Ore Mountain Blue Hour, Saxony, Germany

Observing the frigid grey skies and experiencing the cold air chill on my brow was enough to make me move hastily from the car. The symphony of setting up my tripod was now a masterful art, and with my camera mounted, I could turn my attention to the main event. Awaiting a colour pallet to filtrate the sky, I stood in amazement. Snow had fallen over the course of the last days, creating a perfectly white soft powdery blanket over my local habitat. The Ore Mountains, a rural setting in Eastern Germany, normally don’t offer the opportunity for creating on-point masterpieces. In winter, however, this is different.

Germans are known for their simple, clean lines when it comes to design, and as a landscape photographer, I adopt the same principles. The connection with the environment coupled with nature’s symmetry is a recipe for a photograph. I would say I’m obsessed with structure and composition. Moreover, I think I have a sort of reductionist mind. This framework really determines my photography, and constrains it at the same time.

Frosty Morning, Ore Mountains, Germany

After photographing the beautiful scenery, I had time to reflect upon my outing. The components in this collection present a simplistic yet complex intertwine of nature and the elements. Take, for example, the photo I titled “Lone Tree”: what caught my eye at the time was beyond the obvious isolation. If you look carefully, you can see the tree’s left windward side remains frozen, whereas the right seems void of white. While I cannot capture the wind, I certainly managed to photograph its element and impact on the tree. These small things are important to me when creating artwork.

Lone Tree, Ore Mountains, Germany

Turning my attention to what I call ‘Snow Soldiers’; I was fascinated by the spruce trees’ matchstick-like repetitive formation. Even at a distance, they could be mistaken for protecting the mystery of the forest behind them. The position of the front row of the conifer forest in the landscape would mean I could adopt different photographic techniques to capture their beauty.

First, while the light was beginning to warm, I wielded my Fujinon GF100-200mm lens to marry my capable GFX 50R Medium Format camera. In anticipation of the next glimpse of colour, I rested the lens to the widest position and turned my attention to timing. Moments passed, watching how the elements constantly changed the scenery. The warm rays of sunlight seemed to dance, embossing the mystic low-cloud and fog that engulfed the forest.

Snow Soldiers, Ore Mountains, Germany

Not to miss a perfect opportunity, I kept my aperture at f11 and recomposed. My new shutter speed was minutely faster as, by now, some of the warm light had passed. However, it didn’t matter as the scene through my viewfinder was perfect enough to be brilliant without the glow. Filling the frame at 160mm, the isometric pines felt light, and they belonged on top of a cake. Their icing outlined each branch as they descended to the left of the frame. The sky added the perfect hue of colour to ensure the contrasting nature of the branches stood proud. There was a sense of stillness in the image I had longed to capture. This is why I was out here in the cold.

Pop-Art Winter-Trees, Ore Mountains, Germany

Realising how fortunate I was, I hiked further into the landscape. The light began to unveil the surrounding beauty further. Turning my attention to one of the highest points, I noticed a large frosty tree. Its frozen limbs were locked as they clambered toward the heavens. The sense of new growth was emphasised due to the sun enlightening its canopy. The golden blanket permeated on the pristine white highlights creating effervescence life in the branches above. I could only begin to imagine how this tree started in life and how many decades it stood steadfast in this environment. I’m a mere mortal compared to its lifetime.

Frosty Tree, Ore Mountains, Germany

Looking back, I find myself lucky to live in such a place. Here, I am with the beauty of nature at my doorstep. As a landscape photographer, it’s my aim to enlighten people with natures’ rich diversity many people miss. Having some downtime is more important than watching the latest television show or indulging in social media. Instead, I much rather explore my creativity and passion for the outdoors and share it with the world.

Erzgebirge, Saxony, Germany, January 2021

So off I went to escape the dismal state and instead focus on a different perspective to try and bring some colour into my life. My escape wasn’t about taking photos for the sake of it. Nor was my trip about pushing the camera or lens to the limit in some pristine environment, rather the trip was about finding myself and reconnecting back with nature.

This is why Switzerland was on my list. Switzerland is incredible. Imagine a place brimming with landscapes in every direction where you could lose yourself. That was the place I was heading to intending to find the light. The majestic white-capped Alps protrude from the horizon masking the next incredible scene. When you’re there everywhere you look is simply breathtaking. And when I did arrive, I wanted to set myself a goal to see the world from a new perspective. So, with this in mind and a Fujifilm GFX 50R in hand, I set off to commence my trek.

Staring into the distance, I could see the elongating shadows dancing on the sides of mountains. The ancient glacier was crumbling on the horizon. With a few long breaths, I thought to myself, how did the world become so disconnected from nature?

My lens was almost not wide enough to cover the blanket of snow, which frequently surrounded me. Fortunately, though, photographing with a medium format camera proved to be an excellent choice. The raw grandness of resolution was a reflection of the epic landscape. At each location, I felt like the first person witnessing the beauty. As I wound the manual dials of my camera rocky outcrops seem to jolt from the ground in idyllic locations. With a few slight adjustments of my tripod head, I was able to consolidate them in my composition.

And it was at this moment; I knew the photos I was capturing were going to tell a narrative. Not as single images, but rather as an emotional journey. Connecting with the landscape was unquestionably what this trip was about. And when looking back, I can recall the very emotions I felt when looking through the lens.

I had fallen in love with the landscape.

There’s something about being outdoors in the fresh air that ignites creativity. I know when preparing for this trip, I had in mind the sort of photos I needed to take; however, this all changed once I was there. When setting up the gear to take my images, I lay in awe. The panoramic views surpassed what I had dreamed of. Most of the time, instead of pressing the shutter button, I was more than happy to view. The stillness in the air held me close to nature’s beating chest. My thoughts grew in the frozen air. How could so few people experience this?

As I trekked each corner, I wanted to proceed to explore. I constantly felt I was finding something new as the landscape around me was changing daily. The breathable air, the silence of the wind, a distant call of a bird whatever it was, just kept me wanting more.

Frequently, I found myself capturing half-a-second exposures as the golden light bounced from the snow reflector onto the sides of mountains. Watching the clouds float left and right for the closing scene was something I never missed. Even if the rays fell short, there was an outstanding beauty which could be found in the grayscale. Contrasting shapes and colours cascaded in a pixel canvas for my trigger-happy fingers. I felt at home.

As a landscape photographer, there’s a sense of joy you get from being out in nature. It’s what drives us up these heights. Feeling the wind on your face, experiencing the cold and sleeping rough is all part of the fun. For outdoor people, there’s a rush you can’t get from sitting in an office or watching a movie at home. Being in the elements is what life is all about, and this trip was an excellent reminder of that. I was able to come away, feeling a new love for the landscape and gain a real respect for nature.

Positivity feeds the soul when taking photos and hopefully when you look at the gallery of images from this trip, you get to share in the emotional wealth. Photography, for me, is about encouraging people to explore nature. It’s about watching someone’s eyes light up when they view the details that only a photographer can capture. And after reflecting on it feeling a sense of awe. That’s my purpose as a landscape artist. Sharing natural beauty as moments in time and a window into another world.

• Camera: Fujifilm GFX 50R
• Lenses: Fujinon GF32-64mm F4, Fujinon GF100-200mm F5.6
• LEE Filters, Gitzo GK100T Tripod
• Tour organised by grindelwaldSPORTS and let by mountain guide Beat Wenger

Aletsch Glacier & Jungfrau Region, Valais, Switzerland, September 2020

The Paro Tshechu festival has the added bonus of the Himalayan peaks as a backdrop; for five days beginning on the 10^th day of the 2^nd month on the Buddhist calendar, this celebration has been lifting spirits and wowing the crowds since the 17^th century. The story of the Bhutanese’s rich culture and history is told over and over again in glorious displays every year, drawing thousands of visitors from both neighboring towns and around the world. All of this is meant to honor Guru Rimpoche, the Precious Teacher and revered saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. In fact, the festival corresponds to his birth month.

Monks and layman trained in the art of dance wear various masks and vibrant costumes, meant to draw attention. Their job is to perform a dizzying array of dances – routines that have been performed countless times over the centuries. Their movements seem to be designed to hypnotize. The graceful twist of a dancer, the way their brightly-colored garments flow with the music – truly wonderous fodder for the eye of my camera. A gorgeous sprawling madhouse of delight.

In between the performances, patrons slowly meander the streets and I smell the heady aroma of street vendor food. Just enough so that my senses command me to sample some of the delicious Bhutanese fair without another moments’ hesitation. Groups of locals gather in little pockets here and there, chatting excitedly. Children congregate in their traditional colorful garb, happy to be out of their parent’s watchful eye, if only for a moment. Others stand waiting patiently for their turn to negotiate a fair price with many of the street vendors selling refreshments.

As the days of the festival slowly tick by, I get the innate sense that something is building up. A grand event that all of these dances, delectable food and colors so vibrant, I wonder with trepidation what could possibly get better than this? But, in the meantime, it is a treat to simply walk the streets and browse the shops. The Bhutanese are a simple people, and yet you’d never know this by the pride they take in their surroundings and their work. It seems as though each and every shop front is intricately painted in the most delightful of ways, with colorful patterns making my eyes dance and the imagination takes unexpected turns.

The celebratory rituals of music and dance continue, as each one seems to get more elaborate and entertaining – yes, something is definitely building. And then, early on the last day of the festival – the 15^th day of this Buddhist month – well before the first rays of sunlight strike the ground, people begin to gather in throngs around the dzong. Excited chatter slowly grows as more people gather, filling the spaces reaching up the hill. As they chat excitedly amongst themselves, most eyes keep watch towards the front of the building.

Suddenly, a giant sacred silk embroidered banner depicting the 8 Manifestations of Guru Padmasambhava, “one who was born from a Lotus flower,” is unfurled in a grand display inside the dzong for all to see. The cloth is so large it covers the façade of an entire building and is thought to be one of the most sacred blessings in all of Bhutan. It is an impressive example of Buddhist art that never fails to amaze all eyes that see it. Upon its unfurling, as I look around, I see tears of emotion in many spectator’s eyes.

The Thangka, which is known in Bhutan as ‘thongdroel’, is a religious scroll that is only exhibited for a few hours during the early morning light on the festival’s final day. All those who wish to obtain its blessing gather round it. This holy scroll provides liberation – the meaning of thongdroel – to all who come. It is a dramatic end to an incredible five days of unforgettable spectacle, traditional rituals, and infectious music and dance. A celebration like no other.

Marrakesh is Morocco’s third largest city, situated at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. It is a sprawling conglomeration of street art, monkey trainers, motorbikes, juice stands and henna tattoo artists. An exotic pattern of richly stocked souls ripe for story telling through the lens of a camera. Within these medieval walls of arts and crafts, tanneries and Saadian tombs lie the abundance of city life and all that Jemaa el-Fnaa (the main square) has to offer.

As the sun sets, more of the locals will surface along with the tourists; the magic that is the chaos of the city. When the crowds get to be to exhausting, venture down a narrow alleyway and capture the texture and proximity of the buildings as golden hour approaches. Dare to get lost in the Medina and discover the nooks and crannies of Marrakesh’s grand allure.

The simple act of uttering the word Marrakesh rolls off the tongue and evokes images of the beautiful business of the medina. To live here is to experience a mixture of cultures: North African, French and Arab, in a city as modern as it is ancient.

Blending In

There is no better way for a photographer to experience Marrakesh than to immerse oneself in the vibrant street life. Inspiring street photography is abundant all around you as you wander past vendors eager to sell you their wares. Using a film look in your photography conjures up the need to blend in with society here and be one with the culture.

Be prepared to haggle for anything and everything while in the medina. The friendlier the vendor, the more they would like you to part with your money. Be confident in your dealings, and know what you do and do not want. Be firm but friendly. Using this technique will make people more comfortable around you, and you’ll be able to casually take photos without seeming obtrusive.

Sip mint tea and nibble on figs while tourists and locals alike share stories of their daily activities. Many ex-pats live here, most from Europe who want a little slice of home, but also need some exotic inspiration. Like many street photographers, they also want to blend in with local life here.

While you want to capture much of ordinary life with your camera, it is best to do it as unobtrusively as possible. Shoot from the hip, as you want to capture the elusive and candid Marrakesh. Whether it be a child eating sweets from a food stall, or an old man selling cigarettes by the side of the road. This is where people watching is most intriguing. If you act normal and confident, you won’t have much of a problem capturing the real and gritty city with your lens.

Colors and Contrasts

For some, Marrakech is ‘the Red City’, for all of the baked clay richness of the terracotta buildings. Contrasting this with the plethora of greenery and all her protected gardens makes for some striking beauty and is ripe with photographic opportunities. Find someone wearing a splash of red in this environment and you will end up with some incredible shots.

In a city that is both new and old, contrasts are all around you. A tiny alleyway may hold a myriad of textures, a delightful depth of field and a symmetry unlike any other type of subject matter. As you wander the streets, your eye will quickly adjust to recognizing these opportunities.

Capturing contrasts is prime fodder for black and white street photography as well. Light and shadows, especially around the golden hours, are great for this. Play around with different shots and get a feel for what works best for color and for black and white.

As with any good photographer, patience is key, especially in a busy city full of humble-living people and street hagglers. Unlike landscape photography, it requires patience of a difference kind. To remedy this, always be friendly and respectful of those who are simply living their day-to-day lives. You will more often than not be rewarded with reciprocal kindness. This is the best way to capture daily life here. Be casual in your picture-taking. Blend in. If anyone gives you trouble, be kind and move on. Always try to put yourself in their shoes and you will fare well.

Inspiration Everywhere

Life for people here is routine. As in many parts of the world, people you encounter on the street are living simply, and making a hard-earned living or looking forward to their next meal. Evidence of this is all around you in Marrakesh as you walk the streets, duck into tiny alleyways and dodge donkeys and motorbikes.

Older men sitting by the side of the road may regard you warily with your camera, but they are most likely simply curious about you. Children with their families, on their way home from school or playing in the streets will delight and inspire you.

A lonely but ornate front door or any other inanimate object under the right light is just as beautiful and interesting as any vibrant street scene. However, keep in mind that beauty is always in the eyes of the beholder – what is beautiful to you may not necessarily be that way for the next photographer. Just like a great novel, the subject matter of great street photography is subjective. Trust your own eye and you will not be disappointed in the outcome.

All images have been shot using the Fujifilm X100F.

Articles:

• This article has been published in the wonderful Street Photography Magazine, March 2020.

Deep in the remote northwest villages of the Kingdom of Bhutan, where few tourists know to roam, are a people who celebrate their culture and faith with dances and colorful costumes. The Gasa Tshechu is held every March or April in the small district of Gasa in Bhutan, which is home to highlander communities. While the festival is open to all who wish to come, few tourists make the journey. Especially considering the remote location, it was fascinating to see how this indigenous people celebrate their culture.

Religious festivals in Bhutan are called “tshechus” or “dromches” and are important community events celebrating the spiritual. The local language is Dzongkha and “tshechus” literally means the tenth day of the month. Festivals are held roughly around this time in the Bhutanese calendar. Visitors who attend are treated to an experience of music and dance that inspire the Bhutanese way of life, and that celebrate their tradition, their faith and community. Locals come in traditional clothing: “ghos” worn by men and “kiras” worn by women.

Cultural Authenticity

Buddhism is a heavy influence in the Bhutanese tradition and culture. The Gasa Festival has evolved over centuries as a way to convey ancient legends and reinforce the values of the people. Stories are told through dance – some of them can be quite moving – where men performing the dances wear brightly colored costumes and masks. The dances are carefully choreographed. They are often meant to invoke certain deities, who then are charged with removing the sins and ill will of all who attend the festival.

The Gasa Festival is a multi-day event; an important cultural ceremony for the Bhutanese people. The mask and folk dances that take place have deep meaning and are performed by monks and laymen alike. It is the largest festival in northwest Bhutan, and positively lights up the community with a variety of indigenous dance performances not found anywhere else in the world. Usually held at the Gasa Dzong, the main monastery, people from all over the region gather together in celebration.

The Tshechu Legend

Tshechus are believed to have begun in Bhutan by Guru Padmasambhave who is also known as Guru Rinpoche. He was a Nyingmapa scholar who came to Bhutan in the 8^th and 9^th centuries. He performed dances of subjugation to conquer local deities to restore the health of the King. As thanks, the King vowed to spread Buddhism throughout Bhutan. Cham dances evolved from Padmasambhave’s dances throughout the centuries as a way to receive blessings and wash away the sins of all who participate in the festivals. Dances are performed by monks dressed in colorful costumes. The goal of Buddhists is to ultimately gain spiritual enlightenment. It is believed that this can in part be achieved by attending a Tshechu.

The Mask Dances

The Bhutanese people believe with their hearts that every human should watch the Tshechu and the masked dances in order to wash away their sins. The festivals are held so that the entire community can come together to socialize, dance and receive blessings. The dances are a swim of noise and color, where Buddhist mythology comes to life.

For example, during the Dance of the Terrifying Deities, the Guru is depicted in one of his several manifestations, his wrathful form, along with his attendants. In the Dance of the Judgement of Dead, a story is told about a sinner whose good deeds are outweighed by his bad deeds, and a black demon escorts him into hell. In the Dance of the Lord of Death and his Consort, the mask depicts a terrifying bull face, the ruler and protector of the Three Worlds. He guards and blesses them before the arrival of the gods of wisdom. And the Dance of the Rakshas shows how a person has died and is in a state of limbo as his sins and merits are judged over his lifetime.

The Costumes

Along with colorful costumes decorated with motifs and ornaments, wooden masks are worn by the dancers. They often represent fierce gods, or animals, where the monks dance to folk music played with flutes, drums, symbols and yak-horns. As the dances unfurl before you, the flowing costumes become a swirl of bright colors, enticing you, drawing you into the story.

Women are mostly spectators in the crowd, but many are no less decked out, with beaded adornments in their black hair, and silk robes draping around them. Many with small children wrapped around the back of their shoulders, or older ones clinging to their side as they watch the spectacle.

To immerse yourself in the celebration, it is easy to imagine the exact scene going on hundreds of years ago – and it did. You can almost talk yourself into thinking that you’ve traveled back in time, a couple of centuries at least. That is until your gaze falls on one young person in the crowd with their iPhone out, checking the latest. Even in this remote area of the world, technology is not foreign.

The Remoteness of Gasa, Bhutan

A makeshift road, newly built, leads one into Gasa, making way for more visitors in the years to come. However, don’t think that people will come in doves just yet. The rudimentary pathway into the village is just that, primitive compared to modern standards, and your travel time will be unexpectedly long. But this is not about making good time on the road, this is about having a once-in-a-lifetime experience, to be part of an age-old ritual.

Perhaps it is the remoteness of Gasa which contributes to the lack of visitors to the Festival. There are scores of similar events held throughout Bhutan, but the Gasa Tshechu is one of the largest, and not to be overlooked if one wants to really experiences the local Bhutanese culture.

Bhutan has managed to retain its authenticity, and as Gasa is fairly remote, it has not been overrun by tourists at all. Those curious souls that do make the journey are asked to give the utmost respect to the Bhutanese people, their culture and their celebrations. We are but humble guests in their house.

Articles:

• Travel Article: The Vivid Beauty of Bhutan
• Cathay Pacific Discovery Magazine (February 2020): East and West Bhutan – The Kingdom of Double Happiness
• This article has been published in the wonderful Stade Magazine, March 2020.

India is an exotic and wondrous place. It is out of reach for many people. With the increasing accessibility of travel to all of the wonders of the world, this is changing. Exploring the world has never been easier, and capturing travel images is one of the activities you can do to help bring the memories home.

Nothing captures the essence of an uplifting and exotic trip such as touring the Golden Triangle. The cities of Agra, Jaipur and Delhi lead one into a passionate and fascinating world of Mughals and Maharajas. There is no greater evidence of this then the decadence of the Amber Fort, the supreme architecture of the Qutab Minar. And of course the majesty that is the Taj Mahal.

Like the finest piece of Toblerone chocolate, the triangle of these three cities is sublime and jam packed with flavor. As you pass through each city, one tries to outdo the other with respect to their architecture, craftsmanship and exquisite photographic opportunities. The influences of the Mughal Empire run deep as you walk the streets and gardens. The vibrancy of the breathing city envelope you as your tuk tuk hurdles its way around throngs of proud people, cows and markets, en route to your next destination.

Street Photography

One of the best times of the year to visit is March, after the chill of winter has left and well before the monsoon season of summer descends. Anytime between October and mid-April is ideal. And capturing the beautiful chaos that is city life in India on camera makes for some stunning street photography.

Visiting Agra is an exercise in going back in time. Ramshackle buildings lumped together lining gritty streets, laundry hanging out to dry outside residential windows. A variety of roadside shops and stands all make for great shots. This is a city where animals are respected and roam free in the streets; and deliveries are still made by bicycle. Overloaded scooters and buffalo-drawn carts are the norm.

And don’t forget the tuk tuks. This is the way most tourists get around and you will never want for one to get you where you want to go. Shooting with your camera on the fly is the name of the game here, as you will never know when to capture that golden shot until the moment before it arrives. Whether its children spilling out of the back of a truck, eager to get home, or a tuk tuk driver haggling with his next client. The photographic possibilities here are endless and make up for exiting travel images.

Chasing Light and Shadow

As you stroll Agra’s Taj Mahal Gardens before sunset, you can capture the last rays of sunlight as they stream down through the trees, bathing everything below the canopy in a golden light. Choose a portion of the Taj Mahal that inspires you. Moreover, visit it at different times of the day to play with the light and shadow as the sun moves its way across the sky.

Natural light can be used in so many ways. Take advantage of sunrise and sunset every single day, as golden hour never seems to disappoint, no matter what your subject matter. Your eye will become trained very quickly to recognize the dazzling puppet show of shadows as light hits an object just so.

Take advantage of backlit mosques at sunset, with people milling about the square outdoors. Perhaps you’ll capture that magic moment when a flock of birds lift off against the fading light.

Reflections on Water

Everyone has seen photos of the Taj Mahal as reflected on the water pool in front of it. But give yourself a challenge if you choose to accept it: try to find a unique angle of another reflective water shot of this iconic landmark. In fact, any body of water you come across that is fairly calm is prime fodder for an incredible reflective shot.

Color and Contrast

The city of Jaipur is known as the “pink city” for its clusters of pink buildings. If you can find just the right angle with which to shoot one of these clusters against the clear blue sky, the contrast of colors makes for some magical travel images. The Golden Triangle is indeed one of contrasts, everywhere you turn, and not just for the sake of photography. At the Red Fort in Agra, it’s a delight to capture the crisp, ornate designs of a wooden door in the foreground, while a blurry image of ancient concrete lies beyond.

Jaipur is also a major hub for textiles, and the bazaars are awash with vibrant cloths, jewelry and Rajasthani crafts. A close-up shot of bright herbs and spices in a market will lend texture to your shots. Be sure to take at least some time to put your camera down so you can bargain with a vendor for that incredible silk sari for yourself or as a gift!

If you let it, your eye will quickly pick up on these contrasts, both visually and literally. On one block you will be strolling by palatial estates, only to turn the corner and find yourself among shacks where residents are struggling to get by. An appreciation for the dichotomy of rich and poor will train you to get great shots without invading the privacy of others.

A Wonderland for Travel Images

Old Delhi is one of the oldest existing cities in the world, dating back 5,000 years. First impressions are that everything is crowded, dirty and chaotic. But use a photographer’s eye to push past the madness and truly recognize the beauty of the people here, the colors, the way of living.

When touring the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, let your collection of photographs and travel images tell a story. No matter what technique you use (or if you care to use none at all) every photo you take will capture something that moved you to bring the camera to your eye. The second you click the shutter will no doubt attempt to convey the feeling you had at that moment, and will continue to inspire all who see it.

According to ancient Greek mythology, Cyclades were nymphs, daughters of Oceanus and Tethys who provoked the rage of Poseidon. In revenge, Poseidon – the God of the Sea – turned them into islands.

The Cyclades islands form a circle (hence the name) around the sacred island of Delos. As the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, Delos attracts millions of Greek and foreign visitors all year round. Furthermore, Mikonos, Naxos, and Ios  astonish the visitors with their dreamy Cycladic architecture all in white and blue, turquoise waters, spectacular beaches and dazzling light. These islands are considered as the gems of the Cyclades. Consequently, they make the perfect travel photography destinations.

Mykonos

A favorite vacation destination of the world’s jet set, Mykonos is well-known for its white churches, charming windmills, stunning architecture and barren landscape. Apart from having a holiday of a lifetime, you will return with beautiful landscape images. Typical subjects include sandy beaches, cascade hills and narrow cobbled streets in the shade of the ornamental bougainvillea.

Mykonos to-do List

Beaches. Unquestionably the biggest natural attraction of the island. Mykonos has 25 beaches that range from long strips of white sand to secluded small coves, sheltered by the hills.

Whether you decide to spend lazy days on sandy Elia, party on Paradis, or to escape from the crowds to isolated Fokos or Myrsine bays, you will be amazed by the beauty of the scenery. I won’t start talking about the wonderful transparency of the sea. Moreover, the play of natural light on the surface of the water is simply breathtaking.

Hora. The tiny white capital of the island (also known as Mykonos) is recognized as a perfect spot for Greek travel photography. Narrow pedestrian streets among rich, vividly-colored bougainvillea trees, picture-perfect white and blue houses and churches make a delightful scenery for photography enthusiasts.

Churches. Churches and monasteries that date back from the Byzantine times are scattered humbly across the hills of Mykonos. They offer a splendid view of the Aegean Sea and a perfect set for landscape images. The ascetic architecture contrasting the infinity of the sea in the background – simply extraordinary.

Sunsets. If you take a walk to Kato Mili, the quartet of windmills on a hill overlooking Little Venice and the town of Mykonos, you will enjoy one of the most stunning sunsets you have ever seen. With or without sunset, this is one of the best travel photography destinations on the island.

Ios

Ios is an island of history. It is believed to be the birthplace of Homer’s mother and his own final resting place. Although the locals call their island “Nios”, its name comes from the word ion, the Greek name for the flower violet. One of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades, Ios will take your breath away. With its cascade-looking like cities and whitewashed houses with blue windows, it provides the finest examples of Cycladic architecture.

Ios Must-visit

Chora. The island’s capital, Chora will greet you with its amphitheater-like appearance on the slope of the small hill. On the barren hilltop, you will find ruins of a medieval castle – a perfect spot to take your seascape images bathed in natural light.

Traditional Cycladic village, Chora is a great setting for traveler photos. Its dreamy windmills, churches with blue domes and arched towers, crystal clear sea, charming arcade-covered alleys and charismatic traditional taverns will make your stay on the island truly unforgettable.

Beaches. Ios beaches are well-known as some of the best places to swim in Greece. For those looking for the buzzing beach life, Ormos and Mylopotas are the perfect destinations. Their close proximity to the port, numerous beach bars and a great selection of watersports makes them a perfect travel destination.

However, Ios has a great selection of secluded, remote coves where you can spend days in serenity, surrounded only by nature and warm, ever-changing natural light.

Naxos

The biggest island in the Cyclades, and also the greenest one. So, if you ever get enough of barren hilltops of Ios and Mykonos, drop by this charming island. It is full with strikingly high mountains, lush green valleys, traditional villages, ancient ruins, and stunning landscapes.

Don’t Miss Out Naxos’ History

Traditional Cycladic Villages. Perched on the mountain tops of Naxos, these traditional villages offer a great insight into the island’s tradition and culture. Hence, you will meet the locals who still live in traditional whitewashed cubic houses cascading down the hillsides.

Naxos is an island of gorgeous old monasteries, churches, and Venetian castles. The island’s namesake capital and port features characteristic cubic houses, medieval Venetian mansions and a hilltop castle with an archeological museum dating to the 13th century.

The Cyclades have it all: beautiful landscape, crystal clear waters, intriguing history and captivating architecture. Don’t miss it out.

Along the eastern edge of the Himalayas sits a Buddhist kingdom known as Bhutan. Bhutan is revered for its many monasteries, fortresses (called “dzongs”) and outlandishly impressive landscapes from rugged mountain peaks to serene valleys. Having the chance to visit this country is a life-changing experience. One that travel photography attempts to capture but is truly best seen with one’s own naked eye.

Still, travel photography of Bhutan like you’ll see here can give you a taste of what to expect when you visit this destination to trek. Be humbled, and be forever changed by your experiences. Some of the most notable places in Bhutan have been captured in my portofolio. I hope they will give you an idea of where you should be sure to visit.

Paro

This valley town just west of Thimphu, the capital, is the only place in the country where you’ll find an international airport. It’s your way in, but beyond that, there are a number of sacred sites to see. Of them, Taktsang Palphug, known as the Tiger’s Nest is a monastery nestled upon the cliffs overlooking the forests of the Paro Valley. Words cannot aptly describe the visions you’ll see though travel photography gives you the real picture. Paro Dzong is truly a marvel of Bhutanese architecture. With buttressed walls and a grand presence, you can see it towering over the town from just about anywhere in the valley. The true name of this dzong is Rinchen Pung Dzong which means “Fortress on a Heap of Jewels.”

Another reason to visit Paro is during the Paro Tshechu, or festival. This festival revolves around religious dances. It has been an annual event ever since the 17^thcentury which was initiated by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the founder of the state of Bhutan and Ponpo Rigzin Nyingpo together as part of the consecration of the Paro Dzong in 1644. The monks and laymen in their intricate masks and costumes are unlike anything you’ve witnessed before. Visiting Paro during the Tshechu is truly the best time to come.

Thimphu

The capital of Bhutan is located in the western portion of the interior. It’s where the government functions, however it’s more well-known for its Buddhist sites. Tashichho Dzong is an absolute must-see. It’s massive in size as one would expect for a monastery and government palace rolled into one. You can’t miss it from the gold-leaf bedazzled roofs, a glimmering sight on the horizon. Memorial Chorten is another golden sight, complete with gold spire. It is one of the most respected Buddhist shrines and is a tribute to Jigme Dorju Wangchuck, who was Bhutan’s third king.

Gasa Valley

This northernmost district connects the other districts of Thimphu, Punakha, and Wangdue Phodrang. Tibet sits just to the north of it. With huge elevations, this scene is beyond spectacular, making for travel photography dreams. The winters here are intensely long and cold, but a visit in the brief summertime is a sublime treat. Here, you’ll see the nomadic herders known as the Layaps. They make products from their yaks and harvest a type of mushroom used in Asian medicines. It is here that the gorgeous forests, healing hot springs, and the Gasa Dzong beckon travelers from all corners of the world. The adventurous traveler shouldn’t miss the Snowman Trek, known as one of the most fierce in the Himalayas.

Staying two nights in the Gasa Valley, I was able to take an impressive early morning photo of mighty Khang Bum. Khang Bum reaches a height of 6.494m and forms part of the Eastern Himalayas. It was one of this magic moments of landscape photography.

Additionally, if you’re planning a visit to Bhutan, it might be best to do so during the Gasa Festival. Each year, it grows in popularity likely because the experience is a once-in-a-lifetime treat. What it gives you is the chance to fully experience this remote Dzongkhag which has the nickname  “Hidden-Land Rice Valley” for good reason.

Haa Valley

Along the most western edge of Bhutan, this gorgeous valley speaks for itself. Isolated behind the Chele La mountain ridge, it offers a quaint experience in Bhutan as the smallest dzongkhag in the country. The isolation here isn’t lonely but rather more inspiring than anything. Travel photography of Bhutan truly brings it to life.

Punakha Valley

Known for rice farming of both red and white varieties along the Pho and Mo Chu rivers, this valley is also home to the Punakha Dzong. Called by locals “Pungtang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang,” it translates to “the palace of great happiness or bliss”. It’s hard not to be happy in such beautiful surroundings, honestly. Interestingly, it was the administrative center and seat for the government of Bhutan until the capital was moved to Thimphu in 1955. Incidentally, this dzong is the second oldest and second largest in all of Bhutan. My travel photography attempts to capture just how impressive it is.

Whether you practice Buddhism or you simply want to explore a world vastly different than the one surrounding you locally each day, a trip to Bhutan can be the eye-opening change in scenery that you need. With friendly locals, vivid natural settings, inspiring natural light and plenty of opportunities for adventure both of the rugged type as well as the adventure of learning about the monks, monasteries and life of the people of Bhutan, it is an excellent choice to help you get off the grid and truly reconnect with the world. Let this travel photography be your guide and inspiration into your journey to Bhutan.

Articles:

• Travel Article: Festivals of Bhutan – Gasa Tshechu
• Several of my images have been published in the February 2020 issue of Discovery, Cathay Pacific’s iconic inflight magazine.