The world is meant to be explored…and photographed. From majestic mountains to captivating coastlines, there are plenty of destinations in the U.S. worth capturing. Keep reading for some of the best destinations for travel photography!
Photograph the Aurora in Fairbanks
Fairbanks is one of the best locations for viewing and photographing the Northern Lights. Aurora season runs from August 21 through April 21 and is the prime time for basking in the beauty of the aurora borealis.
Capturing the beauty of the aurora behind your lens is a rewarding experience. No aurora season is the same and it shifts from evening to evening. Often times visitors are rewarded with a swirling array of green, teal, and white lights. Intense cycles may result in a purple or magenta edge. Visitors may also be able to observe different shapes and patterns including curtains, bands, rays, and coronas.
Photographing the aurora may take some time and practice. The best places for photography and aurora viewing are dark areas with minimal light pollution. The ideal setting for capturing the aurora will depend on the equipment being used– allow for plenty of time to experiment with settings to get the best shot. Bring warm layers and extra batteries for extended time outside in the cold.
Fairbanks and its surroundings are stunning. Take time to photograph and explore all that Fairbanks has to offer. Request your free print and downloadable Fairbanks Visitors Guide today!
Leaf Peeping in the White Mountains
Where can you find 800,000 acres of magnificent mountain views?
New Hampshire’s White Mountains!
The White Mountains are simply spectacular. Offering the perfect mix of rugged peaks, dense forests, and charming towns—just waiting to be photographed. This part of the Appalachian range is known for its raw, untamed beauty, magnificent waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails.
One of the best times of year to photograph the White Mountains is the fall. From September through October the area ignites in a blaze of color. The fall foliage puts on a stunning display of reds, yellows, oranges, crimsons, ambers, and golds.
One of the most popular routes for experiencing the colors of the season is a 34 mile stretch along the Kancamagus Highway. This spectacular byway provides plenty of opportunities for photographers to capture the stunning shades of the treetops against bright blue skies.
Don’t wait for the leaves to change colors. Order your free print and downloadable White Mountains Travel Guide today!
Capture Maryland’s Coastal Beacons
Maryland’s 26 lighthouses are beautiful beacons, drawing in visitors and photographers alike.
Lighthouses were originally built to guide sailors safely into harbor and many are still active. Now many are also open to tours and photography. Lighthouse tours are a great way to learn about the history of an area and to appreciate the beauty of the Chesapeake region. As a photography subject, lighthouses are timeless and elegant. Many stand as coastal sentinels, away from the bustle of the city, their weathered textures and sturdy structures a testament to their resilience.
One of the most recognizable lighthouses in Maryland is the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse. The lighthouse is accessible only by boat and is the last of the screwpile lighthouses in its original location. Some of the best photographs of the lighthouse can be captured from the water at sunrise or sunset.
Other iconic Maryland lighthouses include the following:
- Cove Point Lighthouse
- Drum Point Lighthouse
- Choptank River Lighthouse
- Fort Washington Lighthouse
- Concord Point Lighthouse
- Hooper Strait Lighthouse
- Piney Point Lighthouse
Are you ready for an unforgettable Maryland vacation? Now is the time to request your free print and downloadable Maryland Travel Magazine.
Get Wild in Glacier Country
Montana’s Glacier Country is wild!
Western Montana is a photographer’s dream. This area is home to untamed wilderness, pristine alpine lakes, lush meadows, and some of the most vibrant wildlife in the American West.
Glacier Country is a thriving ecosystem that is home to 19 large mammals and almost 100 small ones. Visitors with patience and a keen eye may be lucky enough to photograph some of the area’s most popular wildlife.
Glacier National Park is a great place to spot mountain goats from a safe distance. It is also the perfect place to listen for an elk bugle during the fall rut (breeding season). If bison are a must-see, then visit the CSKT Bison Range, a wildlife conservation area home to over 350 bison. Keep an eye out for deer, antelope, and bighorn sheep as well.
Visitors with wildlife experience and bear safety training may venture into the backcountry for bear sightings. Both black bears and grizzly bears call Glacier Country home. Despite their name, black bears may vary in color, while grizzlies are most often brown and have a distinct shoulder hump. The area has an estimated 1,000 bears in total. Bears are most likely to be sighted from July through September and they are especially fond of areas with berries. Backcountry exploration and photography should only be done with proper knowledge of wildlife and bear safety precautions.
Are you ready to get wild? Request your free print and downloadable Glacier Country Travel Guide!
Delight in the Desert of Greater Zion
Greater Zion is a landscape unlike any other! From towering red cliffs to striking desert landscapes, Greater Zion is Utah at its finest.
Greater Zion is home to Zion National Park, a wonder to explore and a photographer’s dream. Spend a day or a week capturing the area’s iconic vistas, towering canyons, and brilliant colors. For those who are daring, the views from Angels Landing are well worth the hike which includes steep switchbacks, narrow paths, and drop-offs.
Another memorable spot in the park is The Narrows. True to its name, The Narrows is the narrowest spot in Zion Canyon. This gorge features thousand foot tall walls and the Virgin River. It is both intimate and intimidating, ideal for creative photographers.
Stepping beyond the park is just as spectacular. Greater Zion is home to lava fields, desert lakes, and bright blue skies. Spend a day soaking up the colors of the sandstone in Snow Canyon State Park or out on the water at Quail Creek State Park.
When photographing Greater Zion it pays to look up. In addition to the stunning landscape, Greater Zion is also a top destination for hot air balloons and paragliding. These colorful aerial explorers are fun to capture soaring over the desert.
Greater Zion delivers timeless desert beauty for travel photographers. Now is the time to request your free print and downloadable Greater Zion Visitor Guide.
Chase Waterfalls in Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park is a hidden gem for travel photographers. Lush forests and waterfalls provide ample opportunities to capture the perfect shot.
If you want to chase waterfalls, then Letchworth State Park is the place for you! Most visitors flock to the area’s most popular waterfalls including the Lower, Middle, and Upper Genesee Falls. However, there are plenty of other photogenic waterfalls in the area including the following:
- Inspiration Falls
- Deh‑ge‑wa‑nus Falls
- Deh‑ga‑ya‑soh Falls
- Wolf Creek Falls
- Cinderella Cascade
- Abutment Falls
- Canoe Shower Falls
- Papermill Falls
- Paul Rock Cascade
Now is a great time to capture silky waterfalls and lush foliage. Request your free print and downloadable Letchworth & Beyond Adventure Guide today!
Plan Your Picture Perfect Getaway Today!
The U.S. is home to countless picture perfect destinations, from red rock cliffs to weather worn lighthouses. Every photograph tells a story. Now is the time to pack your gear and hit the road. For even more tips on the best destinations for travel photography, take a look at all of our free print and downloadable travel guides.