Tips to Get the Best Photos From an Observation Deck

Taking photos on observation decks can be tricky—reflections, harsh light, and crowded spaces are common challenges. Follow these practical tips to ensure your pictures stand out while keeping your gear safe at breathtaking heights!

Observation decks are the modern alternatives for mountain climbing, but you cannot yell your lungs out after reaching the peak! 

The first and only thing we will do here is pull out our cameras or smartphones and try to get the best pictures without dropping them from a thousand feet. 

Here are some tips and tricks to make your observation deck pictures the best.

Challenges clicking pics through glass windows

A reflective photograph of a man wearing a beanie and gloves, holding a camera, captured through a glass window.Pin

There are two types of observation decks: open decks and ones where you are behind glass walls. 

You might face difficulty clicking pictures behind glass walls as they tend to reflect what is against them; here are some ways to avoid it.

The black bag trick

A camera behind a glass window with its sides covered with dark cloth, also known as black bag trick, to eliminate reflections.Pin

Glass objects reflect everything against them; sometimes, even the photographer is visible in the pictures. 

This happens when you take pictures of the city below from observation decks, of the fish in aquariums and art exhibits inside glass panels. 

The black bag trick comes in handy during such situations. 

When capturing the cityscapes through a glass window, try to bring the camera as close as possible to the windows so that the glass pane and the camera are touching.

The closer the camera is to the glass, the less reflection it gives.   

After this, hold up a dark material like a black cloth or a jacket to cover the camera’s surrounding area. Doing this blocks the external light and lets the camera capture only the view outside.

Other instances and ways to avoid bad pictures, 

  • Turn off the flash on your cameras 
  • Do not take pictures when the sun is directly on the glass; this will cause the dust to show in the pictures 
  • Taking pictures of yourself when the sun is directly against the glass wall will not give bright photographs but only a silhouette, as this would cause an eclipse kind of situation with only your shadow being captured in the picture
  • It is best to wait till the sun sets or it is on the other side of the observation deck
  • Focus on the person from the side to avoid casting a reflection of the photographer on the glass wall behind.

Visit during times when the crowd is less

A sleek, modern observation deck with curved glass railings, offering panoramic views of the city and clear blue skies.Pin

Arriving early when the observation deck opens lets you have a calm experience with more time to click pictures and less crowd. 

You can find the best spots and angles to click as many pictures as you want with no strangers photobombing in the background!

Bring tripods to the observation deck

Taking Photo with a tripodPin

You can take aesthetic time-lapse videos using your tripods while on the decks. 

The perfect time to do this would be right when the sun sets so that you can film a transition video of the other buildings coming to light as the sun falls. 

Avoid carrying tripods when the attraction is too crowded, as this might cause space issues for others.

Note: Some observation decks do NOT allow tripods. Do check in advance.

Best time to click pictures

A breathtaking sunset view over a city skyline with tall skyscrapers, casting a golden glow across the buildings.Pin

The best time to take pictures from an observation deck is right before sunrise and before sunset. These hours of the day are popularly called the ‘golden hour’ or ‘magic hour.’ 

Right before sunrise, there is a warm golden glow, which slowly intensifies as time passes; this same glow is cast a couple of hours before sunset, making them ideal times to get pictures with good lighting. 

The golden hour varies based on the place, weather, and seasons.

Be cautious while clicking selfies in open decks

A man wearing a scarf and jacket, taking a selfie with a tablet against the backdrop of a cityscape and a river.Pin

Observation decks can sometimes be overwhelming, and it is important to stay safe and careful.

When taking pictures close to the perimeter or edge railing area, avoid leaning over them and always keep a safe distance.

Keep your belongings like phones, cameras, and valuables safe from accidentally dropping them.

Exercise more caution while taking selfies, which can sometimes cause deadly accidents. 

Toddlers should be supervised; always keep them with you and ensure they stay behind the barriers.

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Researched & written by
Akshaya Rajkumar is a distinguished travel writer passionate about road trips, tourist attractions, and discovering local cuisines. Her travel ethos is rooted in the belief that the joy of a journey lies not just in the destination but in the experiences along the way. Her extensive travels have enriched her writing with authenticity and insightful commentary. Akshaya’s work captures the essence of each destination and serves as a valuable guide for those looking to discover new places. Her articles are a treasure trove of tips for locals and tourists, making her a trusted voice in the travel community. Favorite travel movie: Into The Wild. Next destination: Cape Town.

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