Post-Gazette photographer Darrell Sapp is known for finding just the right spot from which to show Pittsburgh vistas in all their natural beauty, often bathed in bright light and a rainbow of colors at dusk or dawn. Here, he shares a few trade secrets that don't require a steep climb or a jungle guide, and explains how they help him get just the right shot.

1. There are great views along the bike trail between the Allegheny River and River Avenue, between the 16th Street Bridge and the Veteran's Bridge. From this angle the Convention Center can be more the focal point.

2. Hemlock Street behind Allegheny General Hospital gives elevation and compresses the neighborhood view with the city skyline. Also in the Fineview section is Catoma Street , which has a clean view over a ballfield.

3. The Hot Metal Bridge has a bike trail as a walkway and clean views of part of the Pittsburgh skyline and the Bluff with Duquesne University and Mercy Hospital.

4. One of the longer views of the skyline is from Rocks Road, or Clever Road, near the Giant Eagle in Kennedy Township. This view is good when the leaves are changing.

5. There are views from Ohio River Boulevard, but parking is a problem with traffic at a high rate of speed. That doesn't always stop an intrepid Post-Gazette photographer, though.

6. Crawford Street in the Hill District offers views that include the Mellon Arena.

To view a cross-sction of Darrell Sapp's photography,including more Western Pennsylvania vistas, visit his online photo journal.

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