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The Top 5 Locations for Landscape Photography in the United States
The Top 5 Locations for Landscape Photography in the United States
by Keenan Hursh
Landscape photography is an art form that invites us to explore and capture the beauty of the natural world. It's a personal journey that combines creativity, adventure, and a deep connection with the environment. In the United States, a vast and diverse country, you can find some of the most stunning landscapes on Earth, making it a haven for landscape photographers far and wide.
In today’s article, we'll embark on an exploration of some of the absolute best locations for landscape photography in the country, diving into what makes each place so exceptional.
It’s worth noting that this is merely a list of 5 of our absolute favorite destinations here at Backcountry Journeys. With a country as vast and diverse as the United States, there are a seemingly infinite number of stunning landscapes spread throughout, and choosing the absolute best is an arguably impossible task. On top of that, each and every photographer has their own subjective tastes and preferences when it comes to “ideal” landscapes.
With that being said these are the 5 locations we’ve chosen for today’s article. Let’s get into it and discover what makes each of these magical places ideal for photography!
In today’s article, we'll embark on an exploration of some of the absolute best locations for landscape photography in the country, diving into what makes each place so exceptional.
It’s worth noting that this is merely a list of 5 of our absolute favorite destinations here at Backcountry Journeys. With a country as vast and diverse as the United States, there are a seemingly infinite number of stunning landscapes spread throughout, and choosing the absolute best is an arguably impossible task. On top of that, each and every photographer has their own subjective tastes and preferences when it comes to “ideal” landscapes.
With that being said these are the 5 locations we’ve chosen for today’s article. Let’s get into it and discover what makes each of these magical places ideal for photography!
The Joy of Landscape Photography
Before we dive into the specifics of these remarkable locations, let's take a moment to appreciate the joy and beauty of landscape photography. This incredible form of art is a pursuit that allows us to immerse ourselves in the serenity of untouched nature, witness the ever-changing interplay of light and shadows, and capture fleeting moments that can be preserved forever. Landscape photography is a way to convey the feeling of a place. A way to portray emotions you may feel or experiences you may have with others.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic beginner, landscape photography offers endless opportunities for creativity and connection with the natural world. If you’re looking for your next ideal landscape photography destination then this article is for you. Let’s take a look at 5 of the absolute best destinations in the United States when it comes to landscape photography!
Before we dive into the specifics of these remarkable locations, let's take a moment to appreciate the joy and beauty of landscape photography. This incredible form of art is a pursuit that allows us to immerse ourselves in the serenity of untouched nature, witness the ever-changing interplay of light and shadows, and capture fleeting moments that can be preserved forever. Landscape photography is a way to convey the feeling of a place. A way to portray emotions you may feel or experiences you may have with others.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic beginner, landscape photography offers endless opportunities for creativity and connection with the natural world. If you’re looking for your next ideal landscape photography destination then this article is for you. Let’s take a look at 5 of the absolute best destinations in the United States when it comes to landscape photography!
Yosemite National Park: A Granite Wonderland
Let’s start out with one of the most unique and inspiring valleys on the face of the planet. Yosemite National Park in California is nothing short of a photographer's paradise. This iconic park is renowned for its towering granite cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and lush valleys.
Yosemite Valley, with its signature landmarks like El Capitan and Half Dome, is a treasure trove of photographic opportunities. The play of light during sunrise and sunset transforms the landscape into a living canvas and for a fleeting moment every year, photographers can strive to capture the iconic firefalls event. Bridalveil Fall, Tunnel View, and Glacier Point are also must-visit spots for capturing Yosemite's rugged and awe-inspiring beauty.
At Backcountry Journeys we absolutely love Yosemite Valley and run many trips to this landscape paradise throughout the year. Whether you’d like to photograph the fall colors, witness the raging waterfalls in spring, or hike on some of the most scenic and iconic trails in the valley BCJ has a trip in Yosemite that’s just right for you.
Let’s start out with one of the most unique and inspiring valleys on the face of the planet. Yosemite National Park in California is nothing short of a photographer's paradise. This iconic park is renowned for its towering granite cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and lush valleys.
Yosemite Valley, with its signature landmarks like El Capitan and Half Dome, is a treasure trove of photographic opportunities. The play of light during sunrise and sunset transforms the landscape into a living canvas and for a fleeting moment every year, photographers can strive to capture the iconic firefalls event. Bridalveil Fall, Tunnel View, and Glacier Point are also must-visit spots for capturing Yosemite's rugged and awe-inspiring beauty.
At Backcountry Journeys we absolutely love Yosemite Valley and run many trips to this landscape paradise throughout the year. Whether you’d like to photograph the fall colors, witness the raging waterfalls in spring, or hike on some of the most scenic and iconic trails in the valley BCJ has a trip in Yosemite that’s just right for you.
Glacier National Park: Where Mountains Meet the Sky
Nestled in the pristine wilderness of Northeastern Montana, Glacier National Park is a landscape photographer's dream come true. Often referred to as the "Crown of the Continent," this park boasts rugged mountains, serene alpine lakes, and over 700 miles of hiking trails. As a double continental divide, the park features a wide diversity of landscapes and ecosystems just waiting to be photographed
The iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road offers breathtaking vistas and opportunities to capture the majesty of the Northern Rockies. Lake McDonald, Logan Pass, and Many Glacier are just a few of the park's photogenic locations that beckon photographers to witness the grandeur of the natural world.
Glacier is one of my absolute favorite places in this part of the country and I try to make it out to the park at least once every year. At BCJ we’ve been offering exceptional trips to Glacier National Park for years and know many of the absolute best shot locations hidden within. We’d love to have you along on one of our glacier trips to capture stunning landscape images throughout the park.
Nestled in the pristine wilderness of Northeastern Montana, Glacier National Park is a landscape photographer's dream come true. Often referred to as the "Crown of the Continent," this park boasts rugged mountains, serene alpine lakes, and over 700 miles of hiking trails. As a double continental divide, the park features a wide diversity of landscapes and ecosystems just waiting to be photographed
The iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road offers breathtaking vistas and opportunities to capture the majesty of the Northern Rockies. Lake McDonald, Logan Pass, and Many Glacier are just a few of the park's photogenic locations that beckon photographers to witness the grandeur of the natural world.
Glacier is one of my absolute favorite places in this part of the country and I try to make it out to the park at least once every year. At BCJ we’ve been offering exceptional trips to Glacier National Park for years and know many of the absolute best shot locations hidden within. We’d love to have you along on one of our glacier trips to capture stunning landscape images throughout the park.
Grand Teton National Park: Majestic and Jagged Peaks
Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is a visual feast for landscape photographers. The towering Teton Range creates a stunning and dramatic landscape backdrop while sagebrush plains, historic buildings, fields of wildflowers, and pristine lakes fill the valley below. These mountains shoot straight out of the plains below with a staggering vertical rise into the heavens and can be seen for miles in any direction.
Iconic locations like Oxbow Bend, Schwabacher Landing, Mormon Row, and Jenny Lake offer incredible views of the majestic peaks with intriguing subjects in the foreground, especially during the golden hours of dawn and dusk. The Tetons are an exceptional place to witness epic sunrises and the transformation of color during the fall. The park's ever-changing colors and abundant wildlife make it a year-round destination for landscape photography enthusiasts and professionals.
At Backcountry Journeys we run many trips in the Tetons and this is yet again another one of my personal favorite places on earth. I’ve been to the Tetons countless times and each trip offers new experiences and photo opportunities. If you’ve been dreaming of photographing this iconic mountain range then check out our upcoming trips and reserve your spot while there’s still space!
Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is a visual feast for landscape photographers. The towering Teton Range creates a stunning and dramatic landscape backdrop while sagebrush plains, historic buildings, fields of wildflowers, and pristine lakes fill the valley below. These mountains shoot straight out of the plains below with a staggering vertical rise into the heavens and can be seen for miles in any direction.
Iconic locations like Oxbow Bend, Schwabacher Landing, Mormon Row, and Jenny Lake offer incredible views of the majestic peaks with intriguing subjects in the foreground, especially during the golden hours of dawn and dusk. The Tetons are an exceptional place to witness epic sunrises and the transformation of color during the fall. The park's ever-changing colors and abundant wildlife make it a year-round destination for landscape photography enthusiasts and professionals.
At Backcountry Journeys we run many trips in the Tetons and this is yet again another one of my personal favorite places on earth. I’ve been to the Tetons countless times and each trip offers new experiences and photo opportunities. If you’ve been dreaming of photographing this iconic mountain range then check out our upcoming trips and reserve your spot while there’s still space!
Death Valley National Park: A Desolate and Bold Dreamworld
For those seeking bold, stark, dramatic, and otherworldly landscapes, Death Valley National Park in California provides a captivating canvas. This sun-scorched wonderland offers surreal sand dunes, colorful badlands, isolated canyons, and salt flats that glisten under the desert sun. With the lowest point on the continent and some of the highest recorded temperatures on earth (in the summer) Death Valley is a truly unique and special place just waiting to be photographed.
Zabriskie Point, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and Badwater Basin are prime locations to capture the park's unique beauty. The interplay of light and shadow, especially during sunrise and sunset, creates a mesmerizing atmosphere that photographers will find irresistible. This is the largest national park in the lower 48 so it’s easy to escape the crowds and find unique compositions.
We love photographing Death Valley at Backcountry Journeys and have been running many landscape trips in the park for years. If you’d like to experience this strange and desolate world with your camera then definitely feel free to learn more about our trips to Death Valley.
For those seeking bold, stark, dramatic, and otherworldly landscapes, Death Valley National Park in California provides a captivating canvas. This sun-scorched wonderland offers surreal sand dunes, colorful badlands, isolated canyons, and salt flats that glisten under the desert sun. With the lowest point on the continent and some of the highest recorded temperatures on earth (in the summer) Death Valley is a truly unique and special place just waiting to be photographed.
Zabriskie Point, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and Badwater Basin are prime locations to capture the park's unique beauty. The interplay of light and shadow, especially during sunrise and sunset, creates a mesmerizing atmosphere that photographers will find irresistible. This is the largest national park in the lower 48 so it’s easy to escape the crowds and find unique compositions.
We love photographing Death Valley at Backcountry Journeys and have been running many landscape trips in the park for years. If you’d like to experience this strange and desolate world with your camera then definitely feel free to learn more about our trips to Death Valley.
Zion National Park: A Sandstone Temple
And last but not least, we have one of my all-time personal favorite places on the planet. Zion National Park in Utah is a realm of towering red rock formations, deep canyons, and lush oases. This unique and iconic landscape in the far Southwestern corner of Utah is home to some of the most impressive and beautiful desert structures on Earth.
The powerful Virgin River flows through the heart of the park, sculpting the towering sandstone cliffs and creating dramatic compositions at every turn. The Narrows, Angels Landing, and Canyon Overlook Trail are just a few of the spots where photographers can frame the park's natural wonders. Zion's ever-changing colors and textures, from the fiery reds of the canyons to the emerald green of the Virgin River and cottonwood trees, make it an enchanting place to capture the essence of the American Southwest.
Backcountry Journeys offers many incredible trips to Zion National Park and all of them are targeted to be in the park at the absolute best times of the year (just like all of our trips). If you’d like to witness and photograph one of the most impressive and beautiful desert landscapes on earth then definitely check out our upcoming departures to Zion!
And last but not least, we have one of my all-time personal favorite places on the planet. Zion National Park in Utah is a realm of towering red rock formations, deep canyons, and lush oases. This unique and iconic landscape in the far Southwestern corner of Utah is home to some of the most impressive and beautiful desert structures on Earth.
The powerful Virgin River flows through the heart of the park, sculpting the towering sandstone cliffs and creating dramatic compositions at every turn. The Narrows, Angels Landing, and Canyon Overlook Trail are just a few of the spots where photographers can frame the park's natural wonders. Zion's ever-changing colors and textures, from the fiery reds of the canyons to the emerald green of the Virgin River and cottonwood trees, make it an enchanting place to capture the essence of the American Southwest.
Backcountry Journeys offers many incredible trips to Zion National Park and all of them are targeted to be in the park at the absolute best times of the year (just like all of our trips). If you’d like to witness and photograph one of the most impressive and beautiful desert landscapes on earth then definitely check out our upcoming departures to Zion!
Conclusion
In the constant pursuit of exceptional landscape photography, these five destinations in the United States stand out as true masterpieces of the natural world. Yosemite's granite monoliths, Glacier's towering peaks, Grand Teton's alpine beauty, Death Valley's surreal desolation, and Zion's red rock canyons each offer a unique and captivating visual experience.
Whether you're a novice or an expert photographer, these destinations provide the ideal backdrop to ignite your creativity and passion for landscape photography. So, pack your camera gear and get ready to embark on a photographic journey to capture the wonders of these great American landscapes. It's in these pristine natural gems of the nation that you can discover the true magic of landscape photography!
We hope to see you out there sometime soon and wish you the best of luck on your next landscape photography adventure!
In the constant pursuit of exceptional landscape photography, these five destinations in the United States stand out as true masterpieces of the natural world. Yosemite's granite monoliths, Glacier's towering peaks, Grand Teton's alpine beauty, Death Valley's surreal desolation, and Zion's red rock canyons each offer a unique and captivating visual experience.
Whether you're a novice or an expert photographer, these destinations provide the ideal backdrop to ignite your creativity and passion for landscape photography. So, pack your camera gear and get ready to embark on a photographic journey to capture the wonders of these great American landscapes. It's in these pristine natural gems of the nation that you can discover the true magic of landscape photography!
We hope to see you out there sometime soon and wish you the best of luck on your next landscape photography adventure!
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AUTHOR
AUTHOR
Keenan Hursh is a Photographer, visual designer, and creative story teller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions into the natural world and always brings his camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and adventure photography.
When it comes to gear, he primarily shoots digital with his Canon EOS R5 and EOS 6D mark ii but also has several 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.
At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along on his excursions and immediately fell in love with the art of photography. He started out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot and has continuously improved his craft and gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.
Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot or using his camera, Keenan enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. If he’s outside, away from the distractions of society and civilization, he’s in his happy place.
Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in content creation, writing, brand development, and graphic design.
You can view Keenan’s portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshphoto.com
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"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
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Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.