by edin chavez | May 7, 2018 | Landscapes, Lake Tahoe, Photography location maps
Where are the best places to photograph Lake Tahoe? I have created the best photo locations Lake Tahoe has to offer the guide. In this article, I will show you the best photo locations in Lake Tahoe and tell you the best possible times to shoot.
Lake Tahoe is a massive freshwater lake sitting on California and Nevada’s state line. It basically splits right down the middle. Sitting at 6,225 above sea level and it is surrounded by a beautiful mountain range. You can imagine the epic views to be had from this magical place.
Best Photo Locations Lake Tahoe Edition
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THE GEAR
The gear I used for all my photos: Nikon with a Nikon 14-24mm and a Nikon 24-85mm. A MeFOTO tripod and a wide angle is a must. I edit all my images with my Lightroom Presets, download them, and give them a try.
Lake Tahoe Photography Location Guide
1. Sand Harbor. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Lake Tahoe. In the summer is full of tourist early in the day; however, as the sun starts to vanish, so does everyone else. Make sure you walk around as there are endless spots to shoot in Sand Harbor. The best time to shoot is Sunset.
2. The Rocks at Sand Harbor. As you make your way around Sand Harbor, remember to look back towards the beach. The best shots are not always directly in the direction of the Sunset.
3. Sand Point. This is on the other side of Sand Harbor. As you make your way around this beautiful place, you will find a photo op in just about every corner. The best place to shoot is at Sunset.
4. East Shore. Lake Tahoe’s East shore is full of epic beaches and beautiful rock formations. I like to shoot the East Shore during Sunset as all the rock formations and beaches are beautifully lit by the golden light.
5. Bonsai Rock. Bonsai Rock is one of the most beautiful locations to shot the Sunset in Lake Tahoe. In fact, it is my favorite location. It can be a bit difficult to find, but once you are there, your jaw will drop. The best time to shoot is at Sunset. Here is the exact location.
6. Cave Rock. With 360 degree views of Lake Tahoe, this place is hard to beat. Park on the street and take a small hike up the rocks. You will love it. The best time to shoot is Sunset. I shot this during the day with my Nikon 70-200 zoomed it at 200.
7. Emerald Bay. On the other side of Lake Tahoe, you will find Everal Bay. It was stunning views and energy you have to experience. The best time to shoot is the sunrise.
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8. Eagle Falls. Sitting on top of Emerald Bay Eagle falls is a must. Get here early to scout the area and set up. Be careful as the rocks are very slippery, and you can fall down the waterfalls.
9. Vikingsholm. As you shoot Emerald Bay, you have to take the trail called Rubicon Trailhead. This trail will lead you directly to Vikingsholm. Here you can take epic shots of the beach and the pier. The best time to shoot is during sunrise.
10. Fannette Island. Wher is Fannette Island you are asking? Well, Fannette Island is that small island you can see from the top of Emerald Bay. It is a cool little island you must shoot while you are there.
11. Eagle Point Treeline. Located right outside Eagle Point campground, turn left or right to get these epic views. The best time to shoot is anytime.
12. Rubicon Bay. You can find lots of piers in this beautiful bay. The best time to shoot is during the sunrise or Sunset. You can stop along the side of the road and just enjoy the scenery. I shot these during a very cold morning.
There you have it. The Best Photo Locations Lake Tahoe has to offer. I hope you can make it to some of these locations and enjoy it as much as I always do. Please leave me a comment if this was helpful in any way. That is the best way to say thank you.
Other tours in Lake Tahoe you might enjoy:
by edin chavez | Jan 23, 2016 | California, Lake Tahoe, Reno, Reno NV
I spent lots of time snowboarding this mountains when I lived in Reno Nevada. It’s always great coming back and spending some quiet quality time up here. I love the peaceful silence the snow brings, followed by a smile going down the mountain.
This is one of those hidden jewels where you will find mostly locals. It’s never overcrowded and always loads of fun. Edited with one of my landscape presets.
Edited with one of my landscape presets.
by edin chavez | Mar 14, 2015 | California, Lake Tahoe, Malta, Mono Lake, Nevada, Spain
Explore the Elements Photo Contest.
Below is my entry for the Thomas Cook photo contest. You can see the full details by clicking here. This is a really cool contest and I think you should enter it also :)
Below are the four elements.
Earth
Represents the hard, solid objects of the earth Associated with stubbornness, collectiveness , physicality and gravity.
Rock formations at Mono Lake California as defiant as can be. Shot minutes after sunset.
Fire
Represents the energetic, forceful, moving things in the world Associated with security, motivation, desire, intention, and an outgoing spirit.
Right after the sun sets over Bonsai Rock in Lake Tahoe Nevada, the sky makes its presence known.
Water
Represents the fluid, flowing, formless things in the world Associated with emotion, defensiveness, adaptability, flexibility, suppleness, and magnetism.
Well after the sun had set the waves were getting really big at La Pared beach in Fuerteventura Spain, out of the corner of my eye I spotted this surfer, it was starting to get really dark but he didn’t care, he just wanted to surf into the night.
Air
Represents things that grow, expand, and enjoy freedom of movement Associated with will, elusiveness, evasiveness, benevolence, compassion, and wisdom
Azure window in Gozo Malta. After the sun set the wind followed the blue hour, you could hear it cutting through the rocks making a beautiful melody that just made me smile.
I nominate everyone reading this post, but I also nominate my following friends:
The amazing Jaci, Mr Siracusa, Sweet Caroline, The one and only Vijay, and of course the lovely Inma. I think you guys can win this thing.
by edin chavez | Feb 24, 2015 | California, Lake Tahoe, Photography location maps
Eagle Falls Lake Tahoe.
I have fond memories of this place watching the sunrise with my beautiful mother. A must for anyone that visits Lake Tahoe California, a beautiful drive coming from any direction.
The Eagle Falls are located in the Sierra Nevada, within Emerald Bay State Park, on the western shore of Lake Tahoe, California.
This place is known for its incredible views of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island. Located right off HWY 89 and super easy to get to.
The sun rises on the East making this a perfect location to watch and shoot the sunrise. If you can only make here during the day time, don’t worry its just as mind-blowing.
Camera settings:
1.3 second exposure F22 ISO 50 14-24mm Lens
Make sure you bring a tripod and a wide-angle lens. Also bring a coat and a nice pair of boots as it can be very icy on the rocks. Also make sure you walk around the place to get some other incredible views and photos. Coffee is highly recommended.
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by edin chavez | Feb 17, 2015 | California, Lake Tahoe
After a long slow drive to Lake Tahoe (due to crazy fog) I finally arrived at 4am in the morning. After shooting the sunrise this insane blanket of fog came and covered the lake as far as I could see. I quickly ascended back to the top of this mountain to get some foggy overhead shots… a bit winded but I made it…
Camera settings:
1/320 F14 ISO 100 24-85mm Les at 70mm
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by edin chavez | Jan 30, 2015 | California, Lake Tahoe, Landscapes, Nevada, Photo Series, Photography location maps
Where is the Bonsai Rock in Lake Tahoe located? The Lake Tahoe Bonsai Rock location is exactly one mile south of Sand Harbor Beach. This place is incredible, it’s a bit of a steep climb down and up but nothing a decent pair of sneakers can’t handle. It’s about a 5-minute hike if you walk slow. This is one of the most photographed places in Lake Tahoe and when you get there you will see why. (see map below at the bottom of the page).
Are you are looking for amazing skies for your images? Check out my vast library of EPIC sky overlays you can use to create award-winning photos.
Lake Tahoe Bonsai Rock Location Address
The Lake Tahoe Bonsai Rock exact address is NV-28, New Washoe City, NV 89704. It can be easy to miss so drive slowly and make sure you look out for it.
The Gear
The gear I used for all my photos: Nikon with a Nikon 14-24mm and a Nikon 24-85mm. A MeFOTO tripod and a wide angle is a must. I edit all my images with my Lightroom Presets download them and give them a try.
It’s a good idea to get here about 45 minutes before the sun sets so you can scope out a good spot to shoot from and also get some good day shots, or simply to enjoy its beauty. If you have more time I suggest you go check out Sand Harbor Beach, but you might get stuck there, it’s that good :)
This is my favorite photo I of the Bonsai Rock. When I shot it I had the biggest grin on my face, not only because I knew I was getting a great shot, but simply because I couldn’t believe what was happening in front of my eyes.
When you get there you are guaranteed to run into other photographers, usually, there will be one or 2 setting up or simply enjoying the scenery.
I always find it a bit crazy when photographers leave after the sun sets. Make sure you stay for the blue hour and get some night shots, I mean this are some of the best photos you can possibly get, so be sure and stay a while.
Bonsai Rock Lake Tahoe Address
Please leave me a comment if this was helpful in any way. That is the best way to say thank you.
Do you want more detailed locations with maps all around lake Tahoe? Download my Lake Tahoe Photography guide here!
