Take your own shots worthy of Instagram

Expert photo tips from Instagrammer Lauren Holley (@graphiknation) and AJC photojournalist Ben Gray (@PhotoBGray).

Getting there: There is some street parking in the blocks near the bridge. Arrive early — on some nights, the sunset attracts a crowd.

Safety first: The bridge has a low rail and there’s no fence, so don’t drop anything. Keep in mind that there’s traffic right behind you and that pedestrians will need room to get by.

Tips for shooting outdoors

Sunrise and sunset: The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset have the softest and warmest light of the day.

Daytime: On clear days, sunlight is very direct and harsh. Partly cloudy days with some fluffy, shady clouds against blue skies are perfect for daytime shots.

Cloudy conditions: On overcast or foggy days, try photographing in black and white.

Rainwater makes for excellent images by adding shine, texture, movement and reflection. Just keep your camera covered and protected.

Getting the shot

Ideas for shots: The most dramatic sunsets often happen when a storm rolls through right before the sun goes down. Arrive early to experiment with different locations on the bridge. Think about ways to make your shot unique, maybe focusing on something in the foreground, such as a prop.

Setting up your shot: You’ll want a tripod for nighttime photography, including long-exposure shots with light trails. Hightraffic times yield better results (no cars equals no light trails). There is a row of lights down the middle of the freeway, so think about how you would incorporate them into your composition.