I’ve spent countless hours roaming cities with my camera, always on the hunt for the perfect shot. Columbus, Ohio, may not always be the first city people think of when it comes to iconic photography, but trust me, it’s a hidden gem filled with vibrant streets, stunning architecture, lush parks, and quirky urban corners that make your Instagram feed pop. On my most recent trip, I discovered that with a little planning, you can capture Columbus from sunrise to sunset and come away with images that feel professional, authentic, and undeniably eye-catching. Let me walk you through my personal guide to photographing this amazing city.
Sunrise Magic at Scioto Mile
There’s nothing quite like starting the day at Scioto Mile, a revitalized downtown riverfront park stretching along the Scioto River. On my first morning, I arrived around 6:30 AM to catch the golden hour light reflecting off the city’s skyline.
Best Photography Tips:
- Camera Setup: I used a wide-angle lens (16-35mm) to capture both the river and skyline. For sunrise shots, a tripod is essential for long exposure to smooth the water.
- Composition: I framed the view so that the Bicentennial Park Fountain was in the foreground, with the downtown buildings in the background. The reflection on the water creates symmetry that’s perfect for Instagram.
- Timing: Arrive early to avoid joggers and pedestrians in your frame. The early light also casts warm hues over the buildings and water, giving your images a dreamy quality.
Additional Tips:
- Consider shooting in HDR mode to capture the contrast between the bright sky and the shaded riverbank.
- Look for reflections in the river for creative angles. The early morning calm makes the water perfectly mirror-like.
Accessibility: Scioto Mile is easy to reach via downtown parking garages. I parked at the 10th Street Garage for $6/day and walked to multiple scenic spots along the mile. It’s also accessible via COTA bus routes if you prefer public transport.
Artistic Vibes in the Short North Arts District
After sunrise, I headed to Short North, Columbus’s artsy neighborhood lined with galleries, murals, and boutiques. This area is my personal favorite for colorful street photography.
Top Instagram Spots:
- “Love” Mural on High Street – A classic Columbus photo.
- Local street murals by Graffiti Artists – Changing frequently, so every visit offers something new.
- Boutique storefronts with vibrant signage – Great for capturing urban textures.
Photography Tips:
- Use a 35mm or 50mm lens for street photography to get close-ups of murals without distortion.
- Visit on weekdays if you want less foot traffic; evenings offer dynamic city lighting with neon signs.
- Capture reflections from puddles after rain for creative effects.
Dining Tip: Take a break at North Market, just a short walk from the murals. I grabbed a coffee and a fresh pastry before continuing my shoot. It also makes a great backdrop for food photography.
Transport: Short North is best explored on foot. If coming from downtown, it’s a 10-minute Lyft ride or a 15-minute walk. Parking is available at metered spots along High Street.
Nature and Architecture at Franklin Park Conservatory
By mid-morning, I wanted to switch from urban landscapes to nature photography. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is ideal for this. The conservatory houses tropical plants, seasonal flowers, and stunning glass architecture by Lindsey L. Nelson.
Best Shots I Captured:
- Dahlia Garden – I used a macro lens to capture intricate petal patterns.
- Palm House – Wide-angle shots show the grandeur of the Victorian glasshouse.
- Chihuly Glass Art Exhibits – The vibrant, swirling glass sculptures pair beautifully with the greenery.
Photography Tips:
- Arrive right at opening (10 AM) to avoid crowds.
- Bring a small tripod for indoor shots to compensate for lower light without flash.
- Use a polarizer to reduce glare on glass surfaces.
Ticket Info: Adult tickets are $19, available on their official website. I recommend booking online to skip the line, especially on weekends.
Transport: Located at 1777 E. Broad Street, it’s about a 15-minute drive from downtown Columbus. I took a Lyft for convenience, but it’s also accessible via COTA bus route 2.
Urban Reflections at the LeVeque Tower
Next, I explored Columbus’s skyline from street level at LeVeque Tower, an Art Deco gem in the heart of downtown. Its pink hue glows beautifully at sunset, making it perfect for dramatic shots.
Photography Highlights:
- Capture the building from N. High Street for a low-angle shot emphasizing its height.
- Evening shots with street lights turned on create cinematic contrasts.
- The nearby Axis Alley offers geometric compositions with shadows and reflections from storefronts.
Photography Tips:
- A tripod is essential for low-light evening shots.
- Experiment with different focal lengths: wide-angle for grandeur, 85mm for details on the façade.
Nearby Attractions: Pair your shoot with a coffee at Stauf’s Coffee Roasters on High Street for a cozy break. It’s a great spot to photograph interiors as well.
Parking: I parked at Capitol South Garage ($8/day) and walked a few blocks. It’s a very walkable area with multiple vantage points for varied shots.
Scenic Views at the Scioto River Bridge and Discovery District
For mid-afternoon, I explored Scioto River Bridges, especially the Main Street Bridge. This bridge is visually stunning and offers a different perspective of the skyline.
Best Shots:
- Capture the bridge from Battelle Riverfront Park for sweeping panoramic shots.
- Use long exposure to photograph cars crossing at night, creating light trails.
- Close-ups of bridge architecture highlight steel patterns against the sky.
Photography Tips:
- Wide-angle lens recommended for full bridge views.
- Sunset or twilight provides dramatic skies and reflections on the water.
Nearby Discovery District: After bridge shots, I wandered into Discovery District with the Center of Science and Industry (COSI). Even the exterior architecture is photogenic, and the science exhibits inside are perfect for creative indoor photography.
Transport: Easily walkable from downtown or a short Uber ride from Scioto Mile. Parking at nearby garages makes it convenient for a half-day shoot.
Hidden Instagram Gems in German Village
By late afternoon, I explored German Village, a historic neighborhood with cobblestone streets and brick houses. This is my personal favorite for cozy, storybook-like photos.
Must-Shoot Spots:
- Schiller Park: Perfect for leafy trees, flower beds, and ponds.
- Book Loft Alleyways: Colorful signage and narrow streets create depth in photos.
- Victorian Homes on Thurman Avenue: Capture the charm with vintage doors and flower boxes.
Photography Tips:
- Overcast days soften shadows for portrait photography.
- Bring a 50mm lens for street-level detail shots.
- Early mornings give a quiet neighborhood without pedestrians or traffic.
Dining Nearby: Enjoy dinner at Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant, capturing food photography alongside your stroll. Their cream puffs make for an Instagram-perfect dessert shot.
Accessibility: German Village is a 10-minute drive from downtown or accessible via COTA bus route 11. Street parking is available but limited; I recommend using parking garages nearby for convenience.
Night Photography at the Arena District
Finally, I wrapped up the day in Arena District, where Columbus comes alive at night. Neon lights, reflections on wet streets, and modern urban architecture make this area ideal for night shots.
Top Photo Ideas:
- Capture Nationwide Arena and nearby office buildings lit up at night.
- Use reflections in puddles after rain for creative angles.
- The combination of neon signage, pedestrian streets, and evening activity makes for vibrant cityscape shots.
Photography Tips:
- Use long exposure with a tripod to capture motion and light trails.
- ISO adjustments are crucial to prevent grain in low-light conditions.
- Experiment with different shutter speeds to capture moving crowds while keeping architecture sharp.
Transport: Walking distance from downtown or a quick Uber. Parking garages nearby make it convenient for evening shoots.
Final Tips for Traveling Photographers in Columbus
- Pack Smart: Bring wide-angle, 35mm/50mm, and macro lenses, a lightweight tripod, extra batteries, and memory cards.
- Timing is Everything: Sunrise and early morning for quiet streets, late afternoon for golden hour, and nighttime for city lights.
- Public Transit: COTA buses are convenient for hopping between downtown, Short North, and German Village. Consider a day pass for $4 for unlimited rides.
- Respect Local Rules: Some private property or indoor spots like restaurants may require permission for photography.
- Plan Your Meals Around Photo Stops: Food photography is a must—Columbus offers amazing local fare, from North Market bites to Schmidt’s iconic cream puffs.
Columbus may not be on everyone’s radar as a photography destination, but for those willing to explore, it offers endless possibilities. From urban skylines and reflective river scenes to historic neighborhoods and blooming gardens, the city is a playground for photographers. Following my day-long itinerary, you can capture both iconic landmarks and hidden gems, telling a full story of Columbus through your lens.
After a full day of shooting, I always find that the best photos come when you allow yourself to wander, explore, and connect with your surroundings. Columbus rewards curiosity, patience, and an eye for detail. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just love sharing Instagram-worthy shots, this city promises more than just pictures—it promises memories and stories captured forever.
