Where to find the most inspiring landscape photography opportunities
Landscape photography is a special way of viewing what the natural world has to offer. The possibilities are endless, from the vastness of a desert to the detail in an image of a rain forest. Capturing images of the natural world can be humbling and awe inspiring. It can also present a challenge, to find innovative ways of expressing commonly photographed or familiar landscape. Here are some of the best locations for a unique landscape photography experience. These locations offer variety and capacity for creativity.
-Text by Juliana Connors
Namibia
The Namibian landscape is exceptionally interesting, with remarkable sites found nowhere else in the world. Namibia is quite uninhabited as well, making a landscape photographer’s task easier. Also, the uninterrupted landscapes provide freedom of movement and creativity for a photographer. The relatively exposed landscape is uniquely haunting. Specifically, the white salt and clay pans, Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei are a spectacular sight, set against the burnt orange of the desert. The quiver tree forest is another beguiling photographic opportunity. Enveloped in superstition, the quiver trees make for a thought-provoking photography subject. Lastly, Nambia is an ideal location for photographing the night sky. Open spaces and limited light pollution create the archetypal setting for astrophotography.
Join our Namibia photography workshop with Emil von Maltitz and Nick van de Wiel!
Image by Emil von Maltitz
Madagascar
Madagascar demonstrates singularity in many aspects, from diverse wildlife to varied landscape. The island is host to uniquely unspoiled land, ideal for landscape photography. The island is distinctive in so many ways, from the beaches to the mountains and jungles inland, Madagascar has a wildly diverse landscape. Also, the plethora of indigenous flora and fauna add to the unique environment.
Additionally, Madagascar offers the iconic avenue of baobab trees. The baobabs are almost 800 years old, and the size of these trees set the landscape of Madagascar apart. To say nothing of the Tsingy forest. The Stone forest formed from tropical rain eroding limestone, yielding jagged rocks with the appearance of a forest. Tsingy translates to “where one cannot walk.” Despite the name, the stone forest provides a home to animals, even many species of lemurs. The Tsingy forest is a sight to behold and a special landscape photography opportunity.
Join our photography workshop to capture the unspoiled beauty of Madagascar!
Image by Emil von Maltitz
Iceland
Iceland provides a wealth of landscape photography destinations. From varied rock formations to waterfalls, to black sand beaches, Iceland has it all. Many national parks throughout the country provide ideal photography conditions. The Seljalandsfoss, an emblematic waterfall, is renown amongst tourists and photographers alike. It is possible to walk behind the waterfall for an entirely different perspective for a photo. The Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is another breathtaking landscape photography spot. The glacier pieces on the black sand beach make an intriguing sight, nicknamed Diamond Beach, an obviously sought-after landscape photography destination. Learn more about Iceland’s best spots for landscape photography. Finally, if you are lucky, you may even have the opportunity to photograph the northern lights. The northern lights are visible September to mid-April from most places in Iceland. The landscape is open, and limited light pollution make Iceland a prime destination to photograph the northern lights.
Join our upcoming Iceland photo tour!
Cuba
Cuba may seem like an unconventional landscape photography destination, but it is not to be overlooked. First, the urban environment is captivating, as well as the breathtaking Vinales Valley. There is an authenticity about Havana, like traveling back in time, making for great street photography. There is such vibrance and culture in Havana; the architecture and the colors capture the feel of the city.
A Unesco World Heritage Site, the Vinales Valley offers beautiful, lush scenery. The soil in the valley is fertile, supporting crops as well as endemic flora and fauna. Amongst the mountains, are mogotes or limestone cliffs. Surprisingly, the Vinales Valley is one of the few places in the world where these geological formations are found.
Join our photography workshop in Cuba!
Image by Andrew Bell
Botswana
Botswana offers unique and varied landscape. While the horizon is mostly flat, the landscape changes from the floodplains of the Okavango delta to the arid Kalahari Desert. The Okavango river feeds into the Delta, flooding during the wet season. The Makgadikgadi salt pans demonstrate another varied environment, changing with the rain seasons. For a landscape photographer, Botswana has a dynamic landscape, weathering varied conditions. It is quintessentially Africa.
Find out more about our upcoming photo safari in Botswana!
Find out more about what makes Botswana a great landscape photography destination!
