Digital Photography (WK3) - Location is Everything

For this assignment, we were asked to find 5 local photography locations that would make for exciting photos. While I am partial to botanical gardens and nature preserves, I wanted to make sure I had a good range of different types of locations. I was surprised by how many locations were so close! Personally, I think I'll be making a trip to the Morse Museum sometime soon. Where will you go?

1. Hollis Garden

Hollis Garden is a beautiful photo location known for its formal design and neoclassical architecture. Located within historic Lake Mirror Park, this 1.2-acre botanical display garden features patterned flower beds, ornamental fountains, public art, and over 10,000 flowers, shrubs, and native trees. Its structured layout and vibrant colors make it ideal for portraits, nature shots, and architectural photography.

Hours and Cost:

Free

Sunday–Thursday: 10 AM–6 PM
Friday & Saturday: 10 AM–4 PM
Closed Monday

Exclusive rentals: Friday & Saturday, 4–6 PM

Photography Limitations: Professional and posed sessions, such as engagements, weddings, or portraits, require an advance rental or photography permit, especially during exclusive-use hours. Tripods and large equipment may be restricted to avoid blocking walkways or disturbing visitors. Drones are not permitted, and photographers should stay on designated paths and avoid touching or moving plants or decorations. Access is limited to garden hours, and the space is sometimes closed for private events.

2. Bok Tower Gardens

Bok Tower Gardens is an incredible photo location because it combines natural beauty, historic architecture, and peaceful atmosphere. Located on one of Florida’s highest points, the gardens offer sweeping views and vibrant plant life.

• The Singing Tower: The centerpiece of the gardens is the 205-foot neo-Gothic and art deco carillon tower, made of pink and gray marble and adorned with intricate tilework. It looks stunning at sunrise or sunset, when the light catches the details and the tower’s reflection shimmers in the nearby pond.

• Beautiful Landscapes: The gardens were designed by famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., and feature winding paths, seasonal blooms, majestic oaks draped in Spanish moss, and quiet water features—perfect for everything from macro flower photography to sweeping landscape shots.

• Wildlife and Nature: Birds, butterflies, and other wildlife are abundant here, offering opportunities for candid, natural captures.

• Pinewood Estate: This 1930s Mediterranean-style mansion on the grounds adds architectural charm and a vintage aesthetic, great for portrait sessions or editorial-style photos.

• Seasonal and Special Events: Throughout the year, Bok Tower Gardens hosts concerts, plant festivals, and holiday events, adding energy and variety for those who love capturing moments full of life and color.

Costs and hours: Open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day) with the last admission at 5 p.m.

• Adults: $20
• Children (ages 6-17): $10
• Children (5 and under): Free
• Dog admission $10
• Members: Free
• El Retiro Tour admission is an additional fee and can be purchased for $10 for adults, $5 for children (ages 6-17), and children 5 and under are free. Member rate for El Retiro is $7.

Photography Limitations: Tripods, lighting gear, and large equipment are restricted in some areas, and professional or portrait sessions require a permit and advance approval. Drones aren’t allowed, and photographers must respect the grounds, wildlife, and other visitors. Some locations, like the inside of the Singing Tower or parts of Pinewood Estate, are off-limits, and access is limited to regular garden hours. No sunrise or nighttime shoots without special permission.

3. Silver Moon Drive-In Theater

Silver Moon Drive-In Theater is a nostalgic and unique photo location that captures classic Americana. Opened in 1948, it’s one of Florida’s oldest operating drive-ins, featuring vintage neon signs, twin outdoor movie screens, and rows of cars under the night sky. The retro atmosphere, complete with a snack bar and marquee lighting, makes it perfect for creative portraits, nighttime photography, and vintage-inspired shoots.

Hours: Open nightly (movies typically begin at dusk)

Ticket booth and snack bar open approximately one hour before showtime

• Adults (10+): $8 
• Children (ages 4–9): $3 
• Children under 4 are free 
• On Thursdays (special “bargain night”), adult tickets drop to $5

Parking: On-site parking available; photographers can capture both parked cars and lighted scenes after dark

Photography Limitations: Photography is allowed, but professional or commercial shoots may require management approval. Tripods and lighting gear should not obstruct vehicles or guest areas, and flash photography is discouraged during movie showings. Drones are prohibited, and photographers should be respectful of moviegoers’ privacy and avoid disrupting the viewing experience.

4. Southgate Shopping Center

Photography of the Southgate Shopping Center in Lakeland, Florida, often features its iconic 1957 arch and retro sign, which was a filming location for the movie "Edward Scissorhands". Many photos focus on this retro architecture, while others capture the location's history, from its 1960s grand opening to recent LED lighting upgrades that mimic the original neon look.

• The iconic arch: The center's large gateway arch, built in 1957, is a frequent subject for photographers. It was recently retrofitted with LED lighting, allowing for illuminated nighttime shots.

• Retro architecture: The overall 1950s and 1960s aesthetic of the shopping center, which has been preserved, is a major draw for those interested in vintage and retro photography.

Photography Limitations: Governed by the private property owner, so while public spaces allow for general photography, any commercial, posed, or professional photography requires permission from the shopping center's management. Photographers should assume that commercial shoots, portraits, or any session involving special equipment will need a permit and release from the owner, as the property owner has the right to control activity on their premises. 

5. The Morse Museum

The Morse Museum houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848–1933), including the artist and designer’s jewelry, pottery, paintings, art glass, leaded-glass lamps and windows; his chapel interior from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago; and art and architectural objects from his Long Island country estate, Laurelton Hall. The Museum’s holdings also include American art pottery, as well as late 19th- and early 20th-century American paintings, graphics, and decorative arts.

• Unique and extensive collection: The museum's most significant holdings are by Louis Comfort Tiffany, including his chapel interior, which is a spectacular and one-of-a-kind subject for photography.

• Diverse subject matter: Beyond Tiffany's glasswork, the museum offers a wide range of subjects, from American art pottery and paintings to decorative art, which can be inspiring for photographers.

Hours and Cost: 

Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

Sunday, 1 p.m.–4 p.m.

Closed Monday and most major holidays

• Adults: $8
• Seniors age 60 and older: $7
• Students (with valid ID): $3
• Free for children younger than 12
• Free Fridays from 4 p.m.–8 p.m., November through April

Photography Limitations: Personal photography is permitted for still images, but no flash is allowed. You cannot use tripods, monopods, or selfie sticks, and commercial use or publication of photos is prohibited. While video recording is not permitted, you can use a mobile phone to record for personal use.