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Photogenic Places – A Simple Guide To Photographing Washington DC

Washington, DC, is one of the most important political locations in the world. But don’t be fooled into thinking that this city is all business. There’s a treasure trove of fun to be had in this bustling city. It’s also packed to the brim with things to photograph. There’s no exaggeration to say that you could spend years in the city and still have pictures that you want to take.

Sadly, many people don’t have years to spend to explore Washington, DC. In most cases, you’ll have just a few days. To help you find some of the most photogenic places, let’s look at some of the best destinations for you to explore.

The White House

We couldn’t talk about Washington without mentioning the White House. This structure is one of the most famous buildings in the world, appearing in countless films and television shows. There are dozens of ways to photograph this building. The biggest challenge with photographing The White House is one of security. These days, barriers will stop you from getting right up to the fence. But you can still photograph it from the front, looking across the lawn showing the impressive structure.

This building has been photographed millions of times so why not try something different. You could stand a bit further back and capture the crowds walking past with slow shutter speeds. You could even capture the reactions of the people around. It might be a child in awe. An angry protestor or even a tourist taking a selfie. These sort of things will give you far more unique photos than the standard postcard shots.

U.S. Capitol

Another iconic building is the Capitol, in the heart of Washington, DC. There are so many different angles and compositions here that you could spend a whole day just photographing this iconic building. It’s well worth arriving at sunrise or sunset to explore this area. For example, you can get some spectacular shots by exploring the way that the light and the Capitol building reflect in the Reflecting Pool. As the area fills up, you will find plenty of interesting people walking past the building.

Unlike The White House, you can get right up close to this building, giving you the opportunity to capture some photos of the details. The great thing about this building is that as the light moves around throughout the day, so could you. So you can capture a whole variety of different shots. Don’t forget the evening shots either when the building will be lit up beautifully. A great spot for this is from Pennsylvania Avenue where you will be able to capture light trails from passing cars.

National Portrait Gallery

One of the most visually striking buildings in Washington is the National Portrait Gallery. This structure has several beautiful art installations and paintings for you to explore and photograph. However, the show stoppers are the courtyards. Curved roofs stretch between the buildings, with diamond-shaped windows into which light flows.

If you like this building you can also visit the National Gallery of Art which also has some beautiful classical architecture for you to photograph.

U.S. Botanic Garden

If you love photographing plants and nature, the Botanic Garden is a dream come true. There are dozens of different rooms for you to explore, each with a diverse mix of greenery. Though there are hundreds of places for you to take a unique photo, the best option is the central courtyard that has a long fountain in the middle of the room. You can use this to make some creative compositions, playing with the way that the light reflects off the fountain onto the trees. If possible, you may want to time your trip around the festive season. The trees will often be decorated with colourful lights, creating a vibrant, happy mood.

Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool

Another worldwide icon is the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. This is another area that you can spend a whole day photographing so plan plenty of time for your shoot. There are dozens of places to photograph around this area. For example, there’s the green lawn, which stretches before the memorial. You can also experiment with the reflecting pool. If you get beautiful striking clouds in the sky you’ll be able to capture the reflection in the rippling water. You may also want to contrast the white of the memorial with the bright blue sky.

You can also look to capture close-ups of the Lincoln statue and even the Washington Monument. A good spot for photos of the Washington Monument is from the World War II memorial where you can compose your shot with fountains in the foreground. Alternatively, if you walk right up to the Washington Monument you can get a nice distance view of the U.S Capitol Building. Use the US flags for some creative compositions. But remember, this is a popular tourist attraction, so be here early in the day, before the area gets too crowded.

Chinatown Friendship Arch

Spanning across the street is the Chinatown Friendship Arch. This spectacular arch celebrates the friendship between the American and Chinese people. Everything about this monument is built to create a lasting impression, from the vibrant reds and greens to the decorative gold lettering that adorns the top of the structure.

You could capture this landmark is at sunrise, where the sun is peeking through the ornate roof. Or you could photograph this in the evening when the arch will be lit up and passing traffic can create light trails. There are only a couple of spots that you can photograph this arch from so try to use creative techniques such as slow exposure to make your photos unique.

Library of Congress

Another must on your shot list of Washington DC is the Library of Congress. The interior of this building is simply stunning and the great thing is that photography is allowed inside. Even though tripods are not allowed you should be able to handhold your camera by bumping up the ISO to be able to capture photos. There are also various ledges that you can rest your camera on to be able to take photos with longer shutter speeds.

The View of DC

For an unrivalled view of the skyline of the city head to the observation deck of the Central Place Plaza skyscraper. 387 feet in the air, you’ll get a stunning view of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol Building all in one shot. You’ll have to take your photos from behind glass so make sure you place your camera as close to the glass as possible (even resting your lens hood on it) to avoid reflections in your photo.

Union Station

Finally, a trip to Washington DC isn’t complete until you visit Union Station. You can snap photos of busy people rushing to work or the stunning architecture. The ceiling features intricate golden arches and Roman Legionnaires that are supposed to protect the train passengers. However, as you might imagine this station can become very busy. To be sure that you capture the shot you want, arrive early in the day or later at night.

These examples are a small taste of some of the sights that Washington, DC, has to offer. From the hallways of important political buildings to the fun street culture, there’s so much for you to explore. If you have the time, you can explore the city and other sites such as the Smithsonian Museum and find dozens of other significant buildings to photograph. This list should get you started.

Photogenic Places – A Simple Guide To Photographing Charleston

A port city that was founded in 1670, Charleston, South Carolina is known for cobblestones, carriages, and the waterfront. The first shots of the Civil War came from here, so it’s filled with a rich history and helps support the foundations of the nation. Aside from the historical significance, Charleston is filled with great photo opportunities.

There are historical landmarks, universities and colleges, exquisite buildings, and so much more. To help you figure out what you want to do, here are some of the top spots that you need to visit when you go through Charleston, South Carolina.

St. Michael’s Church

As the oldest church edifice in the city, St. Michael’s is also one of the few churches in the country to keep its original design. It’s filled with history and has a wonderful presence. George Washington even spent some time here in 1791 while he was touring the South. Originally built in 1761, it’s easy to see why so many people love those particular locations for their photoshoots. It can be found at Broad and Meeting streets and is also a National Historic Landmark. The adjacent churchyard is the resting place of many famous historical people, including two people who signed the Constitution. The bells of the church were cast in 1764 (recast in 1866) and also make for some great photos if you can get the right angle. A good composition for this shot is from the street in the evening. Set your camera on a tripod and capture some light trails from passing vehicles in the foreground.

Chalmers Street

Cobblestone streets are practically works of art in Charleston, and Chalmers Street is probably one of the most photogenic. The cobblestones were actually carried to the United States as the ballasts that were inside merchant ships in the 18^th century. It’s one of only eight cobblestone streets that still remain intact in Charleston. From here you can also visit the Old Slave Mart Museum, which looks at Africans forcibly brought to this country and the trials they had to undertake.

Rainbow Row

This section of the city is part of what gives it character. The thirteen most photographed homes between 79 and 107 Easy Bay Street in the Historic District of Charleston make up Rainbow Row. Its a colourful and eclectic collection of homes. These Georgian row houses are popular tourist attractions and each home has a rich backstory. Shooting these homes individually or in a series helps build out the culture of the city, the residents, and the surrounding area. Look for people walking in front of the houses for some added interest.

Unitarian Church Graveyard

Part of Charleston’s Gateway Walk, the Unitarian Church Graveyard connects King Street to Archdale Street. It’s not very large, but at dusk, this can be quite an eerie little setting for photography. If you want to learn more why not take the ghost tour, you’ll get a much better sense of the historical significance of the location. As part of the oldest Unitarian church in the South (and the second oldest in Charleston), it is filled with history and has been declared a National Historic Landmark.

The Battery

A defensive seawall, this location is also a promenade in Charleston. It was named for the coastal defensive artillery battery that used to be at the site, stretching the lower shoreline. Now it’s common to see dolphins swimming nearby, so make sure to bring a tripod and the right lens for getting a few far away shots. The general atmosphere of the battery is also quite relaxing, and perfect for taking portraits of any residents. Additionally, the antebellum homes lining the Battery are fairly grand in scope and are absolutely worth checking out. One of the good things about this location is that the promenade along the river is higher than the street. This allows you to see over the parked cars. This is another location which is ideal for blue hour photography to capture the light trails of passing cars against the grand houses.

The Hayward-Washington House

Located on Church Street, this historic house was built in 1772 and belonged to one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. George Washington was known to have stayed here during his visit to Charleston in 1791. It’s not owned by the Charleston Museum and has been furnished to look like life in the 18^th century. In fact, the furniture is made up largely of Charleston-made pieces, which means you can get a great sense of local culture and craftmanship just by stepping inside and looking around. The grounds also have formal gardens that are filled with local fauna that were commonly used in the Lowcountry in the 18^th century.

Waterfront Park

This favourite local spot has become a year-round centre for fun and relaxation for families and tourists. It’s set right on the banks of the Cooper River and is also adjacent to several historical homes that used to house Naval officers stationed at the nearby Charleston Naval Base. The lush oak trees make this a nicely shaded setting in certain spots. It’s a great place to click off a few frames to catch the lifestyles of the local residents. A must-see attraction is the Pineapple Fountain, which opened in 1990. Pineapples represent hospitality, which is one trait that Charleston is known for offering to visitors in spades. If you are lucky enough to have a beautiful sunset the fountain, it’ll make for quite a shot.

Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site

The amazing history behind this location really brings out what the South has to offer. Old trees brimming with character, waterfront spectacles along the Ashley River, and even an oyster-shell wall from the Revolutionary War. This is a favourite spot for photographers thanks to the various textures and backgrounds that are all in one spot. The site was actually donated to the State Park Service in 1969 and has since been added to the National Register of Historic Places. It’s placed where the town Dorchester once sat and you can see the remnants still there today, giving a good photographer a gateway to yesteryear.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Iconic bridges, stunning landscapes, luscious flowerbeds, and historic structures. Magnolia has it all and it’s absolutely worth revisiting at different points in the year. Even novice photographers will find that they are taking world-class pictures here. The beauty of the plantation makes it difficult to take a bad picture, with the wild colour springing up all around you and the intricate composite of the various foliage. Located on the Ashley River, it is one o the oldest plantations in the South. It began in 1676 when the owners built a small house and garden on the site. It became a rice plantation, but these days it is known for its horticulture. There’s a maze, a lake, ponds, footbridges, swamp garden, and so much more to explore.

Patriot’s Point Naval & Maritime Museum

This location is actually in Mount Pleasant, just alongside Charleston, but it’s a stone’s throw away and absolutely worth the short drive to the mouth of the Cooper River on the Charleston Harbor. Here you’ll find three gigantic sea vessels: the Yorktown, the Laffey, and the Clamagore (which is a submarine). Most major port cities don’t have this kind of access to decommissioned military vessels, so definitely take advantage of some of the unique shots you can get while on board.

Middleton Place

This plantation built during the 18th and 19th century sits across the Ashley River in Dorchester County. The grounds and gardens are a photographer’s dream especially if you are lucky enough to encounter some early morning mist on the lake. The combination of the gardens and the old-style buildings are a wonderful combination. It is a National Historic Landmark and a must on your shot list for Charleston.

Charleston is a beautiful place to explore with your camera. From historic houses to plantations, you’ll be sure to come back with amazing photos. Use this handy guide to make sure that you cover the main spots.

Photogenic Places – A Simple Guide To Photographing San Francisco

As one of the busiest and most popular cities in the United States, San Francisco is easily accessible for photographers that are looking to capture life on the West Coast. It’s literally filled with tons of perfect locations for photographers to set up and start snapping away amazing photos. The famous landmarks will speak for themselves, but there is so much more to the city than just one or two locations.

We’ll cover those, too, but this quick guide to the top spots to visit in San Francisco will help you quickly establish a plan for setting up for some great city shots.

The Golden Gate Bridge

Okay, it’s the big obvious one. It’s an internationally recognized symbol of San Francisco that was opened to the public in 1937. It’s known around the world and has been photographed millions of times. So, how can you get a good shot of this that stands out from the rest? Since this is the most photographed location in all of San Francisco, that’s going to be difficult. The nice thing about the Golden Gate Bridge is that it changes throughout the day, with the rising and setting sun, as well as the rolling fog. Try walking along the bridge, where you can see Alcatraz, and find a unique and interesting shot from on the bridge itself, perhaps upward into the suspension cables.

In terms of the overall landscape shot of the bridge, there are lots of spots all offering different angles and photographed at different times of the day. Fort Point, Crissy Field, Baker Beach (see below), Golden Gate Overlook and Battery East all offer an alternative view. On the other side of the bridge, Battery Spencer offers great views looking back toward San Francisco.

Baker Beach

This public beach on the peninsula of San Francisco begins south of Golden Gate Point, and it is about a half-mile long. It is perfect for getting shots of the bridge from beneath. The cliffs and rocks in the water make for some iconic photographs. You can also get some nice shots of the Marin Headlands and you can also check out Battery Chamberlin. This historic gun installation was put there in 1904 and it can make for an interesting shot when you see what’s in the background.

Chinatown

If you’re looking for bright colours and amazing backgrounds that are vibrant and lively, then Chinatown should be on your shot list for your trip to San Francisco. This is where you want to keep your camera at street level, to capture the festive and illuminating stories of the people who live and work there. The red lanterns and pagoda buildings set the scene in Chinatown beautifully, but get up close to really see what makes this area of the city magical. The graffiti, the parades, the people, the food, the lights…it’s all so captivating that it can be hard to look away at times.

Twin Peaks

It’s not in the heart of San Francisco, but the view that you’ll get from venturing to this spot is really worth the trek. This area will give you a panoramic view of the city, making it ideal for some early or late night photography. Try to get there on a fairly clear day (some scattered low clouds can be really good for your composition) so you can see all the way to the water. If it’s really clear, then you might even be able to see across the bay all the way to Oakland or Berkeley! If you are going to be photographing early in the morning or later in the afternoon, make sure that you take your tripod. You can also experiment by using a telephoto lens for your cityscape shot.

Coit Tower

There are a lot of tall buildings in San Francisco, but the Coit Tower is spaced far enough away from most of them that you can get a great shot of downtown’s skyline from within and not have to worry about another skyscraper blocking your line of sight. It was named after Lillie Hitchcock Coit, and from here you can scope out 360 degrees of the downtown area. It also happens to be one of the highest points in San Francisco. Bring your wallet, though, because there’s an $8 admission fee to get up to the top of this tower.

Treasure Island

Not exactly the island that Robert Louis Stevenson conjured up for his novel… This was the site of the 1939 World Fair, located in San Francisco Bay. It is a great area to capture a shot of the city skyline, as well as the Bay Bridge and the ferry building! You can also see Alcatraz and in the distance the Golden Gate Bridge. At the right time of day, this can be an incredible location to capture the city skyline and really see a side of the city that most people aren’t familiar with.

Hamon Observation Tower

This glass-walled space will give you another 360-degree view of San Francisco and is great for seeing aspects of the Bay, Golden Gate Park, and the Marin Headlands. When up there you may ask why there is a lawn on top of that building you see? Well, it’s the grass-covered roof of the California Academy of Sciences, and you may not have seen that strange roof if not for stopping at the observation tower. It’s free to get in, and when you’ve finished snapping off photos, then you can visit (for a fee) the attached DeYoung Museum to get some more culture fit into your day.

Point Bonita Lighthouse

Taking photographs of the lighthouse itself is a great shot the late afternoon light. With the craggy rocks and splashing water beneath, it can look fantastic and with the bridge in the background it can really be a memorable scene. But coming to this location can also really bring out another side of the city. Here you can see the raw, jagged landscape that surrounds some of San Francisco. Most people think about San Francisco as a fun, colorful city full of people and it is. But from the lighthouse, you can also see the more natural side of the city as it is built into the landscape instead of on top of it like some other cities. While you are here, you can also have a walk around Battery Mendell which offers wonderful views of the coastline.

Fisherman’s Wharf

This is where you can see everything from sea life to street performers and historic ships. You could spend an entire week at Fisherman’s Wharf and probably still not capture everything there is to photograph. Here you can get some great lifestyle shots of the populace, as well as the setting sun behind the sea lions. San Francisco is known for Fisherman’s Wharf, so it would be a crime not to visit here and check everything out for yourself.

Powell Street

The cable cars that make San Francisco commuting so efficient are still running today. Powell Street is probably the best place in town to get a great action shot of these iconic trolley cars in action. It’s a great slice of daily life to see people hopping on and off these cool old-style cars.

Transamerica Pyramid

As the second tallest building in San Francisco, this is also the financial district’s shining tower and is made of white quartz. It was designed on the concept that financial security was something that everyone should have, like sunlight, and therefore was made to let more natural light through to the street level. This instantly sets it apart from the boxy buildings that are its neighbours. It’s a unique building and you absolutely have to take a shot of it when you visit the city. Try to capture a shot from Columbus Avenue where the colourful shots on both sides of the road can act as leading lines to the building. Just be careful of traffic and the cable cars.

The Palace of Fine Arts

While it belongs to the city now, it didn’t start out that way. It was originally built for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915. Its classic Roman rotunda has made it a very popular photography location for residents and tourists. The building itself is surrounded by a wonderful lake that is usually swarming with swans. The white waterfowl bring a vibrancy to the site, so be sure to spend a few hours here to capture all of the angles as the light moves throughout the day.

Lombard Street

An iconic spot that is also notoriously difficult to photograph well. The sharp curves are accentuated by the flower gardens and typically most photography of this street is either from the top or bottom. Early in the morning when it isn’t so busy is a good time to try and photograph it, as it will allow you to stand in the road to get a different shot then you normally would during a busy time of day. Blue hour is also a good time as you’ll be able to capture a nice cityscape shot with the Coit Tower in the background.

Land’s End

This is the favourite spot for many people who love to walk around town and through the outskirts. Travel from the park all the way through the headland, where you’ll see exceptional views of the Marin Headlands and the Golden Gate Bridge. Longer exposure shots are a good idea here as the rushing water gurgles around the nearby rocks. It’s a nice change from the busy downtown San Francisco area and will provide some gorgeous coastal shots.

Painted Ladies

Another classic shot of San Francisco are the row of Victorian houses in Alamo Square known as the “Painted Ladies”. These gorgeous houses are beautiful to shoot at dusk when the blue hour means street light add a golden glow. It’s an interesting composition of the old and new with the skyscrapers in the background.

As with any city, there are tons more places and things to photograph in San Francisco. But these top spots should help you cover off some of the most iconic locations and shots on your shot list.

Photogenic Places – A Simple Guide To Photographing Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the best cities in the world for photography. The combination of the unique architecture, canals, beautiful bridges and even the bicycles all combine to create wonderful travel photos. The great thing about Amsterdam is that it is so easily accessible that in just a few days you can come back with hundreds of great photos. So here is a simple guide to photographing Amsterdam.

Canals

If there is one thing that is synonymous with Amsterdam, then it is its canals. Built during the Golden Age of the 17th century, Amsterdam’s canal ring was originally built for practical reasons. It allowed the city to grow beyond its fortified boundaries and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2013. The canals in Amsterdam are an integral part of the city and naturally should be one of the first things that you add to your shot list.

There are plenty of places to capture those post-card shots. But here is a list of a few of the best spots:

The intersection of Leidsegracht and Keizersgracht – This is one of the most iconic spots in Amsterdam for photography. The two bridges and the houses in the background provide a wonderful composition. You can also combine these with slow exposure motion blur and light trails from the boats that go under the bridges

View of Westerkerk Church from Leliegracht and Prinsengracht intersection – This is a great spot to capture photographs of the church and river. Head out during the blue hour and the lights on the canal will act as a leading line to the church.

An alternative view of Westerkerk from Reestraat and Prinsengracht intersection – To get a view of the church from the other side head to this intersection which is a good spot in the late afternoon light. If you are patient and wait around you can capture a boat in the canal to give you a point of interest.

Stadhouderskade road – Not visited as much by photographers as some of the spots above, along the bank of this road, also provides great photo opportunities of the beautiful houses along the river.

Basilica of Saint Nicholas – Near the train station, across the body of water from the Basilica is a great place to capture blue hour shots of the Basilica with its reflection in the water.

Damrak – This is probably the most famous spot in Amsterdam for photos. The unique and quirky building across the canal are incredibly photogenic and will reflect in the water. The best time to photograph these is during the blue hour.

These are just some of the places that you can capture great photos of the canals in Amsterdam. The reality is that you can walk around any neighbourhood and capture great photos.

Rijksmuseum

The museum itself is stunning and you should take some time to explore and photograph the inside (yes, photography is allowed inside). Make sure you visit the library which is very photogenic. But the outside of the Rijksmuseum is a great place to photograph during the blue hour. Position yourself at the back of the long fountain and you’ll capture beautiful shots leading the eyes to the museum.

Whilst there make sure you turn around and photograph the Van Gogh museum as well that will be directly behind you. You can try to include some people walking across the path in your composition for added interest.

Bloemenmarkt

The world’s only floating flower market shouldn’t be missed off from your shot list for Amsterdam. Whilst it may not seem as photogenic as the beautiful canals, this will offer a different view of this city. Be sure to capture photos of people looking inside the stalls and close-ups of the flowers, seeds and other goods on sale.

Albert Cuyp Market

This market in the De Pijp area of Amsterdam is a great place to practice some market photography. There is everything from clothing to food on sale. This makes it a wonderful place for photography. Make sure you cover off shots of the food, vendors and other products on sale. But also make sure you photograph the people who visit the market too as they are as integral to it as the vendors.

Vondelpark

This park near the Museumplein in the Amsterdam-Zuid borough offers a welcome relief from the hectic and busy city. It is also a great place to capture photographs of the locals relaxing, enjoying a picnic and cycling. There are also sculpture and plenty of flora and fauna to keep any type of photographer busy for a few hours.

The Royal Palace in Dam Square

You won’t be able to miss this incredible building in the heart of the city. But being where it also makes it difficult to photograph without hoards of people in your way. So the best way to capture great photos of this building is in the evening when you can use a slow shutter speed. Look to set your shutter speed to 30 seconds and you should be able to blur out most of the people in the shot for a cleaner image.

Begijnhof

The Begijnhof is one of the oldest squares in Amsterdam. It is a group of houses that provided homes for a group of unmarried religious women who lived together in this community under vows of chastity (Beguines). This secluded courtyard provides a nice alternative to the busy parts of the city. On the green, in the courtyard, you’ll see a statue of a Beguine and another of Jesus Christ which makes for a nice photo with the houses providing a background.

View from Westerkerk Church Tower

Somewhere that is often overlooked by photographers is the view from the top of Westerkerk Church Tower. At 40 meters high this gives a wonderful overhead view of Amsterdam. There is an entrance fee and you can only walk to the top of the tower with a guided tour that runs every 30 minutes. The climb is steep with ladder-like steps in some parts. Try to walk up in the late afternoon where your reward will be stunning picture opportunities in golden light.

Other photography opportunities

There is so much to photograph in Amsterdam that you could easily spend months there. Other notable things to add to your shot list are street-side cafes and bars as well as the beautiful historic houses. Some of which you will be allowed to go into and take photos. There is also the NEMO Science Museum that offers a modern alternative to the older parts of the city. Another interesting place to capture some unique photos are the bicycle parks that are used like multi-storey car parks. There is one near the main train station.

Red Light District

Whilst you can photograph pretty much all of Amsterdam without any issues or problems, one area that you should definitely avoid taking photos in is the Red Light district, especially at night. If you try to, you could find yourself in trouble and your camera ending up in the canal. So don’t take the risk, it isn’t worth it.

Amsterdam is one of the world’s great cities for photography. Whilst this list gives you some of the locations that you should photograph, this is a place that you just need to explore by walking around. You’ll probably find hundreds of more locations that are not on this list. But one thing is for sure, you’ll come back with fantastic photos and amazing memories.

Photogenic Places – Simple Tips For Photographing Bhutan

The tiny Kingdom of Bhutan might be small but it certainly packs a big punch. A country that remained isolated for a long time and only recently has begun to open it’s doors to visitors. This is a country that is deeply enshrined in Buddhism and nature. So much so that it is the first country in the world with specific constitutional obligations on its people to protect the environment. Like the fact that at least 60% of the country must remain under forest cover at all times. This landlocked country sits amongst the giants of China and India and yet it feels like a world away from those powerhouses. Bhutan translates to “Land of the Thunder Dragon” and a real-life dragon is about the only thing missing from the stunning country. With stunning landscapes, historic monasteries and temples, colourful festivals, and some of the friendliest people in the world, it’s a place that is perfect for photography.

Paro

Most visits to Bhutan will begin with a stunning flight to Paro. As you descend amongst the mountains you begin to realise how stunning this country is. The impressive Paro Dzong can be seen from the airport and is a good place to start your photography. From across the river, you can get some beautiful blue hour shots of the Dzong especially as it is lit up at night. For an alternative wider angle shot, there are several parts of the roads that run around Paro high in the mountains that offer wonderful views of the Dzong in the distance. The other part of Paro that you should aim to tick off is the main street which is dotted with shops.

Thimphu

The capital of Bhutan is one of only two capital cities in the world that has no traffic lights. When one was installed, there was such an outcry that it was soon removed and replaced with a traffic officer instead. Thimphu certainly deserves a day to capture photos in. If you arrive at the weekend, there will be a market which offers wonderful photo opportunities. The Memorial Chorten is also a great place to photograph people. Be sure to capture the prayer wheels being spun by locals as you enter.

Head up to the great Buddha Dordenma, a gigantic Buddha statue in the mountains offering stunning photo opportunities. As well as stunning views of the capital below in the shadow of imposing mountains. Be sure to add a point of interest into your shot of the big Buddha to give a sense of scale. There’s plenty more to photograph. For example, if you have the time a visit to Changangkha Lhakhang is also worthwhile.

Punakha

The beautiful town of Punakha sits majestically in the Himalayas of Bhutan. The most famous sight here is the mighty Punakha Dzong. The administrative centre of the district, it sits at the juncture of the Pho and Mo Chu rivers. The Dzong benefits from the picture-perfect setting of a river in front and mountains in the background. Get here late in the afternoon and wait for the blue hour when the Dzong is lit up. Other notable photogenic spots include the Chimi Lhakhang, otherwise known as the temple of ‘divine madman’. No visit to Punakha will be complete without a walk along the Punakha suspension bridge. It is located close to Punakha Dzong and ideally, you should wait around to get a local crossing the bridge to give your photo a point of interest.

If you drive to Punakha from Thimphu you will have to cross Dochula Pass. At over 3,000 meters, the views of the Bhutanese Himalayas are stunning. On a clear day, you will be able to see Gangkhar Puensum, the highest point in Bhutan at 24,840 feet. It is the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. But what really makes Duchula Pass special are the 108 chortens and the thousands of Buddhist prayer flags that dance in the winds. It’s a magical place that is only enhanced if you are lucky enough to capture in the snow.

Phobjikha Valley

This vast u-shaped glacial valley is home to the critically endangered Blacked-necked cranes. The valley is also known as Gangtey and is dotted with beautifully colourful farmhouses. This valley is a wonderful spot for landscape photography, bird photography and also to photograph people. Walking along the dirt tracks you shouldn’t be surprised to be approached by locals for a chat or even get invited in for some traditional Bhutanese tea. To capture the best photos of the valley walk up to a high vantage point and shoot the valley in the early morning light. If you are lucky you might get some low mist moving across the valley. Otherwise, late afternoon will also provide good light for photography.

The sacred Gangtey Monastery that sits along the road down to the valley is also a special place for photography. Head inside and capture the monks going about their day. They would be more than happy to have their picture taken.

Trongsa

Trongsa is the capital of Trongsa District in central Bhutan. The main sight here is the huge Trongsa Dzong. It is the largest dzong fortress in Bhutan and arguably the most impressive of them all. As you approach the Trongsa along the mountain road you’ll be gasping in awe when you first set eyes on the Dzong sitting on the edge of the gorge. The best photo spot of the Dzong is from the roadside from across the gorge as you approach Trongsa. Inside the dzong, you will be treated to a labyrinth of passages, courtyards and staircases. The photo opportunities inside the dzong are endless as there will be locals and monks wandering around. If you are lucky enough you may even stumble onto a local festival.

Bumthang

This region is the religious heartland of Bhutan. This is where Buddhism originated in the Kingdom and as such it is home to some of its oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. Tales of Guru Padmasambhava and the tertons (“religious treasure-discoverers”) still linger in this sacred region. Some of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples are found in Bumthang, including Jambey Lhakhang. According to legend, this ancient temple was built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in 659 A.D. as part of a chain of 108 simultaneously constructed temples. This was in order to subdue an evil demoness that lay over the Himalayan region. It is the oldest Lhakhang in Bhutan. There are numerous other temples and shrines worth visiting in Bumthang and many of them are linked to Guru Rinpoche’s visit in 746 A.D. Every one of these monasteries and temples offers a slightly different insight and photo opportunities so make sure you visit all of them.

Beyond the temples, this region is also incredibly fertile and covered in fields of buckwheat, rice and potatoes. Apple orchards and dairy farms are also common sights here.

Festivals

Bhutanese festivals are an incredible sight to witness. Full of colour they usually reenact famous legends with dance and music. There are a whole array of festivals throughout the year and attending one on a visit to Bhutan should be high on your list. Be aware that these festivals are incredibly busy with locals and tourists so make sure you arrive as the doors open to get a good spot for photos. If you have two camera bodies, attach a wide-angle lens to one and a telephoto lens to the other. This will allow you to capture a variety of photos. Set your camera on burst mode and continuous focus. Select a fast shutter speed of 1/200 sec or faster to freeze the action. Don’t forget to take plenty of memory cards and batteries with you. The most famous festivals in Bhutan are:

Paro Tschechu
Thimphu Tschechu
Wangduephodrang Tshechu
The Punakha Tschechu
Drubchen
Black-Necked Crane Festival

Archery & Darts

Archery is the national sport of Bhutan. You will find it hard to go through your trip and not witness some people doing archery in villages along the way. A form of darts is also widely played and both make for interesting photo opportunities. If you see people playing simply walking up to them and asking to take photos will be fine. Just be careful not to get in the way. They are using real arrows and they can seriously injure or even cause death.

Tiger’s Nest Monastery

You may think that you’ve had enough of monasteries by this point. But Paro Taktsang is not just any monastery. It is arguably the most impressive of all monasteries anywhere in the world. Clinging to the side of the mountain it is one of the most sought after photo spots in the world. Legend states that Guru Rinpoche arrived in Bhutan by flying on the back of a tigress. He visited several caves and cliff sides in order to meditate and subdue local demons. He spent a large amount of his time on the mountainside above the Paro Valley, sanctifying the place that would later become one of Bhutan’s holiest monasteries. Reached by a two-hour strenuous hike up the side of the mountain, there are only a handful of well-known spots to photograph the monastery from. The best view is from one of the lookout points that sits directly opposite the monastery. Photography is not allowed inside Paro Taktsang so the only possible photos are of the outside.

Bhutan is probably not the first country on most people’s bucket list. But if you visit you will quickly realise why everyone who has come here, says that it is somewhere special. You will not only come back with great memories but also some incredible photos.