New Jersey is a beautiful state with varied scenery, and that’s perfect for photographers. If you’re a pro looking for some spectacular shots or are a beginner searching for a few places to bring your brand-new camera, you can’t go wrong at any of these Garden State destinations
- Speedwell Dam, Morristown
Michael Ver Sprill/iStock/Getty Images Plus Collection/Getty Images Snap a manmade waterfall, beautiful stone structure, and enchanting lake framed by foliage at Speedwell Dam, across from Historic Speedwell. Historic Speedwell, a National Historic Landmark, preserves the restored Speedwell Ironworks which dates back to the early 1800s. This is a great place for photos and a fantastic day trip.
- Great Falls, Paterson
Joe Rebelle/Moment Collection/Getty Images The Great Falls of the Passaic are some of the most impressive and powerful falls in the Northeast. They’re New Jersey’s Niagara and photo opportunities abound. Managed by the National Park Service, tours are available. You can also go on your own and snap the day away, capturing the falls at all angles and during all seasons.
- Hudson River Waterfront Walkway - Hoboken
Claire Gentile/Moment Collection/Getty Images The HRWW runs for around 11 miles along the Jersey side of the Hudson River. Some of the best places to shoot are in Hoboken, where you can score NYC skyline views, snap urban parks, and capture the historic Lackawanna Train Station.
- Cape May
Richard T. Nowitz/The Image Bank Collection/Getty Images Cape May is a photographer’s paradise with seemingly endless photo ops. Snap beautiful Victorian homes, gorgeous sunsets and a concrete ship at Sunset Beach, and so much more.
- Princeton University - Princeton
Barry Winiker/The Image Bank Collection/Getty Images Architecture and history combine on the gorgeous campus of Princeton University. The buildings are photographer favorites and the all-faith chapel, pictured, is an absolute stunner. You may also want to walk around town for a few shots, it doesn’t disappoint.
- Barnegat Lighthouse - Barnegat
Haizhan Zheng/E+ Collection/Getty Images A beauty both day and night, the distinctive red and white lighthouse is a must in any photographer’s portfolio.
- High Point State Park - Sussex
Rabbitti/iStock/Getty Images Collection/Getty Images Enjoy incredible views of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania from the highest point in the Garden State. There is no hiking necessary to score this view and many areas around the monument are wheelchair accessible.
- Red Mill - Clinton
Ken Wiedemann/iStock/Getty Images Plus Collection/Getty Images One of the most photographed destinations in New Jersey, the historic red mill on the Raritan River always makes for beautiful photos. Visiting the mill and adjacent art museum turn this quick stop into an entire day trip.
- Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Oceanville
ZhengXu/500px Collection/Getty Images Whether you’re seeking sunset shots or wildlife photos, this refuge has got you covered. It’s an especially magnificent destination for bird watching.
- Wiggins Waterfront Park - Camden
Joe Daniel Price/Moment Collection/Getty Images If you’re looking for skyline shots of Philadelphia, you’ll score some of the best photos at this waterfront park in Camden. The views are wonderful by day and magical by night. If you’re in the area, check out the battleship USS New Jersey and Adventure Aquarium.
This list is just the tip of the iceberg but you can’t go wrong taking photos at any of these destinations. They’re certainly among the best places for photographers in New Jersey! Of course, you could also visit Liberty State Park, Fort Hancock, nearly any beach town, and dozens of other places. Looking to discover more photographer-friendly locations in NJ? Leave a comment, and share your favorite spots if you’re feeling generous.
Michael Ver Sprill/iStock/Getty Images Plus Collection/Getty Images
Snap a manmade waterfall, beautiful stone structure, and enchanting lake framed by foliage at Speedwell Dam, across from Historic Speedwell. Historic Speedwell, a National Historic Landmark, preserves the restored Speedwell Ironworks which dates back to the early 1800s. This is a great place for photos and a fantastic day trip.
Joe Rebelle/Moment Collection/Getty Images
The Great Falls of the Passaic are some of the most impressive and powerful falls in the Northeast. They’re New Jersey’s Niagara and photo opportunities abound. Managed by the National Park Service, tours are available. You can also go on your own and snap the day away, capturing the falls at all angles and during all seasons.
Claire Gentile/Moment Collection/Getty Images
The HRWW runs for around 11 miles along the Jersey side of the Hudson River. Some of the best places to shoot are in Hoboken, where you can score NYC skyline views, snap urban parks, and capture the historic Lackawanna Train Station.
Richard T. Nowitz/The Image Bank Collection/Getty Images
Cape May is a photographer’s paradise with seemingly endless photo ops. Snap beautiful Victorian homes, gorgeous sunsets and a concrete ship at Sunset Beach, and so much more.
Barry Winiker/The Image Bank Collection/Getty Images
Architecture and history combine on the gorgeous campus of Princeton University. The buildings are photographer favorites and the all-faith chapel, pictured, is an absolute stunner. You may also want to walk around town for a few shots, it doesn’t disappoint.
Haizhan Zheng/E+ Collection/Getty Images
A beauty both day and night, the distinctive red and white lighthouse is a must in any photographer’s portfolio.
Rabbitti/iStock/Getty Images Collection/Getty Images
Enjoy incredible views of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania from the highest point in the Garden State. There is no hiking necessary to score this view and many areas around the monument are wheelchair accessible.
Ken Wiedemann/iStock/Getty Images Plus Collection/Getty Images
One of the most photographed destinations in New Jersey, the historic red mill on the Raritan River always makes for beautiful photos. Visiting the mill and adjacent art museum turn this quick stop into an entire day trip.
ZhengXu/500px Collection/Getty Images
Whether you’re seeking sunset shots or wildlife photos, this refuge has got you covered. It’s an especially magnificent destination for bird watching.
Joe Daniel Price/Moment Collection/Getty Images
If you’re looking for skyline shots of Philadelphia, you’ll score some of the best photos at this waterfront park in Camden. The views are wonderful by day and magical by night. If you’re in the area, check out the battleship USS New Jersey and Adventure Aquarium.
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Address: Speedwell Dam, Morristown, NJ 07960, USAAddress: Great Falls, Paterson, NJ, USAAddress: 340 Sinatra Dr, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USAAddress: Cape May, NJ 08204, USAAddress: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USAAddress: Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, 208 Broadway, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006, USAAddress: High Point State Park, 1480 NJ-23, Sussex, NJ 07461, USAAddress: Red Mill Museum Village, 56 Main St, Clinton, NJ 08809, USAAddress: 733 E Lilly Lake Rd, Absecon, NJ 08205, USAAddress: 2 Riverside Dr, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
