Nothing on the planet compares to the natural wonders of our National Parks. From rocky seashores to snow-capped mountains, from stark deserts to lush rain forests, all of our scenic wild places offer unique landscapes that are easy to explore. It's no wonder photographers are drawn to these treasures.

Since 1872 when President Ulysses S. Grant declared Yellowstone our first national park, people have traveled from around the world to see what we've preserved here at home. With more than 400 National Parks and Monuments in the U.S., one of these scenic spots is closer than you think.

 

You know a photo adventure in a National Park is out there waiting for you. But before you pull on your boots and grab your camera bag, do some planning.

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​​​​​Smart Steps for Planning your Photo Trip to a National Park.

Dream big. Which parks or subjects or seasons have you dreamed of photographing? All of them? With so many good places to choose from, give in to your imagination before you get to the practical matters. Fine tuning your focus can wait until the next step of your trip planning. For now, just dream.

Start a wish list. Keep a notepad handy as you brainstorm about where to go and what to see. It's a safe bet you already have a mental list of parks you want to photograph. Consider those places by their subjects or by how they look in different seasons. Now write them down. Make three columns on your wish list: Park, Subjects, Season. Your plans are officially underway.

Visit the National Park Service's website. If your wish list needs a boost, see all the possibilities at the National Park's website: nps.gov/index.htm. Bookmark it. It's full of helpful information, trip-planning advice and maps. Look at the big map that lists all our parks and monuments, state by state. With so many to choose from, it should be easy, right? Some places will likely appeal to the nature photographer in you more than others, so trim your wish list with those in mind.

Learn from other photographers. Look at where other photographers go and what they see. Search the internet for "nature photographer" and "nature photography tours." You'll see what parks the professional photographers and trip leaders know look good in which seasons. Make folders on your computer or other device, so it's easy to collect info as you go. Refine your wish list as you see the importance of being in the right places at the right times.

Pick the park you'll photograph first. One park will rise to the top of your wish list. Visit its website and look for the park map. Get familiar with the place names, roads, landscape features and wildlife spots. Elsewhere on the site, you'll find details about trip planning, park events, lodging and entrance fees. Look for the heading marked "Plan Your Visit." From the drop-down menu, choose "Places to Go." You'll find descriptions and detailed maps of the park's special features. This information can help you focus on the specific places to explore and photograph.

Do your homework. The more you know about your park of choice, the easier it will be to plan a successful trip there. Each park's website is loaded with facts about the natural history of the area. Also look for the link to its "Bookstore." This will take you to the site of the park’s independent, non-profit partner. You'll find books, field guides and maps for sale. A large portion of your purchases go to supporting that particular park. These materials will help you learn about the park's natural history, human history, scenic roads and photogenic spots. Use them for "scouting" photo locations from your sofa.

Get a few paper maps. A map in the hand is worth two cell phones in the bush. Always have a physical map of the park and make notes on it. Besides the free official park map, buy a detailed topographic map and learn how to read it. Don't count on maps on your mobile phone or tablet once you're in the park. Reception will be spotty at best and more likely unavailable until you get to a lodge or a visitor center. And a paper map never runs out of battery power.

Stop at the Visitor Center when you get to the park. Watch an informational film about the park that's likely running in the center's theater. Walk through the exhibit hall. Check out the bookstore operated by the park's non-profit partner. The picture books, postcards, posters and calendars can be great tools for scouting more locations.

Talk to a Park Ranger at the Visitor Center. Ask for the official park map, then get out your notes and the maps, picture books, postcards, etc. that you've brought with you. Show the ranger the scenes you're interested in getting to. Ask him or her about the location of each photo you like. Can they help you find it on the map? Does it require a hike? Is the road or trail to it open? Was the photo taken in morning or afternoon light? Are there any other good places you shouldn't miss? You may be surprised to learn that many rangers are nature photographers, too. Ask to speak to one who is known for that hobby. He or she will be happy to share their knowledge and love of the place with another photographer.

 

Get a Park Pass. Most parks require a pass to enter. They range in length from daily, weekly, annual and lifetime and they vary in price. Find the list and descriptions of what they cover and who is eligible for them here: Park passes You may purchase them at the park's gatehouse or visitor center. Some may be available by mail at: https://store.usgs.gov/
You'll find a thorough list of which parks require what kind of pass here: Entrance fees by park
 

Make reservations. The popularity of some parks has made it necessary for them to limit their daily number of visitors or regulate the times they can enter. To avoid disappointment, check your chosen park's site for details: https://www.recreation.gov/ ​​

 

Go for a ride. Now that you've done your homework, do your boots-on-the-ground scouting. Take your maps, your notepad, bookmarked picture books and other resources and drive to the spots you most want to photograph during your trip. Note the best times of the day and the right light for the compositions you anticipate making. Look through your camera and figure out which lens gives you the right perspective at each spot. Estimate how long it takes to drive to sunrise and sunset spots, so you're on time for the good light. Plan to be there 30 minutes before sun-up and stay another half-hour after it sets. Consider all these things now and your time will be well spent later.

Make a flexible schedule of photo locations. A list of locations can help you make the best use of your time. Include the practical order for photographing them and the best times of the day to be there, so you don't miss the good spots in the right light. A locations list can also aid a change of plans when the daylight runs short or the weather changes.

Take your time. Don't rush around the park like a photographic whirlwind. Pace yourself as you set up a composition. Remember your good habits for making pleasing photos. Don't think about the next location until you've enjoyed the one you're standing in. The measure of a good photo trip is the quality, not the quantity of images you make. Take your time and you'll take home better photographs.  

Have fun. Be sure you're not consumed by the need to make every photograph you’ve imagined. Don't get frustrated by the weather or other park visitors. Slow down. Take a deep breath now and then. Catch a quick nap when you can. Grab a post-sunrise breakfast at a lodge. Pack a lunch and eat it in a peaceful place. Relax and soak up some nature. And remember to step away from the viewfinder and enjoy the view. After all, that's why you're there, right?

© Cliff Zenor

Image and text copyright Cliff Zenor. May not be used or duplicated without written permission.​