Columbus is a small town with a huge character, especially thanks to the many public works of art. I like the mix of modern architecture and cosy parks – this is always new angles. For hobby photographers, the city is a real laboratory for light and composition. If you're interested Sightseeing in Columbus look, you're gonna be quick.
I plan the shooting around the four golden light phases. The Civil Twilight the city slowly awakens, the first lights flicker and the cityscape almost surreal. The Golden Hour is my keyword for soft, warm light – ideal for portraits before the sculptures. The Sunset over the few high-rises delivers dramatic silhouettes, especially from Courthouse Square. In Blue Hour I like to experiment with long-term exposures to turn the lights of the artworks into bright strips. The map tool by poi‐travel.de, which is integrated in this text, shows you the position of the sun, the azimuth and the exact direction – practically to find the perfect angle.
The statue of General Joseph Bartholomew stands in the heart of the city and is a classic example of public art that combines history and modernity. The monument is impressive especially at sunrise, because the light illuminates the bronze warm and throws long shadows. Opening hours: around the clock, no entrance. Best photo time: early morning when the light is flat. Insider tip: Use the adjacent green for reflections in the water basin – this gives depth.
The square in front of the historic County Courthouse is a central Photobase. The neoclassical façade offers clear lines at the Golden Hour in particular. The place is freely accessible, entrance free. For the best picture: Wait until shortly after sunset when the lights of the building arrive and the surroundings dip into a gentle blue. Inside menu: On the west side there is a small café with outdoor seating – from there you have a slightly elevated view of the top of the clock tower.
The colorful murals at Kitzinger Alley are a magnet for street photography. Each wall tells another story, from local legends to abstract patterns. The Murals are good to see during the day, but at the Blue Hour exciting contrasts arise when the artificial light makes the colors appear almost neon. Free admission, open 24 hours. Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire length of the alley and watch passing cars for light tracks.
The massive steel sculpture “Chaos I” by John David Mooney stands in the Riverfront Park and looks particularly impressive with counterlight. The work is 30 meters high and reflects the sunlight, which leads to interesting highlights. Parking hours: daily 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., free admission. For a strong picture: Photographers during the Civil Twilightwhen the city lights shine behind the sculpture. Insider tip: On the back there is a small web from which you can incorporate the water in the foreground.
This monument honors the veterans of the county and consists of several granite plates shaped by light and shadow. Especially impressive is the game of shadows during the Golden Hourwhen the light emphasizes the reliefs. The place is open, free entrance, open from sunrise to sunset. Tip: Position slightly laterally to emphasize the depth of the engravings, and use a tripod for long-term recordings with weak light.
The sculpture “Young Republic” by Tom Otterness shows playful figures that attract the cityscape. The work is especially popular with children, which leads to spontaneous moments. Opening hours: around the clock, no entrance. For a strong picture: Wait till Blue Hour** if the lighting of the figures is almost like a mini theatre. Insider proof: On the back there is a small garden, full of flowers in the spring – a beautiful contrast to the metal figures.
“Summer Storm” is a dynamic metal installation in the Riverside Park that captures the feeling of a thunderstorm. The work reflects the light particularly well when the sun is deep. Parking hours: daily 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., free admission. Best photo time: shortly after sunset, when the artwork is illuminated by the park lamps and a dramatic sky can be seen in the background. Tip: Use a telephoto lens to capture details of the structure, and a tripod for clear night recordings.
The historic carousel pavilion is a charming relic from the 1920s. The colourful horses and the artistic wood design offer great motifs for colored pictures. Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m.–17 p.m., admission 5 USD. For the best picture: Photographers during the Golden Hour** when the natural light falls through the windows and intensifies the colors. Insider tip: The attic is accessible to visitors and offers an unusual view from above.
The sculpture “Birds of Fire” made of stainless steel is located in Mill Race Park and represents flying birds in abstract form. The work is particularly impressive with counterlight because the metal surfaces reflect the light. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., free admission. Photo tip: Use the Civil Twilight** to capture the silhouettes of birds before the awakening city light. A small path leads to a hidden pond that serves as a mirror for the sculpture.
The colourful mosaic street “Friendship Way” connects the city centre with the art museum. Each stone tells a story, and the overall image works harmoniously, especially with soft light. Opening hours: around the clock, no entrance. For a strong picture: Wait till Blue Hour** when street lighting brings the mosaics to light. Insider proof: On the left there is a small café that offers a cozy seating with a view of art – perfect for breaks between the recordings.
Columbus combines impressive Sightseeing in Columbus with a surprisingly diverse light landscape. Whether you're looking for urban silhouettes, colorful murals or quiet natural images – the city delivers everything. Pack your camera, use the sun position map tool and enjoy the creative possibilities that this Indiana pearl offers.
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 Columbus, 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 Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Hour | Soft, warm light, long shadow – ideal for portraits and reliefs. | General Joseph Bartholomew, Courthouse Square, Bartholomew County Memorial for Veterans, Carousel for Columbus |
| Sunset | Dramatic silhouettes, intense color play in the sky. | Courthouse Square, Summer Storm |
| Civil Twilight | City lights awaken, gentle diffuse light – good for counterlight recordings. | Chaos I, Birds of Fire |
| Blue Hour | Cool blue tones, artificial lighting, long exposures. | Kitzinger Alley Murals, Young Republic, Friendship Way |
| Photos | Settings (ISO/Blende/Zeit) | Professional tip |
|---|---|---|
| General Joseph Bartholomew | ISO 200 / f/8 / 1/125 s | Use the adjacent water basin for reflections; Position slightly laterally for dramatic shadows. |
| Courthouse Square | ISO 400 / f/11 / 1/60 s | photographers after sunset when the building is illuminated; the Café-Terrasse offers an elevated view. |
| Kitzinger Alley Murals | ISO 800 / f/5.6 / 1/30 s (angle) | Use a wide angle lens; use the blue light stimulation for neon-like colors. |
| Chaos I | ISO 200 / f/11 / 1/250 s | Photographers during Civil Twilight from the bridge; integrate the water in the foreground for reflections. |
| Bartholomew County Memorial for Veterans | ISO 400 / f/8 / 1/100 s | laterally position to emphasize the reliefs; Tripod for long-term light. |
| Young Republic | ISO 800 / f/4 / 1/15 s (Stativ) | Blue Hour uses the lighting of the figures like a mini theatre; watch the garden in the background. |
| Summer Storm | ISO 400 / f/5.6 / 1/60 s (Tele) | Use the parking lights shortly after sunset; Telephoto lens for details, tripod for clear night recordings. |
| Carousel for Columbus | ISO 200 / f/8 / 1/125 s | Golden-Hour light through the windows; On the attic for unusual bird eye views. |
| Birds of Fire | ISO 200 / f/11 / 1/200 s | Civil Twilight for silhouettes in front of city light; use the pond as a mirror for reflections. |
| Friendship Way | ISO 800 / f/5.6 / 1/30 s (Stativ) | Blue Hour lets the mosaics shine; the café on the left side offers relaxing breaks and picture composition. |
However, the small town of New Albany on the Ohio River is a good spot for city and river recordings. The bridges over the river create interesting lines, and the old factory grounds sometimes fade, but with charm.
Madison, just half an hour north, offers a historic Main Street scene that is well suited for street scenes. The old brick buildings are slightly worn out, the light in the late afternoon throws long shadows.
In autumn, the Brown County State Park turns into a colour game. The forests are not perfect, but the confusion of red and yellow tones provides great textures for landscape and detail.
When you look at industrial aesthetics, look at the old steelworks in Seymour. The rusty structures and the open terrain give a rough feeling that is well suited for monochrome images.
A short trip to Nashville, Indiana, brings you to a small art community. The colorful Murals at the shop fronts are not overloaded, but offer enough contrast for creative compositions.
A detour to Indianapolis is worthwhile for nightly city recordings. The skyline does not work excessively, but the lights on the canal and the bridges give enough material for long-term exposures.
Villages, towns, districts, places and Vacation destinations you should visit.
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