A “Baker’s Dozen” of Places to Photograph
From smart-phone selfies to rich studies of the textures of the land and sea, to snapshots of your dog on the beach, Whidbey and Camano Islands offer photographers the opportunity to create rich art, or just have a good time posting to Instagram.
In no particular order, here are 13 places to photograph...
1. The Ferry to Whidbey Selfie – Get the sun in your face, your sweetie at your side and smile. If you want to get artistic and are traveling near sunset, the photos of Whidbey from the Coupeville ferry can be awesome.
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The east side of Deception Pass Bridge as seen from the Whidbey Island side.
2. Deception Pass – The iconic picture of the bridges are actually taken from a spot a quarter mile north of the bridge on SR 20. Technically, you’re no longer on Whidbey Island, but hey, it’s the thought that counts. Bonus: Deception Pass State Park could occupy a photographer for a whole year. An easy suggestion: park at West Beach, walk to the beach and shoot from water level. Walk the short, but steep path up to bridge level and shoot again. Sunsets and sunrises are great!
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3. English Boom Historic Park – Get up early because this place is stunning at sunrise. It’s always interesting to see places that were once thriving with human activity, but are now being taken back by nature.
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4. Ebey’s Reserve Scenic Overlook - This is an afternoon visual treat. Park at the scenic overlook and wait for the golden hour near sunset. Or, take the ridge trail toward the beach. Watch for the historic 100 year-old blockhouses that protected early settlers in case of attack.
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The sun rises behind the Coupeville Wharf.
5. The Coupeville Wharf – Coupeville’s wharf is a must visit, and must photograph, stop. The bright red building is dynamic on a sunny morning. BONUS: Walk Coupeville’s historic main street. There are lots of historic details to photograph, along with great food and shopping. The county’s museum is a trove of photo ops. Website...
6. Barnum Point – Saved from development by the Whidbey-Camano Land Trust Camano Island's newest park is a pristine beach and a fascinating bluff overlook.
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7. Cama Beach State Park – This 50’s style tourist camp is right on the shore of Possession Sound. Sunset is the best time to photograph, but come early, and rent a boat from the Center for Wooden Boats along with a crab pot. You’ll soon have a dinner you can cook there on the beach. Since you’re shooting the sunset on a full tummy, you’ll want to spend the night.
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8. Boy and Dog Park – Langley’s artistic whimsy is best expressed by the pocket park, on first street with the boy and dog statue. It's officially known as Robert L. Smith Park. A sunny morning lights the boy’s face while late afternoon is perfect to show off the water view. BONUS: Walk the stairway next to the park to reach the water’s edge.
9. Canopy Tours NW Zip Lining – Show everyone at home you’re a real-life action hero. This unique zip line is also an educational experience.
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10. Deception Pass Boat Tours – You could take this tour a dozen times and have new experiences on every trip. The open-air jet boat provides 360 degrees of view. Make sure your camera batteries are charged and your camera cards have plenty of room!
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The Admiralty Head Lighthouse shortly after sunrise.
11. Admiralty Head Lighthouse – Enjoy the grace and beauty of Whidbey Island’s silent sentinel. Getting a photo from the top of the lighthouse is simply a must. If the sky is right, photos at sunset are keepers!
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12. Fort Casey State Park – Right next door to the lighthouse is one of the forts that protected Puget Sound. Around sunset is a great time to be here, but if you want to shoot inside the concrete bunkers, come in the middle of a bright sunny day and bring along a tripod.
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13. South Whidbey State Park –The trail along the bluff has a commanding view of Admiralty Inlet. Hint: let the setting sun light your sweetie’s face and shoot them, in addition to the sunset. The trail down to the narrow beach takes you through dense Northwest vegetation. Note: This trail is being rebuilt after storm damage. The last portion is a bit of a challenge.
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