Lisa Michele Burns Photo Tips, Creative Photography + Travel Guides - The Wandering Lens

A Photographer’s Guide to Southern Arizona

Lisa Michele Burns — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 02:43:39 +0000

Southern Arizona is defined by its distinctive desert scenery, wide open spaces, and a surprising variety of environments to photograph. Around Tucson, the Sonoran Desert is on full display, with forests of saguaro cacti, rugged mountains, local wildlife, and skies that light up at sunrise and sunset. While it is easy to picture endless sand and heat, you will find new scenes and changing conditions in every direction. From winding mountain drives to historic city streets, there is plenty here to keep your camera busy. This guide highlights some of the best spots in and around Tucson, Arizona for photography. You will need a car to reach most of these locations, and it is worth preparing for the conditions. Weather in southern Arizona can be unpredictable, with temperatures shifting quickly and the sun often intense, even in cooler months. If you can, visit in spring or autumn, when temperatures are moderate and exploring is much more comfortable. Thanks to local Tucson Photographer, Rebecca Clark Andrino for writing and photographing this guide. You can find Rebecca on Instagram via @rc_photostudios Location: Gates Pass Gates Pass is a dreamy landscape to photograph with its vibrant golden hour glow and rusted colored earth...

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17 Natural Wonders to Photograph Around the World

Lisa Michele Burns — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 09:13:25 +0000

There’s something truly humbling about standing in front of a vast desert dune or watching icebergs drift silently under a pastel-pink sky. Over the years, my journey as a travel photographer has taken me to places that feel like the Earth is quietly showing off, unveiling landscapes carved by time, shaped by weather, and filled with colour and life in the most unexpected forms. Each trip has been more than just a chance to take photographs. They’ve been filled with moments to connect with nature, with stillness, and with that childlike sense of awe we often forget in the rush of daily life. From the soft silica sands of Whitehaven Beach to the towering spires of Bryce Canyon, these natural wonders have not only filled my camera with images, but also helped me develop a deep appreciation for the wild beauty of our planet. I wanted to pause and reflect on the places that have inspired me the most, places that remind me why we travel, why we explore, and why it’s so important to protect the environments and landscapes we photograph. Below is a collection of 17 natural wonders I’ve been fortunate to photograph, each unique in its beauty,...

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Field Notes: Landscapes and Lupins with the OM-3 by OM SYSTEM

Lisa Michele Burns — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 07:57:47 +0000

OM-3 Review : User Experience + Creative Possibilities Well, hello there OM-3. Just announced by OM SYSTEM, this new camera is a game changer for creatives and I’m going to share my recent experience working with it to photograph landscapes and lupins in New Zealand. There are sample images plus a whole bunch of behind-the-scenes visuals to show you what the art tools and camera functions look like. If you enjoy experimenting, playing with colour, seeing the world with a creative eye and producing images with a consistent tone, you’ll want to keep reading. There’s so much inside this compact (and cute) camera! Just a quick note, I am an OM SYSTEM ambassador, however this is an experience and user review. I knew there would be a lot of focus on the technical specifications in other reviews of the OM-3, so as you’ll see throughout the words below, I’ve taken the creative approach, sharing what I found innovative and fun to incorporate as I photographed. In December I took a secret squirrel trip with the OM-3 to New Zealand. On social media I mentioned it was my solo/self-employed Christmas party (which was also the case), however, I wanted to...

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Alpine Adventures – 10 Photographers Share Their Experiences

Lisa Michele Burns — Sat, 25 Jan 2025 08:21:01 +0000

Photogenic Alpine Experiences from Nepal to New Zealand There’s something undeniably magical about the alpine landscape—soaring peaks, crisp mountain air, and a sense of stillness that feels worlds away from everyday life. For photographers, these high-altitude escapes are not just places to explore but opportunities to capture the beauty, drama, and serenity that only the mountains can offer. In this collection, talented photographers share their most inspiring alpine adventures, revealing the stories behind their breathtaking images. From snowy ridges to glacial valleys, each experience offers a glimpse into the unique connection between photographers and the mountains they love. Whether you’re drawn to rugged peaks, tranquil valleys, or the thrill of alpine light, these stories are sure to inspire your next mountain escape—and the photographs you’ll create along the way. Location: Giau Pass, Italian Dolomites Photographers: Karin and Markus Haffert (Website + Instagram) Experience Notes: The 2.236 m high Giau Pass (in Italian Passo di Giau) near Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites in the Italian province of Belluno is spectacular and very popular. Therefore it gets very busy here, especially in high season. But even when we were there in the middle of October there were groups of photographers around. That’s...

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Tokyo Hotel Review: Goldfish, Geisha and Views of Mt Fuji from Bed

Lisa Michele Burns — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 07:02:57 +0000

Visual Hotel Review: Park Hotel Tokyo Walking into a room filled with goldfish swimming across the walls, Geisha smiling from behind the bed, and a view towards Mt Fuji, it felt like I’d stepped into a colourful dream of all things quintessentially Japanese. Perched in the Shiodome Media Tower, Park Hotel Tokyo offers more than just a luxurious stay—it provides an immersive journey into Japanese art and culture. With panoramic views of Tokyo’s skyline and an artistic ethos that permeates every corner, the hotel seamlessly blends contemporary design with traditional aesthetics. Located in the heart of Tokyo, it’s an ideal base for exploring the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods, while its unique art-focused concept ensures a stay that’s as inspiring as it is comfortable. Location Situated in the heart of Tokyo’s Shiodome district, Park Hotel Tokyo occupies the upper floors of the Shiodome Media Tower, offering guests panoramic views of the city skyline. The hotel is conveniently connected to Shiodome Station, providing easy access to Tokyo’s extensive public transportation network. Ginza, renowned for its shopping and dining, is within walking distance, and other major areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Akihabara are easily accessible. From Haneda Airport, the hotel is a 20-minute taxi...

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Ilimanaq Lodge – Greenland’s Idyllic Seaside Retreat

Lisa Michele Burns — Sat, 09 Nov 2024 06:16:23 +0000

Drift to sleep as icebergs float by your bungalow There are few places where waking up feels like an instant adventure. At this lodge, not only does the day ahead present the possibility of whale sightings, photogenic huts and hiking trails, but it also starts with an iceberg check. Before brushing your teeth, a peek out the window will reveal how many icebergs have floated into the bay overnight, or perhaps, even drifted out. The thrill is that it all depends on the seas, the wind, and those big floating beauties. You could wake to a 50ft frozen monster in front, or a whole bunch of bergy bits, bobbing around in a variety of shapes and sizes. Ilimanaq Lodge is located on the southern side of Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO site on Greenland’s west coast. Open from mid-June to early September, the lodge is remote, relaxing but oh so effortlessly luxurious. It’s easy to think a remote lodge will lean more toward the rustic side, but here, the beds are comfy, the lounge is spacious, the meals are world-class and the little extras, architecture and stylish decor all make for one of the best experiences you can have if you’re seeking...

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Behind the Lens – Visiting Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia

Lisa Michele Burns — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 12:07:09 +0000

Behind the Lens – Two Days at Perito Moreno Glacier Location: Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia – Argentina Gear: OM-1, OM-1 MKII, 7-14mm f2.8 pro lens, 12-40mm f2.8 pro lens + 40-150mm f2.8 pro lens with the MC-20 2 x teleconverter and LS-P5 audio recorder. Date: April 18-20th, 2024. Autumn in Patagonia Rising early to collect the hire car and head out to the glacier, I was eager to see the ice, it was actually the part of Patagonia I was looking forward to most. The towers of Torres del Paine and Mount Fitz Roy were right up there on the wish list too of course, but glaciers have been a subject I’ve love researching and photographing since I was bewildered by the landscapes and ice sheet of Greenland. Layers of glacial ice disappearing toward ridge lines and valleys are a sight I could happily stare at forever. The sounds, thunderous roar of crashing ice, glistening sparkles, centuries of weather conditions, snow and glacial streams combined to present a scene so rugged yet intricately delicate. They fascinate me and every time I photograph a glacier, I leave with hundreds (jokes, thousands) of photos that usually, let’s be honest, look pretty similar....

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A Guide to Photographing Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

Lisa Michele Burns — Sun, 16 Jun 2024 08:36:02 +0000

Let’s Photograph the Magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia! I had seen the videos of glacial calvings crashing into the lake, of bubbling bergs popping up out of the watery blue abyss and knew that if I ever got to visit Patagonia, I needed to see Perito Moreno Glacier in all of its sparkling splendour. Icy wonders are right at the top of my list of favourite things to photograph and having spent a lot of time in the Arctic photographing glaciers and icebergs, I wasn’t sure what to expect with this beauty. Spoiler – it’s well worth a visit…or multiple! What makes Perito Moreno Glacier different is the ease of access and how close you can get to the glacial face or terminus. Once you’ve reached El Calafate, it’s easy to hire a car, take a bus or book a day tour and find yourself staring at this natural wonder within two hours of having breakfast. Perito Moreno Glacier is located within Los Glaciares National Park, about a 90-minute drive from El Calafate in Argentina. Unlike the majority of glaciers around the world, this one differs in that the glacier is growing, rather than retreating and you can get...

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Paris Street Photography Locations: A Quick Guide to Photogenic Spots

Lisa Michele Burns — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 05:07:31 +0000

Your Quick Guide to Street Photography in Paris Paris street photography opportunities blend architecture with haute couture, which, if you say together quite fast in my Australian accent, sounds quite funny. But you didn’t come here for jokes, you came here to find where to go for the best street photography in Paris. With its vibrant street scapes, timeless architecture, and the ever-present fusion of history and modernity, Paris is a muse for those keen to capture daily life. Street photography in Paris is more than just an activity, it’s wandering with your camera through a city that has inspired artists, writers, and creators for centuries. As we delve into the heart of Parisian street photography, this guide aims to uncover some of the most photogenic spots to visit. The charm of Paris lies not only in its iconic landmarks, especially with crazy high numbers of tourists all heading for the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, but also in the fleeting moments and everyday interactions that occur within its historic streets and lively neighbourhoods. From the quaint alleys of Montmartre, echoing the steps of artistic giants, to the waterside ambience of the Canal Saint-Martin, each location offers a unique...

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Mastering Light: A Quick Guide to Golden Hour Photography

Lisa Michele Burns — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 04:56:16 +0000

What Is the Golden Hour in Photography? The golden hour, often hailed as the “magic hour” by photographers, is a brief period shortly after sunrise or before sunset when the sunlight is softer and warmer in hue. This time of day is favoured for its ability to add a magical, ethereal quality to photographs, transforming ordinary scenes into extraordinary ones. If you’ve ever travelled somewhere to capture landscapes, you’ll no doubt be Googling the best hours for sunrise or sunset. To maximise your opportunities to capture stunning golden hour photographs, it’s always best to arrive one hour before, and leave one hour after the official sunrise or sunset time. This ensures you’ll be treated to changing light, colourful conditions and oodles of photo opportunities! Understanding the Golden Hour The golden hour occurs when the sun is low on the horizon, casting a diffused light that minimises harsh shadows typically associated with bright midday sunlight, and reduces the contrast between highlights and shadows. The lower angle of the sun also produces a warm, golden tone that adds a pleasing aesthetic to any subject, particularly landscapes. Just like switching on your ‘cloudy’ white balance, but a natural aid! Finding the Exact Time...

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Golden Hour – Chasing light with The Wandering Lens Community

Lisa Michele Burns — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 07:00:25 +0000

Golden hour is such a beautiful time to have your camera with you. Whether you’re photographing from home, exploring landscapes in remote destinations, or out and about when magic strikes and you capture the sky illuminating from wherever you’re standing in that moment, there’s something so special about this time of day. Sunrise or sunset, it’s inspiring to capture the golden glow as details within a scene are sprinkled with light, shadowed, softly lit, or silhouetted. As photographers, we almost can’t bear to be indoors when the sky is on fire with colour, or when you know the sun is about to set at any minute, but you’re stuck in traffic. The thrill we feel when we’re in the right place at the right time, when an entire scene is awash with reds, oranges and deep yellow, it’s what we’re all seeking, for some of us, it’s the reason we pick up our camera. I recently asked the network of photographers via Travel Photography Courses to share their golden hour images. This collection below were stand outs and feature imagery from all corners of the world. Take a browse through their work, click through to see their Instagram accounts and...

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Where Photographers Should Visit in Romania

Lisa Michele Burns — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 09:16:01 +0000

A Guide to Photographing in Romania – Bucharest + Landscapes Written by Marius Iliescu – all imagery supplied by Romanian Friend. Romania is undoubtedly an underrated gem in Europe. From towering Carpathian Mountains to the Danube Delta, picturesque traditional villages to cosmopolitan medieval cities, you’re in for a surprise. Whether you’re a professional or amateur photographer looking to explore and discover somewhere new, I’m sure my country will offer you lots of sights. Romania is very popular among photographers looking to capture traditional rural life and customs, untouched landscapes with rich wildlife, and striking city and cultural contrasts in Bucharest. Get your camera and backpack ready because I’m going to tell you the best places to visit in Romania to capture some unique photos. #1 Where to go for landscape photography in Romania 45% of Romania’s land surface is covered by the Carpathian Mountains reaching altitudes as high as 8,380 feet. Besides the typical scenery you’d expect in the mountains, there are several mountain ranges known for their impressive vistas and natural attractions. Close to the popular tourist city of Brasov are Piatra Craiului, with their unmistakable limestone ridge and Bucegi Mountains, all going over 7,200 feet high. On a...

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