In short
- Winter and spring offer flooded reflection shots.
- Summer and fall are best for forced perspective.
- Bring a wide-angle lens and polarized filters.
In this article
- When is the best time for Bonneville Salt Flats reflection photography?
- How do you take forced perspective photos at the salt flats?
- What camera gear do you need for the salt flats?
- Where are the best places to take pictures on the salt flats?
- Is a permit required to photograph the Bonneville Salt Flats?
- Can you book a photography tour from Salt Lake City?
Taking photos at the Bonneville Salt Flats requires some planning. The 30,000-acre expanse reflects intense sunlight, and seasonal flooding completely changes the landscape.
When is the best time for Bonneville Salt Flats reflection photography?
Visit between November and May to photograph the mirror-like flooded salt flats.
During winter and spring, shallow water covers the flat salt crust. This creates a perfect reflection of the sky. Wear warm layered clothing for morning or winter shoots, as temperatures drop below freezing.
How do you take forced perspective photos at the salt flats?
Visit during the dry season from July to October.
The perfectly flat, 30,000-acre landscape lacks a normal horizon line. This makes distances hard to judge. Place a small object close to your camera and a person further back to create visual tricks.
What camera gear do you need for the salt flats?
Bring a wide-angle lens and lens filters to handle extreme glare.
The white salt reflects sunlight intensely. You will need polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes. A wide-angle lens helps capture the vast 12-mile by 5-mile scale of the flats.
Where are the best places to take pictures on the salt flats?
The rest areas along Interstate 80 offer the easiest access for photos.
The Eastbound Rest Area features a slightly elevated platform for panoramic shots. The Westbound Rest Area at Mile Marker 10 allows you to walk directly onto the pristine salt edge.
Is a permit required to photograph the Bonneville Salt Flats?
Personal photography is free and does not require a permit.
You only need a permit from the BLM Salt Lake Field Office for commercial photography. General access is free and open year-round.
Can you book a photography tour from Salt Lake City?
Yes, guided photography tours run from 4 to 8 hours.
Tours depart from Salt Lake City and cost between $100 and $250. Guides know the best viewing locations and provide round-trip transport so you can focus on shooting.
Questions travellers ask
Can you fly a drone at the Bonneville Salt Flats?
Drone usage requires a special permit from the BLM Salt Lake Field Office.
How do I keep my gear clean at the salt flats?
Do not set your camera down on the light brown mud flats. Bring towels and wet wipes to clean your hands and equipment.
When can I photograph racing events?
Racing events happen in late summer and early fall. During these permitted events, general public access is restricted to designated spectator areas.
