Autumn is a little secret tip for me in the Middle West. The city has a relaxed small-town atmosphere, but at the same time enough architectural corners that surprise the photographers. I especially like the play of light and shadow over the old brick buildings. If you like to go with the camera, you'll find enough occasions to test your equipment.
I plan to snap the picture that captures the mood of autumn. I look at the Civil Twilight – this is the moment when the first city lights start to flicker and open the sky door. Then comes the Golden Hour, a term that I always incorporate into my lighting design, because the warm light brings the facades to light. The Sunset over the few high-rises is a highlight that the skyline dips into a red band. For long term exposure, I use the Blue Hourwhen the blue of the sky is almost black and the lights of the city clearly emerge. On the side of poi‐travel.de you will find a map tool that calculates the position of the sun and indicates the direction by line – azimuth and horizontal angle are thus in sight.
The Clear Water Park is the most famous recreational destination in the city. The large water basin reflects the light particularly well during the Golden Hourif the water acts almost like liquid gold. The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., the entrance costs 5 dollars for adults. For a calm picture, I recommend coming shortly after sunset – then the water reflects the colorful city light. Insider tip: On the small wooden bridge on the western end there is a hidden view of the old rowing boat that is perfect for silhouettes.
Seventh Michigan Park is located on the river and offers a mixture of old industrial buildings and modern sculptures. The rough brick building at the entrance is a classic for Night Photographybecause the windows glow at night. Opening hours: 7 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., free admission. The best time for a picture is the Blue Hourwhen the water in the foreground absorbs the cool blue of the sky. Insider proof: On the left side of the path there is a small bridge from which you can capture the light of the city in a long exposure.
Lincoln Park is the green heart of autumn and houses the historic town hall. The town hall with its dome is a popular photo motif, especially when the sun falls behind the trees. The park is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., free admission. For the perfect picture you should be there at 6 pm when the light falls through the trees and the dome dips into warm light. Insider tip: On the small hill behind the playground there is a view that combines the town hall with the river in the background.
Webster Park is a small but fine place with an old railway viaduct. The viaduct offers dramatic lines, which act particularly in counterlight. Opening hours: 8 am to 8 pm, free admission. The Golden Hour lets the metal carrier dip into a warm light, ideal for silhouettes. Insider evidence: Directly under the viaduct there is a graffiti that almost shines with weak light – a cool spot for street photography.
Sunnay Acres is a large field with an old wind wheel. The wind wheel is the highlight for wide landscape shots, especially when the sun is deep. The park is open from 9 am to 7 pm, free admission. For the best picture you should be there shortly before sunset, then the wheel throws long shadows over the field. Insider tip: On the right side of the field there is a small pond that reflects the wheel in the mirror – perfect for double exposures.
Franklin Park is known for its sculpture “The Wanderer”, which is illuminated at night. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., free admission. The Blue Hour is ideal because the blue light dips the sculpture into a mystical light. For long-term exposures, you can use the light of the surrounding benches to create a gentle bokeh. Insider proof: On the left bank there is a small sign with historical information, which provides context in the picture.
Autumn combines relaxed small-town atmosphere with surprising photo possibilities. Whether you are the city lights in the Civil Twilight want to catch or calm Blue Hour used for long-term exposures – there are enough spots to expand your image collection. Pack your camera, use the poi‐travel.de card tool and enjoy the mix of nature, history and urban flair.
With the map tool, you can plan the ideal location for a photo online in advance – taking into account the sun's path and the surroundings.
Here's how it works:
Advantage:
You can assess light, perspective and location before visiting the site – ideal for photography, sunrises and sunsets.
To find the exact point where the sun disappears behind the skyline, use the azimuth display on poi-travel.de. In Herbst, the sun travels further northwest below the horizon in summer, while in winter it takes a more southwesterly angle. With the embedded line on the map, you can determine your tripod position down to the metre.
| Phase | Characteristics | Top attractions in autumn |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Hour | Warm, soft light shortly after sunrise or before sunset | Clear Water Park, Webster Park, Sunnay Acres Park |
| Sunset | Red, intense light, long shadow | Clear Water Park, Lincoln Park |
| Civil Twilight | First city lights, sunlight after sunset | Seventh Michigan Park, Franklin Park |
| Blue Hour | Cool blue, ideal for long term exposure | Seventh Michigan Park, Franklin Park |
| Photos | Settings (ISO/Blende/Zeit) | Professional tip |
|---|---|---|
| Clear Water Park | 200 ISO / f/8 / 1/125 s | Use polarization filters to photograph from the wooden bridge to the silhouette of the rowing boat. |
| Seventh Michigan Park | 400 ISO / f/5.6 / 1/60 s | Use tripod, long exposure for the reflections in the water during the Blue Hour. |
| Lincoln Park | 100 ISO / f/11 / 1/250 s | Position at the height behind the playground to emphasize the town hall in counterlight. |
| Webster Park | 200 ISO / f/4 / 1/80 s | Use counterlight, highlight graffiti under the viaduct with lateral illumination. |
| Sunnay Acres Park | 100 ISO / f/16 / 1/200 s | Include wind gear and the adjacent pond to generate reflections for double exposure. |
| Franklin Park | 800 ISO / f/2.8 / 30 s | Use remote triggers, focus on the sculpture “The Wanderer” and use the bokeh of the surrounding benches. |
Louisville, Kentucky, is just one piece above the border. The skyline at Ohio River is almost painted in golden light, and the old factory buildings along the river give a rough feeling. For street photography there are enough lively cafes that lose themselves in the fog.
Cincinnati, Ohio, is a short trip by train. The bridges over the main stretch like metal ribs, while the leaves lie on the trees in the city park in matte brown tones. You can easily take some pictures from the old trams that drive through narrow lanes.
Champaign-Urbana in Illinois sometimes seems too academic, but that's what makes the appeal. The university buildings with their brick facades reflect the late sunlight, and the wide avenues along the campus streets offer long lines for compositions.
Dayton, Ohio, has a few abandoned industrial plants that are almost melancholic in autumn. The combination of rusty metal parts and falling leaves creates an image that does not all immediately understand, but nevertheless works strong.
Madison, Wisconsin, is a little further away, but the ride is worth seeing the hills around the lake. The lake reflects the colorful foliage, and the old wooden boats on the shore give a little nostalgia. A short walk along the shore is enough to shoot some quiet shots.
Villages, towns, districts, places and Vacation destinations you should visit.
©copyright by POI-Travel.de
info@poi-travel.de
