Basic Etiquette For Taking Photos In National Parks

National parks offer a golden opportunity for beautiful pictures. But whether one is a professional photographer, a hobbyist, or a regular visitor who likes taking photos, there are do’s and don’ts to observe as a show of respect for nature and other park guests, as well as to make the most out of the experience.

                                    Image source: Pixabay.com 

Share the trail: Step to the side when taking pictures and show utmost consideration for other park visitors at all times, especially with big crowds or somewhere with limited space. Let others take their photo from the same good perspective that you enjoy.

Respect the wildlife: Do not disturb the animals in their home; they likely feel nervous or stressed out once they start looking at you or your camera or start to move away. If not using a long zoom lens to get a good look at them, consider including the bigger environment part of your composition to show their natural habitat.

Keep the noise low and the flash off: Appreciate the sounds of nature and respect other visitors by keeping noise levels low. Make sure to turn off your flash, too, as animals and people do not like to flash. As your best bet in low light, use a small tripod or use the camera timer.

                                     Image source: Pixabay.com

Check permits: Still, photography or personal filming does not entail getting permits. But if you are doing it for commercial purposes or if your photography uses models, sets, or props, then it’s only fitting to go to the park administration or visitor center to inquire about the necessary permissions to shoot.

Help conserve the environment: Properly dispose of waste and help reduce waste. Stay on designated trails.

Randall Benderson is a retired professional photographer turned world traveler who captures the beauty of nature one country at a time with his trusty camera. For more photography tips, visit this blog.

Shooting nature? Know the rules in national parks

The scenery is captivating, and you have your DSLR, tripod, and lenses with you. Suddenly the park ranger approaches just as you’re about to get some photography action going. Do you know what to do? Here are some rules to consider in shooting national parks in the United States. 

Image source: LonelyPlanet.com 

When it comes to still photography, most parks don’t require a permit. One would only need a permit if the activity involves models, a set, props, and presence in a closed area, or when there is a need for it to be monitored by an agency. Simply obey the same rules as other park visitors do. 

While a tripod and large lenses are all allowed, note that actual props and sets require a permit. These include items placed or constructed on the land for photography, including microphone, lighting banks, and backdrops. Models, on the other hand, include people, animals, and inanimate objects such as food and clothing. 

How about if it’s commercial or income-generating filming? According to OutdoorPhotographer.com, the National Park Service permits commercial filming and still photography when it is consistent with the park’s mission and will not harm the resource or get in the way of the visitor experience. 

The blog noted that still photographers require a permit when the activity takes place where and when members of the public are generally not allowed; the activity (again) uses sets, props, or models; and the park would incur additional administrative costs to monitor what is going on. 

Always check directly with the park administration to confirm the need for a permit and other compliance matters. There are 59 national parks and more than 84 million acres to enjoy and shoot in their full glory. 

Image source: Frommers.com

Randall Benderson is a world traveler, photographing national parks and forests. For more photography tips, click here.

Travel Guide: My Favorite National Parks in Asia

Asia is such a revelation. In the past months, I made it a point to visit the continent to find the best nature spots. I wasn’t disappointed! The places were a joy to photograph and the hospitable people made my stay all the more worthwhile. Without further ado, here are my favorite national parks in Asia: 

Image Source: Planetware.com

Bach Ma National Park, Vietnam 

Nature lovers shouldn’t miss out on this place. Get your hiking shoes ready because this huge national park will surely tire you out. The stunning plants, the wildlife, the birds, and the mountain peak will make you enjoy capturing images. There’s a lot going on in this National Park so you have to be ready with your cameras. 

Khao Yai National Park, Thailand 

Even if this is the only place you’ll visit in Thailand, it will be worth it. Bears, tigers, leopards, elephants, hornbills, and more—visiting this wonderful park is like going on a training to be a National Geographic photographer. This nature reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site and aside from taking photos you can also go kayaking, hiking, and caving. It’s the ultimate outdoorsy adventure. 

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Japan 

The snow-capped Mt. Fuji is glorious even during the sweltering summer months. But you’ll marvel at the pink-moss covered mountain especially during spring. But aside from the famous mountain, the area is also surrounded by the Five Lakes where you can go hiking or have a picnic. It’s also worth noting that there are lots of gardens in the whole park. 

I’m sure there are other wonderful parks in Asia that I haven’t seen. But when I do, I’ll be sure to update you. Where should I go next? Sri Lanka? Taiwan? I’ll keep you posted. 

Image Source: Immivietnamvisa.com

Hi there! My name is Randall Benderson and I’m a retired photographer living in Florida. Now that I’m working on my own time, I enjoy traveling the world to discover new national parks. For updates, visit this page.