It’s time to start this year off with a bang, and what better way to do it than by shooting in some of America’s most iconic travel destinations?
After the world’s been couped up for the past few years travel photography is a must! It’s time to get out there and explore!
From the beautiful mountains of the west to the laid-back ocean cities in the east, the USA is full of stunning images waiting to be photographed.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting out, we’ve got your guide on capturing shots in some of the most amazing places in America.
In this guide to Travel Photography, we’ll walk you through trip planning, perfect locations, and some top tips and tricks of the photography trade.
So grab your camera and hiking boots, and let’s get started!
Ultimate Guide To Travel Photography
There are a few different factors to consider when planning a photography trip to make sure you capture the best images possible!
now let’s understand each point in detail…
Time of Year
Seasonal changes are bound to occur. Avoid seasons with lots of rain and harsh winds that might affect the quality of your shots and subject.
Traveling to a more harsh environment like snowy mountains or disaster-prone areas?
Research safety precautions before you go to protect yourself and your gear.
It’s better to be over-prepared than to be stuck between a rock and a hard place!
Weather
Plan ahead by looking into the local weather forecast of your destination.
Consider planning for an early morning shoot if there are storms in the afternoon. Consider the wind as a factor as well, if there’s none you may be in the mood to grab some beautiful wet landscape shots.
Time of Day
Be sure to keep in mind your shoot location in consideration of the rising and setting of the sun – there are great opportunities for “golden hour” or “magic hour” shots!
Natural lighting is everything when it comes to outdoor photography. Consider “blue hour“ shots as well.
Packing: Get Your Gear Ready!
now you know some important aspects to take care of while planning a photography trip but it’s always a good idea to carry some important gear as per the condition before you go out.
so here are some checklists you need to verify before you go out traveling as a photographer…
Tripods
Best And Cheap Tripods For Photographers Under 40$
Lightweight or Small Tripod – Keep your camera steady and avoid blurry shots while traversing the USA’s wilds with a lightweight tripod.
Perfect for taking long exposure shots of flowing rivers, starry skylines, or whatever else you see fit.
If you’re in the market for some new gear, check out some of the most highly-rated travel tripods for 2023.
Lenses
Pack light! Pack 2-3 lenses at most so you have free space in your bag for other necessities. (Plus you don’t need to worry about managing loads of equipment.)
Avoid Telephoto lenses if you can, these are bound to be the biggest and heaviest in your collection – stick with the two-lense travel pack!
Zoom lenses – perfect for capturing park wildlife in its natural state, as well as visitors taking in all the beauty.
Go for versatility – A 35mm or 50mm prime lens is the perfect addition as it will give you the freedom to shoot a wide variety of pictures.
Camera
Choose one camera and stick with it! DSLRs tend to be classified as “bulky” and will take up a bit of space in your bag.
Consider a mirrorless camera like a Sony, Fujifilm, or Nikon. Be sure to consider video as well if you’re interested in recording time-lapses on your travels.
Other Goodies
Batteries – There’s nothing worse than lining up the perfect shot and your camera battery dying! Pack extra batteries and keep them easy to access for moments like this.
Memory Cards – Save some packing space and nix the laptop for extra memory cards. (You can edit when you’re not exploring the USA!)
Plug Adapters – If you’re traveling from outside the USA, include plug adapters in your bag for all your electronics.
Weather Protection – Thinking of shooting in the rain or snow? Think about grabbing some add-ons like rain covers or gear insurance to protect your assets.
Top Photography Locations To explore in the USA
In this guide to Travel Photography we’re focusing more on the USA destination so now let’s explore some famous and good destinations for photographers to cover in the USA…
Grand Canyon National Park
This river valley runs 277 miles long – which means their TONS of space to capture some incredible images!
Some of the most sought-after picture locations in this area include… Mather Point, Yaki Point, Yavapai Point, Hopi Point, Pima Point, Grandview Point, Moran Point, and Plateau Point.
Yosemite National Park
Located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, is known for its giant sequoia trees and breathtaking views of Bridalviel fall!
While this park may be known for its waterfalls, with over 1,200 miles of land you’re bound to find amazing meadows, valleys, and incredible wilderness throughout your journey.
Some of the top picture-taking locations include… Taft Point, Tunnel View, El Captian, Clouds Rest, Bridal Veil Falls, Eagle Peak, and Mirror Lake.
Yellowstone National Park
With over 2.2 million acres to explore, photo opportunities will be plenty! Explore active geysers, Yellowstone River, and the park’s wildlife which includes bison, bears, and wolfs.
Many of the park’s areas are located within historic districts – so take advantage and bask in the architecture and cultural landscapes!
The best photo viewpoints include… The Old Faithful Geyser, Yellowstone Lake, Grand Prismatic Spring, Upper Geyser Basin, Hayden Valley, and Lamar Valley.
The Rocky Mountains
Stretching a vast 3,000 miles from Canada down to New Mexico, The Rockies offer photographers amazing wildlife, beautiful landscape, luscious lakes, and hiking trails galore.
Grab some stunning shots at these locations: Bear Lake, Old Fall River Road, Maroon Bells, Lake Dillon, Dream Lake, Trail Ridge Road, and Lilly Lake.
Great Smoky Mountains
Along Tennessee – North Carolina border lies The Great Smoky Mountain ridge, known for its large variety of plant and animal life, its breathtaking mountains, and its mountain culture.
It’s no wonder that this is America’s most visited national park!
Some amazing shot spots include… Cades Cove, Grotto Falls, Gregory Bald, Kanati Fork Trail, Newfound Gap, Tremont, and Clingman’s Dome.
Acadia National Park
With 47,000 acres of rocky beaches, showstopping peaks, and wildlife including moose, whales, and seabirds, Acadia is bound to spark inspiration and wonder in any traveler!
While this park is most known for its fall foliage and wintery snow blankets, it’s beautiful all year round with many things to do and places to see every month of the year.
The most sought-after photo spots are… Otter Cliff, Jordan Pond, Bass Harbor Lighthouse, Echo Lake Beach, Thunder Hole, Bubble Rock, and Beehive Trail.
Niagara Falls
Open 365 days a year, the Niagara Falls State Park ticks off every mark for traveling photographers.
With captivating scenery and miles of hiking trails, it’s no wonder it was named 2022’s”Most Instagrammed” State Park in America.
The best photography spots in Niagara Falls are… The Horseshoe Falls tunnels, Cave of the Winds, onboard Maid of the Mist, Terrapin Point, and Luna Island.
Monument Valley
Located in Navajo County on the Utah/Arizona border, Monument Valley is a stunning red-sand desert oasis.
Often used as a film location for famous Western movies – incredible sights, and natural structures are found throughout.
The valley’s incredible open sky, towering buttes, and great canyons will keep you in awe and your finger on your camera’s shutter release!
Some of the best photo spots and views in Monument Valley are… Mile Marker 13, Forrest Gump Point, Merrick Butte, Elephant Butte, Taylor Rock, and Wildcat Trail.
Tips to take Great Photos as a Travel photographer
now in this Guide to Travel Photography, let me share a couple of important tips and tickets to capture better images as a pro photographer…
Get Creative with Composition
Consider the rule of thirds and the rule of odds when composing a shot.
The great composition can be the difference between an award-winning capture and just another RAW image in your camera roll.
If you’re not a fan of rules (don’t worry, neither are we!) creating an off-balanced image can create visual interest – so don’t live and breathe by the rule of thirds!
Be Unique in your Framing & technique
When checking your viewfinder or screen, don’t just focus on your subject.
Check to make sure you’re not cutting off important landmarks, mountains, flying birds, or anything of visual interest.
Don’t be afraid to move around, get low to the ground, or stand on objects to achieve interesting views!
Ask Permission Beforehand
While your travel photography may have you in awe of America’s beautiful sights, don’t forget about the people and culture that surround it.
The people can be just as important as the landscapes and architecture you see.
Turning your travel photo into a portrait session with an interesting soul you’ve met can be an exciting and unexpected turn of events!
Always be sure to ask someone for their permission to take photos.
If candid shots are more your thing, don’t draw attention to yourself and take lots of surrounding shots.
Consider keeping a zoom lens on hand, that way you can capture your subject’s natural behavior from out of sight.
However, we still highly recommend asking the person for permission to use their likeness.
(It helps to show them the beautiful snapshots you’ve taken to coax them into approval!)
Conclusion: Packing Up & Heading Home
As you can see, the United States is full of endless photo opportunities with tons of adventure mixed in!
While we only covered a few in this post there are still so many historical and photo-worthy places and sights to see in the USA.
Photo: Frame It Easy
As you begin to pack up and head home from your travels be sure to give yourself ample time to sort through all your snapshots for the cream of the crop!
If you find any you deem frame-worthy, head over to Frame It Easy and find an affordable American-made frame to keep your travel memories alive for years to come!
I hope you found this Guide to Travel Photography (especially in the USA) useful, feel free to share it with your friends and family member.
have a good day.
