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The 10 Best Places in the World to Photograph

by Jo Petty
Posted: July 14, 2014

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Getting the perfect snap can take a lifetime's work, and many photographers may feel like they have never taken the "perfect" photo. The following locations across the world are renowned for their beauty, which attract both budding photographers and professionals alike year after year. What ones are on your bucket list?

1. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

This abandoned city was lost up until the mid-19th century and it's certainly reflected in its overgrown and abandoned state. The dappled light that fades in the afternoon is praised by photographers from around the world for how it highlights the ancient ruins. A secret treasure, there are some great shots to be taken here, including reflections of the temple in the moat, and impressive carvings which are scattered throughout the abandoned city. You may even get lucky and see one of the monkeys that live in the area: make sure you use a fast shutter speed to capture them though!

2. Chichen Itza, Mexico

Perhaps one of the most instantly recognisable landmarks from around the world, Chichen Itza provides an unusual photographic setting with its distinctive triangular shape and steep stairs. With over three thousand years of history hidden here, the impressive shape of the building is perfect for capturing the sunrise or sunset of the day as it creates some distinctive shadows.

3 Petra, Jordan

Another inspiring ancient city, Petra is well known for its red rose coloured walls and openings carved into the rock face. One of the best shots you can get is through the winding Siq Gorge which leads you up to the entrance of the city, and once you're in there's plenty of hidden doorways and carvings to capture.

4. Snæfellsjökull, Iceland

Iceland is one of the most unusual places to capture on camera. A volcanic island which has a distinct lack of ice, there are lots of lava fields, geysers and craters to explore across the country. At this national park, which is the starting point for Jules Verne's Journey to the Centre of the Earth, you'll find serene landscapes and a rolling volcanic backdrop. Perfect for panoramic shots.

5. Stonehenge, UK

One of the mysteries of the UK, Stonehenge is a series of rectangular stones that have been perched on top of each other in a circular fashion. It's always been debated as to what the purpose of the blocks are and how they even got there with the primitive technologies available at the time. However they got there, the area has been a source of allure for all sorts of photographers from casual snappers to the professionals. It's a wonderful place to experiment with time lapse photos: the clear skies are ideal for capturing the movement of the stars at night or the rising and setting sun of the day.

6. Taj Mahal, India

The pristine white building of the Taj Mahal and its long water feature create the perfect landscape shot. A tricky picture to get right, you will want to ensure the bright white of the building and the glare of the sun don't wash out the rest of the photo. Try taking a snap late in the day when the sun isn't as high in the sky, or alternatively at night, when it practically gleams in the dark. As one of the most romantic places in the world, you may have to nudge proposing couples out of the way to get the ideal shot though!

7. Pyramids, Egypt

The Pyramids of Egypt are one of the most talked about wonders of the world, yet the photographs which are usually seen of the landmarks can be deceiving.  The city of Cairo virtually comes up to the doorstep of the Pyramids, and a fun photo can be getting the contrast between the clear desert and the bustling city which neighbour each other.

8. Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

Aside from the fantastic beaches, Hawaii is also best known for its collection of volcanoes, with Kilauea the centrepiece of the national park. It's the most active volcano in the world, so chances are you'll be able to get some amazing shots of flowing lava: a tricky snap to get right, but wonderful when you manage to pull it off. Visit in the daytime (the easiest time to get a lava shot, as at night the colours become distorted) and bring a few different lenses with you: if the volcano is pretty lively then chances are you'll want a zoom lens so you don't have to get too close!

9. Rome, Italy

Simply bursting with history, you'll want to take an extra memory card or two when you visit this bustling city. With sights such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps all offering great photo opportunities, there's much street photography to be had here too, with colourful locals more than happy to pose.

10. Marrakech, Morocco

The souks of Marrakech are full of colour: colours that don't need to be touched up in Photoshop! The market is certainly the place for inspiration in Marrakech with a whole plethora of goods on offer from towering spices to antiques and of course tasty food. Be sure to bring a macro lens with you to capture all of the goodies close up and in detail.

These are just some of the most colourful and vibrant places in the world to inspire you, but you may equally have your own top places to take photos of. Practise before you travel anywhere, and make sure you bring all of your equipment: you don't want to miss out on the perfect shot because you've left your flash or a lens at home!

 

 

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