Travel Photography Guides to Beautiful Destinations

Photographing the Steller’s Sea Eagle in Eastern Hokkaido

Lisa Michele Burns — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:45:48 +0000

Winter Wildlife Photography Experience in Japan These feathered friends, endemic to the Kamchatka Peninsula, Sea of Okhotsk, and other parts of Siberia in Russia, are the very reason I’ve had Eastern Hokkaido on my wish list for many years. On par with drift ice, a fascinating environmental process I’ve tracked and wanted to photograph since I saw a poster in Sapporo about it, way back in 2000. Luckily, the two combine to form one of the most photogenic experiences you can have outdoors, especially if you’re a fan of icy wonders and wildlife like me. The Steller’s Sea Eagle is one of the biggest draw cards for wildlife photographers, with their immense wingspan of up to 2.5m (8ft), striking yellow beaks, and dramatic fishing behaviour, presenting an action-packed experience to witness these beauties in the wild. While you can get lucky and see the eagles amongst the drift ice along Hokkaido’s northern coastline in winter, Rausu offers the chance to see them up close, with trained captains knowing where to find them to ensure you’re capturing images as the warm glow of sunrise illuminates the scene. *Just to note, the conditions will determine if boats depart or not. If seas...

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A Photographer’s Guide to Winter in Eastern Hokkaido

Lisa Michele Burns — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:11:50 +0000

Exploring the Wildlife and Natural Wonders of Eastern Hokkaido For photographers seeking quiet landscapes and wildlife opportunities, there’s a different pace to winter in Eastern Hokkaido, Beyond the ski fields and busier resorts of the western side of Japan’s northern island, the landscape opens into something far more spacious. Frozen lakes sit beneath low winter light, steam rises where geothermal activity meets the cold air, and wildlife moves quietly through snow-covered terrain. It’s not a destination built around a single landmark or viewpoint. Instead, the appeal lies in the variety within a relatively compact region. Forest, coastline, volcanic activity, mountains and wetlands all sit within a few hours of each other, each offering a distinct photographic approach and adventure. On top of the landscapes, you have the wildlife that inhabits them. From the elusive snow fairies Shima-enaga, to foxes, eagles, swans, bears, and deer. The region delivers continual surprises, with the chance to slow down, explore quietly, and photograph amongst some of the most diverse scenery you’ll find in Japan. This guide focuses on key locations and experiences well-suited to winter photography, drawing on my personal adventures. From lakes shaped by geothermal activity to coastal drift ice and wildlife encounters,...

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Beyond the Bamboo Grove: Photographing the Quieter Side of Arashiyama

Lisa Michele Burns — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 06:08:59 +0000

A Photographer’s Guide to Arashiyama, Japan Arashiyama is one of Kyoto’s most photographed areas, and for many visitors, it begins and ends with a short walk through the Bamboo Grove. It’s an iconic scene, tall green stalks arching overhead and light filtering through the dense forest, but it’s also one of the most crowded stretches of pavement in the city, if not all of Japan. I’ve visited Arashiyama twelve times, yes twelve, Kyoto is one of my favourite cities, and each time I expect my favourite spots in Arashiyama to be suddenly overwhelmed by crowds, but to my surprise, they’re still not, despite the Bamboo Grove mere minutes away, seeing thousands of tourists packed like sardines along the path. Every time I go to write this guide, I hesitate because I don’t want the quieter places spoiled; however, I noticed on my most recent visit that new cafes and stores are starting to open up along the route I walk, and it would be nice to see them get a little more love and foot traffic. Plus, one of the temples in this guide now has a new ticket machine, so I’m assuming it’s gaining in popularity already, particularly in...

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Photographing Puma in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Lisa Michele Burns — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 12:33:39 +0000

Day of Adventure with Kali Travels in Patagonia As my alarm went off bright and early, I opened the curtains of my room at Remota Lodge to see the distant peaks of Torres del Paine National Park slowly waking up. This region, known for its explorer-ready landscapes, weather and sculpted peaks, is also home to one of South America’s most elusive inhabitants: the puma. Having visited Torres del Paine before, I’d explored these valleys, lakes, and trails for two weeks without ever seeing a Puma. The thought that they were there, quietly watching from the shadows, always added a certain thrill to every hike and photograph, and I admit to getting a little faster in my strides once darkness hit on my hike down from Mirador de las Torres. This time, however, things were different. As part of the Adventure Travel World Summit, I joined Kali Travel and Adventure for a full-day excursion, one that promised not only the chance to witness the park’s wildlife but to do so alongside conservation-minded guides and trackers who know the land and likely movements of these majestic big cats. The drive out was filled with anticipation, and a few little naps, before I...

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Parque Futangue: A Valdivian Rainforest Retreat

Lisa Michele Burns — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 09:10:54 +0000

Where Stillness Meets Ancient Wilderness A Visual Hotel Review – Luxury Adventure Retreat in Chile Deep within Chile’s Los Ríos Region, Futangue Hotel & Spa sits quietly within a private nature reserve at the edge of the Valdivian rainforest, near Lake Ranco and framed by the Andes. The landscape feels untouched, where rainfall lingers in the air, ancient trees wear moss like cloaks, and rivers echo the mountains’ quiet power. Arriving here feels like entering another world. The tree-lined road gives way to a lodge whose timber, stone, and glass façades reflect the same calm stillness that surrounds it. From my first step inside, despite being incredibly weary after flying direct from Australia, I sensed this would be more than a stay, it was a chance to become part of the rhythm of the landscape…after a decent sleep. Waking early on my first morning, birdsong joined in a chorus with rain on the roof, a sound that echoed the environment we’d be soon out exploring, with Laguna Pichi first on the itinerary for a wander in the Valdivian Rainforest. Beyond the comforts lies adventure, and the hotel sits within a 34,000-acre private reserve with more than 100 km of trails,...

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Photographing the Darwin’s Frog: A Rare Encounter in Chile’s Valdivian Rainforest

Lisa Michele Burns — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 08:47:28 +0000

Photographing the Darwin’s Frog – A Rare Encounter in Chile’s Valdivian Rainforest Deep within Chile’s Valdivian rainforest, where rain falls in patterns of gentle whispers and torrential waves, and where the forest floor glows a vibrant green beneath layers of fog, a tiny creature quietly tells one of nature’s most extraordinary stories. A really tiny creature, one with an average size of just 22 to 31mm. When researching Parque Futangue, I saw photos of the Darwin’s Frog (Ranita de Darwin) and was instantly drawn to learn more about this leaf-like little wonder. Because it’s listed as endangered, with some outlets even stating that it’s close to extinction, I assumed there would be no way I’d be lucky enough to photograph one on my ATWS pre-summit adventure with the Adventure Travel Trade Association and Sernature Chile. Then I met Felipe, our guide at Parque Futangue and a fellow photographer who shared images he’d captured during his years guiding in the park. While it could never be guaranteed, he explained that there was a chance we might encounter one along a specific guided trail within the reserve. I couldn’t put my MC-20 2x teleconverter on fast enough. A Frog Unlike Any Other...

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The Power of Community in Adventure Travel

Lisa Michele Burns — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 09:22:05 +0000

As the Chamamé music began on stage, supporting Mauricio Kusanovic of Las Torres Patagonia as he made his closing remarks at the Adventure Travel World Summit in Puerto Natales, Chile, I felt a sudden wave of emotion. I told myself, “Lisa, keep it together, be professional”, but looking around the room, one filled with industry leaders, media, and tourism operators, everyone was up on their feet, smiling, hugging and dancing. The emotion was shared, the kind that’s created from an immersive experience we all knew had been so special. It was my first time attending a summit, and while my emotions caught me off guard, it’s clear that bringing together a like-minded group of delegates in this way fuels connections, growth, and empowers change in an industry known for its ability to create experiences and positively impact communities far and wide. Two weeks prior, I had arrived in Chile expecting inspiration from the landscapes and nature. I’d visited the peaks of Torres del Paine National Park previously, and knew I was in for a treat when it came to exploring more of the country’s environmental diversity in Parque Futangue, for my pre-summit adventure. As someone who lingers on the introverted...

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Why Churchill Is on My Photography Radar for 2026

Lisa Michele Burns — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 05:27:09 +0000

Polar Bears and Aurora in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. When I think about destinations that combine raw wilderness with once-in-a-lifetime photographic opportunities, Churchill in northern Manitoba quickly rises to the top. Perched on the edge of Hudson Bay in Northern Canada, this beautifully remote Arctic gateway offers a rare mix of luminous night skies, rare wildlife sightings, and unique ways to experience them. After learning about the region over coffee with the team from Travel Manitoba, I started researching and exploring the adventures possible for photographers (and myself!) who are keen to visit in 2026. I already know it’ll be a destination that fills my memory cards faster than the northern lights dance across the sky! Here are the experiences that have firmly placed Churchill on my radar for 2026. #1 Aurora visible up to 300 nights each year Churchill sits directly beneath the auroral oval, making the northern lights a near certainty, rather than a chance encounter, visible up to 300 nights each year. Having photographed aurora in Iceland, Greenland and across Scandinavia, plus the Aurora Australis in New Zealand, the concept of an easier hunt sounds very enticing! I don’t think I slept a wink on my first...

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Street Photography in Tokyo: Neighbourhoods + Creative Techniques

Lisa Michele Burns — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 07:23:22 +0000

Tokyo’s energy isn’t just seen, it’s felt, especially when you’re exploring with a camera. While the city’s temples and neon-lit streets are photogenic icons, Tokyo’s true stories play out in fleeting moments between commuters, market vendors, and friends meeting beneath glowing lanterns or illuminated signs. Street photography here is a rewarding challenge, offering endless opportunities to create images that pulse with movement and life. I’ve often found it’s been the images I captured on my way to/from a location I wanted to photograph, that turn out the best, those unscripted moments, quick Embracing the Pace of the City Tokyo moves quickly, but something I love about the city is that despite the innovation, population, and pace, it feels calm, quiet, and creative. I’ve photographed many cities around the world, and none feel as diverse, inspiring and thrilling as Tokyo, I’m almost confident to say that any visiting photographer, will be able to capture some of their best images here. Rather than fighting the crowds, use them as part of your composition. Shibuya Crossing, for example, is famous for a reason, but even quieter neighbourhoods offer constant streams of foot traffic, so be sure to allow time for observing and you’ll...

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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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Where Rolling Hills Meet Rainforest: A Visual Retreat at Beechmont Estate

Lisa Michele Burns — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:00:52 +0000

Visual Hotel Review – Beechmont Estate, Queensland There’s a place where morning mist drifts through tall gums and the sound of birdsong carries across open paddocks. A place where you can wake slowly, breathe deeply, and let time unfold at a more relaxed pace. Nestled in the hinterland of Queensland’s Scenic Rim, Beechmont Estate sits quietly on a ridge surrounded by ancient rainforest and farmland. Though just an hour from the coast, it’s remote enough to feel off-grid, yet close enough to slip away to for the weekend. I recently spent two nights here with my family, surrounded by nature and good food with a gentle rhythm that brought us back to the joy of appreciating the beauty of downtime and the great outdoors. A Setting That Invites Stillness Set on 75 acres of rolling hills in Yugambeh Country and bordered by World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park, Beechmont Estate feels far removed from city life and invites guests to relax and retreat. Surrounded by open paddocks, ancient Gondwana rainforest, and views that change with the light, it’s an ideal place for a creative reset, hiking, and indulging in some culinary delights. Upon waking on our first morning, we saw kangaroos grazing...

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Japan Travel – Photographing the Snow Monsters of Zao, Tohoku

Lisa Michele Burns — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 08:39:49 +0000

How to Photograph the Snow Monsters at Zao Onsen, Japan When it comes to winter photography experiences, the Yamagata prefecture of Japan is hiding something pretty remarkable in the scenic village of Zao Onsen. It’s a landscape and subject I’ve hoped to visit since I was a student visiting a host family in Japan at 15. I saw an image of this natural phenomenon and couldn’t get it out of my mind. Fast-forward 25 years…and I finally saw them. Now, I want to help you plan your visit, too. It’ll take two ropeway rides to reach the top, and halfway up, you’ll start to see them appear. First one, then the horizon will reveal thousands more, appearing to multiply across mountain peaks and into the distance. I’m talking about Snow Monsters, also known as Juhyo. These frozen wonders are created as a result of strong Siberian winds, chilled water droplets and heavy snowfall across the winter months, formations that transform the landscape into a forest of monster-like trees. The high altitude of Jizo Sancho Station, located just below the peak of Mt.Jizo which sits at 1,736m, helps these iced beauties remain solid, chunky and visible throughout winter. Let’s take a...

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