You’ve heard it said, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Whether you’re looking for the perfect pic to share with your friends on social media, or you simply want a way to remember a good time spent with friends and family, finding opportunities to snap a pic or two on your next cabin getaway can be a great idea!
Picture-Perfect Places to Visit
Broken Bow boasts a variety of gorgeous landscapes. From the clear and rushing Mountain Fork River, to the lush and dense Ouachita National Forest, to the breathtaking Kiamichi Mountains, you’ll find no shortage of perfect photo ops!
We’ve included a brief list of some of our favorite locations for a great photo-op in Broken Bow. Keep reading to find the perfect location for your group to capture some unique, special memories!
Hiking is a great group activity that allows you to get outside, get some exercise, and spend some wonderful quality time with friends and family. Hiking also allows you to snap some great pictures of you and your loved ones in the great outdoors!
Thanks to Beavers Bend State Park, there’s no shortage of great hiking trails in Broken Bow. Whether you and your crew are expert hikers or you’re looking for a nice afternoon stroll, there is something for you! Here are a few of our favorite trails:
- Friends Trail Loop: This easy 1.5 mile loop is the perfect hike for anyone, but especially for beginners! There are several scenic overlooks along the way that provide perfect photo backdrops.
- Skyline Trail: For more experienced hikers, the strenuous 5.5 mile Skyline Trail cannot be missed. This trail has tons of inclines and ends at a waterfall, which make it great for photos! If you’re honeymooning or hanging with a group of athletic friends, this trail is perfect for you; however, if you’re not keen on hiking or if you have young kids with you, you might look for a simpler trail for you and your crew.
- Lookout Mountain Trail: This hiking trail is one of the most popular in Broken Bow! Lookout Mountain is a moderate 2 mile out-and-back hike that climbs to gorgeous vistas of the surrounding forests and lakes. Once you reach the top, the rocky summit makes for a picture-perfect selfie spot.
- Thunderbird Waterfall: While there are many trails in Broken Bow that end at a waterfall, this hidden gem is one of our favorites. Thunderbird Waterfall
Talimena National Scenic Byway
The Talimena National Scenic Byway begins in Oklahoma where Highway 271 meets Oklahoma State Highway 1. While a bit off the beaten path, making the journey along the byway is well worth the extra travel time for those seeking breathtakingly beautiful panoramic views.
As opposed to hiking, this activity requires little physical effort, which means that you and your group can get a little more dressed up without having to worry about getting sweaty or dirty! Load up the family in the car, enjoy a nice and relaxing drive together, and get ready to snap some pics at the various stops along the ride!
Your Cabin!
Who says you have to leave your cabin for a successful photoshoot? One of the perks of booking your stay in a luxury cabin is the opportunity for some great photo-ops! These cabins are nestled right into the scenic forests of Broken Bow, which provide the perfect backdrop for a few photos.
If you’re on vacation with your family and the photos in the hallway are starting to look a little outdated, why not plan family pictures during your stay? There are plenty of talented photographers in the area ready to capture stunning photos of you and your family. Some of our recommendations include:
Nature Photography Tips
While hiring a professional takes the pressure off of your shoulders, you can still get some great photos on your phone with a little bit of effort and planning! Additionally, you’ll want, we have some tips to make sure you get gorgeous, high-quality photos.
Find the Lighting
Has this ever happened to you? You encounter a breathtaking piece of scenery, like a gorgeous lush forest or a breathtaking mountain top, so you get your friend to take a picture of you– only to look at it later and realize that your face is entirely in the shadows, and you can’t even see the landscape behind you!
To avoid this, make sure you are facing the light! If you are positioned correctly, the person taking your photo should stand between you in your light source. This creates photos where the subject is detailed, saturated, and fully illuminated.
We’re assuming that, if you’re taking photos in nature, your light source is most likely the sun; for especially gorgeous photos, take advantage of that golden hour glow! If you take your photos in the early morning hours or during sunset, you won’t have to squint directly into the sun, and your photos will have a lovely, warm glow to them!
Step Back, Zoom In
Trying to get a photo that includes a person in the foreground of a gorgeous natural scene can be tricky– you either cut off half of the person, or you can’t get the entire background scene to fit into the photo! We have an easy, simple trick to help you get the best of both worlds.
If you’re trying to snap a pic of your friend for their Instagram while still including the background, try taking a few steps back and zooming in ever so slightly. While it might seem like a silly change, this slight change in perspective allows you to include more of the background while still keeping your subject focused in the foreground!
Use Grid Lines
Sometimes, it’s hard to frame pictures just right. You spot a beautiful scene that catches your eye, and in your mind, you’re figuring out how you’ll get your shot and envisioning the final image. However, when you pull your phone or camera out and peer through the viewfinder to capture that magical moment, the framing looks way different from what you had envisioned.
One fix to this problem is to utilize the grid lines on your phone or camera. These grid lines allow you to see how much space your subject will take up in your photo, which allows you to move and reposition yourself to get the perfect shot.
In photography, there is a principle called the Rule of Thirds which states that dividing your image into thirds, both vertically and horizontally, makes your image more visually appealing and interesting. Your phone camera should have grid lines that divide your screen into thirds, both vertically and horizontally, which you can use to achieve this effect.
For images that look professional and balanced, position the focal point of your photos along the grid lines and on the intersections of the lines. This tactic ensures that, when people look at your image, their eyes are naturally drawn to the elements that you want them to see!
Capture Memories to Last a Lifetime
With its rolling hills, clear lakes, and lush forests, Broken Bow, Oklahoma is a nature lover’s paradise. No matter where you point your lens, you’ll end up with postcard-worthy pictures on your next Broken Bow vacation.
Whether you prefer capturing the golden light of sunrise over a misty lake, the vibrant colors found along hiking trails, the serene beauty of a sunny meadow, or even simply a cozy bonfire at your cabin after a long day of adventures– Broken Bow delivers. With its natural splendor and charming atmosphere, Broken Bow offers an escape where you can indulge your passion for photography while disconnecting from the stresses of everyday life.
Pack up your gear, book that cozy cabin nestled among the pines, and get ready to explore and capture unforgettable memories in one of Oklahoma’s most beautiful and scenic destinations!
Make sure you tag us if you stay at one of our cabins- we would love to see your pictures!
