The crowd waits for a sunset shoot at Arches National Park
Another free National Parks weekend is coming up, July 18-19, 2009. It got me to thinking about all the photogenic sites available to baby boomer travelers. Pick up a travel book or guide that discusses the National Parks, even the AAA books, and you’ll find advice on where to be in order to snap that perfect landscape photograph.
I remember the first time Alan and I saw Oxbow Bend in the Grand Tetons. “Let’s come back for a sunset shoot,” Alan said. We did, along with about 50 other photographers. I had never seen such an array of lenses, tripods and cameras in my life. The photo shoot at sunrise? The same.
When photographing iconic scenes in the National Parks, expect the company of other photographers. But don’t let that stop you from taking your perfect picture. We’ve found the photography crowd to be respectful and helpful to other camera buffs. Here are a few tips to ensure success:
- Get there early to stake out a prime spot.
- Don’t walk in front of another photographer’s shot.
- Find a new perspective on a familiar scene by shifting positions, shooting high, low or at an angle.
- Strike up a conversation. You might learn a valuable new technique or insider info on another photogenic location.
- Look around you. Don’t miss a photographic opportunity because you’re shooting the same scene as everyone else.
- Go with a pro. A photography expert leading a workshop knows where to go and when to be there for that perfect shot.
The crowd wait for the sun to rise in Canyonlands
Want to know what the experts say?
- Kodak offers photographic tips in the National Parks.
- Profession photographer, Kevin McNeal’s blog advises on the best time to visit plus suggests alternative shooting locations. You’ll enjoy the outstanding photos.
And, here’s a bonus. If you’re visiting the South Rim of the Grand Canyon by July 27, 2009, attend one of the free photo workshops.
Do you think your National Park photo is a prize winner? Enter the Share the Experience (TM) photo contest. First prize winner receives an Olympus E-3 DSLR camera kit plus a trip to the Federal Recreation Area of your choice.
Post a comment to share your experience photographing in the National Parks. And if you win the photo contest, be sure to let me know.
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One of the most asked questions at the North Rim of Grand Canyon NP is, “where's the best place for sunrise/set?” There are several places I enjoy and suggest like, Cape Royal with its 270 degree view; or Bright Angel Point with only a half mile round trip walk; or better yet, enjoy a beverage on the Lodge veranda.
What always amazes me is how many people leave as soon as the firey globe disapears below the horizon. They miss the best part.
We have two volunteers that regularly give talks about photographing the canyon.
Thanks for the North Rim photo tips, Geogypsy. You are right about many people missing the best part of sunsets. We’ve learned on our photography workshops that the best photos occur after the sun dips below the horizon. Of course you really need to be using a tripod to capture the scene.
Thanks for sharing. Nice article and very educational.
Thanks a lot.
Good tips and great advice for free photo workshops. One of my favorite things to do at big sites that everyone is photographing is to try to get an angle where there is no other people in the shot – then turn around and take the next shot of everyone behind you!
What a great photo tip! I'll be trying this trick. Thanks.
What a great photo tip! I'll be trying this trick. Thanks.
Great idea!
What a great photo tip! I'll be trying this trick. Thanks.
What a great photo tip! I'll be trying this trick. Thanks.
Great idea!
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