Join our photography lessons at Lake View Cemetery, which is one of the excellent and scenic locations in the rotation of many Seattle area venues that offer terrific photographic and diverse compositional opportunities for photographers of all skill levels and interests.
Situated at the top of Capitol Hill overlooking the Seattle skyline and landscape, Lake View Cemetery is a beautiful, tranquil, and serene piece of land that honors Seattle's beloved citizens and the rich, complex history of the city and the surrounding region. The peaceful, contemplative setting and atmosphere contrasts sharply with the urban environment visible below, creating interesting compositional opportunities and varied visual interest for photographers seeking to explore different subject matter and themes.
Why Lake View Cemetery is an Excellent Photography Location: The cemetery features mature landscaping with beautiful mature trees and gardens throughout the grounds; interesting monuments, sculptures, and architectural elements of different styles and eras; elevated vantage points offering expansive views over the Seattle landscape and surrounding areas; varied and changing light conditions throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky; a contemplative, quiet, respectful atmosphere conducive to thoughtful, artistic photography; dramatic seasonal changes that provide completely different visual opportunities and subject matter year-round.
Photography Topics and Subjects Covered: Capturing architectural details and monument photography with proper lighting; composition techniques for landscapes with depth, interesting foreground elements, and layered visual interest; portrait photography opportunities among beautiful natural surroundings and scenic backdrops; black and white photography approaches to emphasize form, texture, and timeless quality; managing various lighting conditions and challenging light situations; respectfully photographing sacred and significant locations; seasonal photography and how changing seasons dramatically affect the visual landscape and light.
Learning Approach and Methodology: This session includes a guided walkthrough and orientation of the cemetery, identifying interesting photographic locations and compelling compositional opportunities; detailed instruction on appropriate camera settings for existing lighting conditions and specific subjects; dedicated time for independent shooting and personal exploration; group review and constructive discussion of photographs taken; personalized feedback and helpful suggestions for technical and artistic improvement.
Suitable For: Photographers interested in landscape and architectural photography disciplines; those actively seeking to improve composition and framing skills; anyone wanting to practice with different challenging lighting and varied subject matter; photographers interested in documenting Seattle's cultural heritage and history; all experience levels, from absolute beginners to advanced, experienced photographers.
Practical Information and Preparation: The cemetery is accessible and relatively easy to navigate with varied terrain; wear comfortable, supportive shoes as we'll be walking and exploring various areas and elevations; bring water and sun protection for outdoor work; deeply respect the sanctity and significance of the location and other visitors; practice thoughtful, reverent, and respectful photography.
