What Makes Florida Fine Art Landscape Photography So Special
As I have shared in my trip report, Photographing Florida Landscapes, I have lived in Florida all my life but pursued landscape photography in other states and countries assuming I could photograph scenes in Florida anytime I wanted. There always seemed to be a mountain, desert, rocky coast, fall color, or some other scene or feature that I did not have. But I finally made capturing the beauty of my home state a priority and I am so glad I have done so.
What is the essence of Florida Landscape Nature Photography? That question is challenging as the landscape of the Sunshine State is varied. Photographs of the Everglades National Park convey isolation and the colors come from sunrise or sunset. The landscape photography of Central Florida stands in contrast as it showcases dark greens, cypress swamps, and wooden boardwalks which creates a feeling of being connected to the landscape.
As you view the photos in my Florida Landscape collection, please keep in mind that my goal is always to create Florida landscape photographs that are truly fine art photographs. The question becomes… What Does Fine Art Photography Mean? Fine art photography is about conveying what the photographer is feeling when getting ready to click the camera shutter. I am certain my photos of Florida beaches, shores, and waters convey the beauty that I am seeing at that moment.
What is Florida famous for? Where are the best locations to take Florida landscape photography? Without a doubt, many iconic Florida photographs feature beaches, piers, and bridges. But a fine art landscape print has to be more than just a pretty picture…..it has to be able to capture the emotions felt by the photographer. My photographs of the old Bahia Honda Bridge, with the varying shades of turquoise waters in the foreground, show how majestic it is at sunrise. Photographs of the sun rising evoke a sense of belonging to something bigger than ourselves.
The East Coast with its sunrises is not the only source of iconic Florida photographs. The Gulf Coast has hidden gems where you can photograph spectacular sunsets such as Naples’ Pier.
Florida Fine Art Nature Photography is special because the natural landscape of Florida is, simply put, beautiful. The fine art prints in my Florida landscape photography gallery showcase the variety of nature at its finest…. from sunlit clouds to blue calm waters or pastel-colored lakes. These prints would make a worthy addition to your fine art collection.
Visiting And Photographing Florida
Florida has the longest coastline in the contiguous United States and provides a photographer with many wonderful opportunities. Starting on the east coast of Florida, one can photograph nature preserves such as Big Talbot Island or Timucuan Preserve with its acres of wetlands; Washington Oaks with its formal gardens; beautiful beaches such as Daytona Beach.
A photographer can walk along 25 miles of pristine beach at Canaveral Seashore; look for photo opportunities at the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, and capture the beauty as well as the history of Cape Florida Lighthouse off Key Biscayne.
Continue south to the Florida Keys to photograph the iconic Bahia Honda bridge; the natural beauty of Key Largo; view the tropical hardwood hammocks found on Islamorada, and sit spellbound watching a sunset while visiting Key West.
But Florida’s beauty is not confined to the east coast and the Florida Keys. Heading up the west coast, you will be mesmerized by the pearly beaches of Naples and Siesta Key; enjoy looking for seashells at Sanibel Islands or walk along the white sands of Longboat Key beaches. Further north is the quaint fishing village of Cedar Key.
The panhandle’s Emerald Coast is the ideal place for photographs as well as family vacations. One will find white sand beaches and emerald green waters while staying at Pensacola, Navarre, Destin, or Panama City. During certain times of the year, you can see both a sunrise and a sunset from these beautiful beaches. One of the more picturesque areas of the panhandle is the St. Mark’s Lighthouse, a natural historic site, in St. George Island.
But beautiful Florida landscapes are not limited to the coastal areas. Florida lakes, rivers, and wetlands also provide photographers with opportunities to capture nature’s splendor. Rays from the morning sun coming up over a lake; ducks and geese flying overhead as they journey across the state.
Lakes such as Lake Istokpoga and Lake Tohopekaliga should be on your list. The skies are just as dramatic and the calm lake waters provide a peaceful feel and great reflections. There are also great landscape photographic opportunities found at the Everglades National Park, Myakka River State Park, and Highlands Hammock State Park.
In short, Florida’s landscape is not limited to just one genre; to one type of photograph; to one color scheme. It is a mix of white sands and green lush hammocks; colorful skies and emerald green waters. I have enjoyed photographing many scenic areas in Florida. Please take the time to slowly view my Florida gallery and enjoy the beauty captured in these photographs.
Many of these Florida Fine Art Prints are also a part of our gallery of Atlantic Coast Photography and our gallery of Gulf Coast Photography.
Fun Facts About Florida
Florida is a top vacation destination for many. Whether you want to see Tom Brady throwing a touchdown pass; tour Disney World or Universal Studios; watch a NASCAR race; explore the global city of Orlando or walk through the historic areas of Key Largo or St. Augustine…. You will find activities that will match your interests.
Want to take a Road Trip? Love the outdoors? There is a reason Florida is called the Sunshine State. You could visit our beautiful beaches with white sands and blue-green waters; go scuba diving in the coral reefs off the Florida Keys; take a fishing trip where you may see porpoises following behind you, or take an airboat tour of the Everglades Wilderness area.
But the Sunshine State is just not for tourists… it also provides the backdrop for unforgettable pictures.
Spend a few moments looking at the photographs in my Florida Landscape Gallery. They capture the other side of Florida…..the Quiet Side… the side you do not see in Travel Guides. Imagine walking along a Naples beach and watching the sunset; listening to the waves wash on the shore; driving over the Bahia Honda Bridge on your way to Key West; standing on a pier with someone you care about and watching the sunset.
The reds, yellows, and oranges found in Florida sunsets and sunrises; the blues and greens of our ocean waters; the peaceful feeling found walking through the hammocks and cypress gardens…these are the true jewels of Florida and are ones I am pleased to share with you.
