Great Places To Photograph Landscapes And Wildlife
Where do you think would be the best location or best place to capture a fine art landscape photograph with your camera?
As a Nature Photographer, the number one question I get from people is “What is my favorite location to photograph?” I wish I did, but I don’t have a simple answer for this. There are so many variables. I may jokingly respond with “Wherever I am presently shooting”. While there may be some truth in this because I love being out there so much, it isn’t much of an answer.
For this article, I will take a stab at a more serious answer. I am a little conflicted to write this as I don’t want to infer that locations not mentioned here are not good. I have loved being at each and every one of them. I would not have added their images to my portfolio of Fine Art Landscape Photography if I did not feel that way.
Locations I Return To
Southwest Colorado in the Fall, the Desert Southwest, the Pacific Northwest, the Grand Tetons, the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, and Zion National Park are all great locations that I have returned to and spent more time at than others. The abundance of photographic possibilities at these locations simply gives you options when you are trying to figure out where is the best place to be for changing weather conditions, and you always feel there is something new to find.
It’s also a little less stressful returning to a location that you know well. You know most of the good spots, where to stay, where to eat, and how long it takes to get around. It almost feels like home after a few visits.
Locations That Are Incredible
I can’t go everywhere multiple times, so if I can only go once or twice, I do my best to be there at the best time of the year for good nature photography. I do my very best research and planning and then hope for a little luck. I only made it once to Antarctica and Mount Assiniboine in Canada, but these locations left a lasting impression on me. If you get the chance, go.
I managed two trips each to Iceland and the Lofoten Islands of Norway and they are just amazing. I probably won’t be able to make it back, but they are simply amazing places to photograph. Winter in Norway is one of those “bucket list” places for any nature photographer. I really got to know my way around, the people are great and that is something that tends to draw you back.
Other National Parks
I have not made many visits to some of the National Parks like Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion, but each has unique features and are a joy to photograph. I want to go back more, but there are only so many days. I will always remember being in Yosemite National Park the first time and not shooting anything for two days. I was jokingly wondering why other photographers felt it was so special. Then, after much scouting and absorbing what the Park was showing me, I was able to create some beautiful images.
The Non-Location Subjects
Coastlines, Mountains, Trees, Rivers, Lakes, and Waterfalls are all over the United States. I have been fortunate to capture many images of these subjects and, wherever I go, I am looking for opportunities with them. They have my eye.
Conclusion
Okay, so I probably didn’t answer the question worth beans. I love returning to the Pacific Northwest, was blown away by Antarctica and Norway and can’t get enough of mountains and water. Maybe a slightly better answer. Damn, I love it all!