You're standing on the ninth floor of the Lincoln building in the Short North, looking south toward the Columbus skyline, and honestly, the view is a bit intimidating. It’s that specific "big city" energy that hits you right when the elevator doors slide open. If you’ve spent any time on Instagram or TikTok lately, you’ve seen the Lincoln Social rooftop photos that make it look like everyone in Ohio is suddenly living their best life in a high-rise penthouse. But here’s the thing: taking a photo that actually looks good—without people’s heads in the way or weird glares from the fire pits—is harder than it looks.
It’s crowded. Like, really crowded.
Lincoln Social is the crown jewel of the Cameron Mitchell Restaurants empire in Columbus, and because it sits right on the edge of the Short North and downtown, it has an unobstructed view of the LeVeque Tower and the surrounding skyline. People come here for the atmosphere, sure, but they mostly come for the grid. I’ve seen people spend forty-five minutes trying to catch the perfect lighting during "golden hour" while their pizza gets cold on the table. It’s a whole production. If you want to walk away with shots that don't look like every other blurry selfie, you need a plan.
The Best Spots for Lincoln Social Rooftop Photos You’ll Actually Keep
Most people gravitate immediately to the edge of the terrace. I get it. The glass railing is tempting because it feels like there’s nothing between you and the city. However, the best Lincoln Social rooftop photos aren't always at the railing.
Think about the "green wall."
Tucked away near the back of the lounge area is a massive living wall of plants. It provides a texture that you just don’t get from the concrete and glass of the skyline. If you’re wearing something colorful, the deep greens of the foliage pop way better than a hazy sky. Plus, the lighting in the back corner is often more consistent because you aren't fighting the direct glare of the sun setting over the Huntington building.
Then there’s the fire pit. It’s the focal point of the outdoor space. At night, the orange glow does wonders for skin tones, provided you aren't standing directly over it looking like you’re telling a ghost story. Position yourself so the fire is in the lower third of your frame, with the city lights twinkling behind you. It adds a layer of depth that a flat daytime photo lacks.
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Lighting is Everything (And the Sun is Your Enemy)
Timing is the difference between a masterpiece and a washed-out mess. If you show up at 2:00 PM on a Saturday, the sun is going to be harsh. You’ll be squinting. Your shadows will be long and dark. It’s not a great look.
The "sweet spot" is roughly twenty minutes before sunset. This is when the building lights in downtown Columbus start to flicker on, but there’s still enough ambient light to see your face. This is peak time for Lincoln Social rooftop photos. If you wait until it’s pitch black, your phone’s camera is going to struggle. It’ll start graining up, or the "night mode" will blow out the highlights of the bar’s neon signs.
- The Golden Hour: 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM (depending on the season).
- The Blue Hour: Immediately after sunset when the sky turns a deep indigo.
- Midday: Only if it's cloudy. Overcast skies act like a giant softbox. Honestly, clouds are a photographer's best friend at Lincoln Social.
I’ve noticed a lot of people try to use the flash on their phones. Don't do that. The flash will bounce off the glass railings and create a giant white orb in the middle of your shot. Instead, use the "exposure slider" on your screen. Tap your face, then slide that little sun icon down slightly. It preserves the moody atmosphere of the rooftop without making everything look like a clinical trial.
What to Wear for the Urban Backdrop
Columbus fashion is a weird mix of "I’m going to a Buckeyes game" and "I’m trying to be in SoHo." For Lincoln Social, you want to lean toward the latter.
Neutral tones work best. Think blacks, tans, and creams. Since the skyline is full of blues and grays, and the rooftop has a lot of wood and greenery, wearing a bright neon pink might make you look like you were Photoshopped into the scene. A structured jacket or a blazer adds some "boss" energy to the photo that matches the high-rise setting.
Also, consider the wind. It’s the ninth floor. It gets breezy. If you have long hair, it’s going to be in your face the second you step outside. I’ve seen countless Lincoln Social rooftop photos ruined by a sudden gust of wind that makes the subject look like they’re in a hurricane. Tie it back or embrace the "messy look," but don't say I didn't warn you.
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Angles, Posing, and Avoiding the "Tourist" Look
Stop standing square to the camera. It’s boring.
To get a shot that feels authentic, try the "walking away" pose. Have your friend stand back by the bar while you walk toward the glass railing. It captures the scale of the space and makes the photo feel like a moment rather than a staged event.
Angle the camera slightly upward. This makes the buildings in the background look more imposing and gives you a bit of height. If you’re sitting on the low lounge chairs, have the person taking the photo stand up. High-angle shots of people sitting down are rarely flattering—they tend to compress your body.
Wait for the "gap."
Because Lincoln Social is a high-traffic spot, there will always be people in the background of your Lincoln Social rooftop photos. You have two choices: lean into it or wait it out. Personally, I think having a few blurred figures in the background adds to the "vibe." It makes the place look alive. If you want a clean shot, you’ll have to be patient. Wait for the server to pass and for the group next to you to sit down. It takes about three minutes of standing there awkwardly, but the result is worth it.
The Gear: Do You Need a Real Camera?
In 2026, phone cameras are insane. You really don't need a DSLR to get great Lincoln Social rooftop photos. In fact, some of the best shots I’ve seen were taken on an iPhone or a Pixel using the wide-angle lens.
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The 0.5x zoom (the ultra-wide) is your best friend here. It allows you to capture your entire outfit and the LeVeque Tower in a single frame. If you use the standard lens, you usually have to choose one or the other. Just be careful with the edges of the frame; ultra-wide lenses tend to distort things, so keep your body near the center to avoid looking stretched out.
If you do bring a real camera, keep it small. The staff at Lincoln Social are generally cool, but if you show up with a tripod and a light stand, they’re going to shut you down. It’s a bar, not a studio. A small mirrorless camera with a 35mm lens is plenty.
Why This Specific Rooftop Matters
There are other rooftops in Columbus. You’ve got Goodale Station, Lumin, and Vaso up in Dublin. But Lincoln Social is different because of its proximity to the "High Street" hustle. You can literally hear the street performers and the traffic below, but you’re removed from it.
The architectural contrast is what makes the photos pop. You have the historic brick of the Short North buildings directly below you, and the modern glass skyscrapers of the Financial District just a few blocks away. It’s a visual representation of how much Columbus has changed in the last decade.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
Don't just show up and hope for the best. Lincoln Social is popular for a reason.
- Check the Waitlist: They use an app-based waitlist. On a Friday night, it can be two hours long. Put your name in, go grab a taco at Condado down the street, and wait for the text.
- Scope the Sun: Check the weather. A "mostly cloudy" day is actually better for photos than a "perfectly sunny" day because you won't have to deal with harsh shadows.
- Charge Your Phone: Between the cold wind (which drains batteries) and the high brightness you’ll need to see your screen, your phone will die faster than usual.
- Order a Drink First: Seriously. People who come in and immediately start taking photos without ordering anything get the "look" from the staff. Be a guest first, a photographer second. The "Spicy Passionfruit" drink is actually quite photogenic itself.
The reality of Lincoln Social rooftop photos is that the best ones feel effortless, even if they took twenty minutes of planning. It’s about capturing a specific mood—that feeling of being "above it all" in a city that’s constantly growing.
Actionable Next Steps
- Download a light-tracking app: Use something like Lumos to see exactly where the sun will be at 5:00 PM relative to the skyline.
- Clean your lens: It sounds simple, but the humidity and finger grease from a night out will make your photos look blurry and "glowy" in a bad way. Use your shirt if you have to.
- Pick your "hero" shot: Decide before you go if you want a portrait of yourself or a landscape of the city. Trying to do both in a crowded space usually results in two mediocre photos instead of one great one.
- Visit on a Tuesday: If you want the place to yourself (or as close as it gets), go mid-week right when they open. The light is still great, and you won't have to fight for a spot at the railing.
Focus on the composition, watch the light, and remember that the best photo is the one that actually captures how you felt being there.