Heading somewhere for a start of the year vacation? Break away from the usual tourist snaps and wow your friends simply by shooting from a different perspective. Check out these 10 inspirational images of iconic world landmarks shot from an alternate point of view.
Eiffel Tower, Paris
Located in Paris, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most captured structures in the world – but always from a relatively same view point. We suggest shooting it from below like in this photo, its concentric lines and perfect symmetry allowing for an almost kaleidoscopic image.
EOS 400D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens, f/5, 10mm, 1/60sec, ISO100 by Stig Nygaard
Burj Al Arab, Dubai
Known to many as one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, its unique structure shaped like a massive sail frequently appears in our newsfeeds. Instead of shooting it as is like in most photos, focus on certain parts of the building like in this image, and play with lines for a unique composition.
EOS 350D, EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens, f/3.5, 18mm, 1/2500sec, ISO100 by Milos Milosevic
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap
The majestic temple in Cambodia is commonly pictured as an ancient structure nestled amidst sprawling grounds –nothing wrong with that of course, but by simply adding a filter (in this case, infrared), you can create surreal effects that makes the structure look almost other-worldly.
EOS 350D, EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens, f/6.3, 39mm, 1/400sec, ISO100 by Alexander Booth
Sydney Opera House, Sydney
Spaceship or theatre? The more your image provokes thought, the better! The Sydney Opera House and its watermelon slices-esque structure has been shot a million times over, but by zooming in on just one part (and with that dramatic sky), it’s barely recognizable!
EOS 600D, EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens, f/3.5, 20mm, 1/100sec, ISO200 by Danijel-James Wynyard
Musée du Louvre, Paris
The famed Louvre Museum is probably one of the most well-known museums in the world, what with its unique pyramid-shape and appearance on international blockbuster, The Da Vinci Code. Instead of shooting it from the outside, pay for a ticket and head inside to capture the beautiful symmetry of its 673 glass panels (and enjoy some art while you’re at it!)
EOS 550D, EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens, f/6.3, 18mm, 1/500sec, ISO100 by Rigtor
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
While weather is the bane of most photographer’s existence, it can sometime play to your advantage. Mostly a matter of timing, look at how a heavy fog completely transforms the ubiquitous endlessness one always sees in shots of the Golden Gate bridge into something ethereal.
Learn how to make the most of weather here: Landscape Photography: Techniques for Photographing an Oncoming Storm
Canon Digital IXUS 850 IS, f/2.8, 4.6mm, 1/1000sec, ISO75 by Travis Wise
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
Designed by Antoni Gaudí, this massive church in Spain has been under construction for over 100 years – with good reason. From its intricate façade depicting Nativity scenes to its breath-taking stained glass interior, it’s understandable why construction is still on-going! While its beauty is enough for most photographers, we recommend exploring the space and experimenting with your angles.
EOS 550D, EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens, f/8, 27mm, 1/6sec, ISO3200 by Sander Wapstra
Holocaust Memorial, Berlin
If you’ve never seen the Holocaust Memorial, pictures row after row of concrete blocks stretching out for miles. Locals and tourists alike relax on these slabs and photographers flock to capture minimalist, abstract art. Instead of doing what most do, lie on the ground and shoot upwards, like in this image, making the memorial appear larger than life. Bonus points if you have a dramatic sky!
EOS 700D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens, f/8, 10mm, 1/400, ISO100 by Thomas Wensing
Astronomical Clock, Prague
Understandably mostly shot from the outside, the famed Astronomical Clock in Prague features the position of the moon and sun in the sky, a calendar dial and regular hourly clock in stunning craftsmanship. We highly recommend heading instead to shoot instead. You’ll be able to capture the vast height of the tower and almost dizzying spiral of its support beams.
EOS M3, EF-M18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens, f/3.5, 18mm, 1/60sec, ISO2500 by Jayne Booton
Empire State Building, New York City
Framing is key, and can dramatically transform an image. While the Empire State Building might be a little too high above ground for dramatic close ups, try shooting it from elsewhere, like in this image. Perfectly framed by wrought iron and the city’s impressive skyline in the background, this image is quintessentially New York.
Learn more about framing your shots here: 5 Ways to Frame Your Travel Photos
EOS 5D Mark III, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens, f/4, 65mm, 1/400sec, ISO100 by Eskil Digernes
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