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Photogenic Places – A Simple Guide To Photographing Yosemite NP

Yosemite National Park is located in California and has an area of 3,027km². It has a large number of iconic landmarks and views which people travel from all over the world to see and photograph. As a national park, it was first protected in 1864 and became increasingly better known by photographers.

A brief history of Yosemite National Park

There is a long history behind this, now massive, tourist attraction. A large and significant part of Yosemite is that it is expected that Native American tribes could have inhabited the land for around 6,000 years before it began to be explored and known by anyone outside of these tribes. The Native Americans that lived on this land lived in the Sierra Nevada, and they moved around seasonally to make the most of hunting and gathering wherever they were and whenever they could. Generally, they would move between villages at the bottom of mountains and then move to higher-elevation camps throughout summer. Some of the paths and trails made by the Native Americans can still be hiked by tourists and visitors today, and include some trading routes.

Creations made by the Native Americans in Yosemite can still be seen as they’re exhibited in museums in the national park. An example of this is the basketry and needlework made by the Miwok and Paiute tribes. Behind one of the many museums in Yosemite, there is a reconstructed version of how a tribal village would have appeared. This feature is there as a commemoration to the Ahwahneechee people, who were led by Chief Tenaya. It is known that the Ahwahneechee tribe was initially called the Yosemite Valley ‘Ahwahnee’, which can loosely translate into the phrase “Place of a Gaping Mouth.”

In 1848, there was gold discovered in the Sierra Nevada foothills. The result of this was that many gold-seekers came to the area. This sudden influx of people meant that the land began to be taken over by people outside the tribes. By 1851, much of the Native American land had been stolen away, and there was too much murder, which caused the Mariposa War. After this, the first tourists arrived in 1855. During the American Civil War, some people who had a considerable influence in California managed to convince Congress and President Lincoln to make Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove the country’s first public preserve, which happened in 1864.

John Muir by Frances M. Fritz (creative commons)

What to photograph in Yosemite National Park

When you begin planning your trip to Yosemite National Park to take amazing photographs, there’s plenty of research you should do and things you need to consider before leaving for your trip. The first of these is that you will have different results, experiences, and scenes depending on which season you decide to visit the park. As you know, winter and summer will often be entirely different. Therefore, you need to know what sort of images you’re trying to capture. In summer, there is likely to be a much higher number of visitors, causing some problems when trying to take clear photos of the environment and surroundings.

Additionally, you may likely struggle to find accommodation close to where you want to be, especially if you don’t book early. However, in winter, there are likely to be very few tourists, and you may even get to witness a snowstorm in Yosemite, which could add to the beauty and dimension of your photographs. Despite these apparent positives, some areas may be closed until April, including Glacier Point Road and Tioga Pass Road.

The second thing you’ll want to consider is which areas of Yosemite National Park You want to photograph as this is a big park and unless you have plenty of time, trying to cram in too much will leave you disappointed. There are many beautiful areas and landmarks within the park which may appeal to you; below is a list of some of the best locations.

Vernal Falls

Vernal Falls is a waterfall that is part of the Merced River within the national park. It measures 317-feet and is best viewed from two main areas of the park. These areas are Glacier Point, which is if you want to get a photo with a bit of distance and more surroundings in it. However, if you want to get a closer photograph with more detail, then visit it from the Mist Trail. This waterfall cannot be seen from the floor of the valley while in your car, unlike Yosemite Fall or Bridalveil Fall, meaning it is necessary to walk a trail to see it.

Half Dome & Glacier Point

If you mention Yosemite NP to someone, the chances are that this is the image they will have in their mind. The dome is part of the east end of Yosemite Valley in the park, and it is made of granite, and it appears to look like a dome cut in half as it has one flat side while the other is smooth and round. Half Dome rises to nearly 5,000 feet above the Yosemite Valley, and the most common way to hike up it is to use the cable route at the top, which can aid hikers with the final 400 feet to the summit. From a photography perspective, there are many places you can view the Half Dome from; the best of these is Glacier Point, as the view is unobstructed.

Other places you can view it from are; Cook’s Meadow, Washburn Point, or Mirror Lake.

Yosemite Falls

Another of the famous features is Yosemite Falls which can be seen from much of the valley. There are three waterfalls that make up the falls with the middle one not visible from the ground. The best places to photograph the falls are from the Lower Yosemite Trail and Swinging Bridge. Be sure to pack your tripod so that you can capture slow exposure shots. To avoid the crowds head to the falls early in the morning when you may also be able to see a rainbow in the spray of the water.

Eagle Peak

Eagle Peak is one of the Three Brothers, a rock formation above the Yosemite Valley, and the peak is the highest out of the three rocks in the formation. The other rocks which make up this formation are known as the Middle and Lower Brothers. Once you’ve climbed the 3,500 feet to the summit, the view was described as the “most comprehensive of all the views” available from the north wall by John Muir, who was known as “Father of the National Parks”. This is a good enough reason to climb to the peak to capture the best photographic view you get at the top.

But if the hike to the top seems too strenuous you can also capture a shot of Three Brothers instead from Merced River. Head to Cathedral Beach picnic area and walk east for 5 minutes for an unobstructed view of the Three Brothers. If you get a calm day and a beautiful sunrise or sunset, the three peaks and the colourful sky will be perfectly reflected in the water.

Mirror Lake

This lake is a relatively small one, located on Tenaya Creek, but it provides some of the most beautiful views and opportunities for photography. The Mirror Lake is the last left of the massive glacial lake, which used to fill a large majority of the Yosemite Valley at the end of the last Ice Age. It is possible to swim in Mirror Lake, and as a result of this, if you don’t want to have many people in your photographs, it is best to either visit outside of the peak season in summer or to go early in the morning around sunrise.

Olmsted Point

Olmsted Point is a place within Yosemite, which gives some of the best views with minimal effort as it is only elevated by 100 feet. This point is just off the Tioga Pass Road, and it allows you to see multiple notable places around Yosemite. Being able to see these is great for photography as it gives you the chance to take a picture of these areas in the broader context of nature and Yosemite National Park itself. Some key places you can see from Olmsted Point are; Tenaya Canyon and Tenaya Lake, in addition to the northern side of Half Dome and Clouds Rest.

Taft Point

This is another spectacular view that should be a must on your Yosemite shot list. It is a pretty easy 2 mile round trip to the unfenced cliff edge. If you suffer from vertigo head over to the railed lookout which gives a stunning view. The best time for photos is at sunset but be prepared for big crowds even in the low season. If you want a quieter visit, then sunrise will be a better option.

Tunnel View (Inspiration Point)

One of the most popular views in Yosemite NP and due to the easy access to this viewpoint don’t expect to have the place to yourself. The view is spectacular (possibly the best in the whole park) and you can see the entire valley including El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Falls all in the same shot. In the right conditions, sunrise or sunset are both great times for photography. The added benefit of early morning is that you may also get some low fog in the valley which will enhance the scene even more.

For an alternative view walk the 2.5 miles (1,000 ft elevation) round trip to Inspiration Point and you will get a similar view as Tunnel View but without the crowds. The view is slightly more obstructed but you will find very few people there.

El Capitan

The huge granite face of El Capitan is as iconic as it is beautiful. The best spot for the grand photo of El Cap is from Tunnel View. But also try to get up close and capture some photos of the fearless climbers who scale this immense mountain face on a daily basis (in the summer). From El Capitan Meadow on the road into the valley, you can get great views (just make sure you pack a telephoto lens). But for the real close-up shots of the climbers head to the Yosemite Valley Loop.

Bridalveil Falls

This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the park. Again for the grand view, Tunnel View will offer a good shot. For more of a close-up make the short and easy walk to the falls. But this will bring you right up to the falls which might be too close. There are several other good spots around the valley floor which offer good views of the falls. These include Sentinel Beach picnic area, the fields near Bridalveil Creek and arguably the best, from El Capital viewpoint on the Merced River.

Keep in mind that these are just some of the amazing locations on offer. You should try to set some time aside to explore the park and find some of your own unique locations. This is one of the world’s great photography locations and if you give yourself the time to explore it fully you won’t be disappointed.

Photogenic Places – A Simple Guide To Photographing Texas

A classic photo of Texas in your mind probably has certain elements included in the frame; things like a cowboy, maybe farmland, football, an oil derrick, or other idiosyncratic imagery. While the entire state covers quite a lot of territory, and it would be difficult to narrow down Texas to just a small set of criteria, these kinds of images just seem to capture Texas perfectly.

But when you’re trying to photograph something iconic in the Lone Star State, where do you begin? So here are some of the best spots to help you land those awesome shots that just scream Texas.

Cowboys – Fort Worth Stockyard District

Perhaps just as iconic as the shape of the state itself, Texas is known for its cowboys. The hats, the stance, the way of life. It all just shouts the Wild West at the person looking at the picture. While a lot of the state is covered in rural areas, farms, and lots of hard to find locations that have people who have the “cowboy look,” you might try visiting the Fort Worth Stockyard District.

For many folks, the West doesn’t really begin until you get to Fort Worth, Texas. The National Stockyard District is where you’ll experience the ongoing story of the American cowboy and the livestock industry. When you picture a cowboy at work, do you picture him driving cattle? This is the best place in the entire country to see live cattle drives and cowboys in action daily through the main street. Pick your spot and wait for the cattle drive to go straight past you. If you can’t find an iconic cowboy shot while visiting here, then your lens cap must be on.

Ranch – Bandera

Alternatively, you can head out to one of the many ranches in this state to capture cowboys out in the wild. Bandera is known as the “Cowboy capital of the world” and is a great place to experience and photograph cowboys. Be sure to also check out the many uniquely Texas bars that are in Bandera as well for those great shots of the Texas two-step.

Cities – Austin, Dallas, Houston & Galveston

What is life like in modern Texas? How does it compare against what you’ve seen in the rest of the country? For a look at what’s trendy and how people in Texas move through their day, visit one (or all) of these four amazing cities.

Austin

In Austin, you can easily tell an entire story through your photography if you begin at the right place. It’s recommended to start your journey south of the river in downtown Austin, where you can see the skyline and bridges. Then if you move north you can take images of the State Capital and interesting graffiti along the way. After you make your way through the University section of town, alongside museums and some incredible architecture, there’s Burnet Road, which is filled with neon and intriguing shops to visit. Don’t forget to spend a bit of time strolling through South Congress Avenue (make sure you stop by Allens Boots) where you can capture some great street photos.

Dallas

If you can make your way to Dallas, you should make it a point to walk across the bridge at North Edgefield Avenue. If you go there right before sunset, you’ll see an illuminated downtown Dallas bathed in soft, orange light. A long exposure from here would be pretty great. For a wide shot of the city that shows it almost as a remote oasis, visit the Trinity River Spillway. Reunion Tower also provides great views of the Dallas skyline from its observation deck. For a little fun and to show the daily life of people who live in Dallas, check out the Highland Park Village, which features old trees mixed in with trendy shops and restaurants.

Houston

Hop around the state once more to see the highlights of Houston, Texas, where you can test your architecture photography skills against the Glassell School of Art. The interior of the relatively new campus has some very constructive angles to work with. Sticking with the artistic scene, visit the Houston Museum District, and more specifically, the Menil Collection, where you’ll see interesting uses of colour. Then, wrap up your visit by stopping by the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Houston, a traditional Hindu temple that looks like it came straight from India. The amazing complex is absolutely stunning and you’ll easily spend an entire day there shooting roll after roll of film.

Galveston

If you want to see a side of Texas that most people may not immediately think about, then Galveston may be perfect for you. This is the other side of Texas, the side that wants to get a tan on the beach instead of work the ranch. A must-see spot to take in the beaches is probably the Beach & Pleasure Pier, where the blue water laps up the endless soft sand. You can also head to Moody Gardens to snap a few photos of the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat. This historic sternwheeler is one of the largest paddlewheelers that has ever cruised in the Galveston area. Try to visit between the spring and fall for the best temperatures and maybe enjoy a little surf yourself when you aren’t snapping off photos.

After you’ve had your fill of the waves, head inland ever so slightly and locate the Strand History District, which is also simply called the Strand. This is a National Historic Landmark District that has immaculate Victorian-era structures that survived the Great Storm back in 1900. The Strand goes all the way down to the wharf, where you can find Pier 19, the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum, the Texas Seaport Museum, and lots more. It’s a fun place to spend a vacation, and even better if you’ve remembered to bring your camera.

Of course, there are many more nooks and crannies to discover throughout each of these lovely cities, so plan to spend lots of time getting to know the lay of the land.

Landscapes – Big Bend National Park

Texas has large, sprawling landscapes that are just begging to be photographed, but some of the best locations can be found within Big Bend National Park. You’re far enough away from anything that the night sky is literally pitch black, so you can just imagine what shots of the stars must look like! Plus, there are several canyon areas to climb through and explore and more bird species than you can count. This is all against the backdrop of a weather-beaten mountain range that is surrounded by desert. It’s basically a one-stop-shop for wilderness and landscape photography.

When the cactus are blooming is when you want to visit Big Bend National Park. Gorgeous shots of the blossoms juxtapose the desolate surroundings beautifully. You’ll want to check their website right before your visit for the current weather conditions, as well as looking through their news releases for hints about where a good trail may be for your photography session.

There are a few day hikes that you can plan that will take you up, over, and through some of the most spectacular spots in the park. Just make sure you bring water because it will be hot!

Don’t miss Marfa & Terlingua

If you are making the long journey to Big Bend National Park be sure to check out Marfa. This unassuming desert city in West Texas art city is jam-packed full of art galleries and installations including the randomly placed (fake) lone Prada store in the middle of the desert. Then there is also the famous “Ghost Lights” of Marfa which were first reported more than a century ago. Since then, these unexplained lights have been attracting thousands of visitors each year. Whilst you won’t be able to capture an iconic photo as the lights are too far away, sometimes you have to put your camera down and enjoy the experience.

Complete your adventure in this part of Texas by visiting Terlingua Ghost Town. This once-thriving mining town provides wonderful crumbling structures to photograph. But the iconic shot if you are lucky enough to capture it will be from the cemetery at night with the Milky Way in your background sky.

Food – Barbecue, Chilli and Chicken Fried Steak

Texas is known for its food. There are many different styles of barbecue, chilli, and chicken fried steak, but only Texas is known for unique spins on all three. Wherever you go, whenever you visit, make sure to check out one or all of these meals.

Even if you aren’t a foodie, adding these foods to some of your imagery will help tell a better story of Texas. With a big location like Texas to work with that is just filled with stories and all kinds of people, food can help you diversify your images of the location.

That doesn’t mean take selfies with your dinner for our Instagram page, but a nicely framed image of a great food dish will look great. After all, people in Texas take these foods very seriously, as evidenced by various festivals and competitions throughout the years.

So, this is Texas and you will soon discover why the Lone Star State is one of the most underrated photography destinations in America. There are so many other places that can be added to this list. San Antonio, El Paso, Fort Davis and Caddo Lake are just a few. With so much distance to cover and even more shots to capture than you can think of unless you have plenty of time, you will have to be selective in your shot list. But what’s for certain is that wherever you go, you will be sure to come back home with amazing photos.

Photogenic Places – A Simple Guide To Photographing New York City

The Big Apple has no shortage of great places to take exceptional photography from. Whether you are inside the city, within the confines of Madison Square Garden, or overlooking it from the suburbs, New York City is just overflowing with breathtaking scenery to snap at from behind the lens.

In fact, NYC can be so massive and overwhelming, that it can be nearly impossible to determine where you should start taking pictures from. If you’re new to the city or have never visited before, selecting the right places to start taking photography can be a daunting task. Not only do you have dozens of iconic buildings that make up a recognizable skyline, but you also have bridges, markets, ferries, statues, and lots more to photograph. Can you capture it all? Maybe if you could dedicate an entire year to this project, but most likely you only have a few days.

So, let’s narrow down the choices by offering a quick photography guide to NYC. Once you’ve checked out these must-see locations, you should have gotten around the city enough to know how to find additional great spots for photography.

Central Park

It’s one of the first places that comes to mind when you think of scenery within the confines of New York City. Central Park is…well, centralized on Manhattan island. It’s very large and would take you a while just to walk from end to end. While you’re exploring Central Park, there are tons of highlights for interesting people to photograph. This includes such spots as the Bethesda Fountain and Terrace, which has wonderful arches to pose beneath and can also be used when trying to frame the fountain itself. Come early, though, because this popular spot fills up fast. There’s also the Alice in Wonderland statue, the Imagine Memorial, the lake itself (with a very nice boathouse), and much more. But the best thing to photograph in central park is people. Whether it’s a jogger, cyclist or just people relaxing, this is a great place in a busy city to capture photos of people getting away from it all. You could easily take several days just to explore the park with your camera!

Grand Central Station

This appropriately named station opened in 1871, so there’s lots of history behind possibly the best “slice of life” shooting location in New York City. It truly is grand in size and scope, with an astonishing number of people coming through here daily. Start with a wide shot to capture the station, which you can take from certain points that overlook the main hall in the station. The ledge provides a handy spot to rest your camera on so that you can capture slow exposure shots on the main hall. Then move in for some detailed images of the architecture, the people, and everything in between. For the patient observer, this is a remarkable location for photography.

Brooklyn Bridge

One of the most iconic bridges in the world is a must on your NYC shot list. Bridges in general always shape a photo nicely, especially from the walkways. The image seems to pull you into your destination. Aligning your shot with the walkway, the supports, and other elements of the bridge’s structure almost always come out great. If you want to get onto the bridge for a cool shot, the cables that lead up to the towers are both visually stunning and iconic. You would probably recognize this visual from several movies and TV shows. If you want a nice shot of the bridge without actually being on it, then there are plenty of spots on the waterfront below the bridge. Not only can you get a great shot of the bridge, but you’ll also be able to photograph thee famous skyline.

Another great location for photographing Brooklyn Bridge is from the neighbouring Manhattan Bridge. This gives you an unrivalled view of Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline. Just be aware of camera shake when taking slow exposure shots as trains regularly pass on the bridge that can cause quite a lot of vibration on the bridge. Try to time your shots to happen in between trains passing.

Rockefeller Center

The view from beneath this monument to corporate America is not only iconic but stunning as well. There are taller buildings in New York City, of course, but Rockefeller Center has something special about it that really makes it stand out. Maybe it’s the general architecture, maybe it’s the surrounding sculptures, or maybe it’s because you’ve seen it featured in some of your favourite television shows. Regardless, this is a quintessential place for photography in NYC. Snap some images from beneath the Atlas statue and then move on to the Seated Ballerina. You can also turn slightly to juxtapose it against St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

But without doubt one of the most iconic shots of NYC is from the viewing deck. You’ll find great views over the city, including the Empire State Building. Head up there in time for sunset and you might just end up with a photo that will look amazing anywhere. But be warned that this area gets incredibly busy and you need to arrive early to get a good spot. Tripods are not allowed but you can rest your camera on a ledge or use a small Gorillapod.

The Empire State Building

Of course, we were going to add this iconic building to our list! It would be a sin not to visit the one building that virtually everyone on the planet can pick out of the New York City skyline. Most people will go to the observation deck to take pictures of the city, and you should do that (since it’s such a magnificent view), but you should also spend a little time at the base of the building. It’s busy, it’s crazy, and it’s chaotic down there, which perfectly captures the essence of NYC. When you’re ready, head on up topside for some splendid views. It’s all about the time of day for photography. So if you plan on going early for some sunrise shots, book your tickets online. They only let 100 people up for a shot like that.

Chelsea Market

If you’re after active shots of people actually living in NYC or going about their day, Chelsea Market may be right for you. There’s lots of food and street photography happening there daily. It’s on the west side of Manhattan, so take some shots of the Manhattan Bridge on your travels here, and then explore some of the more eccentric photography around the market. It’s probably a good idea to bring a wide lens with you for this opportunity. It’s easy to spend an entire day here just people-watching. Plus, there are lots of awesome food to snack on in between photos.

Times Square

This is the spot in the city where you can expect to see the glitz and glamour of New York. Times Square need to be photographed during the blue hour for the best shots of the neon signs throughout the vicinity. Maybe try out a long exposure or a zoom burst here for some really interesting shots. Once you’ve snapped the signs and towering buildings surrounding you, turn your lens to the various street performers that are spread all around Times Square. You can find people dressed in different costumes, performing music, and lots more. Be aware that they will probably want a tip when you photograph them, though.

The Statue Of Liberty

This is a must-see location not just for photographers, but for anyone visiting New York City in general. The statue was originally donated by France and has become a vital keystone of the US ever since. It goes hand in hand with what makes New York unique. You actually have a variety of ways in which you can photograph the statue, so put a little thought into how you want to capture it. First, you can simply visit Liberty Island, where you can get extreme close-ups of the statue. Take portraits of the statue from outside, and then climb the statue to see the view of Manhattan. You can also take some amazing shots from the ferry on your way to Staten Island. It’s a free ferry ride and it goes right on by the iconic Lady Liberty. You could also visit Liberty Park if want to photograph the statue from the rear, which can make for some interesting shots. Then there’s also Port Jersey Boulevard, where you’ll need a telephoto lens. From here you can get some awesome shots of the statue along with skyscrapers from Manhattan.

The Flatiron Building

If you’re looking for a suitable location to show off your architectural photography skills, then look no further than the Flatiron Building. This is a great spot to try out different kinds of composition and as soon as you lay eyes on the building you’ll see why. The best angle may be the junction point where the building sits. Long exposure photography is a great way to capture all of the hustle and bustle here as well. If you can get a clear sky behind the building, it’s a nice iconic shot that will always look good in your portfolio.

The New York Public Library

This interesting location is not only iconic in terms of its architecture, but it’s a great place to get inside and start snapping pictures from within. After you’ve taken a look from behind the lens at all of the sharp angles, intricate stonework, and wonderful entryway then you should go inside and begin photographing the interior. It’s just a breathtaking setting both inside and out. You’ll absolutely want to check in with the front desk, first, and you may even be asked to send in a Letter of Intent a few weeks in advance, but if you can get clearance then it’s really a remarkable interior to photograph.

There’s so much more

The thing about New York City is that there are so many more places that you can photograph. It’s no exaggeration that you can spend a lifetime just trying to capture the experience of being in the Big Apple. For example areas like Chelsea, Harlem, Little Italy and Chinatown are also a must. Or even Brooklyn and the iconic shot of the arches of Manhattan Bridge through the buildings. Yellow Taxis, Wall Street and street food vendors are also a must. The key is to plan your trip in advance and take plenty of memory cards!

New York is one of the most stunning cities in the world. It is also one of the most photogenic. But try not to cram too much into your shot list as this city is simply too big to cover for one trip! Regardless of how long you have if you plan your trip and have a good shot list you’ll be sure to come back with amazing photos.

Photogenic Places – A Simple Guide To Photographing Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is home to some renowned photographers, and it’s no wonder why! There are so many key locations throughout the state that are perfect for capturing the state’s ambience. The Keystone State, situated in the perfect climate to capture unique and interesting photography regardless of the time of year, is filled with landscapes, cities, and landmarks that would keep any photographer busy. Here are some of the most popular locations, and also included are a few secret spots throughout Pennsylvania where you’ll be able to take the best pictures possible.

Washington, Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh has earned a few nicknames over the years, such as The Steel City and the City of Bridges. Downtown Pittsburgh is nestled between three rivers – the Allegheny, the Monongahela, and Ohio. Where these three rivers meet is referred to as the Point, and it’s a great spot to take some panoramic views of the areas around Pittsburgh. From the Point, you can see Heinz Field, PNC Park, both of the inclines, the Carnegie Science Center, and a lot more.

But what if you want to take a wide photo of downtown Pittsburgh, Point included? For that, you should ride up one of the inclines to the Mt. Washington area and set up a tripod on one of the overlooks. From this vantage point, you can capture all of downtown Pittsburgh, the rivers, the Point and its mammoth fountain, the stadiums, and more. In fact, many of the photos of downtown Pittsburgh that you can find searching online were likely taken from Mt. Washington.

Gettysburg

This is where key moments in US history occurred. Anyone who is a Civil War buff (or even anyone who just stayed awake in history class) knows a thing or two about what happened at Gettysburg. Scenic farms surround a National Military Park, which comprises of some of the battlefields that Gettysburg is known for. Aside from many different cannons and monuments spread throughout the area, which make for interesting landscape photography, the countryside found here is quite breathtaking.

Additionally, you can take photos of historical landmarks, including the Jennie Wade House Museum and the David Wills House, or snap images of the battlefield from the perspective of the soldiers.

The Ben Franklin Bridge, Philadelphia

The City of Brotherly Love offers a wealth of locations for interested photographers. Not only is there amazing and historical architecture spread throughout the city, but the parks and the zoo provide creative opportunities to show juxtaposition in your photography. Of course, there are awesome landmarks, too, like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, which means you could easily spend an entire week shooting in Philadelphia and still not capture everything there is to see.

But what if you want to capture the city itself? One of the best ways to capture the spirit of Philadelphia is to walk across the Ben Franklin Bridge. From this vantage point, you’ll be able to see a decent portion of the city, including its the city’s great skyline. With the bridge’s walkway leading you into town, you can create an engaging photo in the evening with some light trails from the cars that will add a sense of dynamism into your photos. You can also frame your skyline shot to feature the bridge in the shot from the riverside.

Delaware Water Gap

If you want to get some great picture showing how Pennsylvania fits into the countryside alongside adjacent states, then the Delaware Water Gap is an ideal photography location. This national recreation area has parts of New Jersey brushing up against Pennsylvania as the Delaware River cuts a path right through the Appalachian Mountains.

With more than 70,000 acres of trails, mountains, river, and waterfalls, this is a dream come true for anyone looking to photograph the beautiful Pennsylvania landscape (the waterfalls, in particular, are extraordinary, with several in close proximity to each other so you can get several in a single shot).

Hickory Run State Park (Including Boulder Field)

Located in Hickory State Park, which is on the eastern side of Pennsylvania as part of the Pocono Mountains, this location is a magnificent sight to behold. This field of boulders is 18 acres long, so you know how it got its name! Some boulders are as big as 25 feet long, presenting a very unique area to photograph.

This is a prime example of Pennsylvania being much more than a rural landscape in the middle of the state with major cities to the east and west. Boulder Field is worth revisiting at different times of the years so you can capture the changes from winter to summer.

Other notable locations within the park include Stametz Dam, Hawk Falls and Sand Spring Lake.

Pine Creek Gorge

If you’re up for a little off-roading and feel like traversing a massive area in central Pennsylvania, then you will undoubtedly find some incredible wildlife and scenic areas to photograph by going to Pine Creek Gorge. This incredible gorge is about 50 miles long and 1,500 feet deep, which has earned it the nickname of the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania.

If you hike up to the top of Leonard Harrison and Colton Pont State Parks, then you are in for a spectacular view that cannot be replicated anywhere else. Imagine taking one shot overseeing the gorge, and then hiking to the bottom to get the opposing view! If you take the Turkey Path on the way, then you’ll be able to see some great waterfalls, too. Just be sure to take a map, because this is a very dense area and it’s easy to get lost among the foliage. The best time to photograph this area is in the fall where the colours of the leaves can give fantastic results.

Lancaster County

No visit to Pennsylvania would be complete without taking a trip back in time to a period where horse and cart was the main mode of transport. Where windmills were the main source of power and when people lived simpler and a slower pace of life. Head to Lancaster County to photograph America’s oldest Amish settlement and capture a time that many have long forgotten.

Whilst it may not be the first photography location you think of in the US, Pennsylvania has pretty much anything a photographer could ask for if you’re willing to look in the right places and do a little travelling. So why not make the Keystone State your next photography destination. You might be surprised by the results.

Photogenic Places – A Simple Guide To Photographing Badlands National Park

One of the most breathtaking National Parks in the United States is the Badlands. For more than 11,000 years, the Lakota have called this beautiful place home and used it as their hunting grounds. Many different animals inhabit the park, such as mule deer, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, and bison.

It will be difficult not to fall in love with this National Park. The encouraged exploration, the easy to moderate selection of trails, the stunning views, the rampant wildlife…it really has everything that people are looking for in a national park adventure. This is the true American Heartland. Fossils of prehistoric animals, legends of Native American Warriors, ghost dances, bison, rocky spires, and so much more make this a trip that everyone should try and experience.

It’s an absolute must for anyone who loves photography. Visitors are encouraged to crawl all over the countless mounds, but where do you start? There are literally dozens of trails throughout this massive national park, so it can be difficult to figure out which are worthwhile and which are a waste of time, especially if you have a list of animals and formations that you want to see. To help you navigate this sprawling landscape, we’ve noted some of the top hiking trails throughout Badlands National Park.

Medicine Root Trail

This is a short, four-mile trail along mostly flat terrain that gives people a great opportunity to walk among the prairie dogs. As you drive through the park to get to trailheads, you can’t help but notice the thousands of tiny heads popping themselves up from below the surface, watching your vehicle drive by. There are simply scores of these cute little creatures all throughout the park, but this trail probably gives visitors their closest look at the animal’s natural home. Just be careful of cactus and the occasional rattlesnake sunning itself on the boardwalk! While visitors are allowed to go off trail throughout the park, for the Medicine Root Trail, you likely won’t need to explore off-trail very much to get great images of prairie dogs to take home.

Notch Trail

While short (just a mile and a half), the Notch Trail is deceptively strenuous. This is a good trail for anyone who wants to experience the ruggedness of the national park. You walk through canyons until you reach a log ladder, and then you hike along the edges of the canyons until you see a stunning view of the White River Valley. The ladder is quite memorable and really fun to climb. It’s about fifty steps and just makes you smile as you climb for a nice change of pace. This trail is recommended for a quick sojourn, especially for anyone who wants to feel like they’ve really explored the canyons, but without having to hike all day to do it. You might see some small ponds formed and maybe even white-tailed deer, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.

Cliff Shelf Nature Trail

This short, half-mile trail along a boardwalk is a fun little family hike that just takes a few minutes to conclude. At the end of the trail, you’ll see a spectacular view of the White River Valley, as well as Eagle Butte. Not only is this a quick, family-friendly trail, but you can see more than fifty plant species and potentially more than a hundred bird species along the way. This is mostly due to the proximity of a bowl-like area that retains water within the Cliff Shelf itself. When it collects water, you may see bighorn sheep having a refreshing drink.

Sheep Mountain Table Road

For the more serious hikers out there, this trail is a pleasant moderate difficulty with a little length. At just over fourteen and a half miles long, the Sheep Mountain Table trail will weave you through the National Park to see beautiful wildflowers. It’s lightly trafficked, so you likely won’t be bumping into all of the families that will opt for shorter trails. It’s a hard-packed dirt road that you could also traverse using a bicycle or appropriate off-road vehicle, but hiking it will definitely give you the most satisfaction. It has limited views due to being in the centre of the plateau, but a few are truly gorgeous. Many people prefer to drive up to a certain point and then hike the rest of the way.

Fossil Exhibit Trail

Kids always have a good time on the Fossil Exhibit Trail thanks to the plaques spread along the trail that indicate what kinds of things have been found here before. It’s a short quarter-mile hike along a boardwalk, so while it’s not a serious hike for more experienced visitors, it is still worth the visit to see the bronzed casts of impressions and fossils that have been discovered.

Sage Creek Loop

For anyone looking for a real challenge, this nearly twenty-three-mile loop is perfect. Located near Wall (about twelve miles away, but relatively speaking, close enough compared to the vast emptiness of the area), you can expect scenic views as you tread across this difficult trail. Plan to spend some time on this trail, likely up to three days, which is fine since there are camping spots for backpackers (no designated sites, but many natural clear areas that suit camping perfectly). If you want an almost guaranteed sighting of bison and pronghorn, then hike this loop. Surrounding rock pinnacles will remind you why they call this park the Badlands in the first place. You’ll climb gravel mounds, enjoy natural amphitheatres, sit through juniper stands, cross ridges, and hit a high point of nearly three thousand feet.

The Door Trail

This is a wonderful trail to hit right around sunrise. Not many people will be there (it’s heavily traversed throughout the day) and the natural lighting really elevates the terrain’s appearance. There’s a short boardwalk that leads to a practical rocky playground full of ashy spires that you can climb up and over. It would be easy to spend an entire day photographing through this trail. The surreal view of rock formations sets the scene for why most people come to visit the Badlands in the first place. Why is it called the Door Trail? Because it leads right up to a break in the Wall referred to as the Door, hence the name!

The Window Trail

Another great small trail with a short boardwalk, this easily accessible quarter-mile trail will take you up to a natural window in the Badlands Wall. You’ll see a wonderful view of eroded canyons, but try to get there around sunset for a sight you will never forget. It’s a great way to end your adventure in the park and can be traversed by people of pretty much any age.

Saddle Pass Trail

This is a moderately difficult trail, but with a little help and encouragement, most people can do this just fine. This trail leads through the Badlands Wall and takes about an hour. Make sure to bring water and sunblock as you climb the terrain to a decent elevation, at the pinnacle of which you can easily see the majority of the surface area in the park. As you climb the narrow trail (which has slightly alternate routes along the way, depending on whether or not you want to climb a little more than you have to), you’ll come across some very tricky drop-offs. Stay steady and make the climb, because when you get to the very top the payoff is fantastic. There’s a very narrow trail up to a tall spire, with a little nest area perfect for a picture of the National Park. The trail actually ends where others begin; you can hop over to the Medicine Root Trail here or even the Castle Trail, depending on how much longer you feel like hiking before getting back to the car.

Castle Trail

Reported as one of the harder trails in the Badlands, the Castle Trail actually only take about two hours to complete. The trail is ten and a half-mile long and is actually a loop that begins fairly close to the town of Interior. The best time of year to experience the Castle Trail is probably between April and October. The elevation is only about 314 feet, but the distance is what makes most people think that this is a harder trail than what it actually is. It will give you a very expansive view of the Badlands, starting with the typical rocky terrain and then a few miles in turning over to the tall grassy areas, or prairie land. If it rains right before you’re about to go on the trail, make sure you have heavy boots that can handle the mud that is sure to build up.

Badlands National Park is a wonderful area to photograph. Aim to do the vast majority of your shooting early morning or late afternoon when not only the golden soft light illuminates the landscape beautifully. But also because it will be cooler and easier to walk than during the heat of the day. As with any sort of landscape photography always pay attention to the weather forecast and make sure you stay safe.