summer Archives - Photo Tips, Creative Photography + Travel Guides - The Wandering Lens

The Best Photography Locations in Dubrovnik

Lisa Michele Burns — Sat, 07 Jul 2018 06:00:25 +0000

A Map + Photographer’s Guide to Photo spots in Dubrovnik, Croatia A medieval wonder bordered by ancient city walls built to protect the character filled gem within. Dubrovnik has a way of enchanting everyone that witnesses its glorious seaside skyline of stone facades and orange tiles. You can research and see as many photos as possible before visiting but nothing compares to seeing this marvel in person. History has been harsh on this defiant city with the last siege happening as recently as 1991. Dubrovnik however is now blossoming and with its recent Hollywood moment in the Game of Thrones, its magnificent beauty is on show for the world to see. If you’ve got Dubrovnik in your upcoming travel plans, be sure to read the guide below which lists the best places to photograph and things to do in this intricately and impeccably well maintained Croatian city. At the bottom of this guide you’ll also find a map with walking tour details to take yourself on a photo walk of Dubrovnik. Read more: For more photography location guides to other cities and regions around the world, click through to the ‘Destination Guides’ section. Things to do in Dubrovnik + Where...

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Where + When to Photograph Lavender Fields in Provence

Lisa Michele Burns — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 00:42:20 +0000

The Provence lavender fields are a photogenic landscape you need to visit this summer! Rolling hills of purple lavender stretch into the distance contrasting with wheat and sunflower fields that make photographers go gaga. It’s the kind of scenery that’s almost addictive to capture; every little patch of lavender seems more photogenic than the next, each sprig more plentiful and every changing hour produces a more beautiful light. Knowing when to visit to photograph the lavender is essential to planning a successful photography mission because you don’t want to arrive in August and find fields of dirt…it’s really not that fun. Of course there are still all of the beautiful medieval villages of Provence however if you time it right you can see all of them PLUS lavender, a combination that will keep your camera clicking all day long. If you’d prefer to skip scrolling, ditch the ads and download a 48 page PDF to take with you while exploring Provence, I’ve published a Guide to Photographing the Villages and Lavender Fields of Provence…Hooray!! Complete with photo tips, day trip ideas and itineraries of where to photograph and when. When to visit Provence for Lavender Fields… Each year the season...

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Photographing the French Alps of Briançon in Summer

Lisa Michele Burns — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:42:15 +0000

Once the snow melts and summer arrives the landscapes and alpine scenery around Briançon flourish. If you’re planning a visit to France this year, save a little time in your itinerary for a visit to the French Alps. You don’t have to wait for the winter and if you’re as “great” at skiing as I am, summer is probably a better choice anyway! The region around Briançon is mountainous and filled with photography opportunities if you’re keen to jump on a ski lift and go for a hike. The town itself is the highest in France at an altitude of 1,326m and has medieval castles perched on surrounding peaks. Take a peek at some of the best spots to visit for capturing landscape photos of the alps in the warmer months Below is a map you can open in Google Maps to plan your own journey… Col de la Pisse – Serre Chevalier Take the ski lift from Serre Chevalier station to the highest point and you’ll have your camera out within 60 seconds. The views from the station hut are jaw dropping but…a hike even further will ensure you’re amongst it to witness even more alpine landscapes. A 1-2hr hike...

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Hiking Saint-Véran and Lac Miroir, France

Lisa Michele Burns — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 21:27:19 +0000

Queyras National Park – Hautes-Alpes Region, France There’s something about being in the mountains that lets your mind relax and creativity reign. Sure it could be the altitude making you a little loopy but I think it’s got a lot to do with the fresh air and those photogenic peaks that beg to be gazed upon. I recently visited the Parc naturel régional du Queyras in the Hautes-Alpes region of France for some outdoor adventures. Of course my camera and Clement (my partner) came along too. The Queyras region is actually home to Saint-Véran which is officially Europe’s highest village perched at 2042m. Visiting in summer the village felt bizarrely warm and the lack of snow made me question it’s altitude but having seen photos of this village in winter, it’s a total snow globe come to life! Saint-Véran – Europe’s Highest Village Throughout the village of Saint-Véran are a series of five hamlets, each sectioned off centuries ago to ensure there was a dedicated fountain and fire pump in case of fire. Within the hamlets are wooden chalets known as ‘Fustes’, a traditional method of building using tree trunks and logs. The wooden chalets create a fairytale like atmosphere...

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Lavender Fields of Provence – 2017 Season Review

Lisa Michele Burns — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 23:09:34 +0000

The lavender fields of Valensole were purple perfection this season. Rows stretching toward the mountains, glowing in the warm afternoon light and contrasting with neighbouring wheat fields. Pretty picture perfect! Okay, I’ll drop the annoying alliteration now. But damn they were good and oh so purpley. After visiting the Plateau de Valensole a number of times this season for photography workshops and photoshoots, I’ve updated my location guide and wanted to celebrate by sharing a few images. The region is well known as the place to go in Provence if you want to capture those sprawling landscape shots of lavender. In 2015 I published a ‘Guide to Photographing the Lavender Fields of Valensole’ and having found new spots this season there’s some new images, new locations and recommendations of places to stay when you’re photographing the lavender. If you’re thinking of planning a visit for 2018 (wow that feels so far away!), take a peek and feel free to ask me any questions! In the meantime, I wanted to do a little summary of the shots I took this season around Valensole. From the little village of Riez to Puimoisson and everywhere in between, this year was the first time...

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Weather Forecasting for Landscape Photographers

Lisa Michele Burns — Wed, 17 May 2017 15:28:44 +0000

As a weather geek, photography for me is about so much more than just clicking the shutter. It’s about reading the conditions, knowing the forecast and experiencing nature in all of its glory. From snow storms to gleaming sunshine, predicting the weather forecast will allow you to prepare to a certain extent for what type of shots you can take and where to go to make the most of the conditions. I actually hesitated about writing this post as it’s letting you in on a pretty big obsession of mine and frankly, I’m not so sure people watch the sky this closely? Surely it’s not just me that gets excited by a line of clouds building in the distance? Or gets a kick out of tracking wind speeds during a storm? Yikes. I hope there’s at least someone else still reading to this point! If you’ve got this far, hooray! Let’s talk all things weather and photography. Clouds might ruin the day if you plan on lying by the pool but if you’re out to capture long exposures at sunset, they’ll be on the top of your wish list. The information below is especially relevant if you’re looking to capture...

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Santorini Sailing Day Trip in the Caldera

Lisa Michele Burns — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 11:42:46 +0000

Stepping on board a crisp white luxury catamaran as the village of Oia sat pretty on the cliffs above and the water below glistened in the sunlight. It was always going to be a good day. On my recent visit to Santorini, I jumped at the chance to hop on board with Santorini Yachting Club for a sail and swim in the caldera. It was also the perfect opportunity to photograph the cliffs and coastline of this photogenic island from the sea! Kicking things off at the scenic port of Ammoudi Bay we sailed in the gentle breeze toward the volcano for a dip at the hot springs. The calm waters of the caldera are perfect for lounging on the deck in the ropes as the water rushes underneath. Sailing below the giant cliffs of Santorini, there’s something so intriguing about gazing at an entire village from the sea. With Fira, Imerovigli and Oia all visible, it’s easy to get lost imagining what’s happening way up there as you drift along beneath. Anchoring at Mesa Pigadia which is located just beside the infamous White Beach, we jumped off the boat for a swim in super clear water while the skipper...

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The Secret Santorini Beach You Need To Visit

Lisa Michele Burns — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 08:56:14 +0000

Beneath the rocky cliffs of Oia on Santorini there’s a little gem hiding along the shores of the sparkling caldera waters. It’s a bit adventurous, completely cut-off from the crowds lurking the photogenic alleys of the streets above and is ideal for a once in a lifetime swimming experience. Santorini is known for its famous and colourful Red Beach, White Beach and Black Beach however this spot isn’t exactly a beach…it’s more a rocky cove, perfect for some fun in the sun. Cliff jump, snorkel, photograph or sun bathe…whatever your activity of choice is, you need to visit this spot if you make it to Santorini. While it doesn’t exactly have a name, just around the corner is Ammoudi Bay so let’s start there. Wander down the 235 steps from the Oia Castle to Ammoudi Port which in itself is worth a memory card of photos. The colourful port is lined with seafood restaurants and vibrant little wooden boats bob around on the aqua blue water. Follow the path to the left (when facing the sea) and wander through each restaurant until you see a track that leads around the water’s edge. As you walk along be sure to turn...

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Kayaking the Gorges Du Verdon of France

Lisa Michele Burns — Tue, 17 May 2016 11:00:56 +0000

Kayak through Provence’s stunning Gorges Du Verdon this summer! Paddling down a gorge of aqua coloured water beneath cliffs up to 700m high, Gorges Du Verdon is an incredible natural sight to see. It’s a place that’s been on my must see list ever since moving to France. Just 90minutes drive from Aix en Provence, the gorge extends for 25km and winds its way from Rougon westward to the beautiful blue waters of Lac de Ste-Croix. One of the best ways to see the gorge is to experience it from within. Hiring a paddle boat or kayak means you can explore at your own pace and also take your camera along for the journey. Where to Hire Kayaks at the Gorges du Verdon? At the northern tip of Lac de Ste-Croix are two beaches filled with brightly coloured kayaks. Take your pick and then venture up the Verdon River for up to 2.5km. One of the best views is right at the beginning just as you paddle under the bridge…definitely stop for a photo on the way up and back! Along the river are lots of little caves to paddle into, a waterfall and small beaches you can pull your...

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