Finding photo spots in new places or countries can be very hard, most people don't want to waste precious time trying to find photo spots when visiting a new place, especially a new country. In this blog post, I (Marius Karlsson) will try and share some of the things i do to find photo spots and hidden gems!
1.
First, do your research. Before you even set foot in a new country, take some time to research the places you want to visit. First, you should start googling things like "Best photo spots in Iceland (or wherever you are going)". Reading blogs about the country you are visiting is a good idea, often there will be beautiful pictures with image text that tell you where it's taken (if not you can use google reverse image search). Remember to make a note each time you see a beautiful place you want to visit, don't risk forgetting it!
2.
Next, take advantage of social media. Instagram, for example, can be a great tool for finding photography locations in new countries. Follow photographers who live in or frequently visit the country you're interested in, and take note of the places they shoot. Additionally, you can use hashtags to search for specific locations or types of photography.
3.
Another tip is to talk to locals. They often know the best places to take photos that most tourists don't know about. Locals are nearly always the people who know where all those hidden gems are. This approach is great, first of all, you get to meet the local people, see their culture and maybe (if it's a very friendly country) you will be invited inside, and they may know some places that are not visited by tourists, this is, at least for me, a big deal as I like having a place to myself.
4.
Utilize Google Earth. Google Earth is a great tool for finding photography locations. Using google earth you can turn on 3D mode to see how the landscape looks in real life. Another great thing to do is turn on "Photos" in the menu, this enables you to see photos from where you are looking, there are lots of photos, even in the most remote places on earth there are photos (See picture below).
5.
Take a guided tour. Guided tours can be a great way to find photography locations, especially if you're short on time. Look for photography-specific tours or join a tour led by a photographer. I haven't tried a photo tour but have heard good things about it, so if you have some spare cash, I think you should try it out. Usually, there is also a professional photographer who can teach you tips and tricks and other like-minded photographers.
6.
Finally, don't be afraid to wander. Sometimes the best and most rewarding photography locations are the ones you stumble upon by accident. So take a walk, explore, and keep your eyes open for interesting places to shoot.
Overall, finding photography locations in new countries can be a fun and exciting adventure. With a little bit of research, some help from social media, and a willingness to explore, you're sure to discover some amazing places to take photos. Happy shooting and please sign up for my news letter to get more content like this!
More of this?😁