LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

On the fourth of July I decided to head to the Hollywood Bowl to check out the Independence Day Fireworks. But, I wanted to capture the view from above the bowl. I took Mulholland Drive up to the overlook that I often go to for my city night shots. The Hollywood Bowl Overlook (creative name, huh?) was packed with cars and as I came around the corner, noticed that there was three cops cars at the entrance. While they usually shut the gate, there is a hill that you can climb and access the park after hours. I found a legal parking spot (most cars were parked illegally) and weighed my options. The only option was to try and get into the overlook. I packed my camera backpack and headed down the road toward the big hill. I found a trail that lead up to the top and the cops didn't seem to mind (or notice) me taking it. I setup the tripod and waited for the end of the concert. Oh, did I mention that Chicago was playing in concert? From the overlook, you can hear the bands playing at the bowl.

The firework show was not really what I was expecting as they were only low-level fireworks that just cleared the top of the bowl. I was hoping for big, traditional fireworks that I could get Downtown LA in the background. In the end, one of the photos came out and that is all that I needed. Some others that had also made it into the overlook came down the hill towards where I was located and said that the cops were at the gates giving out tickets so I decided to not take a chance and follow a family that lived nearby through a trail that ended at Mulholland Drive. I then walked back up Mulholland and made my way back to the Jeep without incidence. Next year, I will find a new location to enjoy the fireworks.