Cannery Row in Monterey. Also, if you can get out near Mile High Bridge,
there are some really interesting views near that area of the coast. Being
somewhat mobile on Highway 1 will get you to many interesting places,
though it can often be tough to pull over. I always went through there by
motorcycle, so I had a few more stopping points than most, though I doubt
to many motorcycle riders carry large format cameras.

Lots of old buildings in the area between Carmel and Monterey. There are
some interesting Missions in that area, especially San Carlos Borromeo in
Carmel. Of course, lots of wilderness, trees and coastal areas. Go a ways
south of Carmel along Highway 1, and you can see some huge rocks
(outcroppings) right on the edge of the coast, seemingly bursting out of
the ocean like a mountain.

Lots of trees and sometimes fog, even in August. It might surprise you
when it gets cold. Generally, this is somewhat north of areas most people
would expect of any California lighting difference. Closer to Los Angeles,
the smog affects the lighting, and the same is somewhat true of San Diego.
However, in the part of the coast you are going, there is little smog
effect.

I have been up in that area so many times, almost always by motorcycle.
While I can close my eyes and remember every turn, and recall some
spectacular views, I never took any photos along the coast. I always felt
there was so much more to that area, and never found a way to express it
in photos . . . I hope you do find that vision, and get some nice images.
If nothing else, enjoy your stay in that area.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat
A G Studio
<http://www.allgstudio.com>

Gregory,

I was up there last October (after the crowds had thinned out) and some
may say that it's been over-photographed, but that doesn't diminish the
stunning effect of the areas natural beauty.  The weather was quite
variable; rained heavily one morning, sometimes foggy (if you're lucky)
and some sun over the course of my five days there.

There are tons of opportunities up and down the entire Big Sur coast,
especially the dramatic coastline in early morning (pray for fog) or
evening; the photographed-to-death-but-still-beautiful Bixby Creek
Bridge.  But IMHO the crowning jewel of the area is Point Lobos State
Reserve (go midweek, and at sunrise, when the park opens, for smaller
crowds).  17-mile drive is spectacular too.

Unfortunately if you're going in August, the crowds will be significant
and the 2-lane coastal route will be heavily trafficked; but don't let
that discourage you.  *Getting a very early start in the day will be to
your advantage.*

Bring lots of film, but if you run out (as I did) there's always Camera
West in Monterey (camerawest.com).

If you haven't already, you might want to check:

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/locations/big-sur.shtml

http://www.photographamerica.com/issue14.htm

Have a great time.