Pier 7 is a popular spot for tourists, couples taking selfies, wedding photographers, and me. I’ve been there at all times of day and in a wide range of weather conditions. The pier provides a perfect example of single-point perspective toward a vanishing point, at which sits the Transamerica Pyramid.

Recently, I arrived there before 9 a.m. after a rainy night. The sky was still overcast and the light flat. I walked about three-fourths of the way down the pier and looked back toward the city.

I walked to the end of the pier and found a puddle with a clear reflection of the pyramid. I waited there until the sun came out and partly lit up the pyramid. I saw this morning walker coming and tripped the shutter just as she stepped across the reflection.

The lights were still on, so I stayed at the end of the pier. This is my favorite shot of the day. Others have people in them, but I prefer this uncluttered image.

I left the pier and walked along the Embarcadero for a while. When I saw more separation among the clouds, I walked back to the pier and down to the end. The lights had now been turned off. I put a red filter on my lens to accentuate the clouds.

More clouds, fewer people.

The Embarcadero is one of my favorite photo locations in SF. Piers 7 and 14 provide picturesque views of the city and the skyline, there are always people walking and jogging along the sidewalks, the Mira building is close by, and the Ferry Building has lots of choices for sitting down, taking a break, and eating something. Pretty much an ideal photo location.