Trona Pinnacles

This image of the Trona Pinnacles was taken from a private helicopter. We booked a flight online and then flew out in the morning. If you don't have access to a helicopter, or wouldn't like to book a heli tour, you can easily reach the Trona Pinnacles by car — just be aware that from land you won't be able to achieve that same bird's eye view of the landscape, unless you have a drone. By car, insert the Trona Pinnacles GPS into your mobile device or vehicle (35.617733, -117.368080). You can park your car alongside the road and then hike around the pinnacles to get an east-facing view that's taken from a slightly-elevated perspective (similar to what I had).

The Trona Pinnacles can be photographed during any month. The desert landscape in this area won't change.

Because the light was too harsh in the early morning, we asked our helicopter captain to circle around the area until I could get this shot a little bit later. Even if you're not shooting from a helicopter, make sure to take your time during the day to find which lighting conditions suit you best. The midday lighting created some neat shadows, but I also think this location would be beautiful for either sunrise or sunset.

Before flying a drone, check and follow local drone regulations and permit requirements.

Use a wide-angle lens here to capture the landscape, with the pinnacles, in your shot. If the lens is too narrow, you won't be able to fit as much of the landscape into your frame.

Pay attention to the shadows and how they stretch across the ground. You can then photograph at angle where they are most prominent.

If you'd like to add a sense of scale into your shot, try adding a person in the image. The pinnacles are large, so having a human in the photo will enhance their size.

In addition to seeing the Star Trek V: The Final Frontier Filming Pinnacle, make sure to visit the nearby Fish Rocks. Years ago, an artist decided to paint fish teeth on large, rock formations and they've since become a landmark within the area.