Salt Lake City United States Photo Spots

Striking Photography Spots in Salt Lake City:

Salt Lake City offers a diverse range of stunning scenery and unique urban landscapes for photographers. Here are some suggestions broken down by category:

Nature & Landscapes:

  • The Great Salt Lake: A must-visit for any photographer, the Great Salt Lake provides a unique landscape with its vast expanse of salt flats, salty brine, and breathtaking views.
    • Best time to visit:
      • Sunrise/Sunset: Capture the breathtaking hues of the sunrise and sunset reflecting on the water.
      • Spring & Fall: The shoulder seasons offer milder weather and beautiful sunsets due to the angle of the sun.

Specific locations for Great Salt Lake photography:

* **Antelope Island State Park:** Offers incredible views of the lake, mountains, and wildlife. 
* **Saltair:** This historic structure sits on the edge of the lake and offers stunning views of the salt flats.
* **Bonneville Salt Flats:**  The iconic salt flats are a unique and dramatic setting for landscape photography, especially during sunsets.

Natural Wonders & Scenic Spots:

  • This is the Place Heritage Park: Capture the beauty of the Wasatch Mountains as a backdrop with historical buildings and reenactments.
  • Red Butte Garden: A tranquil oasis with diverse plant collections and picturesque mountain views.
  • Utah Olympic Park: Explore the unique architecture and enjoy breathtaking views of the Wasatch Mountains and the surrounding valley.

Photography Tips for Salt Lake City:

  • Golden Hour Magic: The Great Salt Lake and its sunsets are iconic, but don’t forget about the beautiful scenery it offers as a backdrop! Experiment with shooting during the golden hour (sunrise/sunset) to capture the golden light on the lake and mountains.
  • Diversity is Key: From the urban beauty of Temple Square to the natural splendor of the Wasatch Mountains, Salt Lake City provides a variety of landscapes for photographers. Embrace the contrast by incorporating both natural and man-made elements into your shots.

Beyond the Salt Lake:

  • Explore the canyons: The stunning red rock canyons surrounding the city offer incredible hiking opportunities and a beautiful backdrop for landscape photography.
  • Wander through Red Butte Garden: With its diverse plant collections, waterfalls, and mountain views, this location offers endless possibilities for capturing nature’s beauty.
  • Capture the Salt Lake City skyline: The city’s skyline is a beautiful sight at sunset.

Embrace the Unique:

  • Salt Flats: The vast expanse of salt flats makes for incredible minimalist shots. Experiment with different perspectives and compositions to highlight the unique landscape.

  • Architecture:

    • Temple Square: Capture the intricate architecture of the Temple, Salt Lake Tabernacle, and other buildings on the grounds.
    • Utah State Capitol Building: The grandeur of this building offers opportunities for stunning architectural shots, both inside and out.

  • Urban Exploration:

    • Downtown Salt Lake City: Explore the vibrant downtown scene, capturing the architecture of historic buildings like the Union Pacific Railroad Depot and the Zions Bank Building.
    • Local Markets: Capture the local scene with photos at the Farmer’s Market (open Saturdays) or a bustling street fair.

Nature & Wildlife Photography:

  • Explore natural wonders:

The Great Salt Lake is a haven for wildlife photographers. The lake’s brine attracts a variety of unique birds and creatures.

  • Visit Antelope Island: This state park in the Great Salt Lake offers breathtaking views and opportunities to photograph bison, pronghorn antelope, and other wildlife roaming its scenic landscapes.

  • Respect the environment: Remember to be respectful of the wildlife and their natural habitats. Use a telephoto lens and maintain a safe distance.

  • Capture the essence of the West: The Salt Flats provide a stunning backdrop for capturing the unique beauty of the Utah landscape.

Beyond the Lens:

  • Embrace the urban vs. nature contrast: The stark white of the salt flats against the vibrant colors of the city’s buildings and architecture.

  • Capture the human element: Use locals or tourists in your photos to add a sense of scale and perspective to the landscape.

  • Utah State Capitol Building:

    • The Salt Lake City skyline offers breathtaking views, and the Utah State Capitol Building is a stunning subject for architectural photography. Capture the building’s majestic architecture against the backdrop of the city.

  • Natural settings: Explore the natural beauty of the Wasatch Mountains, capturing the diverse landscapes and wildlife.

Capture the Human Element:

  • Temple Square: Use the unique setting of Temple Square with its historical buildings and beautiful gardens to showcase the human experience of visiting this iconic location.

  • Red Butte Gardens: Explore the vibrant flowers and plants of Red Butte Garden’s diverse collections, and capture the interplay of light and shadow on their blooms.

  • The Great Salt Lake: Use the vastness of the salt flats to create unique perspectives and showcase the beauty of the natural landscape.

  • Nature and wildlife: Capture the breathtaking beauty of the Salt Lake Valley and its surrounding areas.

Beyond the Basics:

  • Explore beyond the tourist spots: Consider visiting the Natural History Museum of Utah or the Bonneville Salt Flats International Speedway to capture unique photos.

  • Consider black and white: The starkness of the salt flats landscape can lend itself beautifully to black and white photography, highlighting the textures and shapes of the environment.

  • Local Parks & Landmarks:

    • Salt Lake City’s parks: Explore the beauty of nature in a different way.

  • Unique architecture: Focus on capturing the architectural details of buildings in Salt Lake City, such as the Salt Lake Temple, the Utah State Capitol Building, or the natural beauty of the salt flats.

Remember, these are just a few ideas to get you started. The best photography spots in Salt Lake Lake are the ones that inspire you and allow you to capture the essence of this beautiful city.

So, get out there, explore, and see what creative shots you can take!