for Photography at the Salton Sea

THINK TANK CAMER BAGS

We don’t go anywhere without our Think Tank Camera Bags. Special offer!

BEST TIME TO DO PHOTOGRAPHY HERE

We traveled here in both December and October. October was very hot, while December was perfect. For optimal conditions, the best time to visit the Salton Sea is between December and February. During this time, temperatures are mild and comfortable. October-November and March-April are also suitable, but expect more bugs as summer draws near. Traveling during summer is not recommended due to scorching temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

HOW LONG TO PHOTOGRAPH THE AREA

We spent the entire day at this location. We took many photos of birds around the lake. We enjoyed our time here from early morning until late afternoon, even staying to do some beautiful sunset photography, which you can see in the picture above in pink. “see in the image above in pink.”

WHAT PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR TO BRING

You can bring your wide-angle and zoom lenses. This is a top birding location, but you also want to photograph the entire landscape. This is also a Milky Way location. However, we didn’t have the opportunity to do Milky Way photography here. Make sure you bring your tripod and your Milky Way gear if you go during the Milky Way season. Visit our Milky Way photography page if you’re unsure of the season and how to do Milky Way photography.

WHAT ESLE TO BRING

Remember to pack organic bug spray and sunscreen if you plan to visit during the warmer months. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin like we do. Being in Southern California, just on the border of Mexico, means the sun can be pretty intense. So, taking all necessary precautions to protect your skin is best.

HOW TO GET THERE

We like the northern side of the lake the best. Travel in on Highway 111. Begin your exploration of the Salton Sea at the Mecca Visitor Center. They have a wealth of knowledge, including tips and directions for prime birdwatching spots.

The Salton Sea is 30 miles south of Indio on Highway 111, located on the north shore of the Salton Sea, 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, turn left at Avenue 66, and right onto Highway 111.  Go south about 12 miles to the Salton Sea SRA Headquarters entrance.

From San Diego, take Highway 78 east, then leave (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.

OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY NEARBY

We highly recommend visiting Joshua Tree National Park. There is too much to see in a single day, so plan to spend a few days in the region. Additionally, you can enjoy the stunning Milky Way skies in this area. If you are uncertain about the Milky Way season and how to take pictures of it, please visit our Milky Way page for more information.

HOW BUSY DOES IT GET

The many times we were here, We barely saw any other humans. Just how we like it.

How to Photograph the Salton Sea

PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS


SHUTTER PRIORITY:

When photographing birds at this location, you will want to shoot in shutter priority to ensure your shutter speed is high enough to have your subject in sharp focus. Approximately 1/250th of a second is appropriate for people walking by, and adjust your ISO accordingly. If they are moving 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. For More Details, see our Shutter Priority Page.

MANUAL MODE:

You can do your long-exposure running and milky water shots if the wind moves the waters around. 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 or the highest f-stop your camera will allow. 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 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. 

We highly suggest you do not go anywhere without one. Long-exposure photography with moving waters can make 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 is when exposing an image. The higher the number, the more digital noise, so 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. See the ISO page here.

WHITE BALANCE:

Be sure to set your white balance each time the lighting changes. Auto mode is not always accurate on many cameras, and we prefer to set it manually. It’s one of the easier basics of photography to master. If you need more help, you can get some more details here. See the white balance page here.

SMALL USE THIS

Announcing our PhotographyContest

All of the winners will have their photo featured in our Magazine  Lots of Prizes

 See all of the Details on our Photography Contest Page.

SMALL USE THIS

PARK AREA AND INFORMATION – SALTON SEA

Entrance Fees:   Day use – $5.00  Boat Launch $3.00

Area

Day-use area for fishing, visitor center, picnic, birding, and 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, turn left at Avenue 66, and right onto Highway 111.  Go south about 12 miles to the Salton Sea SRA Headquarters entrance.  From San Diego, take Highway 78 east, then leave (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

Pam’s Picks  – We like this one for the mature crowd. If you have many kids in tow, see our other pick.

Glamis North Hot Springs Resort
10595 Hot Mineral Spa Rd.
Niland, California 92257

 RESTAURANTS

 

There is a Subway on your way to the north tip of the Salton Sea. There isn’t much food out there, so grab something. Wd 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