If you want to photograph Air Force One, some online resources can assist with the planning. First, the Defense Internet NOTAM Service provides an early schedule for the President’s arrival and departure. Read the Presidential TFRs for temporary flight restrictions for VIP movement. The FAA published the applicable TFR three days before the President arrived.

The more detailed itinerary was available the night before. Factba.se published the Presidential Calendar, with the specific times and general locations (including the airport) on the President’s schedule. Of course, the timeline can change based on delays in the schedule. Today, Factba.se initially published the wrong times, which conflicted with local news reporting. I was able to determine who was reporting the correct timing by consulting the White House Pool Reports

Twitter feed.

Hope you are enjoying the full moon and delicious moon cakes on this Mid-Autumn Festival.

Took two panorama photos at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The above photo was taken with the iPhone using the built-in panorama feature. The advantage was that this was easy to take, but the photo contains noticeable distortion and there were exposure issues from the wide dynamic range.

The second photo was stitched together from multiple photos taken by camera. The ceiling is not curved and the photo is better exposed particularly towards the right side by the large window.

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

I recently visited the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. Located in Simi Valley, just north of Los Angeles, the presidential library provides a retrospective look at President Reagan’s life and administration. Having visited the library many years ago, as well as having lived through the 80s, my main focus was on seeing Air Force One, which was installed after my prior visit.

Walking through Air Force One was a unique experience. I had thought the interiors would be more luxurious. In hindsight, considering that it was a modified Boeing 707 that entered service in the 1970s, the tight, cramped quarters should not have been unexpected.

1. Take the Ouigo Train to Rennes. From the Paris Montparnasse station, SNCF offers a number of direct TGV trains to Rennes. The lowest cost option is the morning Ouigo train, which costs about $20 for a one-way ticket. The regular SNCF trains are much more expensive and cost $80-100 for a one-way ticket.
2. Download the Ouigo App. The Ouigo train I traveled on was clean and comfortable. I paid a nominal fee for the large luggage I brought on board and also opted for the seats with an electrical outlet. Installing the Ouigo app was essential since I did not have access to a printer. I could just show my boarding pass from my phone.
3. Rennes to Mont Saint-Michel Bus. The journey from Rennes train station (Gare de Rennes) to Mont Saint-Michel is serviced by a bus that runs four times a day: 9h45, 11h45, 12h45 and 16h45. So, the morning Ouigo train (7h06 – 9h07) is perfect for catching one of the connecting buses. The noon Ouigo train (12h14 – 13h53), on the other hand, drops off passengers right in the middle of the afternoon gap. If you don’t want to wait 3 hours, then the alternatives are hiring a private car or renting a car.
4. Tidal Schedule. The Mont Saint-Michel Tourist Office publishes a tide schedule, if you want to plan your visit around high tide. I visited during low tide and it was quite dry around the island, except for that sliver of water I found that created the perfect reflection.
5. Hotels. Staying overnight at Le Mont-Saint-Michel offers a number of advantages. In the evening, once the crowds depart, the restaurants and shops begin closing and the streets empty. As the pace slows, I was able to walk around the island without having to navigate through a sea of fellow tourists. During these hours, it’s easier to compose photos with nobody in them.
6. Shuttle Bus. The complimentary navette travels from the parking lot to Mont Saint-Michel, with a stop at the off-island hotels and restaurants. The bus (and pedestrians) both cause vibrations on the bridge as they pass by. If you are using a tripod for long exposure photos, you need to take that into account.†

I.M. Pei’s iconic pyramid marks the entrance to the Louvre museum. In the evening, tourists saunter around the courtyard taking selfies, while illuminated by the soft glow emanating from the pyramid. With the water fountain and reflecting pools, the Louvre is a photographer’s delight at night.

After departing the Louvre, I crossed the street and entered into Eglise Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois. This was not a planned destination, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Unlike Notre-Dame or Sainte-Chapelle, this gem was quiet and contemplative with little foot traffic. Perfect for taking a few photos.

The brilliant stained glass windows greeted me as I walked into the church. Usually, I am completely focused on what is ahead that I forget to turn around and see the organ. This time I remembered.

The Louvre Museum always presents a spectacular view. The challenge when approaching this location is dealing with the multitude of tourists that congregate here, even after the museum has closed. On a recent visit, the regulars were joined by numerous couples taking engagement and wedding photos, along with their photographer, assistant, and assorted flash paraphernalia.

Waiting for that brief moment for the scene to clear requires a touch of patience.

My last memory of Notre Dame was on a cold Parisian winter night. I took a short walk from Saint Germain des Prés, and circled around the cathedral searching for an interesting vantage point.

The spire that reached high above the towers is now gone, lost in today’s devastating blaze. I am so saddened for the people of France and for Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris.