Exploring The Best Photography Locations in Atlanta
Trying to find the best photography locations in Atlanta? Well, you are in the right place.
As a pro photographer who has been both living and working in the Atlanta market, I know the best locations for photography. When I am not covering an event or editing photos, I am out exploring and photo-walking the city.
In this ultimate guide, I will list 30 of the best locations for photography in Atlanta, while also showing some of the photos I took at each location.
📸 Let’s start exploring
Atlanta Botanical Gardens
Immerse yourself in a botanical wonderland at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. As a seasoned photographer, I’ve found this place to be a goldmine of natural beauty and photographic opportunities. From the vibrant blooms to the intricate sculptures, every corner offers a new perspective to explore.
Atlanta Botanical Gardens Photography Tips:
When photographing at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, take advantage of the soft, diffused light during the early morning or late afternoon for the most flattering results. Try using a polarizing filter to reduce glare on reflective surfaces and enhance the vibrancy of colors in your photos.
Atlantic Station
With its blend of modern architecture and urban atmosphere, Atlantic Station offers striking cityscape photography opportunities, especially during sunset when the buildings are bathed in warm hues.
Atlantic Station Photography Tips
Experiment with architectural lines and angles to highlight the geometric shapes of buildings. Utilize polarizing filters to reduce glare on reflective surfaces.
Cascade Springs Nature Preserve
Immerse yourself in Atlanta’s natural beauty at the Cascade Springs Nature Preserve. This peaceful sanctuary offers photographers a tranquil escape, with winding trails, lush foliage, and cascading waterfalls waiting to be captured.
Cascade Springs Nature Preserve Photography Tips:
Utilize soft, diffused light during early morning or late afternoon for flattering photos. Frame waterfalls and natural elements creatively to add depth to your shots.
Centennial Olympic Park
As a centerpiece of downtown Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park provides photographers with iconic views of the city skyline framed by lush greenery, fountains, and the iconic Centennial Olympic Rings.
Centennial Olympic Park Photography Tips
Capture long exposures of water features to create smooth, reflective surfaces. Use wide-angle lenses to encompass the expansive skyline.
East Atlanta Village
Known for its eclectic street art and vibrant community, East Atlanta Village offers photographers a colorful backdrop for capturing the essence of Atlanta’s diverse culture and artistic expression.
East Atlanta Village Photography Tips
Explore street photography techniques to capture candid moments amidst vibrant street art. Utilize aperture priority mode to control depth of field in varied lighting conditions.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Embark on a journey through time and nature at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. This iconic Atlanta landmark offers photographers a wealth of photographic opportunities, from towering dinosaur skeletons to immersive natural history exhibits.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History Photography Tips
Enhance texture and details of exhibits with natural light. Craft visually engaging photos using varied framing and composition techniques.
Folk Art Park
Nestled within the city, Folk Art Park features whimsical sculptures and installations that serve as unique subjects for creative and imaginative photography, making it a hidden gem for artistic exploration.
Folk Art Park Photography Tips
Use leading lines and framing techniques to draw attention to whimsical sculptures. Experiment with different focal lengths to emphasize details and textures.
Forward, Warrior!! Mural Project
Celebrate Atlanta’s vibrant street art scene at the Forward, Warrior!! Mural Project. This dynamic outdoor gallery showcases the work of local artists and provides photographers with a colorful backdrop for capturing Atlanta’s creative spirit.
Forward, Warrior!! Mural Project Photography Tips:
Capture the scale and detail of each mural by exploring different angles. Create emphasis on specific elements of the artwork with depth of field.
Georgia Aquarium
Dive into an underwater wonderland at the Georgia Aquarium. As a photographer, I’ve been mesmerized by the beauty and diversity of marine life on display, from majestic sharks to graceful rays and vibrant coral reefs.
Georgia Aquarium Photography Tips:
Freeze the motion of fast-moving marine life with a fast shutter speed. Capture natural colors of underwater scenes with appropriate white balance settings.
Georgia International Plaza
As a photographer, the Georgia International Plaza is a captivating blend of modernity and magnificence. Its sleek lines and expansive spaces offer endless opportunities to play with light and shadow, showcasing its contemporary design elements. Each shot captures the plaza’s grandeur and sophistication, inviting viewers to experience its beauty through my lens.
Georgia International Plaza Photography Tip:
Experiment with different angles and perspectives to showcase the dynamic interplay of light and shadow across the plaza’s surfaces. Consider visiting during sunrise or sunset to capture the warm hues of the sky against the sleek backdrop of the plaza’s structures, adding a touch of dramatic flair to your photos.
Grant Park
Experience the beauty of Atlanta’s oldest city park at Grant Park. As a photographer, I’ve been drawn to the park’s historic charm, scenic landscapes, and iconic landmarks that offer endless opportunities for creative exploration.
Grant Park Photography Tips:
Opt for golden hour to capture lush greenery and scenic vistas at their best. Add interest to compositions with foreground elements and leading lines.
High Museum
Step into a world of art and culture at the High Museum of Art. As a photographer, I’ve been inspired by the museum’s stunning architecture, thought-provoking exhibits, and dynamic spaces that offer endless opportunities for creative exploration.
High Museum Photography Tips
Make use of unique architectural features to craft striking compositions. Experiment with different perspectives to capture the essence of each exhibit.
Historic Fourth Ward Park
Offering a picturesque blend of nature and urban design, Historic Fourth Ward Park boasts scenic views of its serene lake, modern bridges, and skyline, making it a charming location for capturing both natural landscapes and cityscapes.
Historic Fourth Ward Park
Photography Tips: Employ composition rules like leading lines to guide the viewer’s eye through the frame. Utilize HDR photography to balance exposure in high-contrast scenes.
Historic Fourth Ward Skate Park
The Historic Fourth Ward Skate Park is a vibrant hub of urban culture, boasting colorful graffiti, bustling skaters, and an energetic atmosphere. This dynamic location offers photographers a wealth of photographic opportunities, from action-packed shots of skaters in motion to captivating images of the vibrant street art that adorns the park’s walls.
Historic Fourth Ward Skate Park Photography Tips:
To capture the essence of the skate park, focus on experimenting with different angles and perspectives to highlight the dynamic energy and urban scenery. Consider using a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion of skaters in action, and pay attention to composition to create visually engaging images that convey the spirit of the skate park.
Homage to King
Pay tribute to Atlanta’s most iconic leader at the Homage to King mural. This powerful artwork celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and provides photographers with a meaningful backdrop for capturing moments of reflection and inspiration.
Homage to King Photography Tips:
Highlight the mural’s scale and detail through diverse angles and perspectives. Enhance colors and textures of the artwork with natural light.
Jackson Street Bridge
Capture the iconic skyline of Atlanta from the Jackson Street Bridge. As a photographer, I’ve found this vantage point to offer one of the best views of the city, with its stunning skyscrapers and bustling streets stretching out before you.
Jackson Street Bridge Photography Tips
Take advantage of golden hour for dramatic lighting and colors in skyline shots. Capture motion of traffic and people below with long exposures.
Krog Street Tunnel
Adorned with ever-changing graffiti murals and street art, Krog Street Tunnel is a dynamic and gritty location that provides photographers with a vibrant canvas for capturing the pulse of Atlanta’s urban art scene.
Krog Street Tunnel Photography Tips
Experiment with low-light photography settings to capture vibrant graffiti in dimly lit conditions. Utilize manual focus to ensure sharpness in close-up shots.
Little Five Points
With its bohemian atmosphere and eclectic storefronts, Little Five Points offers photographers a plethora of colorful characters, street scenes, and quirky details that embody the neighborhood’s alternative spirit and creative energy.
Little Five Points Photography Tips
Employ street photography techniques to capture authentic moments in a bustling urban environment. Utilize spot metering to ensure accurate exposure in dynamic lighting situations.
Mercedes Benz Stadium
As the iconic home of Atlanta’s sports and entertainment events, Mercedes Benz Stadium presents photographers with striking architectural angles, futuristic design elements, and bustling crowds that capture the excitement and energy of the city.
Mercedes Benz Stadium Photography Tips
Use wide-angle lenses to capture the grandeur of the stadium architecture. Utilize burst mode to capture fast-paced action during events.
Oakland Cemetery
Steeped in history and Victorian-era charm, Oakland Cemetery offers photographers a hauntingly beautiful setting with its ornate gravestones, winding pathways, and lush greenery, providing a unique backdrop for atmospheric and emotive photography.
Oakland Cemetery Photography Tips
Utilize natural light and shadow to create mood and atmosphere in cemetery photography. Experiment with different white balance settings to convey emotion.
Peachtree Center
With its sleek skyscrapers, bustling streets, and vibrant energy, Peachtree Center provides photographers with endless opportunities for capturing the dynamic hustle and bustle of downtown Atlanta against a backdrop of towering architecture.
Peachtree Center Photography Tips
Use leading lines and perspective to create dynamic compositions in urban settings. Utilize exposure compensation to adjust for bright highlights and deep shadows.
Pemberton Square
Tucked away in the heart of downtown, Pemberton Square features charming historic buildings, tranquil courtyards, and quaint cobblestone streets, offering photographers a peaceful oasis amidst the urban landscape, perfect for capturing timeless architectural beauty and intimate moments.
Pemberton Square Photography Tips
Experiment with aperture settings to control depth of field in architectural photography. Utilize HDR techniques to capture details in both shadows and highlights.
Piedmont Park
Atlanta’s largest green space, Piedmont Park offers photographers a diverse range of natural landscapes, from picturesque meadows and tranquil lakes to lush forests and scenic skyline views, providing endless opportunities for capturing the beauty of the outdoors in the heart of the city.
Piedmont Park Photography Tips
Capture landscapes using the rule of thirds for balanced compositions. Utilize neutral density filters to achieve long exposures for smooth water effects.
Rodney Cook Sr. Park
Celebrating Atlanta’s rich civil rights history and commitment to social justice, Rodney Cook Sr. Park features powerful monuments, symbolic artwork, and tranquil green spaces that serve as a poignant backdrop for capturing moments of reflection, resilience, and hope.
Rodney Cook Sr. Park Photography Tips
Use composition techniques like framing to draw attention to key elements in civil rights monuments. Utilize spot metering to ensure proper exposure on specific subjects.
SkyView Atlanta
Soar above the city at SkyView Atlanta. This iconic Ferris wheel offers photographers a unique perspective of Atlanta’s skyline, with breathtaking views that are perfect for capturing the city’s beauty from above.
SkyView Atlanta Photography Tips
Experiment with different focal lengths to capture wide-angle vistas and close-up details. Minimize motion blur with a fast shutter speed from the moving gondolas.
Tanyard Creek Park
Tanyard Creek Park offers a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, with its tranquil trails, babbling creeks, and lush greenery. As you wander through this picturesque park, you’ll encounter enchanting scenes waiting to be captured through your lens.
Tanyard Creek Park Photography Tips:
When photographing at Tanyard Creek Park, pay attention to the reflections in the water, which can add a sense of depth and tranquility to your photos. Experiment with different perspectives and angles to capture the park’s natural beauty from unique vantage points. Consider using a wide-angle lens to encompass the expansive landscapes and create dynamic compositions that showcase the park’s scenic vistas.
The Atlanta Beltline
Transforming old railway corridors into vibrant public spaces, The Atlanta Beltline offers photographers a unique perspective of the city, with its colorful street art, scenic trails, and bustling activity that highlight the intersection of art, culture, and community in Atlanta’s urban landscape.
The Atlanta Beltline Photography Tips
Experiment with different perspectives and focal lengths to capture the urban landscape. Utilize aperture priority mode to control depth of field in varied environments.
Underground Atlanta
Once a bustling subterranean marketplace, Underground Atlanta now offers photographers a mix of historic architecture, urban decay, and vibrant street life, providing a gritty and atmospheric backdrop for capturing the city’s raw and authentic spirit.
Underground Atlanta Photography Tips
Employ low-light photography techniques to capture the atmosphere of underground spaces. Utilize high ISO settings to maintain image quality in low-light conditions.
Westside Reservoir Park
Discover Atlanta’s newest green space at The Westside Reservoir Park, where tranquil waters and serene surroundings await. To capture the tranquility of the reservoir and its picturesque landscapes, focus on embracing the expansive views and natural beauty of the surroundings.
Westside Reservoir Park Photography Tips:
When photographing at The Westside Reservoir Park, consider using a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the reservoir and create dramatic compositions. Experiment with long exposures to capture the smooth, reflective surfaces of the water, adding a sense of serenity to your photos.
Woodruff Park
Situated in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Woodruff Park provides photographers with a peaceful retreat amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, featuring serene green spaces, tranquil fountains, and striking views of surrounding skyscrapers, making it an ideal location for capturing moments of urban tranquility and relaxation.
Woodruff Park Photography Tips
Use leading lines and framing techniques to create dynamic compositions in urban parks. Utilize bracketing to capture a range of exposures for HDR processing.
Atlanta has Much More to Discover
As you embark on your photography adventures in Atlanta, remember that these locations are just the beginning. The city is teeming with hidden gems waiting to be discovered through your lens. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant street art of Little Five Points or the tranquil beauty of Piedmont Park, Atlanta offers endless opportunities for creative exploration. So grab your camera, embrace the city’s diversity, and let your creativity soar. Happy shooting!
Visiting Atlanta? Join a Local Photo Walk Tour!
Grab a Ticket and Let’s Explore Together
Want to See More of Atlanta?
Watch Our Atlanta Photo Walk Series