Oz Park
Oz Park is a beloved neighborhood green space in Chicago's Lincoln Park, scattered with life-sized bronze sculptures of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, each offering its own distinct photo opportunity. Each statue has its own character and setting, so work around all four rather than treating them as a single stop. Get close with a 35mm or 50mm lens to frame the sculptures against the sky or surrounding trees, and try shooting from a low angle to give the figures a more dramatic, larger-than-life presence. Overcast days work beautifully here by eliminating harsh shadows on the bronze surfaces, though golden hour light adds warmth and texture to the metal. The park is open and walkable, with each statue easily accessible and enough surrounding greenery to create clean, uncluttered backgrounds if you mind your framing. (Chicago, Illinois, United States)
