Let’s be honest: your Instagram feed could use a little more than just your cat and the occasional brunch photo. If you’ve been itching to grab your camera and head somewhere where the light is actually cooperative and the landscapes look like a screen saver, you’re in the right place.
Welcome to day one of our 30-day global series. At Photoguides, we believe that the best photography locations aren’t just places to stand: they are experiences to capture. Whether you are a pro with a bag full of lenses or a hobbyist trying to figure out what "aperture" means, these 30 destinations are the heavy hitters of the travel world.
Before you pack your bags, make sure your kit is up to snuff. You can check out our essential photography gear guide and my latest camera reviews for 2024 to ensure you aren't bringing a knife to a gunfight.
Ready? Let’s dive into the ultimate photography bucket list.
1. Iceland: The Land of Fire, Ice, and No Sleep
Iceland is basically a cheat code for photographers. From the Skógafoss waterfall to the dancing Northern Lights, it is consistently ranked as one of the best photography locations in the world. Pro tip: bring a lens cloth. The mist from the waterfalls is relentless, but the shots are worth the dampness. For the best local experiences and guided photo tours, check out these activities on Viator.
2. Namibia: The Red Dunes of Sossusvlei
If you want "otherworldly," Namibia is it. The Deadvlei: a white clay pan with 900-year-old dead camel thorn trees against bright orange dunes: is perhaps the most iconic landscape on the planet. For more inspiration on capturing these vast spaces, head over to Edin’s Fine Art collection.
3. The Dolomites, Italy: Peaks That Don't Quit
The jagged peaks of the Italian Alps are a dream. Whether you are shooting the reflection of Lago di Braies or the church in Val di Funes, the composition options are endless. These are some of the most instagrammable places in Europe for a reason.
4. Kyoto, Japan: History in Every Frame
Think orange torii gates at Fushimi Inari and the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Kyoto is about patience and capturing the quiet moments of traditional Japanese culture. It’s also a great place to practice your street photography: just be respectful of the locals.
5. Antelope Canyon, Arizona: The Light Beam Holy Grail
Located on Navajo land, this slot canyon is a masterclass in light and shadow. You’ll need a tripod (if allowed on your specific tour) and a lot of patience to get those swirling orange walls just right. It’s a staple for any photography booking experience.
6. Lofoten Islands, Norway: Arctic Dreams
Bright red fishing huts (rorbuer) sitting under massive, snow-covered mountains? Yes, please. Lofoten is incredible in the winter for the Aurora Borealis and even better in the summer for the midnight sun.
7. New Zealand’s South Island: Nature on Steroids
From the lupins of Lake Tekapo to the dramatic Milford Sound, New Zealand is where you go when you want your camera to work overtime. Every turn in the road is a new "best photography location."
8. Machu Picchu, Peru: The Incan Masterpiece
Getting there is half the battle, but seeing the clouds roll over the ruins at sunrise is a spiritual experience for any photographer. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the citadel against the Huayna Picchu backdrop.
9. Marrakech, Morocco: A Riot of Color
The souks of Marrakech are a sensory overload. The vibrant spices, intricate tile work, and the chaos of Jemaa el-Fnaa square provide endless opportunities for travel photography. It’s witty, it’s loud, and it’s beautiful.
10. Paris, France: The City of Light
It might feel cliché, but shooting the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre at night is a rite of passage. If you want to see how the pros handle cityscapes, check out the travel guides on Edin Chavez’s blog.
11. Isle of Skye, Scotland: Moody and Magnificent
The Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing are perfect for those who love "moody" photography. Expect rain, expect wind, and expect some of the most dramatic shots of your life.
12. Angkor Wat, Cambodia: Jungle Ruins
The Ta Prohm temple, where giant tree roots have reclaimed the stone walls, is a must-see. The scale of the main temple at sunrise is a classic shot, but the smaller, hidden corners are where the magic happens.
13. Venice, Italy: Floating Art
Venice is sinking, so get there while you can. The canals, the masks, and the Rialto Bridge offer a timeless aesthetic that is hard to find anywhere else. To avoid the crowds and find the best angles, book a local photography tour here.
14. Yosemite, USA: El Capitan and Beyond
Yosemite is the birthplace of modern landscape photography. Following in the footsteps of Ansel Adams is a tall order, but the valley floor and Glacier Point will give you plenty of material.
15. The Canadian Rockies: Turquoise Everything
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are the stars of the show here. The water is so blue it looks fake. These are easily some of the most instagrammable places in North America.
16. Petra, Jordan: The Rose-Red City
Walking through the Siq to see the Treasury revealed for the first time is a moment you will never forget. Night photography here, with thousands of candles lit, is a challenge but incredibly rewarding.
17. Faroe Islands: The End of the World
Remote, rugged, and ridiculously green. The Faroe Islands feel like the edge of the Earth. The Múlafossur waterfall falling into the ocean is a bucket list shot for any serious landscape lover.
18. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia: Waterfalls on Repeat
With 16 interconnected lakes and over 90 waterfalls, Plitvice is a lush paradise. Bring a ND filter to get those silky-smooth water effects that everyone loves.
19. Bryce Canyon, USA: The Hoodoo Kingdom
The "hoodoos" of Bryce Canyon create a texture and depth that is unique in the National Park system. Sunset at Sunset Point (aptly named) is a non-negotiable experience.
20. New York City, USA: The Concrete Jungle
From the top of the Rock to the streets of SoHo, NYC is dynamic and fast-paced. It’s the perfect place to test your urban photography skills. Check out our tips on cheap weekend getaways for NYC photo mission ideas.
21. Palawan, Philippines: Tropical Perfection
Think limestone cliffs jutting out of turquoise water. El Nido and Coron are world-class for both drone photography and underwater shots.
22. Jerusalem, Israel: Layered History
The Old City of Jerusalem is a labyrinth of history and religion. The light reflecting off the Dome of the Rock at "golden hour" is spectacular.
23. Tuscany, Italy: Rolling Hills and Wine
The Val d’Orcia in Tuscany is the definition of picturesque. Cypress trees, mist-covered valleys, and rustic farmhouses make for a peaceful photography experience.
24. Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina: Pure Power
Iguazu is larger than Niagara and more wild. The "Devil’s Throat" will soak you and your gear, so bring protection, but the sheer volume of water is breathtaking to capture.
25. Victoria Falls, Zambia: The Smoke That Thunders
Similar to Iguazu, Victoria Falls offers a raw display of nature’s power. The viewpoints from the Zambian side are incredible for sunset shots. For the best ways to see the falls, browse these local tours.
26. Bora Bora, French Polynesia: Overwater Bliss
If you want the ultimate tropical luxury shot, this is it. Mount Otemanu rising above the lagoon is the quintessential postcard image.
27. Death Valley, USA: Desolate Beauty
Don’t let the name fool you; there is so much life to capture here. The salt flats of Badwater Basin and the colors of Artist’s Palette are dreamscapes for those who love minimalism.
28. Istanbul, Turkey: Where East Meets West
The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are architectural marvels. The bustling Grand Bazaar offers a grit and texture that is perfect for documentary-style photography.
29. Uluru, Australia: The Red Center
The colors of Uluru change every minute as the sun sets. It’s a sacred site with a deep connection to the land, and capturing its scale is a humbling experience.
30. Havasupai Falls, Arizona: The Hidden Oasis
It’s a long hike to get to these blue-green waterfalls deep in the Grand Canyon, but it’s one of the most exclusive and beautiful photography locations in the world.
Travel Photography Tips for Your Journey
Before you head out to these instagrammable places, remember that the best shots come to those who wait.
- Golden Hour is King: Arrive an hour before sunrise or stay an hour after sunset.
- Composition Matters: Use leading lines (like those in Venice's canals) to draw the eye into the frame.
- Be Prepared: Always carry extra batteries and memory cards. Trust me on this one.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about where to start, don't worry. We've got plenty of educational resources to help you hone your craft.
The world is waiting for you to capture it. Whether you're heading to the deserts of Namibia or the streets of Paris, remember to look up from the viewfinder every once in a while and actually enjoy the view. Happy shooting!
