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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.

San Francisco-photography

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.

San Francisco-photography

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.

San Francisco-photography

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.

San Francisco-photography

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.

San Francisco-photography

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.

San Francisco-photography

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.

San Francisco-photography

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.

San Francisco-photography

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.

San Francisco-photography

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.

Photo credits: Dreamstime – All rights reserved. No usage without permission.

5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Northern Thailand For Photography

For some reason, Thailand doesn’t have the same appeal to photographers as the likes of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. But this is a country with so much diversity that it makes it a photography paradise. Whilst the bustling city of Bangkok is a great place to start your photography adventure, and the southern beaches and islands provide those postcard-perfect pictures, northern Thailand is equally if not more photogenic. So, here are 5 reasons why you should visit northern Thailand on your next photography trip.

Northern_Thailand_Photography_Guide-1

Temples

The iconic temples in this part of the world are incredibly beautiful and ornate and are a must on any photography trip. Northern Thailand features some of the most beautiful and historic temples in the whole country. From the ancient Wat Chedi Luang and Doi Sutep in Chiang Mai to the White Temple in Chiang Rai, there are no shortages of temples to capture. But don’t make the mistake that most tourists make and just turn up take a couple of photos and leave. Instead plan to spend a couple of hours at the important temples to really get a sense of the place. Look at ways of being able to integrate people into your shots. For example, a monk walking past, or a Person praying to a statue of the Buddha. These sorts of shots will help tell much more of a story in your photos then just photos of the temple.

Here is a list of some of the important temples that you should aim to capture in northern Thailand.

  • Wat Rang Khun (The White Temple – Chiang Rai)
  • Wat Phra Kaew (Chiang Rai)
  • Wat Rong Seur Ten (The Blue Temple – Chiang Rai)
  • Wat Chedi Luang (Chiang Mai)
  • Wat Phra Singh (Chiang Mai)
  • Wat Doi Sutep (Chiang Mai)
  • Wat Sri Suphan (The silver temple – Chiang Mai)
  • Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu (Mae Hong Son)

Northern_Thailand_Photography_Guide

Markets

Anyone who’s ever travelled to South East Asia will understand how important markets are to the everyday life of the people who live there. This is where all activity seems to centre around and markets are often full of food, fruit, vegetables, produce and anything else that you can think off. In Northern Thailand, there are no shortages of markets. The biggest of them all is the Sunday Walking Market that occurs weekly in Chiang Mai. The two-kilometre market is amongst the biggest in the world and can be incredibly busy. But it also provides wonderful photography opportunities.

The best of these are around the many food stalls that are dotted throughout the market. The mouth-watering food is great to photograph but be sure to also take photos of the sellers whilst they are making a sale or preparing food.

Some of the other notable markets in Chiang Mai are:

  • Muang Mai Fruit Market
  • Saturday Market
  • Sompet Market
  • Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
  • Wororot Market
  • Flower Market
  • Night Bazaar

Northern_Thailand_Photography_Guide

People

People are such an integral part of any story about a destination. Whether it’s a businessman on their way to work or local hill tribes working in the field, a story about a destination won’t be complete without people.

Thailand is fairly westernised but there are still parts where people live in local villages. Northern Thailand is one of the best areas for this. If you are willing to get off the beaten path in places like Pai or Mae Hong Son then you will be treated to hill tribes such as H’mong, Lisu, Lahu, Shan and the more famous Karen tribe. These local tribes will have their own customs, clothes and even dialect. It is essential that you get a local guide to help you not only to navigate but also to translate.

Always be respectful of people’s wishes and if someone doesn’t want their photo to be taken (which will be very rare) then just smile and walk on.

Northern_Thailand_Photography_Guide

Amazing Views

Most people associate Thailand with beaches that are in the South. But Northern Thailand is very mountainous and so it offers some incredible views of the vast jungles below. The great thing is that anyone can see some of these views as there are great roadside viewpoints around Pai and Mae Hong Son. To see more remote views will require a local guide and 4-wheel drive vehicle as the roads can be dirt tracks and very steep.

But the reward will be views of endless layers upon layers of mountains, farmland on mountainsides and stunning sunsets.

Festivals

Festivals are one of the best situations for travel photography. Wherever you are in the world, there will be festivals at some time in the year. Northern Thailand is no exception. The most famous festivals in Northern Thailand are Loi Krathong (festival of light) and Yi Peng. These are when vast amounts of lanterns are launched into the sky and little floats containing candles and flowers are drifted into the waters.

In Chiang Mai, during Loi Krathong, there’s also a huge parade with some beautifully designed floats. The festivals only last for a couple of days and dates change from year to year as it needs to coincide with the lunar calendar. It is generally in November but be sure you check the dates before you book your flights.

Some of the other notable festivals in Northern Thailand are:

  • Songkran – the water festival
  • Lam Yai Festival
  • Poi Sang Long Festival
  • Jong Para Festival

Northern_Thailand_Photography_Guide

Thailand may not seem like the remote exotic country that it once was. But beyond the chaos of Bangkok and the resorts that dot the Southern coasts and islands, “another” Thailand does exist. Northern Thailand is often an area that is yet to be explored fully. In some parts you may go days before seeing another foreign tourist. As for photography, it offers a unique view of a country that has been photographed millions of times.

8 Of The Most Photogenic Cities In Europe

Europe is a fantastic continent for photographing cities. With so many iconic places in such a compact space, it’s no wonder that it has such a high number of visitors each year. The thing that makes Europe so special is that there is such a diversity in these cities that it makes them all so different. From the classic beauty of Rome to modern London, if you want to photograph the most photogenic cities, a trip to Europe is a must for any travel photographer. Here are the 8 most photogenic cities in Europe.

London

Not many cities in the world can rival London when it comes to travel photography destinations. This capital city ticks off pretty much every box needed for a travel photographer. History, art, people, food, markets and some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. But even when you have exhausted all of the top sights there are still things places to explore. Head to any neighbourhood and you will experience a different look, feel and vibe. From trendy Notting Hill to the gritty Brick Lane, London doesn’t disappoint.

Rome

The Eternal City may be one of the oldest cities in the world, but it’s also one of the most beautiful. This is a city with almost 3,000 years of history, art and culture. It’s almost like Rome is an outdoor museum just waiting to be photographed. Ancient ruins like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum highlight the history of the Roman Empire. Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain shows its beauty. Castle Sant’Angelo and Pantheon it’s architecture. That’s all before you get to the stunning Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica. But beyond the sights, there is also the real Rome, the everyday lives of people, cafes, restaurants and culture. Rome is a true photographer’s paradise.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik has played a major part in Hollywood movies and TV shows over the years. Known for its distinctive Old Town which is surrounded with a stone wall, the beautiful city on the Croatian coast is as photogenic as they come. Its range of baroque, gothic and renaissance architecture are as historic as they are beautiful. It’s no wonder this city is known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”.

Amsterdam

If you have never been to Amsterdam, you might wonder what all of the fuss is about. But the capital of the Netherlands will keep you captivated and snapping away for days (or months). There is simply too much to cram into a short visit. So to really capture the beauty of this city you need to give yourself time to experience the canals, museums and food. Your shot list should be crammed full of sunrise shots by canals and late evening shots of the quirky narrow houses.

Venice

It almost as if Venice was built to be photographed. Nowhere else in the world has the same romantic aura and elegance of this city. But to really experience Venice to the full you should aim to visit during the Venice Carnival. The whole city becomes like an outdoor studio with willing models happy to pose to have their photo taken. The contrast of colours versus the old buildings makes for wonderful images. But of course, no collection of Venice is complete without a few shots of the famous canals and gondolas.

Warsaw

A city that literally rose the ashes of World War II, Warsaw is simply stunning to photograph. The Old Town was completely destroyed during World War II and was rebuilt in the same look and style that it was before. The result is a place that is teeming with photo opportunities. But the beyond the Old Town you can also get a glimpse of another side of Warsaw. From the gift of Stalin – a skyscraper with amazing views of the city to the modern malls directly opposite, Warsaw is a city of contrasts.

Paris

Sitting on the River Seine, Paris is as historic as it is beautiful. It’s no wonder it is known as the City of Love. The recent catastrophic fire of Notre-Dame has robbed this famous city of one of its icons. But there is still so much to love about Paris. From the wide boulevards of the Champs-Elysees with it’s iconic Arc de Triomphe to stunning Palace of Versailles. The list of photography spots is endless. There is the Musee d’Orsay, the famous Louvre Museum, Sacre-Coeur, Montmartre, Moulin Rouge as well the beautiful alleyways that are dotted around the city. But of course, no Paris shoot is complete without Gustave Eiffel’s masterpiece, the Eiffel Tower.

Istanbul

Straddling across the two continents of Asia and Europe, Istanbul crams in both cultures into one city. Arguably no other European city has such a wide abundance of influences from different cultures in one place. A stroll around the Old Town and you will see the famous Byzantine Hagia Sophia opposite the Islamic Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque). Then add the Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace Museum, the Grand Bazaar and the sheer number of photo opportunities will keep you snapping away for as long as you are there.

A few others…

It’s always difficult leaving out any location from a photography top list. In fact, you could easily create a top 8 with a completely different set of locations. So here are a few others that are worthy of being on this list:

  • Barcelona
  • Prague
  • Edinburgh
  • Florence
  • Santorini
  • Bruges
  • Budapest
  • Krakow
  • Bergen
  • Vienna

Europe is a wonderful place for photographers. With so many iconic places so close together, there is too much to see and photograph in one lifetime. What’s for certain is that you will end up with iconic photos wherever you go in Europe.

Photo credits: Kav Dadfar – All rights reserved. No usage without permission. Dreamstime.

10 UK Spots That Are Perfect To Practice Landscape Photography

The United Kingdom may not be the first country you think of when considering the best landscape photography destinations. Sure it may not have the scale of the landscapes in North America or wild nature of Iceland or New Zealand. But you could argue that there aren’t many countries that pack in so much variety to such a small space. There are tranquil rolling hills and valleys. Striking mountain ranges. Not to mention epic coastlines. So here are 10 UK spots that are perfect for a landscape photographer.

Glencoe

Sitting in the Scottish Highlands, Glencoe shot to fame a few years ago after appearing in the James Bond film, Skyfall. It’s no wonder that this stunning setting has been pulling in landscape photographers for years. Set amongst the imposing mountains are lonely cottages, beautiful waterfalls and serene lochs. But what makes Glencoe even more special is that it often looks even more dramatic in bad weather. A few storm clouds and low mist and suddenly the valley transforms into a moody scene that wouldn’t be out of place in a disaster movie.

Isle Of Sky

Further on from Glencoe is arguably the jewel in the crown of the beautiful Scottish landscape. The Isle of Skye feels like a different world. Maybe that is why it has been the setting for many sci-fi movies. Plan on at least 3 full days on this island because anything less will not be enough. The Isle of Skye has everything a landscape photographer could ever want. There is the stunning landscape of the Quiraing. The striking coast at Elgol. The iconic Old Man of Storr and the beautiful Neist Point with its own picture-perfect lighthouse. There’s also the miniature Fairy Glenn. If all of that is not enough, there is also the magical Fairy Pools that will keep you captivated for hours.

Cornwall

Heading west toward the tip of the United Kingdom will soon bring you to the county of Cornwall. An area teeming with history, myth not to mention some of the most stunning coastlines anywhere in the world. From Land’s End to the Lizard Peninsula, from the small fishing towns and villages to the impressive Bedruthan Steps, Cornwall is a landscape photographer’s dream destination. There are also endless beaches to explore as well as the unique Bodmin Moor. If that isn’t enough to convince you, how about age-old mines, ancient stone circles or the mighty St Michael’s Mount?

Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast sitting along the southern coast of the United Kingdom is a world heritage site. This diverse landscape is as historic as it is beautiful. A rugged and unique coast where dinosaurs once roamed, it is shrouded in mystery and beauty alike. This coastline really is a landscape photographers dream with its beautiful light and endless views. The most famous photography subject here is Durdle Door (pictured below). A natural limestone arch sitting in the sea. But that’s just one small location on this 95-mile stretch of coastline that covers Dorset and East Devon.

Brecon Beacons

The Brecon Beacons are a mountain range in South Wales. It is said that they are named after the ancient practice of lighting signal fires on the mountains to warn of attacks by invaders. With its stunning walks offering beautiful views some amazing waterfalls and even the odd cave or two, Brecon Beacons National Park is one place that might not be top of your photography list, but it will surprise you.

Lake District

You won’t find many UK landscape photographers who haven’t photographed the beautiful Lake District. Sitting in the North West of England, it is also known as the Lakes or Lakeland due to its many lakes. There are sixteen lakes in total with the largest being Windermere. If you are looking for those beautiful shots of tranquil lakes with a jetty leading to boats sitting on the water, look no further than this lake. But the other lakes are also worth photographing. Often these are surrounded by imposing mountains that add to the setting even more. When you have had enough of photographing lakes, head up on one of the many hikes up the mountains to get a glimpse from above. One of the most iconic of these views is Striding Edge!

Yorkshire Dales

The moors, valleys and hills of Yorkshire Dales are as quintessentially English as you could wish for. The area is teeming with natural sights like the limestone pavement of Malham Cove. Southeast, on the River Wharfe, the Bolton Abbey Estate includes the ruins of a 12th-century monastery. Malham Village features a towering cliff, and a footpath leading to Gordale Scar, a limestone ravine with waterfalls.

Northumberland

Heading to the North East of England will take you to the county of Northumberland. Filled with ancient castles, stunning coastlines, rugged moorland and friendly little market towns, it should be a must on any landscape photography trip in the UK. There is also the famous Hadrian’s Wall which became a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1987. It stretches 73 miles across the country and was built under the orders of Emperor Hadrian in AD122 and took 6 years to complete.

Snowdonia

Situated on the west coast of Wales and covering 823 square miles of diverse landscapes, Snowdonia National Park is the largest National Park in Wales. Snowdonia also boasts the highest mountain in the UK outside Scotland. With mountains, lakes as well as a wealth of picturesque villages like Betws y Coed and Beddgelert, Snowdonia is an area steeped in culture and local history. It is also an area of the United Kingdom that lends itself beautifully to landscape photography especially in autumn and winter.

The great thing about the United Kingdom as a landscape photography destination is that it packs a huge variety of landscapes into a small area. In just a few weeks you could conceivably cover a pretty large area. So the next time you are thinking of a landscape photography destination why not give the United Kingdom a try. It may just surprise you.

Photo credits: Kav Dadfar – All rights reserved. No usage without permission. Dreamstime.

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.

Photo credits: Kav Dadfar – All rights reserved. No usage without permission. Dreamstime.

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