6 important tips for getting those great pictures at National Parks

I have always loved photography. And the National Parks can be a photographer’s paradise. Whether you are a professional with an arsenal of equipment, an avid hobbyist with a fairly expensive camera and heavy lens you’re toting along, or even an enthusiast who breaks out the cell phone (some with better cameras than we ever owned before), you have enough photo ops for getting plenty of great pictures during your visits to any of the National Parks.

Whenever you go to any of the Parks, you will ultimately see a crowd of people and enough huge lenses to think the paparazzi are upon us. But that is usually a sign that there is wildlife milling about, because that is what the visitors are there to see, that is what draws them to the Parks. But keep in mind that there are some general rules, or really, courtesies, that should be followed. And what about getting those great pics…isn’t THAT what is important? Well here are 6 helpful hints for getting those great pics when visiting any of our National Parks.

1. Bring a tripod

While we have been sometimes lucky to have cordial people who are willing to take a picture in exchange for me taking theirs, that is not always the best option. Because while I am very conscious about how to frame the picture and what is included in the background, other people believe the focus is either on getting your entire body in the picture regardless of the surroundings, or making your face the absolute center of the shot no matter what the scenery is that you are trying to capture. Having a tripod eliminates the reliance on the mindset of others, and even the presence of others in order to capture you, yourself (or selves) in a shot that you so badly want. This is especially true at the entrance signs which, considering the “tradition” of taking that pic, you would think would have a selfie stand at every sign. But with the exception of very few, they don’t. And finding the perfect rock, or the perfect stick doesn’t always work. Have the tripod handy.

2. Be mindful of the lighting and time of day

The time of day and the lighting can greatly affect your picture. You want to make sure that you don’t set up for a great scenery shot, get yourselves in the pic, and then your faces are so dark that you can’t even see that it’s you. If you are looking to get a particular shot, then work your schedule in accordance with the time of day. In most cases, there is no bad picture at National Parks. But it is a matter of the view, the color, the mood you’re capturing. It’s obvious that a sunrise and a sunset will greatly affect your pictures. But there are angles where depending on the time in the early morning, or late afternoon, can actually ruin a great shot. It’s all about timing.

3. Framing your picture can be the key

I never understood why people INSIST on standing all the way back in a picture for the purpose of getting EVERYTHING in the frame. Then, in most cases, YOU are too small to see. So why even be in the picture? You don’t need to get your entire body in every picture. So take a step, or two, or three toward the camera…maybe you can be taken from the waist up, or chest up, or even neck up, and then we can see YOU and see the subject in the background. You also don’t want to have your body block something important in the shot. While sometimes you might be, most times you are NOT the subject in the picture. You are just trying to prove to your friends that you were there. You just might be blocking out something that people REALLY want to see…not that they don’t want to see YOU…but you know what I mean.

4. Take both landscape AND portrait shots for posting purposes

I am partial to landscape shots while Melissa, she prefers portrait shots and she will make a point to tell me to take an additional shot portrait. The simple reason is that if you are planning to post on social media, the portrait version translates better and tends not to eliminate part of the shot when you load it. So I generally will take both and use them as I need them. I have a lot of pictures I’ve taken in National Parks framed and on our walls. And almost all of them, almost, are of the landscape variety. It’s all a matter of personal preference. But play it safe and utilize both options because you never know how you will want to use the picture.

You are in THEIR domain and are visitors. Do not disrupt them. And don’t get close up to take selfies. Zoom in. Frame your picture properly and use a tripod so that you can be in the picture but far enough away. Not only is it disrespectful, it’s downright dangerous. It’s not a petting zoo. Not that I advocate for ANY zoo….but it’s the natural habitat for the wildlife. You are not driving through Great Adventure or Lion Country Safari. This is THEIR land. And if they feel threatened…they WILL attack. If you want to be chased and gored, that’s your choice. But the pictures I have seen of those instances…are not pretty.

6. GET THE HELL OUT OF THE WAY!

I get you want your picture taken. So do we. And people will rush to get their shot in front of a monument, rock formation, iconic view, whatever it is…and some of those people, rather than quickly taking their pic and moving along so the next person or group can do the same, they make it their very own personal photo shoot. If you want to do a personal and professional (very rarely is that the case) photo shoot, then pay money and reserve the spot. But when others are lined up patiently waiting for you to be done, then be done and move along. If you are not happy with the pics, then go to the end of the line. The WORST is when people are not even taking pictures, but decide to just plant themselves and have a picnic or scroll on their phones while, basically, photobombing everyone else’s pictures. Why are you sitting there? You KNOW people are trying to take pictures and they don’t want YOU in the picture. GET THE HELL OUT OF THE WAY!!!