As part of the recap series on Live Wandering for 2021, I wanted to share the locations of some of my favorite photo spots I used for Instagram. You’ll notice a lot of these shots are taken from the back to hide my face mask but it doesn’t take away from the aesthetic. I did my best to utilize my surroundings to have the destination enhance the shot and highlight the travel aesthetic of each photo. It turns out, I really enjoy this style of photography. I enjoy looking at what the camera is shooting. It helps me get a better feel of what Instagram users and blog viewers will see once I post each shot. If there is one thing I’ve learned in 2021, it’s to not be afraid of taking the shot because most of the time, they turn out really well.
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
Minnesota winters can be rough when the clouds cover the sun for months on end but this tropical haven will wipe away any signs of SAD you may be feeling.
Scroll through below to see the latest shots taken in December.👇
The Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden at Como Park
Taking a detour from posing indoors, this photo opportunity is perfect for spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. It’s too soon to tell when the blossoms will be at their peak in 2022 but predictions suggest sometime between the last week of March and the first week in April are safe to plan your visit.
Sea Life
I was shaking in my boots while walking through tunnels surrounded by sharks, but luckily I didn’t have to face the camera. I let the water and lighting do the work for me in these aesthetically pleasing shots.
Note: I didn’t use flash during my visit because I didn’t want to disrupt the marine life around me. The walkways are brightly lit throughout the journey under the sea and if you pick the right spot between crowds, you can get pictures that don’t require the extra light exposure.
Mall of America
Bustling with crowds, decorations hanging everywhere, and too many stores to count, the Mall of America is a great place to find unique photo ops that no one else may have come across yet. I know stores and restaurants will try to capitalize on Instagram by creating their own backdrops to make Instagram users want to visit their location–it’s definitely worked on me before–but these locations shown don’t require a dinner reservation to take the shot.
I’m hoping to find local restaurants, shops, and art galleries in the Twin Cities that have great opportunities for pictures. Does anyone have any suggestions on where you’ve gotten some of your best photos in 2021? Let me know in the comments.
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