Venice Skate Park

This image was taken on the southeast side of the Venice Skate Park, which is located on Venice Beach. To get this perspective, I stood on the top of the pool, facing northwest. The easiest way to get to this location is to drive or take a ride share. If you drive, be aware that parking is especially difficult in this area. Address: Venice Skate Park, 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291

California's temperate climate will allow you to photograph the Venice Skate Park during any month of the year.

To replicate similar lighting conditions, you'll need to visit in the late afternoon when the sun will cast harsh shadows onto the pool's ramps.

Make sure to bring a friend or wait for a skateboarder to pass through your frame. Having someone in motion will breathe life into your photo and add a sense of character.

Try to align yourself so you're in the middle of the pool. Doing so will create symmetry and enhance the wave-like motion of the ramps.

Pay attention to the directions of the shadows and align yourself in a way that makes them appear prominently.

I didn't have a telephoto lens with me, but using one will compress the walls of the ramps, making them appear closer.

Some of the best things to see are the Venice Public Art Walls, Basketball Courts Venice and Muscle Beach.

Walk along the boardwalk and take in the scenes — the people watching here is really entertaining.

If you want some views of the city, head up to Hotel Erwin's bar, High Rooftop Lounge.