Remember the
Afghan Girl, the photograph that took the world by storm and put Steve McCurry on the top of the world’s best photographers ranking. I would never forget the first time I saw that photo, on the cover of this hugely popular magazine; neither would I forget Kevin Carter’s award-winning photograph,
Struggling Girl. Both the photos captured ravages of the human world, both heart-wrenching enough to make those outside war zones sit up and take notice.
While we cannot wish for a war ever again, those photographers will stay etched in our memories forever. If you have been wanting to make it big in photography, especially travel photography, there are some cliches so cliched that they still work. Yes, you read that right. While there is no alternative to slogging hard, here are 10 options that you can start with.
China’s Cormorant Fishermen
What better than capturing 1000-year-old tradition on camera, especially when the settings look as stunning as the Li in Guilin river. You can go solo or join one of the many photography excursions to the river; once there, you have the chance of getting some really life-altering shots of the fishermen at work.
Mongolia's Eagle Hunters
As good a photography opportunity as shooting the Cormorant Fishermen, Mongolia’s Eagle Hunters make for some very captivating subjects. While the Golden Eagle Festival is a massive photography opportunity, the best experience here is to go on an overlanding trip and capture Mongolia’s nomadic life up close. And the Eagle Hunters of course.
Bali’s Rice Fields
Yes, these are very cliched. Yet, these fields are one of the most photographed places in the world, and for a lot of good reasons. Especially so if you are eager to make it big as a landscape photographer. So yes, Ubud is calling. What makes it special is that Indonesia is a surprisingly affordable place to explore, and you can go as leisurely as you want.
Norway’s Northern Lights
This trip calls for some really good money, yet presents a opportunity that is beyond compare. Fly to northern Norway for your best chance to capture a natural phenomenon that is too alluring to be missed. A good number of tour organisers, especially in Tromsø, organise exclusive Northern Lights photography tours, and joining one is as much fun as a learning experience.
France’s Eiffel Tower at night
Cliched, very cliched. But we cannot swear off our love for the city of poets and all things artsy, and thus, there is no getting over the first sight of the glistening Eiffel Tower. Come evening, and this architectural wonder gets all lit up, and makes for a classic shot that deserves a place on every travel photographer’s portfolio.
Ukraine’s Tunnel Of Love
Another one for those into nature and landscape photography. Ukraine’s Tunnel of Love is gregariously green, and is a cliche that deserves to stay on the list for many more years to come. You will know the magic of it when you see it for the first time. My tip, rather than shooting it in its solitude, wait for the couples to arrive for it become quite a dating spot.
Bhutan’s Tiger’s Nest Monastery
If you are in India to get some stunning shots of Kashmir, do not forget its beautiful neighbour that is Bhutan. This gorgeous place is climbing up the ranks as a travellers’ favourite, so you need to rush up! While there is abundant beauty in its landscape, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery, do not forget to get some portrait shots out of here, for this country has some of the warmest, welcoming people in the world.
New York in fall
While Kashmir in autumn is a thing for poets, New York in fall is an urban odyssey. The fall foliage in the Big Apple is when you can set your eyes on a blend that might be a convertible Ferrari covered in starkly orange foliage! Yes, New York in fall is when you have happy souls and some really happy Halloween vibe around.
Africa’s Big Five
Think of travel photography and you cannot forget some shots of the wild world. And when you think of wild, there is not taking away the spotlight from Africa. With its Big Five reputation, Africa is a frontier that is still uncharted and can be your dream assignment for all things wild. So yes, kit up.
Kashmir in autumn
No words can describe the wonder of this one. An autumn in Kashmir is as pastel as it can get,
Chinar leaves covering its green in a blanket of gold. More beauty can be found on the floating market at Dal Lake, or an early morning by the Hazratbal Mosque.
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