Balboa Park in San Diego holds a special place in my heart — my husband and I got married there!

Having lived in multiple places around the world — Paris, Tasmania, Queensland — one of my biggest takeaways is to be a tourist in your own city. For me, this means getting out early in the morning and photographing gems when the light is soft, enjoying solitude in places that are normally bustling, and finding hidden gems.

From its beautifully manicured gardens to its iconic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, Balboa Park is a feast for the eyes. You can easily spend a day here, wandering the paths and taking in all of the incredible museums and cultural attractions.

For this San Diego landmark, I chose a morning where the weather was good (clear). Here are a few ways I like to prepare for a travel tourism shoot:

1. Plan ahead: Research your destination and make a list of the sights you want to capture. Consider the time of day, lighting, and weather conditions when planning your shoot.
2. Pack the right gear: Pack my gear the night before (camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards, tripod), as I’m usually out the door before the sun rises.
3. Be patient: Sometimes it takes time to get the perfect shot. Wait for the right moment, take your time, and experiment with different angles and compositions.
4. Look for unique perspectives: Don’t just take the standard tourist photos. Look for interesting angles, reflections, and patterns to create more unique and memorable images.
5. Pay attention to the details: Sometimes the small details can make the biggest impact. Look for the intricate patterns, colors, and textures that make a location unique.
6. Edit your photos: Post-processing is an important part of photography. Use editing software to adjust exposure, color, and contrast to enhance the overall quality of your images. I like to take out any rogue pieces of trash, construction tape, or distracting signs.

Here’s a look at Balboa Park in San Diego!

Balboa Park Travel Tourism Photography