Walk into the old terminal at SLC five years ago and you’d find low ceilings, cramped hallways, and a general vibe that screamed 1980s utility. It wasn't exactly a place you'd pull your phone out to document. But things changed. Fast. If you’re hunting for salt lake city international airport photos today, you aren't seeing dingy carpet and beige walls anymore. You're seeing "The Canyon."
It's massive.
The New SLC, as the airport authority calls it, represents a nearly $5 billion overhaul that basically erased the old footprint. For photographers or even just travelers with a decent Instagram feed, the transformation is staggering. This isn't just about a new coat of paint. It’s a complete architectural shift that mirrors the Wasatch Range sitting right outside the windows. Honestly, the scale of the art installations alone makes the old airport look like a bus station by comparison.
The Shot Everyone Wants: Gordon Huether’s Masterpiece
When people search for salt lake city international airport photos, nine times out of ten, they are looking for that giant, undulating wall of fabric. That's "The Canyon." Created by artist Gordon Huether, it’s arguably the most photographed spot in the entire state of Utah right now, rivaling even the Salt Lake Temple or Delicate Arch.
The stats on this thing are kind of wild. It’s made of more than 2 acres of composite fabric. There are over 500 individual "fins." Because of the way the LED lighting is programmed, the colors shift depending on the time of day or the season. If you catch it during a winter morning, it glows with a cool, icy blue. By sunset, it’s burning orange.
You’ll find the best angle for this shot from the second-floor mezzanine. Most people try to take the photo while they’re standing right under it on the way to security, but you lose the perspective there. Get some height. The sheer verticality of the fins creates these deep shadows that make your photos look three-dimensional without even trying.
Why the Light in the New Terminal is a Cheat Code
Good photography is just light. That’s it. And the architects at HOK clearly understood that. The new SLC is wrapped in high-performance glass.
🔗 Read more: Physical Features of the Middle East Map: Why They Define Everything
In the old terminals, you were lucky to see the sky. Now, the windows are 45 feet tall in some sections. This creates a "gold hour" effect that lasts way longer than usual. If you’re plane spotting, the North Concourse offers an unobstructed view of the airfield with the Great Salt Lake and the Antelope Island hills in the background. It’s a landscape photographer's dream, even if you’re stuck behind security.
The reflections are the secret sauce here. Because there’s so much glass and polished terrazzo flooring, you get these incredible mirror effects. It’s sleek. It’s clean. It feels like you’ve stepped into a rendering of a future city rather than a standard transit hub.
The Mid-Concourse Tunnel: A Neon Fever Dream
If "The Canyon" is the main event, the "River Tunnel" is the sleeper hit. This is the 1,000-foot underground pedestrian tunnel that connects Concourse A and Concourse B.
Before the tunnel opened, travelers had to endure a pretty brutal walk outside or through temporary structures. Now? It’s an immersive art piece. Blue light pulses along the ceiling to mimic water flow. It’s moody. It’s cinematic. If you use a long exposure or even just the "Night Mode" on a modern iPhone, you can get these streaky, futuristic shots that look like a scene from Tron.
Most travelers are rushing through here to catch a Delta connection. Don't do that. Slow down for thirty seconds. The way the blue light hits the metal ribs of the tunnel creates a rhythm in photos that you just don't see in other airports like O'Hare or LAX.
Finding the Mountains Without Leaving the Gate
Utah’s identity is the mountains. The airport knows this. Throughout the terminals, you’ll see "The Falls," another Huether installation that uses dichroic glass to mimic falling water. Depending on where you stand, the glass changes color from gold to violet.
💡 You might also like: Philly to DC Amtrak: What Most People Get Wrong About the Northeast Corridor
But the real "photo op" is the view of the Wasatch Front.
Specifically, look for the floor-to-ceiling windows near Gate A25. On a clear day after a snowstorm, the peaks look close enough to touch. This is where you see professional travel bloggers setting up. You’ve got the juxtaposition of a multi-million dollar jet engine in the foreground and a 12,000-foot peak in the back. It’s a visual representation of Salt Lake City in a single frame.
Real Talk: The Logistics of Getting the Best Photos
You can’t just roll up with a tripod and a gimbal without a plan. While SLC is pretty chill about casual photography, there are rules.
- Security is first. You obviously can't take photos of the TSA screening equipment or the monitors. They will shut you down instantly.
- Passenger flow. The airport is busy. If you’re standing in the middle of the "Canyon" walkway with a camera, you’re going to get bumped. Early morning (4:00 AM to 5:30 AM) is the "blue hour" for the airport, and it's also when the crowds are most manageable for clean, empty-terminal shots.
- Equipment. Don't bring a massive rig unless you have a permit. A high-end mirrorless camera or just a flagship smartphone is more than enough. The lighting is so well-designed that you don't need external flashes.
Honestly, the best salt lake city international airport photos usually come from the "Greeting Room." This is the massive space where families wait for arriving passengers. It’s got a fireplace, massive art pieces, and a view of the plaza. It feels more like a mountain lodge than an airport terminal.
What People Get Wrong About SLC Photos
A lot of people think the "New SLC" is finished. It’s not. It’s a multi-phase project.
Phase 2 opened in 2023, which added more gates and the beautiful new plazas. Phase 3, which includes the permanent central tunnel and more concessions, is rolling out through 2024 and 2025. If you see photos online that look like a construction zone, they’re just outdated. The core experience is now fully visual and incredibly polished.
📖 Related: Omaha to Las Vegas: How to Pull Off the Trip Without Overpaying or Losing Your Mind
Another misconception: that it’s all just "Canyon" stuff. There are dozens of smaller installations. Look for the "Whimsy Wall" murals in the restrooms. Yes, the restrooms. Each one has a different theme and artist. It sounds weird until you see them, then you realize why people are unironically taking selfies in the bathroom lobby.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Layover
If you've got two hours to kill and want to capture the best of SLC, follow this path:
- Start at the Greeting Room: Capture the scale of the entrance and the "Canyon" from the highest accessible point.
- Head to the Tunnel: Walk (don't use the moving walkway) through the River Tunnel between Concourse A and B for those neon blue light trails.
- Gate Views: Find a window facing East. The morning sun hitting the mountains provides the best natural contrast for aircraft photos.
- Check the Art Map: Use the airport’s digital wayfinding screens to locate specific sculptures. There's a giant map that lists all 10+ major art installations.
Salt Lake City International has gone from a place you tolerate to a place you actually want to see. The architecture isn't just functional; it's a love letter to the Utah landscape. Whether you’re a pro or just someone who likes a good travel photo, the new terminal is essentially one giant studio.
Don't just sit at the gate scrolling on your phone. Get up and walk toward the light—literally. The best shots are usually just a three-minute walk toward the center of the terminal where the architecture opens up and lets the mountains in.
To get the most out of your visit, download the SLC International Airport app before you land. It has a real-time map that helps you navigate the massive footprint without getting lost, ensuring you spend more time shooting and less time wandering. Also, keep an eye on the official @slcairports social media accounts; they often feature passenger photos, giving you a good idea of which angles are currently trending or which seasonal lighting displays are active.