Queenstown’s stunning natural beauty is unbeatable and its stunning lakes are no exception. Photographers around the world make their way to New Zealand to experience and capture the incredible beauty of these natural gems. From tranquil glacial fed lakes to crystal blue bays, Queenstown has a plethora of scenes to explore and capture. Here’s a guide for photographers looking to get the perfect shot of Queenstown’s scenic lakes.
Location Spots
Whether you’re looking to capture the beauty of a lake or a picture-perfect sunset, Queenstown has plenty of places to get the perfect shot of its scenic lakes. Here are some of the best places to go for the perfect lake picture:
- Lake Wakatipu
- Lake Hayes
- Lake Wānaka
- Lake Hawea
- Lake Te Anau
- Milford Sound
Photographers have plenty of choices when it comes to finding the perfect spot for their shots. Queenstown offers opportunities to explore beautiful vistas from natural or man-made vantage points. Visit iconic spots like the Remarkables, Cecil Peak, and Ben Lomond for scenes with stunning views.
Time of Day
Once you’ve decided where to go for your shoot, it’s important to plan the time of day. While sunrise and sunset are popular times for photographers due to the optimal light, the middle of the day can also be a great time to capture the beautiful blues of the lake. For shots of the lake in its entirety, a cloudy day is ideal as it will even out light intensity.
Photography Tips
Once you’ve decided when and where to go, it’s time to plan for the actual shoot. Here are some general tips to help ensure a successful shoot:
- Be prepared: Make sure to pack all the necessary equipment before heading to the spot, including spare batteries and memory cards.
- Be flexible: Keep an eye out for interesting shots, but also be prepared to change up your plans if the weather changes.
- Be patient: You may have to wait for the perfect shot, but don’t forget to enjoy the experience itself.
- Be creative: Go beyond the obvious; explore angles and perspectives that may not be the most traditional.
Following these tips will help you create stunning photos of Queenstown’s scenic lakes.
Photo Editing
Once you’ve taken your shots, it’s time to bring them to life. Photo editing is an essential step to bring out the best in your photos and to give them a unique look. Editing software like Lightroom, Photoshop, and GIMP are all great options and offer numerous tools to edit and enhance your photos. Here are some tips on editing your photos:
- Resize and crop your photos to give them a more professional look.
- Adjust the colours and contrast for the most impact.
- Consider adding a filter to give your photos a unique look.
Editing your photos can be lots of fun, and can bring out the best in your shots. Don’t be afraid to experiment and create something unique and beautiful.
Queenstown’s scenic lakes are some of the most beautiful places in all of New Zealand. With stunning locations, a wide variety of scenes to capture, and plenty of photo editing options, photographers of all skill levels can create amazing photos and stunning landscapes. With a little bit of planning and creativity, photographers can capture the beauty of Queenstown’s scenic lakes and create memorable works of art.