You don’t have to go deep into the wilderness to capture beauty. The big cities we’re living in can be wonderful to photograph – all you need to do is look up and around to appreciate the beautifully hectic places that we call home. Here are 5 of Asia’s best urban landscapes.

Hong Kong 

Need a reason to shoot Hong Kong’s urban landscape? We’ll give you three: Details, details, details. This large urban metropolis offers ample diversity due to a mix of east and west cultures that don’t just just co-exist, but create an environment unlike any other. The ever-increasing demand for high rise buildings has also created a breathtaking urban density that will astound and inspire you. 

Canon EOS 70D, EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM, f/2.8, 1/10 sec, ISO 2500 by Darren Wong

Tokyo, Japan

One of the world’s most fascinating cities, Tokyo brims with so much action and energy, creating a pulse in the city you can’t replicate elsewhere. But sometimes, it can be challenging to shoot said busy environments. Capture a quiet moment instead to achieve a more powerful image, drawing your viewer in and letting them savour the moment.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF85mm f/1.8 USM, f/1.8, 1/160, ISO 50 by Eses Moto

Singapore

In a bustling metropolis such as Singapore, nights are when the city truly comes to life. You’ll find interesting opportunities presenting themselves, and one can use longer exposures to great effect here. Even buildings act as a nice subject when lit up at night, making for a classic cityscape shot. 

Canon EOS 70D, EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM, f/2.8, 1/1250 sec, ISO 100 by Darren Wong

Jakarta, Indonesia

Despite being the most crowded city in Indonesia, Jakarta is not without its charms. Take the historical Kota Tua Batavia in West Jakarta for example, long considered the city’s most famous location for photography. The old Batavia’s colonial heritage buildings make the perfect backdrop, and yet their features are strong enough to be photographed as a main subject.

Canon EOS 650D, EF-S15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM, f/11, 1/160 sec, ISO 100 by Ardy Hadinata Kurniawan

Yangon, Myanmar

Myanmar is one of those countries where the way of life hasn’t changed much in the last century. In Yangon for example, you’ll find local traditions and culture very much rooted in their everyday lives, juxtaposed with moderate Western influences. Look out for farming settlements standing alongside main roads filled with travel agencies and restaurants. Monasteries, temples and train stations also make great alternatives for interior shots.

Canon EOS 70D, EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM, f/7.1, 1/400 sec, ISO 200 by Loic Vendrame

 

Azmin Zainal Profile of writer Azmin Zainal has been in love with the written word ever since she could well, read. Relatively new to all things digital, so show her some love. Still searching for the meaning of life, whatever that is. Loves coffee, good conversations, fried chicken and Roger Federer. Not necessarily in that order.