Photography in a Graveyard???
Chasing Indiana Sunsets in Unexpected Places
Sure, it might feel a bit eerie, but sometimes the best photo shoots happen where you’d least expect them. This summer, I discovered that small Midwestern graveyards can be the perfect vantage point for capturing those endless Indiana sunsets—without trespassing or tearing up private driveways.
Enjoying an evening photoshoot in a graveyard.
The Parking Dilemma East of the Rockies
Every photographer has been there: cruising down a scenic country road, seeing the perfect light spill across a hillside, and realizing there’s absolutely nowhere to pull over.
Most rural roads in the central and eastern states have no pull-outs.
Property lines hug the asphalt, so every inch is private land.
Contrasted with the American West, where public-land hugs the highway and are practically built for photo stops.
That lack of legal, roadside parking had me stumped—until I remembered a little-known bit of history.
Gaia Maps showing different public lands in the aera.
Graveyards as Century-Old Picnic Parks
In the early 1900s, many American cemeteries doubled as community green spaces. Families spread blankets next to headstones, tended flowers, and even enjoyed summer picnics in the well-kept lawns.
When I realized these burial grounds often sit off quiet backroads with ample parking, the lightbulb clicked:
I could legally park in their lots.
I could set up my tripod in open spaces.
I’d still be on public (or at least publicly accessible) ground.
Full disclosure: I treated every site with respect—no graffiti, no foot traffic on graves, and no lingering after dark.
How I Scout Cemetery Locations
Finding the right cemetery is a breeze with the mapping tools in your pocket:
Open Google Maps and zoom to your target region.
Search for “cemetery” in that view—pins appear instantly.
Zoom in on each pin to confirm open sightlines (avoid heavy forest if you want sweeping horizons).
Save your chosen sites for offline access and navigation.
Once on-site, you’ll often find a small parking lot or a wide shoulder that makes set-up swift and hassle-free.
Beyond Graveyards: Public Lands & Reservoirs
Cemeteries aren’t the only secret parking hacks in densely populated areas. Two apps have become my go-to for scouting:
Google Maps: Use the “satellite” layer to eyeball pull-outs and clearings.
Gaia GPS (subscription): Enable the Public Lands layer to find parks, wildlife management areas, and reservoir shorelines—often with hidden gravel lots perfect for a quick sunset stop.
Mix and match these resources to expand your landscape and wildlife photography playground, even near cities.
An Indiana sunset from a graveyard.
Overcoming the Creepy Factor
Admitting you’re photographing in a graveyard might raise eyebrows, but shifting your perspective turns it into a peaceful, reflective space rather than a spooky one. The wide lawns and quiet atmosphere can add a haunting beauty to your images—something no roadside pull-out can offer.
Next time you chase that golden hour glow, consider the unexpected. Sometimes, the best horizon view sits right next to history.
Have you tried any unusual photography spots? Share your own hacks or shadowy sunset tales in the comments below!