6 Places In North America Always Worth Traveling To As A Photographer

This time of the year is always kind of weird. A lot of people are getting tired of the winter and the cold (unless photographing winter landscapes ;) ). Maybe you are looking forward to where you are planning on going when the days get longer and the weather gets warmer. Others just decided they want to leave right now just to see something else, but don't know where to go. Or maybe its just going to be a reminder to a place you've already been to but wanted to revisit. In any case, here is my list of 6 places always worth a visit in North America:

Cities:

3. Seattle

The Emerald City is always a good choice. Good coffee, great photo opportunities and close to amazing landscapes. There is only one downside. It rains a lot especially in the winter months which makes it a great destination to plan for but not really an escape right now. Check out the Starbucks on the 40th floor of the Columbia Center completely free of charge!

2. New York City

Probably one of the most common destinations among cityscape and street photographers. So many varieties of shots. Chinatown, Greenwich Village, Bridges, Lookouts, East River, Hudson River, Jersey, Brooklyn. I don't think a photographer will get bored soon in this city. It's also a city where the time of the year really doesn't matter what so ever. Christmas at The Rock, Spring in Central Park, Summer on the Piers or Fall on the High Line. Get cool views on the city from the South of Manhattan Bridge. Not as crowded and you'll have the Brooklyn Bridge in your photo!

1. San Francisco

Beaches, Bridges, Cliffs, Windy Coast Roads and West Coast Sunset. What do you want more for a winter escape or a summer vacation? If you are into food as well (come on.. who isnt?!) there is some amazing international restaurants all over town. I had some of my best italian food in this city. Also there is In-n-Out-Burger a must try for them Burger Lovers. If you are just into photography you might consider shooting one of the two famous bridges, some skylines from Slacker Hill or Treasure Island or visit a the Pacific at Rodeo Beach. Insider tip: Going up Slacker Hill before sunrise and watching the sun getting up behind the city while fog is moving in over the hills!

Countryside:

3. Crater Lake

Starting with one of the most interesting national parks in the US Crater Lake is spectacular sight to see. It is really far away from pretty much anything which gives especially astrophotographers amazing opportunites for compsitions. It's possible to visit Crater Lake National Park all year round but you have to be quite careful with the conditions. Not all the road is open year-round which can mean some locations are (Snowshoe-)hike-in. In the summer there are locations to access the lake for swimming but I heard even in hot summer months the lake is really cold due to its depth.

2. Tofino and Vancouver Island

Tofino is one of those places were you feel free of any struggles or worries you might have in your daily life. Almost as if you leave everything behind the moment you step off the ferry in Nanaimo or Swartz Bay and you step into a wonderland. The pace of any place you go on Vancouver Island will make you want to slow down and take in as much as you can. Perfect for photography if you ask me. On top of that The Island offers a wide variety of subjects ranging from small harbor cities like BC's capital Victoria over mountains high over the pacific to beautiful beaches. Like Seattle it is fairly rainy but always very mild climate even in the winter months. On the south side of Cox Bay you can scramble up the hill for about 25mins and youll be rewarded with an amazing view over the Beach!

1. Banff National Park

This place will reward you no matter what time of there year you go, so pack up your things already! Skiing in Lake Louise in the winter, Riding a canoe on Moraine Lake in the summer, hiking from Banff town in the fall or watching all the animals all over the National Park in the spring. Follow your heart and you will be rewarded no matter what you choose to do here. Make sure you visit one of the awesome lakes (Moraine, Louise, Two Jack, Bow) for a sunset or even better sunrise!