Bonneville Salt Flats Photography Etiquette

Bonneville already has the backdrop: patterns in the salt, changing light and open space. Keep the setup simple. Photograph the surface as it is, from the area open to visitors, and leave room for other people to get through.

Access comes before the shot

When the salt is moist or covered with water, BLM restricts vehicle access. Permitted events can also limit where visitors go. The BLM visitor page has the access information to read before the trip. On site, follow the signs and keep the vehicle in the permitted parking or access area.

A barrier may rule out the composition you had in mind. Find another angle from the open area rather than entering a race area or crossing onto restricted ground.

Leave the surface in the photograph

A tripod should sit on the surface, without a trench dug around it. Lettering, coloured liquids and loose props do not belong on the salt. Work with the patterns and light that are already there.

• Carry out everything you bring in, including props.
• Choose a stable setup that leaves the salt intact.
• Pick up small bits of packaging as you go. Wind can carry them away.

A commercial or other planned shoot may need permits. Ask the BLM Salt Lake Field Office what your shoot requires before booking equipment and bringing a group.

Other visitors in the frame

Bags and stands should be out of the way at a shared access point. Set up to one side so people can walk through. Someone crossing your frame is a reason to pause or reframe, then carry on.

For a group portrait, get everyone organised before they step into position and leave gaps between shots for people to pass. Ask a stranger before including them in a close, identifiable portrait.

Getting the group back

Leave enough time to reach the access point before light or weather makes the return difficult. A missing reflection or horizon shot is not a reason to keep extending the stop. Try a simpler composition.

Before anyone spreads out, agree on a meeting place and time. Tell the group when you move. A photo stop can otherwise turn into a search for someone who went off after a different view.