Five favorite places to take photos

I've learned so much about different locations around the country from being an NPN member over the past five years so that in part inspired my blog post Five Places to Take Pictures in All 50 U.S. States.

I'm sure I missed a ton of great places so I would be glad to hear about what you think.

I think you've been a lot more places State-side than I have. Impressive list, Richard.

Max

I know Minnesota and New York well and I think you did them both justice... the Vanderbuilt Mansion is an unbelievably beautiful and photographic place (especially during summer when the gardens are in full swing) and the Mall of America made me laugh. I would argue, however, the Como Zoo conservatory in St. Paul should be somewhere on that Minnesota list.

"Best" pleases depends upon what you want to photograph, doesn't it? My list for birds would be very different from my list for scenery, for example.

Thanks guys.

Jim - it's not about "best" but asking where you would like to take photos.

After reviewing the list again, I think that Central Park should be in place of The Statue of Liberty. While the Statue is a wonderful symbol of America and our history, it's rather one-dimensional (well, 3-D really). Central Park on the other hand, is richly diverse in wildlife (heck, coyotes turn up there a few times a year), plant life and certainly people life. You will see some of the zaniest things NY has to offer in Central Park. Additionally, there are all sorts of hidden gems within the park, plus a zoo, ponds, glacial erratics, etc. and it's a top spot for migratory birds. I'd love for someone to counter with the Statue, but I don't think it can be done.

You have depressed me, Richard. I officially know now that I will never see everything this great country has to offer. (even after I win the lotto tomorrow). I commented and added some Ill. and Wis. sites, for scenery and wildlife. Shawnee National Forest, Starved Rock State Park in Ill. And for birders in Wis., the Horicon Marsh outside Beaver Dam.

Wonderful list! I just have a small caveat and I really hate to nitpick! But if I remember right Monument Valley is in Utah, not in Arizona. Of course, its extremely close to AZ border and best way to get there is from Arizona (PHX). But I do recall we crossed over to Utah before making a turn into the Monument valley drive.

I absolutely love American Southwest! Yet to visit Arches and Canyonlands, but have seen most others!

The shortcoming, obviously, is limiting it to only five places. But it sure is a great list to start checking out a state before going there!

Luke - that is an interesting thought about Central Park.

Bruce - I'm depressed too. :-) If I had filled up all 250 spots with interesting California locations alone, there would probably still be some to be left out.

Shivakumar - Thanks for pointing that out. I'll have to look that one up. I had always thought Monument Valley was mostly in Arizona. I'll have to revise if that's true.

Buck - that is my thoughts exactly.

I haven't even been to some of those places in my own states(I live on the border so I can count two)! I guess I better get busy!

I would argue that there's plenty of places I'd rather photograph in MN then Mall of America, though! Such as Duluth, or anywhere along lake superior(gooseberry falls and split rock lighthouse are on my list of places I need to get to), and definitely the BWCAW or anywhere in superior national forest. I've never actually photographed at Mall of America even though I've been there many times.... now I find it so boring I have to be dragged back - I guess I just don't understand the appeal - it's just like any other mall only bigger! :) The arrowhead of MN on the otherhand... can't stop going back. The fall colors in Ely this year were amazing!

As an alternative for Az, I think Antelope Canyon would be a very nice addition!

Beth - I agree about the MOA, as it probably draws so many tourists due to marketing mainly and that it has a decent amusement park inside of it. The shops themselves are not really all that special.

Shivakumar - good idea. I'll probably add that one in. I looked up on Wikipedia though and they say it is on the border of both Utah and Arizona so that is a tough call.

I have been there! I can surely vouch that its in Arizona. It is very slightly north of a small town called Page Az (about 85miles north of Grand Canyon South Rim). It is a beautiful place surely work a visit, especially if one is enamored in capturing the American SouthWest.

If you are not sure about Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend can be the next best bet.

Antelope Canyon- http://www.flickr.com/photos/shivakumar_shankar/4442771194/in/photostream/
Horeshoe Bend- http://www.flickr.com/photos/shivakumar_shankar/4670707303/

I am kinda bummed that I can't make my 3rd successive Thanksgiving trip to American Southwest. I was targeting Arches and Canyonlands.

Arches and Canyonlands are definitely worth the trip. Arches in particular caught my interest when I went there.