Top 15 Spots to Photograph in Atlanta
Written and Photographed by Mike Lindle
Atlanta, dubbed the Hollywood of the South, is a fairly recent tax haven for film productions. It’s no wonder, Altanta has a one-of-a-kind skyline, a restaurant scene to rival NY / LA, and beautiful looks littered throughout the city.
Here are a few stills I shot over the course of week spent in Atlanta. I’ve also included a few tips, the gear I used, and how to get to each location using Google Maps.
Piedmont Park Midtown Reflection
Located just 1 mile NE of downtown this stunning public park offers gorgeous views of the city’s skyline.
Pro Tip - Lineup the skyline over the lake to get this epic reflection!
Cost - Free
Camera - Nikon D750
Lens - Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G
Atlanta Marriott Marquis - Interior
Sitting at 53 stories, the Marriott Marquis is Atlanta’s 14th tallest skyscraper. Originally designed by John C. Portman, Jr this building completed construction in 1985. Since it has a wide base and siknny top it is often called the Pregnant Building. Upon completion, this atrium was the largest in the world.
Pro Tip - Book a stay here to have nearly unlimited access to the building. If you don’t stay here security is usually pretty lax with photographers during regular hours.
Cost - Free
Camera - Nikon D750
Lens - Sigma 14mm f/1.8 Art
Jackson Street Bridge
A classic Atlanta skyline view over the freeway, this is a look recently popularized by The Walking Dead.
Pro Tip - Make sure to snag your spot early, this location fills up fast with other photographers and space can be limited.
Cost - Free
Camera - Nikon D750
Lens - Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G
The XX Bridge
Simply put, this is a pedestrian bridge that connects two parking garages and acts as a MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) stop.
Pro Tip - Time your shoot to avoid rush hour. This bridge fills up with pedestrians that are exiting / entering the station.
Cost - Free
Camera - Nikon D750
Lens - Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G
Views Over Centennial Olympic Park
Climb to the top of this parking deck and be rewarded with views over Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park.
Pro Tip - Bring a snack / water and prepare to be outside.
Cost - Free
Camera - Nikon D750
Lens - Sigma 14mm f/1.8 Art
Peachtree Center Station Escalator
Another common view among commuters, this escalator leads you to the street from Peachtree Center Station.
Pro Tip - Avoid during rush hour to not interrupt commuters.
Cost - Free
Camera - Nikon D750
Lens - Sigma 14mm f/1.8 Art
Top of Marriott Marquis
Here’s a special north-facing view of Atlanta, as seen from the top of the Marriott Marquis building. There aren’t many ways up here, you could send a drone up, book a room and beg for a high floor, find your way on the roof, sometimes you can even get lucky and ask a cleaning staff politely if you can take photos out of the window of a room on a high floor.
Pro Tip - If shooting through a window, bring a Lens Skirt.
Cost - Free
Camera - Nikon D750
Lens - Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G
Jackson Street Bridge Lookback
Shot from a drone, you can actually see the other side of the Jackson Street Bridge shot, looking back on the freeway with Jackson Street Bridge in the distance.
Pro Tip - Bring enough batteries for your drone!
Cost - Free
Camera - Mavic 2 Zoom
Peach St Parking Deck Staircase
A popular location for urban-grit photographers, come to this parking deck to photograph the grimy spiral staircase.
Pro Tip - Bring a wide angle lens!
Cost - Free
Camera - Nikon D750
Lens - Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G
Little Trouble Neon Sign
This hip nightclub / bar / lounge has an astonishingly protected neon sign. Make sure to come early in the evening if you want to photograph their sign, this places tends to fill up pretty quick after dinner.
Pro Tip - Their bao buns are pretty great.
Cost - Free
Camera - Nikon D750
Lens - Sigma 14mm f/1.8 Art
The Georgia Aquarium
This used to be the largest aquarium in the world since opening in 2005 to 2012, boasting 10 million gallons of water in their tanks. It is however still the largest aquarium in the US.
Pro Tip - Show up early and try to beat the crowds.
Cost - $32.95
Camera - Nikon D750
Lens - Sigma 14mm f/1.8 Art
Hyatt Regency Interior
This view is often overlooked since few open-air atriums are as impressive as the Marriott Marquis. Though if you’re in the neighborhood, nothing should stop you from entering this hotel and marveling at the Hyatt Regency atrium as well, it’s a mere 2-3 blocks away.
Pro Tip - Bring a wide lens!
Cost - Free
Camera - Nikon D750
Lens - Sigma 14mm f/1.8 Art
Top Down of Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Send the drone up to get this compelling view over the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This stadium is also known to open-up almost like a folded origami when the conditions are right.
Pro Tip - Be safe and avoid flying over crowds of people!
Cost - Free
Camera - Mavic 2 Zoom
Marriott Marquis Lookup
A nearly hidden view located right next to one of the most popular architecture views in Atlanta, go to the side of this building to find this lookup, nestled on the Marriott employee’s smoking area.
Pro Tip - Shoot wide and plan your shot with interesting daylight.
Cost - Free
Camera - Nikon D750
Lens - Sigma 14mm f/1.8 Art
Atlanta Skyline View
Another view from the drone, this shot allows the skyline to evenly space out among the skyscrapers.
Pro Tip - Avoid flying over crowds of people!
Cost - Free
Camera - Mavic 2 Zoom
If you enjoyed this article, feel free to check out our Aerial and Timelapse YouTube Channel!
