this post was supposed to go online after we got back from LA in July last year! Unfortunately we have both been extremely busy and therefore had absolutely no time to share that one.We hope you don’t mind reading about that trip a little than it actually happened and that you still enjoy it! So we are giving you a break from all the usual gear talk and give you a little overview about our time in LA instead. We will share some insights in what we have done, what we ate and what we think about this cozy, little town in southern california. So if you’re planning a trip to the west coast, dreaming about getting famous in hollywood or if you’re simply stuck in traffic on the 405, make sure to read on and leave your comments after the post.
One thing you have to get used to when visiting LA is spending time in a car. Quite a lot actually. And most of it you’re stuck in traffic. And if you have to use the freeways make sure to not use the 405. Ever. Since we have that out of the way lets get to it. We spend 3 weeks in Los Angeles in total and stayed with Brett & Rebecca (plus their dog Cocoa) and have been the most amazing hosts you can imagine. Since we haven’t ever been to LA we did not know which part of the city would be nice to stay in but after 3 weeks we have to admit it could have been better than to stay in Long Beach but it also could have been a lot worse. The area was actually rather nice with loads of malls, fast food restaurants and supermarkets but on the other hand if you do not want to spend a lot of time in the car whenever you want to go somewhere you might be better of staying in the hollywood and the surrounding areas.
We spend the first days visiting all the famous tourist spots and doing some location scouting for a few shootings we had planned. I hope none of the native LA people will be offended if I say there isn’t actually that much to see in LA. I mean its huge but if you’re just here for sight seeing 3-4 days will be enough.
It is a nice walk with lots of different people consuming everything from coke to more delicate substances.
Alexander Wätzel, sony a6000, Zeiss 24mm/1.4
We tried 3 different spots, and this shot was taken at the griffith observatory.
You will have a nice view of the sign and on the other side of it a great view
over downtown Los Angeles itself.
Alexander Waetzel, Sony a6000, Zeiss 24-70/4
Make sure to go at sunset even if it’s crowded! The light is worth it!
Alexander Waetzel, Sony a6000, Zeiss 24mm/1.4
Marie Bärsch, Nikon D810, Sigma Art 50mm/1.4.
It is a little further south right after Venice Beach and in comparison a little less crowded and a lot more relaxed.
After sunbathing you can take walk through the surrounding streets with nice cafes and shops.
Alexander Waetzel, Sony a6000, Sony 16mm/2.8
And if you’re as lucky as we have been you might even see dolphins.
Alexander Waetzel, Sony a6000, Sony 16/2.8
If you’re past the usual sight seeing attractions and into theme parks make sure to visit Disneyland and leave out the Universal Studios! Some might disagree but for us Universal Studios has been way too expensive for the experience they offer. In comparison to Disneyland where they truly sell a day in a different world, where everything is styled to perfection, the Universal Studios feels just like a bunch of outdated attractions linked by endless escalators crammed between old-move leftovers.
If you want a break from the bustling city and got enough gas in your tank we would recommend visiting Joshua Tree Park. It is a national park about 2 hrs away from Los Angeles. Don’t forget your sunscreen since it is right on the border to the mojave dessert and temperatures can be ridiculously hot. But its definitely worth a visit since it’s quite and peaceful out there.
Driving to the Joshua Treepark definitly gave us the american road trip spirit.
Alexander Waetzel, Sony a6000, Zeiss 24mm/1.4
Alexander Waetzel, Sony a7, Zeiss 24-70mm/4.
If you’re more into shopping make sure to visit the Desert Hills Premium Outlets on the way to palms springs. Go early than its less crowded than the malls in the city and you can have a relaxed shopping trip before heading off to lunch at Ruby’s Diner. Essentially this is it about our recommendations for LA. Sure you can go to Venice, or drive all the way to Malibu but all in all we did not enjoy it as much as we expected to do. For us it felt like Los Angeles is still counting on its reputation for its massive movie industry and all that. Sure, you got some very nice areas around but you have to drive at least 30-60 minutes to get there. Our verdict would be, stay for a few days and then do a road trip to other nice places in california. There is definitly a lot to see we would not recommend using LA as your base for a weeks as we did.
You got a nice pier, great cafes and lots of places to dine in. Make sure to eat at Eat Chows
Alexander Waetzel, Sony a7, Sigma Art 24mm/1.4.
We are still working on all the pics from the trip so please be sure to come back every few days since we have a lot more to share. If you want to get more of a detailed hands-on experience of our work and trips, make sure to follow us on Instagram: Marie’s Feed, Alex‘ Feed!
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I agree with your views of LA. It is just a place of work. That is why there is so much traffic. Much love to your shoot with Lucetta.