Jones Park has long been a favorite for families, joggers, and dog walkers, but in recent years it has also become a magnet for photographers. With its mix of natural landscapes, public art, and community spaces, the park offers countless opportunities for striking photos. Whether you’re shooting with a professional camera or just your phone, this guide will walk you through the best spots inside Jones Park to capture the park’s charm and character.
The Park Entrance: First Impressions Matter
The entrance to Jones Park is often overlooked, but it sets the tone for your entire visit. Framed by mature trees and seasonal flowers, the gateway is perfect for wide-angle shots. Morning light filters through the branches, creating a warm glow that enhances portraits and landscape photos alike. For Instagram-worthy pictures, try shooting just after sunrise when the golden light highlights the park sign and pathways.
The Pavilion and New Mural
One of the standout features of Jones Park is the recently unveiled public mural by local artist Taylor Johnson. Located on the side of the pavilion, the mural makes a colorful backdrop for group photos, artistic portraits, and creative street-style photography. The pavilion itself, especially when decorated for events, adds symmetry and depth to photos. The late afternoon light works beautifully here, softening the bold colors of the mural and casting gentle shadows.
The Walking Trails
The winding trails inside Jones Park provide endless options for photography. Whether it’s capturing joggers in motion, kids riding bikes, or the subtle beauty of wildflowers along the path, the trails offer a dynamic shooting environment. Photographers often recommend shooting from a low angle to emphasize the leading lines of the path, drawing the viewer’s eye deeper into the frame. Early fall is especially rewarding, with leaves turning shades of red, orange, and gold.
The Playground: Action and Energy
If you’re aiming to capture candid moments full of joy, the playground is the place to be. The vibrant equipment creates a lively splash of color against the green backdrop of the park. Parents snapping family photos will find the swings and slides especially photogenic, as they capture expressions of pure energy. A fast shutter speed is key here to freeze action shots without blur.
The Lake and Reflection Points
The small lake within Jones Park is perhaps the most photographed feature. Its reflective surface is ideal for capturing mirror-like images of the sky and trees. Sunset is the prime time to shoot here, as the water reflects warm colors and adds a magical glow to photos. For a more creative shot, focus on ripples caused by ducks or fish for an abstract, painterly effect.
The Gardens and Flower Beds
Jones Park’s seasonal gardens are a treat for macro and close-up photographers. Spring brings tulips and daffodils, while summer offers vibrant roses and sunflowers. Capturing pollinators like bees or butterflies in these gardens can add life to your shots. Use a shallow depth of field to blur the background and make the flowers pop. Morning dew on petals often provides a stunning natural detail.
The Hilltop Viewpoint
Not everyone knows about the small hill inside the park that offers a panoramic view of Asheville’s skyline peeking through the trees. This elevated point is fantastic for wide shots, especially during golden hour. Couples and families often climb here for sunset photos, making it one of the park’s hidden gems for photographers looking to capture both nature and city in one frame.
Wildlife Hotspots
Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts often gather near the wooded corners of the park where cardinals, blue jays, and even owls can sometimes be spotted. Patience pays off here. Bring a zoom lens to capture close-ups without disturbing the animals. Early morning and dusk are the best times to catch movement, with soft light adding to the natural beauty of the shots.
Community Spaces and Events
Throughout the year, Jones Park hosts community events — from outdoor concerts to food festivals. These events create vibrant photography opportunities filled with energy, culture, and diversity. Capturing people enjoying the park, musicians performing, or vendors setting up stalls brings a documentary feel to your portfolio and showcases the park as a true community hub.
Tips for Photographers Visiting Jones Park
- Visit during golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) for soft, flattering light.
- Bring both wide-angle and zoom lenses to capture landscapes and wildlife.
- Experiment with reflections in the lake for creative compositions.
- Don’t forget candid shots of people enjoying the park — they often tell the most powerful stories.
Conclusion: A Park Full of Frames
Jones Park is more than just green space — it’s a living canvas. From the bold colors of its mural to the quiet serenity of its lake, the park offers photographers a chance to capture nature, art, and community in one setting. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just snapping for social media, Jones Park has a spot that will inspire your creativity.
Have you taken photos at Jones Park? Share your favorite spots and shots in the comments below!
