As someone passionate about travel and photography, nothing in this life makes me happier than combining the two. In the world of travel photography, the world is an endless canvas of stunning scenery and fascinating cultures. Each place offers its own unique palette of colours and stories, meaning deciding where to travel next can feel both exciting and overwhelming. This article is a curated guide to the most photogenic corners of the globe to cater to any travel photographer, whether you’re looking to capture the majesty of nature, the diversity of human culture, or the intimate moments of everyday life.
Iceland
Iceland offers a vast array of diverse and striking scenery, ranging from beaches with black sand to geothermal areas and volcanic regions. This variety provides countless possibilities to capture breathtaking and diverse scenery. Due to its high latitude, Iceland experiences unique light conditions ideal for photography. The midnight sun offers longer golden hours in the summer, perfect for diffused, gentle lighting. The low-hanging sun provides long stretches of warm, golden light during the winter. One of the most incredible spots on Earth to see and capture pictures of the Northern Lights is Iceland. A photographer’s dream come true, the aurora borealis offers a breathtaking natural light display with brilliant colours dancing across the sky. Iceland’s pure and untainted landscapes are largely responsible for its attractiveness.
Large-scale urban development is rare, making capturing nature in its most pristine state achievable. Although the wildlife isn’t as diverse as other places, it still brings a unique photographic appeal, including puffins, Icelandic horses, and marine life. Because of its quick weather changes, Iceland offers dynamic, dramatic skies that are great for photos. Every season has a unique beauty, from the verdant summers to the snowy winters, so there are plenty of photo ops all year round. Beyond its stunning natural scenery, urban and cultural photographers can find inspiration in Iceland’s distinctive Nordic culture and architecture, which can be seen in cities like Reykjavik.
Morocco
Morocco boasts diverse landscapes, with breathtaking mountain ranges such as the Atlas Mountains and the expansive sands of the Sahara Desert. Photographers have access to an assortment of backdrops due to the variety of these locations. Ancient medinas, palaces, and mosques are just a few examples of Morocco’s distinctive architectural design. Cities with lively streets and ancient architecture are Marrakech, Fes, and Chefchaouen. Moroccan architecture is a photographer’s delight, with its exquisite details and geometric patterns providing a feast for the eyes. Moroccan cities – particularly the red walls of Marrakech and the blue city of Chefchaouen – are renowned for their use of colour. The marketplaces, also known as souks, are brimming with vibrant spices, fabrics, and ceramics, providing a plethora of striking opportunities to take photos travelling. In addition to the desert and mountains, Morocco is home to lovely coastal towns like Essaouira, which are renowned for their laid-back vibe and breathtaking scenery.
Numerous historically significant and aesthetically appealing historical and archaeological monuments can be found across the nation, including Roman ruins, old Kasbahs, and mediaeval towns. Morocco’s unique culture, seen in everyday living, traditional crafts, and attire, reflects its rich history. The blend of Arab, Berber, African, and European influences creates a unique cultural tapestry that is visually fascinating. Morocco has superb natural lighting thanks to its clear, bright skies, improving the contrast and richness of photos. Photographs are made more personal by the kind, welcoming locals, who are frequently seen wearing traditional clothing. They also capture the spirit of Moroccan customs and daily life.
Bolivia
Bolivia offers a breathtaking diversity of scenery, from the broad reaches of the Amazon rainforest to the towering peaks of the Andes Mountains, offering a variety of striking backgrounds for photos. The world’s biggest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni, is one of Bolivia’s most famous picture spots, offering plenty of chances to take beautiful photos travelling. It transforms into a massive mirror during the rainy season, reflecting the sky in a way that blurs the line between the horizon and the sky, producing outstanding and surreal pictures.
Bolivia has a sizable indigenous population, and photographers can find plenty of inspiration in the traditional attire, rituals, and celebrations. Rich material for portraiture and cultural photography can be found in the colourful and varied cultural expressions present in daily life as well as events like the Oruro Carnival. Cities with well-preserved colonial architecture, such as Sucre and Potosí, provide a window into Bolivia’s history. Architectural photography is greatly enhanced by the sites’ historical value and intricate details. The administrative capital of La Paz is situated in a gorge, with the Illimani Mountain providing a striking backdrop. There are many options for urban and street photography because of its lively streets, vibrant marketplaces, and distinctive terrain.
France
Every building in France has a tale to tell, from the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris, a symbol of architectural innovation, to the majestic chateaux of the Loire Valley. In addition to being architectural marvels, gothic churches like Notre Dame of Paris and the opulent mediaeval Mont Saint-Michel represent centuries of art and history. In addition, the scenic towns of France, like those in Provence and Alsace, have colourful architecture, quaint streets, and traditional marketplaces that are ideal for encapsulating the spirit of French rural living. The natural landscapes of France are equally varied and lovely for destination photography. For landscape photographers, the untamed beaches of Brittany, the lavender fields of Provence, and the snow-capped summits of the Alps offer a canvas of varied textures and colours.
The nation’s national parks provide exceptional animal photography opportunities, including the Camargue with its flamingos and wild horses. Additionally, when the seasons change in France, these landscapes take on new colours and tones that provide photographers a dynamic and ever-changing subject matter. Paris’s busy boulevards and the vibrant squares of smaller towns, where people go about their everyday lives in marketplaces and cafés, are great places for street photography. Events and festivals such as the Lavender Festival in Provence or the Cannes Film Festival offer a window into the rich cultural customs and modern French society.
Jordan
Jordan offers diverse scenery, from the verdant Jordan Valley to the arid splendour of the Wadi Rum desert with its red dunes and towering sandstone rocks. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world, offering a wealth of chances for breathtaking photography. These contrasting environments provide a rich tapestry for landscape photography. Jordan’s cultural landscape is multifaceted, influenced by Arab, Bedouin, and Palestinian traditions; a glimpse into the character of Jordan can be gained by capturing everyday life, traditional attire, neighbourhood markets, and cultural customs. Jordan is home to stunning Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Capturing the harmony between architectural and scenic beauty is made possible by this historic city, which is set amid red sandstone cliffs. One of Petra’s most recognisable features is its elaborate exterior, which includes the well-known Treasury and Monastery.
This country is also home to other important historical monuments, including the ancient city of Amman, the Crusader castles, and the Roman ruins at Jerash. The nation is also religiously significant because of places like Mount Nebo and the Jordan River, where Jesus was baptised. The lowest point on Earth, the Dead Sea, is well-known for its buoyant waters and healing mud. The distinctive environments around the Dead Sea, replete with tranquil pools and salt formations, provide captivating subjects for photos. Astrophotography enthusiasts can photograph the Milky Way and starry sky over breathtaking desert vistas by taking advantage of the clear, black skies above the Wadi Rum desert.
Italy
Architectural wonders abound in Italy, including Renaissance masterpieces, baroque structures, and ancient ruins like the Colosseum and Pompeii. Numerous cities, including Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan, provide distinct architectural styles and historical sites, making them ideal locations for architectural photography. Italy boasts a remarkable diversity of natural scenery too, ranging from the rolling hills of Tuscany and the spectacular Amalfi Coast shoreline to the craggy Dolomites and tranquil Lake Como. These diverse settings are ideal for landscape photographers looking to capture the spirit of Italy’s natural splendour. With a legacy by artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio, Italy has an unmatched artistic heritage; taking pictures of street art in modern neighbourhoods delves into Italy’s modern creative spirit. Streetscapes in Italian cities are renowned for their vibrancy.
Intimate cobblestone lanes, lively marketplaces, and outdoor cafés offer opportunities for capturing real-time street photography and the daily lives of the locals. Plenty of colourful and dramatic photos can be taken during Italy’s many festivals and events, such as the Palio di Siena horse race, the Venice Carnival, and many religious processions. Italy is brimming with charming villages and mediaeval towns beyond its more prominent cities like Cinque Terre, Siena, and Assisi. These places provide an insight into traditional Italian living and have a more rustic charm. Beautiful seascapes can be seen along the Italian coast, which includes the Adriatic, Mediterranean, and Ligurian seas. Beaches, marinas, and coastal villages provide stunning photographic locations.
South Africa
The scenery of South Africa is vastly diversified, encompassing everything from the picturesque Cape Peninsula and the famous Table Mountain to the rolling hills of the Winelands and the striking beauty of the Karoo desert, it’s been a favourite destination for many famous travel photographers. Every area provides distinctive and captivating photographic backgrounds. With a coastline along both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, South Africa boasts breathtaking coastal scenery, including rocky cliffs, immaculate beaches, and charming seaside villages. The Garden Route is especially well-known for its spectacular scenery. With so many game reserves and national parks, such as the famous Kruger National Park, South Africa delivers some of the most excellent chances for wildlife spotting and photography in the world.
The “Big Five” (elephant, lion, leopard, rhinoceros, and Cape buffalo), as well as a wide variety of other animals and birds, can be seen and photographed in their natural habitat. Modern metropolitan landscapes, lively street life, and unique architecture can all be found in cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. Cape Town’s vibrant Bo-Kaap neighbourhood is especially picturesque. Photographers seeking cultural and portrait topics may find inspiration in South Africa’s rich cultural legacy, shaped by many ethnicities such as Xhosa, Afrikaans, and Zulu. Festivities, dancing, music, and traditional clothing are visually captivating and showcase the nation’s rich cultural diversity. The Northern Cape and other regions have some of the best night sky for astrophotography, making it possible to picture the Milky Way and other celestial objects.
Indonesia
There are countless opportunities to capture photos of stunning scenery in Indonesia, from Java’s dramatic volcanic vistas to Bali’s lush, green rice terraces. Iconic views like the surreal blue flames of the Ijen Crater or the dawn over Mount Bromo add to the allure. Photographers can shoot a wide variety of subjects and scenes as each Indonesian island has unique qualities to offer. This variety and contrast make every photography expedition in Indonesia unique and rewarding.
Indonesia’s wildlife is a big draw for photographers. The country is home to endangered species such as Komodo dragons and orangutans in Borneo and Sumatra, and a wide variety of marine life in the coral reefs of Raja Ampat. There are countless opportunities for wildlife photography with these rare and unique animals. Taking photos underwater is another distinctive characteristic of Indonesia. Underwater photographers will find themselves at the epicentre of a rich marine environment, surrounded by crystal-clear seas and beautiful coral reefs. Another significant component of Indonesian photography is the human element. Photographers can communicate powerful human stories by documenting locals’ daily lives, from fishermen to traditional craftspeople.
Canada
Canada is widely recognised as a photographer’s dream location due to its diverse and expansive landscapes, abundant animals, and energetic cities. Its vast topography provides a fantastic variety of unspoiled landscapes. For example, landscape photographers love the Canadian Rockies because of the spectacular panoramas, turquoise lakes like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, and towering peaks. These recognisable, frequently untamed, wild landscapes exude a distinctively Canadian natural beauty. The country’s national parks, such as Gros Morne in Newfoundland and Banff and Jasper in Alberta, provide a variety of habitats, from thick woods to glacial fjords, offering many chances to photograph nature in all spectacular forms; they’re great places for photography.
Another excellent incentive for photographers to travel to Canada is its wildlife. There are many different types of wildlife across the nation, such as polar bears in Manitoba and grizzlies in British Columbia, all of which provide fascinating and distinctive photo opportunities. Wildlife and marine photography enthusiasts will find the coastal waters to be an excellent place to get pictures of whales, seals, and sea otters, among other marine species. In addition to natural beauties, Canada’s cities and towns are rich in cultural variety and architectural marvels. Urban landscapes full of life and vibrancy can be found in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, where new architecture coexists with old neighbourhoods. The cosmopolitan character of these cities enhances the potential for exciting street photography, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of Canada’s diverse society.
