World Photography Day (19 August) is an annual, worldwide celebration of the art, craft, science and history of photography. This day is commemorated with an aim to encourage people who want to pursue photography as a hobby or career. Celebrate one of the finest arts by discovering 15 spots of outstanding beauty around the world.
JAPAN
Chichibugahama beach: Setouchi, Kagawa
Kagawa is home to Chichibugahama beach, the beach is acclaimed as one of the ‘Top 10 Sunset Spots in Japan’ and with good reason. Boasting one kilometre of beach with peaceful seawater and bathing areas, many visitors come during the summer months and swim in the beautiful setting. In recent years it has been compared to the Bolivian Salt Flats for its fantastic photo opportunities as the sky is reflected on still seawater pools along the shoreline.
Kabushima Shrine, Tanesashi Coast, Hachinohe
The Michinoku Coastal Trail is a Tohoku-wide, collaborative project by four prefectures and 28 cities, towns, and villages. As part of the Sanriku Fukku National Park and cited as Japan’s longest trail, the trail begins (or ends) at Kabushima Shrine in Hachinohe. Spanning more than 1,000km this is one of the best paths travellers can take to experience the real Japan and it is now even easier to explore thanks to a recent series of videos. The opportunity for photography is varied here as the route passes along coastal roads, through pine forests and little fishing villages, offering visitors the opportunity to stop off at secluded beauty spots along the way. The jagged coastline and changing topography lends itself to dramatic coastal shots, and visitors can even stop off at the Ashigezaki Observatory, an old stone lookout. Along the way, walkers can call into a local fish restaurant to refuel or enjoy one of the many shrines and temples as they make their way down the coastline of Hachinohe Prefecture.
Get a photo with a giant squid in Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa
A seaside town in Japan has raised eyebrows after it used funding from an emergency Covid-19 relief grant to build a giant statue of a squid. The fishing town of Noto – which is located in Ishikawa prefecture on Japan’s central-west coast now hosts a 13m-long (43ft) sea creature that lies in its port, where flying squid is the town’s delicacy. Noto officials have told local media it is part of a long term plan to lure tourists back after the pandemic to help promote Noto’s famous flying squid and we can see how this might work!
Crystal clear waters in Atera Valley, Three-Star Road
Whilst exploring the Three-Star Road in Japan, Atera Valley is not a spot to miss. Located in Nagano prefecture, nearing the border to Gifu prefecture, it is the perfect place for keen photographers to get their star photo. The river running through the Atera Valley has a turquoise, emerald green colour which comes from the white colour of the rocks that line the river bed. The area is particularly beautiful (and more crowded) during the autumn leaf viewing season and is also popular with families in summer who come to escape the summer heat in this cool, elevated, shaded valley. A number of impressive waterfalls (Kippo-no-taki, Rokudan-no-taki, Ugen-no-taki) and pools (Inogaeri-no-fuchi, Tanuki-ga-fuchi, Kuma-ga-fuchi) can be viewed as you walk (or drive) along the valley.
THE ISLANDS OF TAHITI
Mara’a Grotto, Tahiti
Mara’a Grotto is a hidden gem lying just off the coastal road from Pape’ete hosting an abundance of lush gardens, overhung caverns, crystal-clear freshwater pools, small caves and the dripping grotto itself, ringed by ferns and other exotic flora. The fairy-tale photogenic park is found along the coastal road, with a manicured path running throughout. Legend has it that Paul Gauguin and Tahitian Queen Pomare IV both swam in the refreshing, luxuriantly isolated spring. Once photographed, why not jump in the water yourself to cool off.
USA
Pay homage to Ansel Adams in Yosemite Mariposa
The 750,000 acres of Yosemite’s soaring cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush meadows make it one of the USA’s most iconic spots. Legendary photographer Ansel Adam first visited Yosemite National Park in 1916, aged just 14. He was struck by the beauty of the park and took his first photographs, beginning a lifetime of documenting one of the world’s natural wonders. One of the best times to photograph in Yosemite is during the winter when there are fewer crowds and the snow covered valley and mountain peaks and intense afternoon light makes for a photographer’s dream. When in the park stop by The Ansel Adams Gallery, located in the heart of the Valley with incredible views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Glacier Point. Join the Gallery on an unforgettable photography excursion or step inside to experience a unique variety of fine arts, handcrafts, and an extraordinary collection of Ansel Adams original photographs and exclusive editions.
Ghost towns and mountain peaks in Mammoth Lakes, California
California’s Eastern Sierra is home to one of the most unique of western landscapes; craggy mountain peaks, vibrant wildflowers and out of this world rock formations. No other place in California encompasses more dramatic scenery. Mammoth Lakes’ breathtaking Minaret Vista is a highly popular spot for keen photographers, as is Bodie, the largest unrestored ghost town in the West; and Mono Lake, an ancient inland sea with odd-shaped tufa towers. When autumn arrives the green hues of aspen and cottonwood trees melt to yellow, burnt orange and red, and the deep greens of the pines mix in, perfect for photographing the bright splendor. Winter brings unique and different photography opportunities, when newly fallen snow and frozen water are transformed into works of art in the winter light.
The LA skyline captured from West Hollywood’s rooftops, California
Glittering lights, azure swimming pools and towering palm trees give visitors to West Hollywood lots to capture from behind their camera. Head up to one of the many chic hotel rooftops in West Hollywood, such as the Mondrian, EDITION or Andaz, to capture shots of the panoramic skyline and lights of LA as sunset hits. For a truly iconic shot of West Hollywood visitors should take a trip to The London West Hollywood hotel to capture the bustling Sunset Strips and Hollywood sign at this truly 360-degree view.
Scenic Vistas continue in Yosemite’s Tuolumne County, California
Consisting of the lion’s share of Yosemite National Park, Gold Country, and the High Sierra, this diverse mix of terrain (north of Mariposa County) provides incredible roadside vista views that don’t require miles and miles of hiking. En route to Yosemite National Park, stop by the ‘Rim of the World’ for a picturesque snap of Tuolumne River on Highway 120. This beautiful highway opens up providing a wide view of the surrounding pine trees, winding river and jaw-dropping vista. Continue on and avoid the crowds exploring the less visited, but still awe-inspiring, Tuolumne Meadows and Tuolumne Grove to see the majestic redwoods. Just off of Highway 108, Pinecrest Lake awaits. A beautiful drive deeper into the Stanislaus National Forest, this sunken lake provides the ultimate pull-up view of one of Tuolumne County’s most iconic destinations.
Golden skies at the golden Tower Bridge, Sacramento, California
To capture the perfect sunrise shot in Sacramento, visitors can walk alongside the Sacramento River to catch the sun rising up behind the California state capitol skyline. The footpath that runs alongside the waterfront passes the golden Tower Bridge – the iconic structure that symbolises California’s Gold Rush past – which creates an idyllic backdrop that captures the beauty of California’s capital and gives a nod to its heritage.
Coastal views in SLO CAL
San Luis Obispo county, AKA SLO CAL, sits nestled along California’s central coast exactly between LA and San Francisco. The region is full of unique architecture and beauty spots to photograph. The magnificent Hearst Castle, situation overlooking San Simeon, is a dream to capture inside and out; from the impressive mosaic tiling in Roman Pool to the unparalleled views of the California coastline from the gardens of ‘Enchanted Hill’, it’s worth spending a few hours here to take advantage of all the angles and views. Closer to the water’s edge and equally spectacular to photograph is the mammoth Morro Rock, a Central Coast landmark rising up from the Pacific some 576 ft tall. Photographers can capture it up close from the beach at Morro Bay (and may even spot some sea otters or surfers in the water) or can take a long distance shot from the beautiful town of Cayucos, located just north of Morro Bay.
Rest of USA
Follow your architectural dreams in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Emerging from Fort Pitt Tunnel, driving into the bright lights of downtown Pittsburgh’s skyline is a memorable experience. With 446 bridges throughout the city, many of which are painted in the signature canary yellow, Pittsburgh’s architecture is a photographer’s dream. The “steel city” as it was once called, is now a thriving tech, eds, meds and robotics hub but still maintains much of its historic charm. As a rule of thumb, buildings are repurposed for their next use which has seen hotels from former car parks and gyms to breweries from churches. History continues as Pittsburgh is home to one of the last working funiculars in the US and rewards riders with scenic views of the city – best enjoyed at dusk as the sun sets over the city and the buildings come alive with colour. Further afield in the Laurel Highlands, visitors will find Fallingwater – one of architectural hero Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpieces.
Point and click in Florida’s Paradise Coast, Florida
Florida’s Paradise Coast, consisting of Naples, Marco Island and Everglades – is a photographer’s dream. Not only is it brimming with wildlife in their natural habitat, the sunsets, national parks and preserves and beaches will keep the camera roll filled for days. Naples is known for its sophisticated downtown architecture with a medditeranean feel and the Naples Pier is a real highlight with locals at sunset as birds fill the skies. The largest of the Ten Thousand Islands, Marco Island is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, sparkling blue waters and unprecedented access to the Gulf of Mexico and mangrove-lined estuaries of the Everglades provide a multitude of colourful photography spots. To the south, the Everglades National Park is officially recognised as an UNESCO World Heritage Site and where the green mainland meets the blue ocean. This unusual terrain invites itself to be photographed and the best way to experience the wilderness is by the very many guided tours on offer, kayak past playful dolphins, graceful manatees and try to spot the endangered Florida Panther.
Mirror making magic, Aspen Snowmass
With views of the iconic Maroon Bells — the American West’s most recognisable, postcard-perfect mountain peaks – Aspen Snowmass isone of the best spots to photograph. At 14,000 feet, the Maroon Bells are sun-kissed before the valley, making it a spectacular sight. Drive up for sunrise (around 5am in summertime) and take a walk around Maroon Lake to fully enjoy the reflection of the Bells in the lake at dawn’s break. For more adventure, continue hiking past Maroon Lake up to Crater Lake (about 45 minutes on a medium to difficult steep grade, rocky hike) for an even more stunning view – and photograph – of the Bells.
Gondola Gazing – Winter Park, Colorado
Winter Park is a small Colorado mountain town with legendary adventure. The resort’s gondola lets riders experience the majestic beauty of the Colorado Rockies without skis or snowboards and is a great way to capture those incredible mountain views. Travelling from the Village at Winter Park up to an elevation of 10,700 feet the ride offers spectacular views of the Continental Divide and the Fraser Valley – photographers can capture shots during the ride or when they arrive at the top.
