Keeper of the Plains
I cut my teeth on landscape photography at the Keeper of the Plains over a decade ago. It’s great for both beginners and experienced photographers, and worth visiting in all four seasons. You’ll find ice, snow and fog in the winter; flowers and other growth in the foreground during spring; wild sunflowers for a short period in June; and grasses and trees for warmer tones in the fall. It's also a great place to photograph storms rolling in from spring through summer.

No matter what season, make sure to shoot different angles. One of my go-to spots is on the north bank of the river, using the small waterfall/rapids as a foreground. Shooting from the south bank in summer can be good as the sun sets farther north. When the river and wind are calm, the area above the waterfall can be a great place for a good reflection of the Keeper. Also, getting closer up to the Keeper or the bow-and-arrow inspired bridges can give unique perspectives. Sunrise, in particular, can be awesome from up on the bridges.

^{Sunrise fog at the Keeper of the Plains was shot in March when spring was just arriving in Kansas. The bush makes an awesome foreground as the foggy sunrise gave the background a unique color. - Mickey Shannon}

Santa Fe Lake Falls
Like most waterfalls in Kansas, this one runs dry in drought but after a good rain you’ll see a fast flow! Get low and shoot up at the water for a sense of depth. Look for a rock to use as a foreground object.

Klausmeyer Sunflower Farm
Catching a sunflower field in bloom is all about timing (generally ranging late-July to September). Keep an eye on the Klausmeyer Sunflower Farm Facebook page for information on when their fields will be in bloom. I also update this article on my blog when sunflower season begins for fields near Wichita.

Friends University Davis Administration Building
This building is a work of art when it comes to architecture and history. Every year, they light the clocktower for the season just after Thanksgiving and it makes a great subject. The typical composition of the building it to shoot directly down Centennial Lane, which is the large walkway coming from the east (front) of the building. Also give it a try in spring, summer or fall.

Botanica Wichita
Don’t miss the full effect of Botanica’s rainbow entrance to its children’s garden. Late in the afternoon, when the sun is behind your subject and the structure, you’ll see the colors of the structure projected on the concrete for a cool effect.

Union Station
There’s a great spot on the platform above the depot: a large concrete structure with the word “Wichita” on the south end.

Kansas Aviation Museum
There are interesting architectural details on the front of the building, around the corner from the main museum entrance, and be sure to photograph the static aircraft on the tarmac with the museum as a backdrop.

Keeper of the Plains
If you’re photographing people in front of the Keeper, shoot from the south side of the Arkansas River for the best light for your subject(s).

^{The pedestrian bridge to the Keeper of the Plains provides interesting lines. - Darrin Hackney}

^{Don’t miss the nightly lighting of the fire pots at the Keeper of the Plains. - Darrin Hackney}

Sedgwick County Zoo
Wear something similar to what the zookeepers wear when they feed the animals, including hats and specific colors, and visit toward the end of the day when they might be hungry; the animals may pay more attention if they think you’re going to feed them.

Old Cowtown Museum
My favorite time to be there is when the weather is not at its best: Try a rainy summer afternoon or a cold winter day.

Wildlife Parks
More specifically, Chisholm Creek Park at Great Plains Nature Center and Swanson Park, a designated Wichita Wild Habitat area. Start early, before the people activity sends the animals into hiding. Make an extra effort to go when it’s snowing. Each animal leaves a nice set of footprints to follow with your camera

^{Leopard at the Sedgwick County Zoo - Rick Reitmeyer}

^{Bald Eagle at the Sedgwick County Zoo - Rick Reitmeyer}

Keeper of the Plains
For a more unique perspective, try to capture the sun rays through the headdress.

Exploration Place
The placement of Exploration Place next to the water allows you to capture reflections of the Arkansas River that make for great photos.

Downtown Wichita Skyline
From any outer corner of downtown, you can always get an amazing shot of downtown with sunrise or sunset.

Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center
This building comes alive with color at night and offers a centerpiece for your Wichita skyline photography.

Scenes Along the Arkansas River
Iconic structures along the Arkansas River, including Exploration Place and the Keeper of the Plains, add great interest to photos along the river. 

Historic Buildings Downtown
Notable places include Wichita-Sedgwick Co. Historical Museum, the old Sedgwick County Courthouse and the Petroleum Building. Look up and look small – many of Wichita’s downtown buildings have great detail. 

City Parks
Especially Chisholm Creek Park, College Hill Park and Pawnee Prairie Park. Look for color and texture in the expanses of prairie grasses.