Categories: Arts & Culture

Yesterday, I received a message on the @VisitBtown Twitter account asking where the best places to take fall photos are in Bloomington. Well, that got me to thinking and I very quickly came up with five great ideas for taking fall photos in B-town. These are all great places to capture beautiful scenery, family photos or just a quick snapshot.

1. The IU Campus
   The folks who do the landscaping on the IU campus deserve some serious kudos. No matter what the season, the campus is beautifully decked out in carefully placed trees, flowers and other plants. A few iconic places to snap that perfect campus photo would include the Sample Gates, Rose Wellhouse, Beck Chapel, the Arboretum and Memorial Stadium, but be on the lookout throughout the campus for incredible photo opportunities.
   
2. A Local Winery
   Take your choice - Oliver Winery or Butler Winery. Both offer beautiful scenery and landscaping. The garden at Oliver Winery has been recognized by Midwest Living Magazine for it's beautiful flowers and limestone scuplture, while the Butler Winery vineyard and pond offer great photo opportunities as well.
   
3. Musgrave Orchard
   A favorite fall destination for many reasons, Musgrave is also a great place to capture the feeling of fall on film (or digitally, as the case may be). The front porch offers a great backdrop for some quick pics of the kids, complete with pumpkins!
   
4. Hoosier National Forest
   Take a walk through the Hoosier National Forest to grab some incredible nature photos. Bring the kids and the family dog (on a leash please) to get some great candid shots, and don't forget to climb the firetower and enjoy the view (and the fall colors)!
   
5. The Lake
   Once again, choose any one of the lakes in the Bloomington area - Lake Monroe, Lake Lemon, Griffy Lake or the small lake along Old State Road 37 in the Morgan-Monroe Forest. The changing fall foliage and an expanse of water always make for beautiful photos! Rent a boat on Lake Monroe to capture the beauty from a different viewpoint - on the water looking back at the shore! 

There are endless opportunities for taking great fall photos in and around Bloomington. These are a few of my favorites, but please share your ideas in the comments section as well. I'd love to hear them! While we're talking seasonal photos, if you've got any great summer photos taken in Bloomington, please share them with us on our Facebook page!