The world is an endless source of inspiration if you know where to look. There are incredible photo opportunities everywhere you go, but some places possess unique beauty or mystery worth exploring with your trusted camera at your side.
For many photographers, traveling the world and taking photos of the people and places they encounter is a dream come true.
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or still building up your repertoire, following a list of dream destinations can inspire you to hone your craft and keep pursuing the unknown while flexing those globetrotter muscles.
Here’s our list of ten incredible travel destinations every photographer needs to visit at least once:
Namib Desert, Namibia
Namibia is one of the most remarkable and unique countries on earth. Its towering ochre dunes, stark desert landscapes, and cracked-fissure earth give it an almost Mars-like feeling, which has attracted photographers and filmmakers from around the world.
The weather is exceedingly hot and dry, but this climate provides near-perfect light conditions, which are incredibly consistent all year round. If you’re lucky, you may spot herds of oryx, zebra, or springbok, among other native wildlife.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is known as the Land of Fire and Ice, and it’s hard to think of a cooler or more enticing name for a photographer to explore. This is a country that will show you volcanoes, glaciers, and black sand beaches all in one go, flanked by frigid ice caves and lilac mountain flowers.
Reykjavik is a great place to travel as a photographer because you will never run out of opportunities to capture something new. Wildlife, such as puffins, arctic foxes, and wild horses, may even make an appearance.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
There are lots of good reasons to visit Siem Reap, Cambodia, as a photographer and a traveler in general. There is indigenous foliage and greenery as far as the eye can see, a lush tropical climate, and lively towns and villages to explore.
However, one of the most compelling reasons to visit this region of Cambodia is the architecture. Siem Reap is home to the world’s oldest known temple, Angkor Wat. Rich colors, intrinsic details, and a culture of spiritual devotion make this travel destination ripe with striking image potential.
Leh, Kashmir Region
The hypnotically beautiful land of Leh is bursting with unique visual landmarks. Sapphire-colored lakes, Buddhist gompas (monasteries), herds of wild sheep and goats, and, of course, a backdrop of Himalayan mountain territory make this part of North India look like something from a dream.
In addition to the incredible natural beauty of the area, Leh is home to a variety of rare wildlife, including the Tibetan wolf, Tibetan red fox, snow leopards, and wild ibis.
Santorini, Greece
The land of whites and blues. This visually striking island is known to some as the most romantic place on earth, and when you take in the environment, it is easy to see why. Warm, luxurious Aegean waters, scintillating beaches, and chalky white architecture designed in unusual round shapes—this particular part of Greece is like something out of a fairytale and definitely important for any photographer to explore.
Mount Fuji, Japan
Rising 12,000 feet above sea level, Mt. Fuji is an extraordinary sight that people flock from all over the world to behold. Once you’ve been to this active volcano in person, you’ll understand why.
There are ancient temples and shrines located along the base of Mt. Fuji, offering both man-made and natural insights into Japan’s incredible beauty. The snow-peaked volcano has become a sacred symbol of Japanese history and culture, making it a must-see item on any travel photographer’s bucket list.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a uniquely dynamic city on the southernmost tip of Africa that is considered a world-class travel and photography destination. The breezy coastline is a constant rotation of diverse crowds, cultures, and cuisines, all of which are grounded by towering mountains wherever you go.
Verdant vineyards, dense green forests, and a variety of wildlife-watching opportunities are also found throughout the city and further inland.
The people are friendly and laid-back, and you will never run out of fascinating, often highly juxtaposed, scenes and individuals to capture.
The Grand Canyon, USA
The Grand Canyon is one of those places you can’t fully comprehend until you experience it in real life. The sheer magnitude of this mile-deep famous canyon is enough to boggle the mind, but its surrounding landscapes also make for interesting photographic perspectives.
Arizona’s rich red and ochre sediment is unique to the region, casting a dusty, warm light over the land. There are also interesting cacti to capture and no shortage of interesting tourists to people-watch!
Valensole Plateau, France
More commonly known as the Lavender Fields of France, the Valensole Plateau is a whimsical haze of lilac fields and dusky sunsets. The endless rows of perfectly manicured lavender bushes are mesmerizing to look at and provide an excellent subject or backdrop.
The Valensole Plateau is a favorite destination for landscape photographers building up their portfolios, and it’s also a huge hit with wedding photographers and those taking proposal pictures. The best time to visit is between mid-June and mid-July when the lavender flowers, but the fields are a sight to behold at any time of the year, even when covered in snow.
El Chalton, Patagonia
Last but certainly not least on this list is the enchanting land of Patagonia, specifically the mountainous region of El Chaton. El Chaton is where two of Patagonia’s most iconic and beautiful mountains reside – Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.
These colossal natural monuments are complemented by a variety of waterfalls, glaciers, lakes, and rivers, many of which have hike and photography-friendly routes to explore. Don’t forget to pay a trip to the South Patagonian Ice Fields for unforgettably lush yet arctic views.
A World Of Photographic Opportunities Awaits
From South Africa to Japan, Iceland to Cambodia, there’s a whole world out there filled with incredible photo opportunities if you know where to look.
Traveling for the purpose of capturing different landscapes, cultures, and phenomena is a rewarding process that can elevate your life on both a personal and professional level. If you ever have the chance to visit one (or more) of these countries, grab it with both hands!
