| Spot A: The Viewing Park

Views: Runway 9L arrivals and taxing to the 9L holding point.  On taxiways Bravo and Charlie, the planes are very close to the fence and you have perfect shooting opportunities both over and through the fence.  This can also be good for runway 27R departures but you won’t get any of the arrivals; runway 27R departures will be fairly high in the sky (around 200-300 feet).

Directions: From north or south, take the Griffin Road exit off of I-95  (from the north turn right or from the south turn left), to head west onto Griffin Road.  Then go to the next major 4-way stop with traffic lights – this is Ravenswood Rd.  Turn right there, heading north.  At the next traffic light, turn right heading east and proceed over the bridge heading over I-95.  You will see the airport on the left of you.  At the next stop street, turn left heading north and follow the road as it turns.  Just before the fence of the airport, turn right – there is a sign that says viewing park.  Turn right onto that road and you will see the viewing park.

Security: As long as you are in the viewing park, security is non-existent.  On a lot of occasions, Broward Sheriff’s Office will even stop and chat – they are very friendly.  But, do not try to walk around the fence to get head on landing shots – BSO get very nervous about that.  For safety, always carry ID.

Photography: The most you’ll need at this point is a 300mm lens, though a majority of people will use 200mm.  For those wanting to shoot through the fence for taxiing aircraft, bring your short lens.  The one thing about this spot can be heat haze.  Early morning shooting is only possible between October and March – other than that – you are too top lit.  For the rest of the day, this is good shooting.  In the summer months, the light can be harsh, but editable.

Notes: This is a very popular spot and there can be lots of photographers particularly during Spring and Fall when there are a lot of overseas visitors.  Everyone is always very friendly and helpful.

Some photos shot from this location:


Photo by Mark Lawrence

Photo by Mark Lawrence

Photo by Mark Lawrence

| Spot B: The Hibiscus Parking Garage

Views: On top of the parking garage, you will be viewing arrivals on runway 27R and the holding point for 27R.  When 9L is in use, the aircraft will depart at around eye level height in front of you from the top floor of the parking garage.

Directions: Follow the signs to Ft Lauderdale International Airport.  When approaching the terminals, follow the signs to the parking garages and look for Terminal 1 parking.  Go to the 7th floor and that is the location.

Security: Again, BSO is very friendly.  As long as you stick to the viewing area on the top of the garage, they are going to be friendly.  For safety, always carry ID.

Photography: You are going to need a 300mm if not a 400mm from the top of the parking garage.  As far as the terminals go, you will have Terminal 1 (Southwest and Continental) and terminal 2 (Delta, Northwest and Air Canada) in front of you.  If you head to the other side of the garage, you will have the international terminal action in front of you.  Heat haze can be an issue from the top of the parking garage, but with a long lens, you can shoot touch downs between the light stands.

Notes: For the runway 9L departures, you can usually get some great shots with the city of Ft Lauderdale in the background.  They are even better in late afternoon light with the city lights in the backgrounds

Some photos shot from this location:


Photo by Mark Lawrence

Photo by Mark Lawrence

Photo by Mark Lawrence