Suggested Equipment
Anything from a pocket point & shoot to a DSLR with all the extras.
Photo Spot Location
Gettysburg National Military Park, off U.S. Route 15 in Gettysburg, PA (just a few miles north of the Maryland border). This site of the deadliest battle in the history of American warfare has been transformed into a splendid memorial to those who fought and died there.
Photo Subjects Available
First is the countryside. The landscape varies from wide open fields, to rocky piles of glacial debris, to heavily wooded parcels. Just about any time of year there are opportunities to make unique pictures of the landscape.
Next look at the buildings. There's the little farm house behind Cemetery Ridge which served as George Meade' HQ and the Lutheran Seminary on Seminary Ridge from which Robert E. Lee directed his forces. Other structures that survived the battle are scattered around the battlefield. In the town, evidence of the fighting remains in the bullet holes marking the historic buildings.
Then there are the monuments. Some are small and simple. Others large and extravagant. Many just call out to be photographed from a variety of angles and with a variety of lighting conditions.
There are many ways to get around the park. Cemetery Ridge from the target of Picket's Charge to Little Round Top is a pleasant walk filled with photo subjects. And there is a self-guided auto tour which covers much of the battlefield. Rangers and guides provide tours on foot, by bicycle, on horseback, or even in your own car. And there are bus tours as well. All provide ample opportunity to take pictures along the route.
It's not uncommon to find a group of Civil War re-enactors in the park. These folks are serious about historical accuracy and you might have the chance to photograph people in authentic historical costume.
Advice
- Wear comfortable shoes designed for walking and maybe even climbing.
- Start at the (new) visitors center to get oriented to the things you'll be seeing in the park.
- Bring the kids. This was always a favorite spot for my children and now for my grandchildren. It's a fun learning experience.
- Rent and watch the movie "Gettysburg" right before your visit.
- Return as often as you can.