East Mound-Skyline View of the West Bay from Museum of Islamic Arts

This image of the West Bay was taken from the East Mound-Skyline View, which is a waterfront park near the Museum of Islamic Arts. To get to this location, you'll want to arrive at the Museum of Islamic Arts (25.295508, 51.539189). Then, before going into the museum, follow the path to the right (when facing the museum) and walk all the way around the curved walkway (north) until you reach the grass hills. Sometimes, there will be golf carts to assist in the long walk to get to the park, so keep an eye out if you want to hitch a ride! Have your model stand near the GPS coordinates and then position yourself so you're facing north for this view of the skyline.

You can visit the East Mound-Skyline View of the West Bay during any month of the year. I suggest visiting in the cooler months (late fall, winter and spring) to make the most of your time outdoors. In the summer, it'll be very hot.

As the late afternoon transitions into sunset, you'll be met with a golden hour glow that'll softly illuminate the skyline. This time of day will also provide a perfect light separation between the subject on the hill and the view of the city across the aby.

I definitely recommend at least a 70-200mm lens in order to really get the full scale of the view captured. For reference, I used a 105mm focal length to get a more compressed shot of the skyline in the distance.

A model will add a sense of scale, as well as create a focal point in the center of your frame.

Your model can wear whatever clothing they feel most comfortable in, but I think it looks best if it's flowy so that the clothes have some movement.

Get creative! Play with the setting, incorporating the people that are enjoying the park or the way the boats glide across the water.

I think the most important thing to do when you're there is to sit and enjoy the moment! This park is a favorite spot of mine and I wanted to go back just to have a picnic.

Additionally, I recommend visiting the Museum of Islamic Arts while you're photographing the East Mound-Skyline View. There's also Box Park and MIA Park—both have incredible views and are great places to relax.