Photo by Patrick Robert Doyle ()
Whether you are an expert photographer, using the state of the art equipment, or a novice shooting on your smartphone camera, knowing where to capture the best Instagram-worthy shots while you are in Europe is essential. Fortunately, Europe is chocked full of amazingly gorgeous cities and landscapes leaving plenty of opportunities for a wealth of breathtaking photos. While some cities may be popular destinations, well known to photographers around the world, others lie somewhat off-the-beaten-path, offering awesome chances to capture the most unique images.
For someone looking for new photography adventures or to round off their own list of photogenic sites, here are six of the best places in Europe.
Paris, France
Most people recognize Paris’s many iconic landmarks, such as the Eifel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre (to name a few); but few get to see the city as it awakes and drifts off to picturesque sunrises and sunsets. Beautiful architecture, iconic displays of fashion, gorgeously plated meals and a backdrop of perfectly scattered clouds are typically available here. Don’t leave without a sunset cruise on the Seine; the sights are well worth the trip.
Eiffel Tower during beautiful spring morning in Paris, France
Colmar, France
This picturesque town located in the Alsace region to the east of France is made popular by its colorful and wood-framed buildings along the river Lach. One great area for photographers to catch a variety of unique images is in La Petite Venise.
Ghent, Belgium
Ghent, known as a center of all things medieval, boasts stunning gothic churches and captivating ancient architecture. Its location makes it easily accessible from other major countries and the costs for lodging are not as hefty as one would find in larger cities.
Ghent city in Belgium
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is one of the nicest cities to photograph during the fall months as the foliage changes colors. The winter months are equally as gorgeous as snow is often seen atop buildings and hanging on tree branches. The potential to capture beautiful scenes here is great as the number of unique viewpoints are plentiful and relatively easy to access.
Bled, Slovenia
Bled boasts a massive glacial lake, nestled at the base of the Julian Alps of Slovenia. There is no season better than another to capture images, as each season offers its own beauty and charm. The Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary is a common focal point, as it sits in the middle of the gorgeous lake.
Typical wooden boats in Slovenia called "Pletna" in Lake Bled.
Vienna, Austria
While almost any place in Vienna offers amazing focal points, Vienna is also blessed with at least a couple of unique vantage points. First, the Austrian National Library is a work of wonder. The ceilings with paintings dating back to the Baroque Period is framed by beautifully carved wooden shelving. One of the finest jewels is found in the ceremonial room with the Karl IV statue.
To make the most of any of Europe’s amazing destinations, make sure you follow a few pro tips:
To find key photo viewpoints, check out Instagram pages of photographers local to the area.
Don’t forget to bring your tripod for the best night shots.
Look for amazing water reflections. Both Bled and Colmar are great places to find this on clear days.
Get out there early since the early photographer gets the shot without the crowds.
When going to places like Ghent, or when editing some of your more colorful shots, consider increasing the color saturation. Just a slight increase can really make your photos pop!
