Travel Photography in Beirut, Lebanon

Beirut, the Capital City of Lebanon, is a great destination for travel photography with a lot to offer in such a small geographical area. It has an unique blend of culture and history resulting in some stunning architecture, it is located on the coast so provides for some excellent seascape and sunset images. Finally the colourful and bustling city streets provide a wide range of street photography opportunities. Click through the slideshow below to look at some of my photography from Beirut:

Last year I spent a couple of months in Lebanon at the beginning of my first trip around the Middle East. Despite the current political and financial problems the country is experiencing, I found Lebanon an enjoyable country to visit. The people of Lebanon are friendly, funny and extremely welcoming, and the food is fresh, home grown and delicious. I look forward to returning one day to explore more of the country, and meet more of the Lebanese.

Accommodation wise I started my time in Beirut at the Colony Beirut Hostel which is well located, just a ten minute walk to Armenia Street and Downtown Beirut. The hostel was nice enough, offering box style dorm beds, a nice outdoor shared space, and with friendly and informative staff. The wifi, like everywhere in Lebanon was very slack, with the government only guaranteeing one hour of electricity per household per day, wifi takes a backseat! The Colony Hostel was also located near the Port of Beirut where the devastating blast occurred two years earlier. By chance, on the afternoon of the second anniversary of the Beirut Port blast, further silos collapsed at the site. I was able to capture this moment and document the surrounding area. The 2020 explosion at Beirut’s Port killed over 200 people and wounded a further 7,000. It was one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history. There are still a large number of damaged and vacant buildings throughout the city following the blast. In addition to the Port explosion damage you will see a lot of buildings in Beirut still damaged from the Lebanese Civil War which took place between 1975 and 1990.

Some of my favourite photos from Beirut were taken on the Corniche, a seven kilometre promenade stretching around the peninsula of Beirut. At sunset and during the weekends, there is a lot of activity on the Corniche with local families heading to the beach. It’s a good location for street photography and travel portraits as well as capturing some vibrant sunsets. One of the most iconic landmarks in Beirut are the Pigeon Rocks, which are two massive rock formations standing in the Mediterranean Sea. There’s also a funfair and some interesting abandoned buildings on the corniche which you can explore. Here’s a travel blog I wrote about photography on the Beirut Corniche.

For the latter part of my stay in Beirut I stayed in a small Airbnb studio apartment in the friendly and laid back Mar Mikhael neighborhood. The neighbourhood has plenty of good cafes, bars, and restaurants. Be sure to check out Le Chef, a family run Lebanese restaurant that has been running for over fifty years, amazing food, welcoming staff and very reasonable prices. A few minutes walk from Le Chef and you will find some very interesting buildings to photograph including Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque. Also known as the Blue Mosque, Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque is a stunning structure that is the largest mosque in Beirut. The mosque's intricate architecture and beautiful dome make for some great architectural photography.

On a Saturday head to Souk El Tayeb - Lebanon's First Farmers Market, it was here I met local photographer Karim Sakr who sells his excellent photography at the Market. Karim also took me on a couple of photo walks in and around the Hamra neighbourhood which were fun and very interesting. Karim’s Beirut & Lebanon images can be viewed on his Instagram account (@beirut_streets).

In conclusion, Beirut is a city that offers a diverse range of opportunities for travel photographers. Whether you're interested in architecture, street photography, or seascapes, Beirut has something for everyone. And why stop at Beirut, Lebanon is a relatively small country with a lot to offer including: The Unesco World Heritage sites including Baalbek and Byblos, the underground caves of Jeita Grotto, the Jabal Moussa Nature Reserve, some stunning beaches and the interesting City of Tripoli to name just a few. Visit Beirut and Lebanon, take lots of photos, and have fun. Bon Voyage! My photography from Beirut and Lebanon is available for license via Getty Images here. More of my travel photography can be found on my website, my Instagram, my Facebook Page and my Flickr account. Here is a final Beirut & beyond slideshow with some more of Lebanese photography, enjoy:

Animal Portrait Travel Photography

I love animals and love photographing them whilst away on my travels. Animal portrait photography can be an excellent addition to your travel portfolio. Animal portraits can capture both the personality of the animal and the essence of the place itself. In addition, it is a lot easier to take photos of animals up close than it is of humans, and you do not have to worry about model releases! Click through the slideshow below to view some of my favourite animal portraits I have taken whilst on my travels:

Animal portrait photography requires patience and skill as they can be very unpredictable! But with enough time on the road you can create some lasting memories to treasure for years to come. As with everything, practice really does make perfect, although often a bit of luck and being in the right place at the right time also helps! As well as being a rewarding activity, animal portraits can also bring in some much needed travel cash. Whether it is the sale of online prints or licensing via stock photography, animal images do sell! My photo of the llama at Machu Picchu has been licensed via Getty images over two hundred times, everyone loves a Llama…. Another popular selling animal portrait of mine is this Dog in pink shades covered in dollar $ bills taken in California. The amusing close-up portrait of the crazy dog in India is another popular seller of mine. And, the boy band style monkey shot taken in The Gambia is also another firm favourite. I have also had a few of my animal portraits exhibited in various place around the World. My photograph of a silhouetted camel at sunset taken in Rajasthan, India was exhibited in the Praxis Gallery in Minneapolis, USA. In May of this year one of my travel images from Nepal is going to be included as part of the “Animalia” exhibition at the Photoplace gallery in Middlebury, Vermont.

Taking Animal Portraits on your Travels

Whether you are photographing domestic pets, wildlife in their natural habitats, or even exotic animals in zoos or wildlife parks, there are endless opportunities to capture stunning animal portraits on your travels. To take your animal portrait photography to the next level, it's important to understand the behavior and habits of your subjects, as well as having a good understanding of composition, lighting, and exposure. So spend some time observing your animal and getting a sense of their personality. This will help you capture their unique traits and characteristics in your photos. Use a high shutter speed to ensure a sharp image and focus whenever possible on the animal’s eyes. All of my animal portraits were taken with natural light, most were taken up close with a 50mm lens, but it can be advantageous to use a telephoto lens. Experiment with different angles and perspectives, get creative. Don't be afraid to get down low or climb up high to get a unique shot with an unusual angle. Varying your angles will add interest and depth to your photography portfolio. Finally have patience, be persistent and have fun doing it! Here’s some more of my animal portraits for your amusement, click through the slideshow below:

If you're interested in exploring the world of animal portrait photography, be sure to check out the many resources available online, including tutorials, forums, and photography communities. Join animal photography groups on photography communities such as Flickr for some useful peer feedback, and don't forget to share your work on social media to connect with other photographers and pick up some inspiration. More of my animal portraits taken on my travels can be found on my Instagram, and my Flickr account. If you would like to purchase one of my animal portraits, please send me a message. Alternatively you can license many of animal photographs via Getty images. Sometimes you get the Bear, sometimes the Bear gets you.

Travel Photography in Istanbul

Istanbul is a city of contrasts, blending ancient history with modern innovation. With stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, it's no wonder that Istanbul is a favorite destination for travel photographers from around the world. From the beautiful Mosques to the bustling markets and the never ending activity surrounding the Bosphorus, there is no shortage of inspiration for photographers in this enchanting city. Istanbul is also a colourful city with the vibrant red Turkish flag and bunting displayed everywhere. If, like me, you are a fan of flags, be sure to head to Çamlıca Hill to capture the biggest flag in Turkey, the flag pole itself is 111 meters (364 feet) tall. Click through the slideshow below to take a look at some of the travel photography I took whilst in Istanbul:

One of the best times to capture the essence of Istanbul is during the early morning hours. The soft light and empty streets make for a perfect setting for photographers to capture the city's architecture and historical sites without the crowds of tourists. Be sure to head to the Galata Tower for a panoramic view of the city skyline and the Bosphorus.

If you are interested in people and street photography head out later in the day when you will find a lot of activity throughout the City. My favourite place for photography in Istanbul was by the Bosphorus, the large waterway which cuts through the City. Take a stroll along the Bosphorus, where you can capture stunning views of the city from across the water. Cross one of the bridges and watch the hundreds of fishermen jostling for space. Alternatively take a ferry or boat across the water or to other parts of Istanbul. The sunset over the Bosphorus is one of the most magical moments you can witness, so head down for the golden hour and capture some of it’s beauty. Click through the slideshow below to view some of my favourite photos of Istanbul taken by the Bosphorus:

While I was in Istanbul I stayed in the Wabi Sabi Hostel for a couple of weeks. The hostel is conveniently located close to the downtown Taksim area. The hostel has a great rooftop bar overlooking the City (great for sunset shots) and runs regular events such as the excellent stand up comedy nights. For more information on the standup comedy nights follow @altustandup on Instagram and make sure you check out the set of @_ozguntuna_, lots of laughs! All of the staff in the hostel are extremely friendly and will offer you help with anything related to Istanbul and Turkey. Wabi Sabi hostel has a lot of affordable and nice restaurants close to the hostel and they serve an amazing breakfast buffet which is included in the price. I met some great people in the hostel who I am still in touch with today, and I will definitely stay the next time I visit Istanbul.

In conclusion, Istanbul is a city that offers endless photographic opportunities for both amateur and professional photographers. So, grab your camera, hit the streets and capture its beauty through your lens. Explore the different parts of the city on foot or by the easily accessible public transport system. Capture some of the beautiful architecture, get involved with some candid street photography, and last but by no means least, head down to the Bosphorus and enjoy. More of my Istanbul travel photography can be found on my Instagram, and my Flickr account. Many of my images from Istabul are available to license via Getty images. Istanbul, see you again someday.

Photographing Mil Palmeras, Alicante, Spain

Mil Palmeras is a small coastal town located in Orihuela Costa, the province of Alicante, Costa Blanca, in the Valencian Community, Spain. Mil Palmeras is located in the Vega Baja region, bordering the Region of Murcia, being the most southern municipality in the province of Alicante. I spent the month of January living in Mil Palmeras looking after a friend’s dog, cat and apartment. Being the off season the town was very quiet, but the weather was unusually warm for that time of year and the coastal region was a perfect place to explore with a camera. The Alicante region of Spain is renowned for its turquoise waters and clean beaches with golden sands. Click through the slideshow below to view some of the coastal images I took whilst in Mil Palmeras, Spain:

As a travel photographer, Mil Palmeras offers plenty of opportunities to capture the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding landscapes. The name Mil Palmeras translates to ‘a thousand palm trees’ and you will find many tall palm trees along the coastline next to the sea. Experiment with a wide angle lens, pointing the camera up to the sky to capture the trees and the sky beyond. The beach itself is ideal for capturing stunning sunrises and sunsets, with the changing light during these times of day providing a range of colours and moods that are perfect for artistic photography. The sun rises over the Mediterranean Sea down the far end of the beach. Early starts are worth it for the vibrant colours found at that time of the day, bring a tripod to capture some long exposures in the low light conditions. I am a fan of abstract seascapes using intentional camera movement (ICM) and would head down to the beach early morning to practice this type of photography. Take a look at some of my abstract seascape photography taken on the beach of Mil Palmeras in the Alicante region of Spain by clicking through the following slideshow:

Beyond the beach itself, the surrounding area is also worth exploring, hire a bike and cycle for miles up or down the coastline on safe and empty cycle paths. The nearby cliffs and coves provide stunning landscapes for landscape photography, while the charming coastal towns offers picturesque and typical Spanish architecture.

Mil Palmeras is a hidden gem in the Alicante region, offering a wealth of opportunities for travel photography. Whether you're interested in nature, landscapes, or simply capturing the essence of a charming coastal town, this destination is definitely worth exploring with your camera in hand. More of my travel photography from Mil Palmeras can be found on my Instagram, my and Flickr account. Many of my images from Mil Palmeras and the Alicante region of Spain are available to license via Getty images. Enjoy the sunshine and have fun in Mil Palmeras.

Taking Street Portraits in Lebanon & the Rest of the World

Whilst in Tripoli in the North of Lebanon I took some nice street portraits and head shots of the local people. I found the people of Tripoli to be very friendly and open to having their picture taken. In fact, several people approached me in the City and asked me to take their photo. I would always show them the photo after I took it on the back of the camera, and send their photo on to them later via WhatsApp if they had it. Click through the slideshow below to view some of the portraits I took in Tripoli, Lebanon:

For me, street portraits are one of the most important parts of travel photography and the best way to describe a country photographically. Taking street portraits requires patience, skill & knowledge of your camera settings, and a love for people. It's the perfect way to capture the essence of a place and its inhabitants, and it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Portraits for me bring back instant memories of a place, and I always regret not taking more. In Tripoli it was very easy to approach the locals for a photo, and I look forward to returning one day for some more portraits. Here is a blog with some more photos from my time exploring Tripoli in Lebanon.

I find out of the way places are far easier when taking people photographs. Tripoli reminded me of my first big travels in the West of Africa fifteen years ago with the people being both curious of the camera and unused to tourism. It is of course important to be respectful when taking street portraits. Always ask for permission before taking someone's photo, and be prepared to explain what you're doing and why.

Before taking the portraits be sure to know your camera settings and if possible set up before hand to ensure you are ready to go when necessary. Always focus on the closest eye when taking portraits or focus on either if taking forward facing head shots. I use select point focus when taking portraits to prevent the focus point from jumping around the face. To ensure a good focus throughout I tend to use f/6.3 to begin with and then widen the aperture when I am happy with the focus. As with all photography I enjoy a wide aperture and the background bokeh it produces, just bear in mind the wider the aperture the harder it is to get a good focus to begin with. I tend to take several different shots with a variety of settings and with different angles to aim for the best shot. I find conversing with the person and adding a little humour helps them relax and bring out their personality bringing the portrait to life. Take a look through the slideshow below for some more of my street portraits and head shots I have taken on my travels:

Street portraits and head shots of strangers taken on my travels have become some of my favourite personal images. They tell a story and instantly remind me of the person, the place and the trip itself. On my next adventure I am going to make it a priority to take more street portraits and by doing some make some further friends on the way. Many of my travel portraits are available for license via Getty Images here. More of my travel photography can be found on my website, my Instagram, my Facebook Page and my Flickr account. Much love and safe travels.

Travel Photography in Tripoli, Lebanon

Welcome to Tripoli, the second-largest City in Lebanon, an extremely interesting location with a multitude of photo opportunities. The city's old souks, historic architecture, and bustling streets make it an excellent destination for those looking to capture the true essence of Lebanon. The coastal areas of the City offer up many different photographic possibilities with beaches, interesting colonial architecture and run down buildings. Tripoli even has off-shore islands including Rabbit Island which are popular with tourists and locals alike, take a boat out from the waterfront. Click through the slideshow below to view some of my images from Tripoli in Lebanon:

One of the must-photograph locations in Tripoli is the Old City. It’s narrow streets and ancient buildings provide a glimpse into the city's rich history and culture. The Old City is a great opportunity for street photography and candid images. I also found Tripoli the easiest place in the Middle East to take portraits of people. In fact, several people approached me and asked for me to take their photo, which I would send on to them later via WhatsApp. Take a look at my blog on street portraits I took in Lebanon and the rest of the World.

The city's vibrant markets are also a great place for travel photography. The colorful stalls and friendly vendors provide a perfect opportunity to capture the local flavor of the city. The Al-Mina fish market is a must-visit for seafood lovers, the surrounding food establishments offer delicious fresh food at affordable prices. Click through the following slideshow for some more of my images from Tripoli in Lebanon:

Finally, don't forget to capture the city's beautiful mosques and churches. The Al-Tell Mosque, located in the Old City, is one of the most stunning buildings in Tripoli. In conclusion, Tripoli is a fantastic destination for travel photography, offering a mix of history, culture, and vibrant street life. It is a World apart from the Capital City of Beirut, so for a different side of Lebanon, get on a bus and head head North to Tripoli!

My photography from Tripoli and Lebanon is available for license via Getty Images here. More of my travel photography can be found on my website, my Instagram, my Facebook Page and my Flickr account. Peace and safe travels.

Some Street Photography in Hong Kong

In 2019 I visited Macau and Hong Kong, my prize for winning the Wanderlust Travel Magazine photo of the year competition in 2018. Here is a previous blog I wrote about some of the street photos I took on that trip in both Hong Kong and Macau.

Hong Kong is an excellent photographic destination, full of contrasts. Towering skyscrapers and modern shopping malls, winding alleyways and traditional markets, all coexisting in a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. It's a city that never sleeps, and there's always something to capture on camera, making it a great place for street photography. Click through the slideshow below to view some more of my street photos and street portraits in Hong Kong:

The streets of Hong Kong are a kaleidoscope of colors, with neon lights, street art, and colorful shop signs, creating a feast for the eyes. It's a city that's constantly on the move, with people rushing to catch buses, trains, and trams, creating endless opportunities for candid street photography. I highly recommend trying the old trams in the city, sit upstairs at the front for some great views and photo opportunities. One of my favourite Hong Kong images was taken upstairs on one of those trams.

The markets are also a great place to capture the essence of Hong Kong street life, with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to electronics, with crowds of people jostling for space. Whether you're a professional photographer or just starting out, Hong Kong's streets are an endless source of inspiration, offering a fascinating glimpse into a city that's always evolving. I had a great time in Hong Kong, and look forward to returning one day!

Many of my Hong Kong images are available for license via Getty here. More of my travel photography can be found on my website, my Instagram, my Facebook Page and my Flickr account.

Some Travel Photography, Budapest

Budapest, the capital of Hungary in Central Europe, is a stunning destination for travel photographers. The city is known for its rich history, architectural wonders, and natural beauty, making it a photographer's dream come true. The bustling City also offers up many great opportunities for street photography. Click through the slideshow below to view some of my travel photographs taken in Budapest:

One of the most iconic landmarks of Budapest is the Hungarian Parliament Building, a massive Gothic Revival-style structure that sits on the banks of the Danube River. From the opposite bank, you can capture stunning panoramic shots of the building, especially during sunset when the building is bathed in golden light. At night the Parliament Building is illuminated, head down after dark and take a tripod for some long exposures. The Danube itself also a variety of photographic options, the light on the water at sunset is beautiful.

Another must-visit destination for travel photography in Budapest is the Fisherman's Bastion, a unique lookout point with panoramic views of the city. The Bastion's towers, arches, and turrets make for a perfect subject for architectural photography.

For some natural beauty and nature images head to Margaret Island and the City Park. Both destinations are great spots for capturing the beauty of Budapest's green spaces. Margaret Island is a serene park in the middle of the Danube, while the City Park boasts a picturesque lake and a historic castle. Click through the slideshow below to view some of my nature photographs taken in Budapest:

To sum up, Budapest is a destination that offers endless photographic opportunities for the travel photographer. From historic landmarks and incredible architecture to natural beauty, Budapest is an excellent City to practice your photography.

More of my photography from Budapest can be found on my website, my Flickr account, and for license via Getty Images. If you are interested in purchasing any prints, using an image online or for anything else please send me an email.

Taking Abstract Motion Photographs

Abstract photography using motion as a creative technique is one of my favourite styles of photographic artwork. Normally a photograph will capture an individual still image, and these do often remain the most memorable. However, many beautiful photographs are not static, but contain motion & movement. By deliberately introducing movement a photographer can add fluidity and an element of surrealness to an image. I find this technique especially effective with ocean or seascape abstracts. Akin to a painter using a brush to paint abstract element to a piece of work, a photographer can use their camera to achieve a similar effect. Click through the slide show below to view some abstract seascapes I took earlier this year in Spain:

How to take abstract motion photographs?

Motion blur photographs, also known as ICM (intentional camera movement) photographs, or abstract images are easy to capture. They need no special equipment, not even a tripod, all you need is some patience, and a camera that allows you to adjust the shutter speed. Take a look at a previous blog I wrote on taking abstract art photos. I have sold a lot of my abstract seascapes to individuals via my website, and to companies via my abstract photography selection on Getty Images. If you would like to purchase one of my abstract images, or any of my travel photographs please send me a message or contact me via my instagram page here.

It’s all about the light:

To create abstract motion photographs you will need a slower shutter speed allowing more light into the camera. To avoid overexposure you therefore want to shoot your images in lower light. That is why abstract motion images work so well at sunrise or sunset. At these times of the day you also get the added bonus of the best colours in the sky. There is no magic formula with motion blur images with regards to shutter speed or aperture, as with all photography, practice makes perfect. In fact the favourite ocean abstract I have ever taken was nearly ten years ago in Huanchaco in the North of Peru. The best way to perfect the motion technique is through experimentation: increasing or decreasing the shutter speed, opening or narrowing the aperture and trying different lighting conditions. Due to the difficulty of removing dust spots with certain motion abstract images I try not to use a very narrow aperture. The smaller the aperture (higher the F stop) the more likely it is that dust spots and specks will show up on your image.

Should you use a tripod?

Many people prefer to use a tripod when taking abstract motion/ICM photos. When taking abstract seascapes, a tripod can be useful for keeping the horizon straight and avoiding moving the camera too wildly up and down. However, I personally never use a tripod, partly due to laziness, and partly to make the motion more natural and free. Instead just adjust your settings, face the ocean (or subject to be taken) and move the camera from left to right whilst taking your shot.

Editing abstract motion images:

I use Lightroom Classic for all my photography editing including my abstract motion images. To increase the sense of movement I often increase the contrast and clarity, and with regards to colour and saturation I often go further with an abstract than I would with other styles of photography. As with the abstract photography itself, play around with your editing and see what works best for you.

Abstract artwork for sale:

More of my abstract photography can be found on my website, my Flickr account, and for license via Getty Images. If you are interested in purchasing any prints, using an image online or would like further information please send me an email. Take a look at the following blog about my abstract seascape imagery for sale.