People say that a photo paints a thousand words. Indeed, many underlying stories exist behind every single shot. Sometimes, a photo’s story can be the opposite of how it looks. Regardless of their meaning, photographs are powerful enough to convey a moving story.
But of course, a photo wouldn’t look as beautiful as it is without the person behind it. Without the skills of a photographer, pictures wouldn’t be as aesthetically pleasing and attractive as they are today. Their skills can make a great image powerful enough to influence other people to start a trend. A well-captured picture can also make people visit a new place.
Photographers and their skills
Still, we should give credit where it is due. Many places and sceneries are indeed majestic. But with a great photographer, the photo can even be better. Their skills and expertise can turn a great photo into a breathtaking one. But just like most things in life, their skills don’t happen overnight. They’re the photographer that they are today because of their experiences.
One way they practise their skills is by travelling to picturesque places. Places where they can enhance and showcase the beauty of a spot. Many photographers do this to animate details that we rarely appreciate. If you’re a starting photographer who wants to practise your skills, this post is for you.
Let’s wander for a while and see some cities photographers might want to visit to practise their skills.
1. Tokyo, Japan
Japan is famous for its food, people, and culture that many adore. The country also has a lot of places that look like they’re straight out of a travel postcard—one that you can see in photo printing shops that make you wonder how beautiful the city is in real life.
If you’re aiming to focus on city life as your subject, Tokyo is undoubtedly the perfect place for you. If you want to practise shooting with night lights and improve your raw photography skills, Tokyo’s lights can surely help you.
Aside from cityscapes, Tokyo also has a lot of cultural sites like the Asakusa Temple. If you ever want to explore and experiment with your photography subject, you can always try shooting their cultural sites. It is impossible to run out of ideas to shoot in Tokyo. Undoubtedly, any photographer would have the best time exploring and wandering Tokyo’s city lights and cultural sites.
2. Paris, France
One of the cities that you’ll always likely see in professional photo printing shops is none other than the city of love, Paris. Wouldn’t it be a dream to shoot the prominent Eiffel Tower? Though it seems like Paris is all about the La Tour Eiffel, the city has more to offer than that.
If you’re interested in art and history, the Louvre museum is there to enjoy. On top of that, Paris is a city that is rich with architectural beauty. The culture of the people staying in Paris can emanate through your lenses. Once their architecture and people combine, a great photo happens.
I know many people dream of travelling to this marvellous city. However, as we all know, a trip to Paris can be expensive. But if you have the privilege to do so, visiting the city of love will surely hone your photography skills.
3. Barcelona, Spain
If you’re eager to explore Europe and its rich architecture, I’d suggest considering Barcelona, Spain, too. The city is one of the picturesque places in Europe that offers rich cultural history. In case you’re wondering, Barcelona is cheaper than Paris. So, if you’re on a tight budget, you can choose Barcelona first.
Who wouldn’t love to capture the enchanting La Sagrada Familia by Antoni Gaudi? The construction started in 1882 and will hopefully be complete in 2026. The church has now become one of the emblems of Barcelona and became a world cultural site back in 2005.
If you also want to dive in with nature, Barcelona has some of the best beaches you can enjoy. The water is a good subject for you to practise your camera’s settings adjustments. To add, Barcelona’s pride and love for football will surely entice you and fill your lenses with vibrancy and joy.
4. Marrakech, Morocco
Our fourth city is Marrakech, Morocco. If you’re looking into capturing a city that emanates a medieval vibe, I’d suggest packing your suitcase and flying straight to Marrakech. You’ll find some of the best gardens, mosques, and palaces in this city.
Capturing medina architecture will surely awaken your creativity and challenge your photography skills. You can start your tour in the Medina of Marrakech, a market famous for its vibrant and labyrinth-like streets. You’ll have the best time feeling lost in its colourful maze while witnessing Morocco’s culture.
Many tourists who have been to Marrakech don’t recommend going with a tour guide throughout your trip. They say that the only way to feel and experience the city is by wandering alone. I’m sure you and your camera will witness its raw beauty gracefully.
5. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Last but not least is Chiang Mai, Thailand. If you want to shoot landscapes and natural scenery, you’ll have to see Chiang Mai. The city is in the mountainous part of Northern Thailand, where cultural centres lie.
From elephants to temples, Thailand will fill your camera with culture-rich photographs. One of its famous mountaintop temples is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, where the journey is an adventure. You can also entice your palette by exploring Thailand’s street food and colourful markets.
If you’d like to immerse yourself with the world’s largest animal, you should stop by the Elephant Nature Park. Aside from temples, Chiang Mai is known for its elephant camps. I’d suggest taking the opportunity to shoot majestic elephants as your subject. It might surprise you how breathtaking it is to interact with one and feel their vibrations. Fun fact, elephants communicate through vibrations. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to miss that.
Go to a city that resonates most with your personality and interests.
Undoubtedly, all of the cities I shared are enchanting in their unique way. However, you might not enjoy being in the most vibrant place if it doesn’t interest you. Instead, I suggest going to a city that resonates most with your personality. A place where you can picture yourself getting lost but feeling found.
Once you have that place in mind, let your camera be your eyes and allow your creative juices to follow through.
About the author:
Bianca Banda is a writer for DS Colour Labs Ltd (DSCL), a professional photography lab that offers a vast range of products and services for photo and print needs.
