deanfl Loc: Georgia

Most likely everyone has looked forward to visiting famous locations.....and afterwards felt that the photo ops were disappointing or overrated.

For me, Acadia National Park and Monument Valley come to mind. These two are extremely popular and favorites for many. I can’t say I didn’t find good photo ops, just that, overall, they were less than I expected.

I realize the above may be a reflection of a personal shortcoming on my part.

Are there famous locations that you found overrated or disappointing photographically?

Bob Mevis Loc: Plymouth, Indiana

Yes, San Diego Zoo.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

No. I've been disappointed by the weather at the time of my visits and thus took no photographs. However, I was still in awe of the location none the less.
--Bob

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

The only places I found disappointing were the ones with vast amounts of tourists. GSMNP and Yellowstone to name a few

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Which is exactly why I like this forum so much. I can travel the world without leaving my computer chair.

d2b2 Loc: Catonsville, Maryland, USA

I felt the same way about Acadi. I thought it was great, but photographically nowhere near what I hoped for. But then, sometimes the time of year, or perhaps some limited areas I might visit play into it. I would go back, but not with an intense desire to photographic.

Most of the places in which I am disappointed are due to the crowds, not the scenery itself. Italy was a perfect example. This is not a great photo, but getting it was a mammoth undertaking because what you cannot see, are literally several hundred people crowded around it, some with feet in the water which is unquestionably against the law, in Italy. It took almost an hour to get a shot without ten or more people in the picture. In fact, not long after we left, there was legislation that I believe was ultimately ratified that provided for huge penalties for throwing money and other things into the pool around the fountain, or getting into the water, even minimally. There is nothing we can do about crowds; others have every right to be wherever we want to shoot. But it is disappointing, none-the-less.

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CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

It's the places fault, never the photographer ...

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

i think timing plays a key role. We went to Yellowstone in early May and it was awesome. Were there people there, yes but not throngs, so it was very manageable.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I get great images from Acadia. Maybe some people just can't "see".
But then I love Acadia & MDI...

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Timing does play a role. We have gone in July and also August (our youngest son lives in Bozeman Montana) and there were busloads of tourists at the touristy sites, not so much elsewhere. We went then so as not to have any snow. I am originally from Wisconsin and the older I get, the less I want to drive on snow and ice.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Here is an article with tips about "farther afield" locations in Acadia and at least three photos that are unlikely to be what you envisioned: https://www.outdoorphotographer.com/on-location/travel/acadia-national-park-land-sea/

There have been a couple of previous UHH topics about looking for non-iconic photo ops in iconic locations. I can understand someone going to a once-in-a-lifetime location and being disappointed by crowds and the reality vs. what they had imagined. But, yeah - it's up to the person with the camera to work with whatever weather they encounter and to think beyond those "postcard" shots.

mflowe Loc: Port Deposit, MD

Acadia is over rated???

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Now that is what I'm talking about

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Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

If memory serves, you don't even have to leave the parking lot of the lodge at Monument Valley ...

Merrick Butte by Paul Sager, on Flickr