10 Iconic Washington Selfie Locations and How to Shoot Them
by Ayan Qui, photographer
We’ve sifted many locations for iconic selfies that will also make for an amazing selfie bucket list. We sought places throughout this amazing state, and these rose to the top. Click and read the caption to get the photographic wisdom behind these iconic selfie locations.
1. Space Needle – Any idiot with a phone and a Space Needle pass can get a decent shot. But it’s the cloudy days—not socked in—that have more visual impact. Sunlight can overwhelm any photo in a glass fish bowl. This shot is powerful because of the pose, the contrast of the subject’s dark clothing and hair and because an overcast day allows for even light and good skin tones. Post by @singsinthetimber
2. Mt. St. Helens – Earn the summit, damnit! A summit hiker will take seven to twelve hours roundtrip. A permit and a fee are requisite for most of the climbing season. This one will feel better that most others. Capture your success for posterity. Plant your virtual flag with a beautiful act. Post by @andinguyen08
3. Deception Pass Bridge connects Whidbey Island with Washington mainland and was built in 1935 as part of FDR’s New Deal. It stands 180 feet over the cobalt aqueous Deception Pass below. Enable your camera’s gridlines to get these lines perfect. Post by @kelseyrileydixon
4. Colchuck Lake is 42 miles southwest of Leavenworth in the Central Cascades. It’s an 8 mile round trip from the trailhead and demands 2,280 feet of climbing. Perspective and scale are important for this shot. The mountains across the lake form a V shape, whose cleavage in the foreground makes for a good spot for the subject. The subject can get lost in the background, so be sure that he or she fills at least a half of the vertical frame. Post by @ginger_adventures89
5. The Columbia Gorge is long and winding and windy. Use that to your advantage. Overcast days are good, so that the sky isn’t overexposed. Facing away from the camera changes the mood and emotion of this photo. Walking away motivates others to follow you on a journey. Walking into the camera puts the focus on the subject and not the riverine idyll. Post by @forminfocus
6. Spokane Falls provide easy access in downtown Spokane. Don’t take just another waterfall photo here. Use the churning falls as your background and opt for a short focal distance, or selective focus on your subject. The falls create a soft white palate in the background. Post by @steveechapman
7. The Olympic Peninsula is an embarrassment of visual riches. One that stands out it on Storm King above Crescent Lake. It’s a short but difficult vertical hike, so don’t expect to arrive camera ready. This massive perspective is stunning in this setting. Of you are along, use the longest delay on your camera and shoot a number of test shots until you have the shot. Skies are important in this shot, too. A red sky at night—Instagrammer’s delight. Post by @zendestination
8. The Long Beach Peninsula has miles of beauty along its length but is known best for its driveable beaches. Prepare your car or truck for a shot at dusk when the sun is falling from its western skies. Post by @rhipayne
9, Whether you make it to the North Cascades in during wildflower bloom or an overcast snowy afternoon, Methow Valley and its miles of perfect running and nordic ski trails. Not everyone is a yogi in skis, but we can all aspire. Post by @motiveyogaco
10. Skagit Tulip Festival is a visual kaleidoscope. But too much color can just end up appearing gaudy. Choose your outfit accordingly and with restraint. Don’t caption with a quote of an author you didn’t know until that day—cheese will melt your flowers. Post by @Amarakauranand
