The United States is one of the top five countries in the world. In fact, it is so enormous that it is almost the size of Europe.
Given this, landscapes in the USA are extremely diverse offering just about every kind of imaginable landform. From lakes and mountains to dense forests, canyons, deserts and plateaus, American landscapes are impressive.
If you are searching landscape in USA or photography nature, then keep reading because this article is for you. Furthermore, if you are interested in finding landscape photography tips for Latin America, there is an article in this series to address that too.
For the nature photographer, landscapes in the United States are bound to deliver. Not only are they beautiful, but you could change themes according to the different geographical regions found in the country.
While it is impossible to list every one of the impressive American landscapes available, this article addresses some of the excellent locations to answer your photography nature or landscape in USA search query.
And if travel photography is your calling, don’t miss our article on landscape photography tips in Europe too.
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Defining Landscape Photography
Before we list some of the impressive landscapes in the United States, it is worth defining the term landscape photography. For most, a photo of a landscape consists of a spectacular scene in nature and while this is true, landscape images can include different subject matter too.
A photo of a landscape could be a street scene or an urban landscape. When searching for locations for American landscapes, be specific if you hope to shoot wild places. You could do this by searching photography nature in the USA.
In truth, a photo of a landscape could be many things whether that is natural or not.
Landscapes are varied and they can even include a human element.
Sometimes a combination of the two can deliver the most striking images.
What is a Landscape?
One of the age-old questions asked by artists through the ages is what is a landscape?
A landscape is not necessarily an image of pure and unblemished nature without any sign of humanity. While this can certainly be the case, the definition might surprise you.
The word landscape comes from two words – land and scape — with the latter meaning to shape. The word initially used to describe types of paintings and photographs meant how the land was shaped used or cultivated by humans.
This means that historically speaking, the word incorporates the interaction between nature and humanity. Outside of a studio setting, this is just about always the case when it comes to a photograph.
Once you have explored American landscapes, why not look into tips for landscape photography in Asia?
The Elements of a Good Landscape Photograph
Even if you want to explore the world for the best scenery to shoot, don’t forget that landscape photography does not necessarily rely on beautiful locations. In fact, some of the most powerful images, which have beauty in their own right, are of banal things.
Instead, it is the technique and work of the landscape photographer that makes an image worth noting. For an image to be interesting and hold appeal, there are several things that the photographer needs to achieve.
Amongst the many techniques used by professional photographers, mastering things like shutter speed, white balance and depth of field are all important. In addition, it takes composition and knowing how to manipulate light to also contribute to a good image.
Apart from technique, of course, quality camera gear and good editing software play a role in ensuring the quality of a photograph too.
All of this means that finding an extraordinary landscape is only half the job of taking excellent photography. The rest is determined by knowing how to shoot.
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Grab Your Camera: America’s Most Incredible Landscapes
As already mentioned, the beauty of the United States is diverse. From snow-covered mountain ranges to endless plains, arid deserts and exquisite coastlines, the geography of America is astounding.
If you are serious about nature and the wild, leave the crowds behind and take a look at this list of inspiring landscape photography destinations.
Grab your gear, but remember that the thing that truly makes a photographer great is their ability to see things that others miss. Ultimately, it’s their commitment to the unusual and the beautiful in all of their forms.
New Hampshire’s White Mountains
More than anything else, New England is famous for one thing – its splendour of autumn trees. These trees, a regional symbol, are among one the world’s most beautiful sights.
The leafy area of New England made up of vast forests is not only impressive but unmissable in Autumn.
For any photographer who is obsessed with light, shade and texture this is a great destination to hone one’s skills.
If this sounds appealing, head to New Hampshire’s White Mountains and look out for Kancamagus Highway which is simply spectacular.
Alaska’s Kenai Fjords
Not unlike the way that Europeans flock to Norway to see its impressive fjords, so do Americans head to Alaska. Quite simply one of the most beautiful places in the world, the glaciers, snow-covered mountains and icy lakes are a sight to see.
Besides the impressive scenery, Alaska’s wildlife also has the ability to inspire photographers.
If you are looking for wilderness pics that are devoid of human activity, then Alaska, thanks to its extremely cold temperatures has a way of keeping the crowds away. Don’t forget your woollies, gloves and hiking shoes.
The Palouse, Washington
While Washington State has a lot to offer, it is the Palouse which are the most magical and unexpected of all its sights.
The gentle, rolling, grass-covered hills of the Palouse might sound boring, but they are not.
The oddly rippling shapes which shimmer in the light tend to resemble the uneven surface of the ocean.
If you are after pure, serene beauty that is unique, then visit the Palouse.
Arizona’s Colorado River
At any point along its 1 500-mile meander, the Colorado River is a sight to behold and capture. If you are looking for its most famous point, be sure to visit its position in Arizona. As the most dramatic bend in the river, Horseshoe bend might be the most photographed river landscape on earth, but there is more to it than meets the eye.
Some of the most dramatic landscapes associated with this river can be found on parts of one of its tributaries, the San Juan River.
Antelope Valley, California
Filled with natural beauty, the State of California has many impressive landscapes including one of its most special places, Antelope Valley.
Known for its field of poppies, the Valley hosts blooms for miles on end.
Antelope Valley is also highly regarded for its important and extensive native American history. As a place that attracts many tourists, it is advisable to do your research before you go. Unless you want heaps of children in your images, try to visit outside of school holidays.
Utah: Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley and Arches National Park
It is impossible to choose only one breathtaking site in Utah, so here are three worth visiting or at least noting.
Firstly, Arches National Park which is home to truly remarkable and gravity-defying rock formations is a must-see when in Utah. Secondly, Monument Valley is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic sights in the American West.
If you are in Utah, make it count and visit every geologist’s dream, Bryce Canyon. The landscape, which boasts towering orange rocks is simply unforgettable. If you have the patience to observe these incredible sights at all times of the day, there is a good chance that you could achieve the cover shot you have always wanted.
Acadia National Park, Maine
If you are keen on one destination that offers the diversity of seascapes, huge wonderful skies and dense forests, then be sure to visit Acadia National Park in Maine. Glorious in all seasons whether it is the winter snow, colours of Autumn or brightness of Summer, there are usually uncrowded niches to capture it all.
The Great Plains, Wyoming
Like a long corridor that stretches throughout the middle of the United States, the Great Plains are endless, flat and quite haunting.
If you are adventurous and brave enough, there is also the chance that you could witness some of the most extreme weather conditions in the world.
If the travel bug has bitten you, why not consider landscape tips for the rest of the world including the wild places of Africa?
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