10 Of The Most Photogenic Places In The World
The world is full of wonders big and small, natural and man-made, and while singling out 10 photogenic places is basically like picking your favourite trees in a lush forest, certain places on Earth are undeniable camera candy.
To inspire the photographers and Instagrammers within us, we’ve compiled a list of 10 corners of the Earth that are so pleasing you’ll just have to press the shutter.
[related_articles]55910,58148[/related_articles]#1 The Temples of Bagan, Myanmar
Lesser-known than other Southeast Asian landmarks like Angkor Wat or Borobudur, the plains of Bagan and its 2200 Buddhist temples and monasteries are a dreamlike vision. Imagine idyllic countryside (complete with horse and ox carriages) sprinkled with pagodas and stupas of all shapes and sizes.
This is a historical site so vast that it takes days to explore. For the best ’gram, wait until the sun’s playing hide-and-seek and the hot air balloons are in full flight.
#2 The Dunes Of Sossusvlei, Namibia
Often hailed as the jewel of Africa, Namibia southern Namib Desert is home to one of the globe’s most surreal landscapes. Few natural formations are as enchanting as Sossusvlei, where a series of salt and clay pans are surrounded by red sand dunes.
The dead acacia trees in the middle of Deadvlei are the icing on the cake. These trees have inspired many commercials, music videos, and movies, and there’s no doubt they’ll give your camera a few ideas, too.
#3 Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia
Not all deserts are made of rolling sand dunes. Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni – the world’s largest salt flat – offers a 11,000 km-wide playground for photographers, courtesy of a prehistory lake that went dry.
While this endless expanse is a stunning sight in itself, add flamingos, cacti islands, geysers, and blue-sky reflections, and you’ve got one of the most mesmerising spots on the planet.
#4 Antelope Slot Canyon, USA
A standout a country full of wonders, the USA’s Antelope Canyon is another geological curiosity that seems to have been placed on Earth entirely for the benefit of photographers. This Arizona attraction, located on Navajo land, comprises an upper section and a narrower, less navigable one.
The slot canyon’s twisty, spirally rock lines give a sense of constant movement, and the sky and light filtering through the openings paint the facades a range of fiery colours. In short: there is a lot to play with!
#5 Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Lying 1000km from the Ecuadorian mainland, the volcanic archipelago of the Galapagos is paradise for wildlife photographers. It’s as if the world’s most elusive creatures decided to retreat to these 18 isolated islands in one go.
So, what makes it so unique? The biodiversity is unmatched anywhere on Earth and the animals living here are rather unfazed by humans. You can walk, swim, and dive among them freely, snapping all the close-ups you want.
#6 Venice, Italy
Venice lives up to its hype. Its canals are lined with Renaissance and Gothic architecture, opulent historical monuments, and intricate bridges that make this floating city so photogenic. Venice is also entirely car-free, so you’ve got no choice but to explore the city’s photogenic nooks and crannies by foot.
For those interested in night photography, a vaporetto ride down the Grand Canal is the perfect opportunity to snap the lights reflected in the sea and the shapes of the buildings cutting through the misty dusk.
#7 Chefchaouen, Morocco
Chefchaouen is a blue-hued city in Morocco’s Rif Mountains. It’s vibrant blue-and white-washed buildings form a strange oasis in the otherwise arid landscape. The quaint romance of its narrow alleyways, street staircases, and traditional dwellings creates a scene that looks like it’s come from a fairytail.
If you spend hours – even days! – chasing the charming details of Chefchaouen, we won’t blame you.
#8 French Polynesia
Of the many tropical havens on Earth, the islands of French Polynesia are perhaps the most picture-perfect. It’s no coincidence that Tahiti and Bora Bora attract flocks of honeymooners looking for the ultimate luxury getaway.
In fact, chances are that, when picturing your dream holiday in the sun, it’s these South Pacific gems you’re imagining. Think palm trees, transparent blue waters, emerald lagoons, overwater bungalows, bright reefs teeming marine life. Yes please!
#9 Lake Louise, Canada
Inspired by lakeside mountain views rather than seascapes? The turquoise shores of Lake Louise in Banff National Park are for you.
It’s no secret that Canada has epic alpine settings, and this is one of the best. Azure waters, soaring peaks of and views of Fairmont Castle make this area a stunner year-round.
#10 Kyoto’s Temples, Japan
Kyoto has no less than 17 UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites competing for your camera’s attention. Highlights include Kinkakuji, Saiho-ji Temple and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Round this up with an ethereal bamboo forest and the chance to spot Geishas in the Gion district, and you have one of the world’s best sources of exquisite imagery.
