Put yourself in the holiday spirit as San Francisco decks itself out in lights and decorations.   Come and experience the "Jewel by the Bay" during the twilight hours as the city lights up in all its twinkling splendor. This is one of our most popular night tours that is offered each year and often repeated. Why? The conditions are always different - different skies, different sunset, decorations that change each year and always the unexpected suprises.

We will start our tour at sunset on a high hill in the East Bay, shooting the fabulous San Francisco skyline, the Embarcadero buildings rimmed with lights, and the majestic Bay Bridge reflected in the Bay. Heading to Treasure Island, we will shoot the Bay Bridge from a high vantage point to maximize the colored ribbons of light from the traffic trails.  Returning to the city, we will photograph the city from several locales including one of the piers, the Embarcadero and waterfront, decorations, architecture, and a miniature illuminated snow village. Since we visit multiple locations we meet at 3:30 or 4:00 pm (depending on the month) and photograph till 11:00pm.   

You will learn to shoot low light photography with timed exposures and create stunning nighttime images. Flash photography, creative blurring, long exposures, creative zooming techniques, varied architectural perspectives and controlling depth of field will all be covered.

Good for all skill levels.

A Holiday Lights tour would make a great holiday gift as well for your favorite photographer.

Click here to view photos taken by previous SF Lights attendees on our Client Photo Gallery

Click here to read a client's impressions of the SF Lights Tour.

"Your hands-on teaching technique was excellent, as were the tips you gave us prior to shooting." SF by Night '02, R. Gutenberg, CA

"I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop. You spent much more time with us than I expected, given the price. Great value!" SF by Night '03, M. Rhodes, CA

"Each location offers uniquely different photo opportunities -- that's a hallmark of your tours. I was amazed at how much we were able to cover in one evening." SF Lights '06, T. Doduc, CA

"Excellent selection of spots and very good guidance." SF Lights '07, R. Bawankule, CA

"Thank you very much for the fantastic workshop. It was great learning and a fun experience. You are a great teacher and a wonderful person." SF Lights '07, K. Turk, CA

"It was a very well organized, educational evening. The small group allowed each of us to get quality time with Gale. The locales were all worthwhile."
SF Lights '08, M. Agocs, CA