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The Salton Sea, Southern California Photography
The Salton Sea is a bird photographer’s paradise. As the vivid colors of sunset graced the Salton Sea, we were entranced by its beauty. Yet beneath its picturesque portrait lies a sinister truth that reeks of desolation and death.
Once bustling with life as a thriving resort community, this lake was now abandoned – the result of a dead fish stench that had filled the air like a plague. We shuddered at our surroundings, unnerved by these crumbling trailers that seemed to be scattered about in randomness. In addition, we slowly became aware of our proximity to the Mexican border; tales of violence and terror echoed in our minds, reminding us to never venture into it.
For those who aren’t easily scared away, explore this post-apocalyptic-looking town and uncover mysteries hidden behind the shadows of death. The Salton Sea stretched out before us like an endless expanse of sparkling diamonds, beckoning us to explore its secrets. We hit up the wildlife refuge on the southern side so we could capture that perfect shot of the salt-encrusted terrain. As we drove around, we couldn’t help but feel drawn to the north shore, with its colorful avian inhabitants and bustling activity.
That’s where we met Jose – a rugged local who showed us around at sunset and helped us find the perfect spot to capture the beauty of the water. But as he warned us about wandering alone in the dark, a shiver ran down our spines.
Still, there was one more adventure to be had – Coyote Road, a winding path that led away from the sea and into the heart of the high desert. The images captured here were breathtaking, with ominous clouds looming overhead like something out of a sci-fi movie. It was a road we simply had to travel down. As we left The Salton Sea behind, I knew these memories would stay with me forever.
How to Photograph the Salton Sea
Camera Settings for Photography at the Salton Sea, California
AT A GLANCE
Lens: Wide Angle but you may find a bird or two. Not much wildlife here.
Gear List at a Glance: Circular polarizing filter, neutral density filter, tripod, shutter release, wide-angle lens.
When to Go: The only time not to go is when they close the road down due to winter conditions. Check with the park before you go. Fall is ideal.
SHUTTER PRIORITY
If you have moving subjects, you will want to shoot in shutter priority to assure your shutter speed is high enough to have your subject in sharp focus. For people walking by, approximately 1/250th of a second is appropriate, and adjust your ISO accordingly. If they are running fast, increase your shutter speed to about 1/500th of a second. A fast bird flying by would be shot at about 1/1000th of a second. If it’s a bright sunny day, go as high as 1/1200th of a second. Remember, the higher your shutter speed; the less light comes into the camera. It should not be an issue outside during daytime hours. For More Details, see our Shutter Priority Page.
MANUAL MODE
You have moving waters here. You can do your long-exposure running and milky water shots. You will have to use a tripod for this effect. Your settings will vary depending on the lighting and your neutral density filter. You will shoot in manual mode for the milky waters. ISO is always 100 or as low as your camera will allow. The aperture is f22. Your shutter speed will be the only variable depending on the light. Roll your shutter speed until your meter reads zero. (In the center) Use your shutter release or your 2-second timer to prevent camera movement when exposing. You will want at least a 2-second exposure for milky water. If you don’t have a neutral density filter, you may not get more than 1/15th of a second in the sun.
If you don’t have a neutral density filter, you can buy one here. We highly suggest you do not go anywhere without one. It makes all the difference between lifeless images and outstanding, dynamic images.
APERTURE PRIORITY
Aperture Priority is often used to blur the background of your images and control your depth of field (how much from the subject to the background is in focus). For more information on this – see our Aperture page
ISO
The higher you set it, the more light comes in when exposing an image. The higher the number, the more digital noise, so if possible, stay below 800. If you need to go higher to get the shot, you can use Topaz Denoise to filter out the digital noise later.
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Park and Area Information for Photography at the Salton Sea
Entrance Fees: Day use – $5.00 Boat Launch $3.00
Area
Day use area for
Fishing, visitor center, picnic, birding, sightseeing
Headquarters full RV hookups
New Camp developed campground
Boat Launch
These park areas will be subject to summertime Off-Season closures (Jun-Jul-Aug-Sep.) :
Location-Directions
30 miles south of Indio on Highway 111. Located on the north shore of the Salton Sea, it is about a three-hour drive from the Los Angeles or San Diego areas. From Los Angeles, take Interstate 10 east to Indio, take 86S exit then turn left at Avenue 66, then right onto Highway 111. Go south about 12 miles to the Salton Sea SRA Headquarters entrance. From San Diego take Highway 78 east, then left (north) on Highway 86. Turn right at Avenue 66 and then right onto Highway 111. Go south about 12 miles to the Salton Sea SRA Headquarters entrance.
30 miles south of Indio on Highway 111. Located on the north shore of the Salton Sea, it is about a three-hour drive from the Los Angeles or San Diego areas. From Los Angeles, take Interstate 10 east to Indio, take 86S exit then turn left at Avenue 66, then right onto Highway 111. Go south about 12 miles to the Salton Sea SRA Headquarters entrance. From San Diego take Highway 78 east, then left (north) on Highway 86. Turn right at Avenue 66 and then right onto Highway 111. Go south about 12 miles to the Salton Sea SRA Headquarters entrance.
Hotel Information for Photography at the Salton Sea:
Pam’s Picks – We like this one because it is for the mature crowd. If you have a ton of kids in tow, see our other pick.
Glamis North Hot Springs Resort
10595 Hot Mineral Spa Rd.
Niland, California 92257
Restaurants for Photography at the Salton Sea
There is a Subway on your way at the north tip of the Salton Sea. There isn’t much food out here so be sure to grab something. I always bring snacks and, of course, water. Lots of water. This is the desert, you know. They are not always open, so be prepared!
Subway – North Side
90480 66th Ave
Mecca, CA 92254
Buckshot Deli & Diner – North Eastern Side
8120 CA-111
Niland, CA 92257
Alamo Restaurant – West Side
2100 Marina Dr
Thermal, CA 92274
Camping Info for Photography at the Salton Sea
These park areas will be subject to summertime Off-Season closures (Jun-Jul-Aug-Sep.) :
Mecca Beach campground
Corvina Beach
Salt Creek primitive campground
Open during the In-Season Oct.-Nov.-Dec.-Jan.-Feb.-Mar.-Apr.-May.
Visitor Center – Summer Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fri, Sat, Sun.
– Off Season hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fri, Sat, Sun
Area Weather for Photography at the Salton Sea
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