Torrey Pines Scenic Drive to visit the Torrey Pines Gliderport. This is one of the best places to catch sunset in San Diego since you're high up on the cliffs looking down the coast. On windy days you'll be able to catch hang gliders flying through the sky above the cliffs.

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