Guidelines for photographing national parks

 

Janique Goff Madison is a photography student who enjoys visiting national parks. Going to these places allow her to hone her skills. To truly make the most of a trip to these places, here are some guidelines worth remembering. 

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Respect the wildlife

Photographers should keep a safe distance from the animals. They should also avoid feeding and petting the animals for their own safety. While it's alright to take photos, one should avoid using flash as much as possible as it can scare or distract the animals. It’s also important to note that respecting wildlife involves preserving their habitat and keeping it clean. 

Seek permission when working with models and sets

According to Janique Goff Madison, photographers don't need to get a permit if they're just going on a photowalk or touring the parks on their own. However, if they're going to work with models or build sets, they need to get a permit from park authorities especially if the photos are going to be used for commercial purposes. To avoid problems during the day of shoot, photographers must get their permits and let the park staff know about their scheduled shoots ahead of time. 

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Feel free to bring camera equipment

It's alright to bring lenses, tripods, and other equipment when visiting a national park. However, a photographer must consider other visitors who might be intimidated. For those who want to take nature shots without distracting others, going to the park early in the morning or late at night will allow them to get the images that they want. Another option would be setting up in less crowded areas in the park.