New Paris is located in the middle of rural Ohio and surprises with a mixture of historical corners and natural gems. I like the city because it is not overrun and every angle tells a little story. For hobby and professional photographers there are numerous Sightseeing in New Paris, which are perfect for different light moods. The friendly locals like to give tips, and the quiet environment lets you work concentrated.
My goal is to shoot the best photo in New Paris – and that only succeeds with the right timing. Civil Twilight provides the first shimmer of city lights, ideal for gentle silhouettes. The Golden Hour is your key word for warm, diffuse light; look for “Golden Hour New Paris” in the calendar. The Sunset you can catch the dusk over the few high-rises – a short moment, but it is worth it. The Blue Hour is perfect for long-term exposures when the sky becomes deep blue and lights shine. Under this text you will find the map tool of poi‐travel.de, which calculates the position of the sun and displays the direction by line – azimuth and horizontal angles help you find the perfect angle.
The Natural Springs are a natural water source surrounded by lush green and small rocks. The clear water reflects the light particularly well during Golden Hourwhen the sun is deep. Practical note: Access is free, opening hours are around the clock, but the best photos are taken early in the morning when the water is still quiet. Insider tip: A short walk to the right leads to a hidden wooden ridge that offers ideal frames for reflections.
This maize maize maiden is not only a fun for families, but also an exciting photo pot. The high maize walls create dramatic lines, especially in counterlight during the Blue Hour. Admission costs about five dollars, opening hours from 9 am to sunset in autumn. For the best picture you should photograph the maze from above – a small hill at the entrance offers the perfect perspective. Local note: The operator likes to give a release image for social media when you mention it.
The Westbound Ruhezone on the Highway is surprisingly photogenic: modern signs, a small lake and a view of the surrounding landscape. During the Civil Twilight the first lights of the resting place catch the road. The place is free, open 24 hours, and parking is always available. Insider tip: The small wooden pavilion at the lake is a popular spot for long term exposures when the stars appear.
Located on the edge of a forest, this resort offers a lake immersed in gold at sunset. The lake is ideal for reflections, especially when the water is still. entrance is free, but camping costs extra; Opening times are seasonal, mostly from May to October. For the perfect picture you should control the shore at about 30 minutes before sunset – the light is then soft and the colors intense. Local note: The resort offers a free boat that you can use for unusual perspectives.
The Middle Fork Reservoir is a large reservoir with a wide promenade. During the Golden Hour throws the water long shade and the light breaks beautifully on the water surface. Access is free, opening hours are all day, but the visitor centre closes at 6 o'clock. Practical tip: The small wooden ridge on the north end is less frequented and offers clear views of the dams – a great motif for architecture and landscape photography. Insider tip: Early in the morning there are often wild birds that circle above the water.
This historical monument stands at an aviated crossroads and is a classic symbol of the pioneering spirit. The statue is particularly impressive with counterlight during the Blue Hourwhen the outlines shine. Access is free, open 24 hours a day and there is no entry. For the best picture you should photograph from the opposite side of the road to emphasize the silhouette in front of the sky. Local Note: A small artisan crafts market takes place occasionally on weekends nearby – a nice place for breaks.
The park is named after the famous musician and offers an open meadow, a small lake and an amphitheater. During the Golden Hour the grass dips into warm light, and the amphitheater throws interesting shadows. Entrance is free, opening hours from sunrise to sunset. Practical note: The small pavilion at the lake is a popular place for portraits because the light comes from all sides. Insider tip: On Saturdays there is a local jazz picnic that offers additional light sources.
Although technically located in Richmond, the museum is just minutes from New Paris and a must for art and architecture photographers. The modern glass facade reflects the cityscape, particularly impressive during the Civil Twilight. Admission costs about seven dollars, opening hours from 10 am to 5 pm. For the best picture you should take the mirrors in the glass from the outside before the museum is illuminated. Local note: The museum offers free guided tours on Saturdays, where you can get insider information about the exhibitions.
This small museum is dedicated to the history of the automobile and shows original model T vehicles. The exhibition hall has high ceilings and large windows, which Golden Hour create a warm, diffuse light. Admission is about four dollars, opening hours from 9 am to 4 pm. Practical tip: Shoot the vehicles from behind to emphasize the lines when the light falls through the windows. Insider tip: The museum has a small outdoor area with an old workshop building that is well suited for black and white recordings.
New Paris combines charming Sightseeing in New Paris with a relaxed atmosphere that gives you space to experiment. Whether you are the gentle colors of the Golden Hour, the deep blue mood of the Blue Hour or the first light of the Civil Twilight want to catch – the city provides the appropriate scenery. With the practical tips and the map tool you are perfectly equipped to make your best shots.
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 New Paris, 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 New Paris |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Hour | Warm, diffuse light, long shadow – ideal colors for landscape and architecture. | Natural Springs, Middle Fork Reservoir, Glenn Miller Park, Model T Museum |
| Sunset | Short-term intense red/orange light, perfect silhouettes. | Deer Ridge Camping Resort |
| Civil Twilight | First shimmer of the city lights, gentle blue and grey tones. | Preble Rest Area (Westbound), Richmond Art Museum |
| Blue Hour | Deep blue sky, long exposure times, stressed lights. | Today’s Harvest Corn Maze, Madonna of the Trail |
| Photos | Settings (ISO/Blende/Zeit) | Professional tip |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Springs | ISO 200 / f/8 / 1/125 s | Use the wooden bridge for reflections and photograph with light counterlight. |
| Today’s Harvest Corn Maze | ISO 400 / f/5.6 / 2 s (Stativ) | Wait for the Blue Hour, set a tripod and use the counterlight for dramatic lines. |
| Preble Rest Area (Westbound) | ISO 800 / f/4 / 5 s (Stativ) | catch the first lights during Civil Twilight; the wooden pavilion offers interesting silhouettes. |
| Deer Ridge Camping Resort | ISO 100 / f/11 / 1/60 s | Position 30 minutes before sunset on the shore for soft gold light and reflections. |
| Middle Fork Reservoir | ISO 200 / f/9 / 1/200 s | Use the wooden ridge at the north end for a clear view of the dams; early morning light for birding. |
| Madonna of the Trail | ISO 400 / f/2.8 / 3 s (Stativ) | Photographers during the Blue Hour from opposite street for silhouettes in front of the sky. |
| Glenn Miller Park | ISO 200 / f/5.6 / 1/250 s | Use the open grass and the amphitheater for portraits; the light comes from all sides. |
| Richmond Art Museum | ISO 800 / f/4 / 2 s (Stativ) | Recordings of the glass facade during Civil Twilight for reflections before the museum is illuminated. |
| Model T Museum | ISO 200 / f/8 / 1/80 s | Use the warm light of the Golden Hour through the windows to emphasize the vehicle lines. |
Dayton is just half an hour away and surprises with a mixture of modern skyline and old factory buildings. Especially the area around the Riverfront Park provides good contrasts – steel beams against calm water. You can easily shoot a few long exposures there when the light falls over the river.
However, the city centre of Troy is not as crowded as larger metropolises. The cobblestone roads and the old brick buildings give a little retro feeling. If you like to play with shade, the late afternoon light throws interesting patterns on the facades.
Hamilton, right on the Ohio River, has a few abandoned warehouses that almost seem melancholic. The reflections in the river are a nice bonus when the water is calm. It's okay, but not everyone likes the industrial flair.
A short trip to Brookville, Indiana, is worth the bridge over the Whitewater River. The wooden planks and the light green around them give a calm picture that is well suited for black and white recordings.
Nevertheless, you should not overlook the small villages like West Alexandria. There are a few old barns that are broken through by sun rays in the summer – a classic picture of rural Ohio.
If you want to integrate nature, the Caesar Creek State Park is a good spot. The lake reflects the surrounding trees and the paths offer perspectives that are well suited for wide angle shots. The park is not overrun, especially early in the morning.
In short, Piqua has a few abandoned industrial buildings on the outskirts of the city, which almost seem mystical at dawn. A bit of dust, a bit of light – this can give a strong picture.
Sidney, a little further south, has an old railway track that runs through the open field. If you are looking for a model with a long rail, this is a simple but effective background.
Villages, towns, districts, places and Vacation destinations you should visit.
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