Top 13 Best Locations and Ideas for a Photoshoot in the USA

Turn your photoshoot into something breathtaking, magnetic, and memorable. Check this guide to the best picturesque spots in the USA and choose something special for you.

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Ideas for Photoshoot in the USA

Photography is the best way to keep your precious memories forever. At the end of the day, life boils down to your experiences. Therefore, it is never a good idea to return from a trip to the United States without photographs.

We have decided to save your time and prepared a list of the best locations in the USA where you can take fantastic shots. Canyons, skyscrapers, parks – check these inspiration ideas for a photoshoot and pick the spot you like most of all.

NEW YORK CITY -Times Square, featured with Broadway Theaters and LED signs, is a symbol of New York City and the United States, in Manhattan, New York City.

#1 – Cloud Gate, Chicago

You can find this huge sculpture that looks like a drop of mercury in Millennium Park. It was created by British artist and sculptor Anish Kapoor back in 2004-2006, and it is still popular today.

Locals call it a “bean” because of its unusual shape. No matter what the sculpture is called by people, Cloud Gate truly deserves to be a part of your travel shots.

#2 – View of Manhattan, New York

If you have time for an evening walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, don’t forget to bring your camera! After all, it is from here that the most beautiful view of Manhattan opens.

The famous silhouette reflected on the surface of the East River will not leave you indifferent. This place is just perfect for romantic photoshoots.

#3 – Cable Car in San Francisco

San Francisco is famous not only for its Golden Gate Bridge but also for its funny vintage trams that carry passengers along the hilly streets.

The wagons have retained their style since the 19th century, and now this transport has become almost exclusively tourist carriage. There are three route lines in the city – pick any of them and don’t forget to take photos!

#4 – Public Library, Seattle

This library dates back to 1890, but it acquired its modern look just recently. In 2004, the Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas worked on the building and turned it into an outlandish crystal.

There is a lot of space and light inside, so you can get much more pleasure from reading your favorite book. Are you going to take a couple of photos in the public library in Seattle? Do not forget to turn off the flash on your camera – there should be silence in the library!

#5 – Guggenheim Museum, New York

It is one of the most unusual museums, not only outside but also inside. It looks like a spiral seashell: first, you go up the elevator, then slowly go down the spiral path, along the way studying the exposition. The museum mainly exhibits works by avant-garde artists and contemporaries.

#6 – Rocks & Canyons in Sedona, Arizona

The main attraction of this town is the unusual red rocks. For a complete immersion in this area, you can take a walking tour, a jeep tour, or even a helicopter “ride” – it all depends on your desire and finances. You can enjoy especially beautiful views from Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock.

#7 –  Dead Horse Point National Park, Utah

This place is just created for contemplation. There is no such variety of trails as in other parks, but there is no crowd either. The observation deck is located 1,700 meters above sea level, and the canyon is right in the palm of your hand. The view is breathtaking, so don’t forget to take a photo!

#8 –  Mesa Arch, Utah

Deserts are far from being the most boring places on the planet – believe us. Take the rocky Mesa arch; it looks like a window from which you can view Canyonlands Park. And if you have the courage, you can even climb the arch for a more panoramic and breathtaking photo.

#9 – Antelope Canyon, Arizona

This mystical place belongs to the Navajo Indians, so you need to pay a fee to enter. And be sure to take a guide.

It is best to come to Antelope Canyon in spring and autumn when the sun’s rays reach the very bottom of the canyon and illuminate it from the inside.

You can make the most beautiful shots with a tripod and a short shutter speed – this way, you can capture the whole play of colors and light.

#10 – Shark Reef Aquarium, Las Vegas

If you already have a headache from flashing lights and bright signs, then go to the aquarium instead of heading to Las Vegas casinos.

It is located in the building of the Mandalay bay hotel. The observation tunnel sits beneath a massive aquarium that houses tiger sharks, jellyfish, octopuses, and other ocean dwellers.

#11 – Times Square, New York

As the quick USA facts state, it is one of the most popular places in New York. On Times Square, life is in full swing, so you will feel the hustle and bustle of a big city like nowhere else.

This is probably the only place in the world where shops, offices, and theaters display brightly colored signs. So if you are ready to plunge into the real whirlpool of American life – take your friends and go to Times Square!

#12 – Central Park, New York

This is a real oasis, a piece of old-growth forest in a stone jungle. You don’t hear the noise of busy streets in Central Park in New York.

Therefore, it is a great place for a family picnic and romantic photoshoots. If you want to appreciate the scale of the park, the best panoramic view is from the roof of the General Electric Building.

view in the central park in New York city

#13 – Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

The faces of the Founding Fathers carved into Rushmore Rock are the true America’s symbol. It took the sculptor Gutzon Borglum 14 years and 400 workers to create this composition.

Today, this place is visited by almost 2 million people annually. This bas-relief is featured in many feature films, cartoons, and inspired musicians to create albums.

It’s Easy to Create Authentic Pics

You may use professional photography equipment and find picturesque views, but it will be challenging to create breathtaking photos without quality photo editing software. Even the best shots sometimes require some photo retouch.

That’s why creative tools, such as GIMP, Movavi, and Pixlr, come in handy. Need to trim, crop, add filters, or remove unnecessary objects from the photo? It will not be a problem even for amateur photo makers.

Spend a couple of minutes with a wrinkle remover or teeth brightening, apply frames, change brightness,  contrast, or temperature. The photo editing solutions are made with ease of mind, so you won’t wrestle with complicated features.

Got a Plan for a Photoshoot in the US?

What to shoot in the USA? Which spots and locations truly deserve your attention? Of course, the Statue of Liberty and the Hollywood Avenue of Stars will be on the list of seasoned travelers.

But there are many more interesting places in the United States that will surely remain in the memory of a tourist for a long time.

In this short review of top photoshoot locations in the USA, we have described the main attractions of the United States that should definitely become a part of your photoshoot.

Author

  • Samantha King

    Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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