There’s just something about nature in its rawest form that is truly captivating, from rolling hills to long lakes, snowy ice-cold mountains to sweltering sandy desserts, there is astounding magnificence in it all.
So, it probably comes as no surprise that we humans are so keen to capture the moment and forever freeze it in time.
There’s something so powerful about landscape photos, they can evoke such strong emotions of wonder and appreciation.
But when it comes to finding the perfect locations for these amazing landscape snapshots, there are some that are better than others.
Of course, you can find great landscapes pretty much anywhere you look, but the locations detailed below just go above and beyond any expectations that you could possibly have.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the very best locations to get some amazing landscape photographs.
1. Valley Of The Moon, Chile
You won’t find a more enchanting place to watch the sunrise than in Valle de Luna in Chile’s Atacama Desert. This is a bucket-list-worthy activity for anyone but especially for photographers.
The unimaginably beautiful valley actually gets its name thanks to the lunar landforms that have been carved by centuries of battling winds and water.
And if you find yourself a spot in this location as the sun makes its way into the sky, you’ll be rewarded with a phenomenal lunar landscape that is several stunning shades of purple, pink, and gold.
As the sun continues to rise, you’ll also start to notice the distant volcanoes and giant caverns suddenly start to appear.
So, settle on top of one of the many sand dunes early in the morning, and take several photos showing the landscape transforming in the growing light.
2. Lijiang, Yunnan Province, China
The white water river waterfall in Yunnan China offers some of the most spectacular landscapes you’ll ever see.
The juxtaposition between the low river and the soaring snowy mountains is quite literally picture-perfect.
The water from the river is literally crystal clear and on calmer days you can often see the reflection of the stunning snow-capped mountain in the river itself which makes for stunning pictures.
Be sure to follow in the footsteps of the brave photographers before you who waded into the ice-cold water to get some of the very best snapshots of the scenery.
3. Simien Mountain National Park, Ethiopia
There is no end to the landscape photography possibilities at this spectacular location.
These Simien Mountains have experienced millions of years worth of erosion and the result is some of the most unique jagged mountains, rugged gorges, and deep valleys that you’ll ever see.
Not only this but you can also snap the Mayshasha River that snakes its way throughout the national park too.
However, Simien Mountain will definitely test your dedication and determination as you’ll need to ascend upwards of 4500 meters up the mountain to get to the highest peak for those phenomenal panoramic snapshots.
4. Ojo Del Mar, Argentina
The natural phenomenon, Ojo del Mar, makes for some of the most perfect pictures of landscapes.
It is one of the very few places in the world where stromatolites are present and they create these water sources with wonderful salted crusts which are every shade of blue.
These pockets of stunning colored water are surrounded by golden sands and towering dunes with clear skies hanging above them. You won’t find a better location for some stunning scenery and landscape photography.
Top Tip – while here also take a hike to the summer of the Sacred Macon Mountain to get a birds-eye view of the surrounding area for even more amazing snapshots.
5. Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Don’t be fooled by Ninh Binh’s typical city appearance, if you delve deeper into the nearby Trang An landscape you’ll uncover the hidden astounding beauty of the area.
Tam Coc in particular is a place loved and renowned for its amazing appearance and it’s not hard to see why. A collection of dramatic limestone karst peaks surround a serene and winding river that makes for the perfect landscape portrait.
If you’re looking to really make the most of the area, and your camera, you’ll want to head down the river via a boat trip so that you can get that long shot you’ll be hoping to achieve.
And don’t be scared to risk opting for shots on a day that isn’t clear, sometimes the darker brooding sky only acts to create even more dramatic and visually pleasing images.
6. Mirror Lakes, Fiordland, New Zealand
Realistically, you can find the most breathtaking landscapes wherever you look in New Zealand, it really is a photographer’s paradise. However, Mirror Lakes is inarguably one of the most spectacular landscapes that the country has to offer.
You’ll want to try and find a bright, clear, and calm day to take your pictures in this location so that you can be sure that the stunning mountain range reflects in the glassy waters below.
The beauty of this area, too, is that there are plenty of opportunities for many astounding nature snapshots throughout the trek through Fiordland National Park
7. Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory
Nitmiluk National Park is home to 13 wonderful gorges that are carved out of ancient sandstone and aboriginal rock art. And these create some of the most visually stunning and appealing landscape snapshots you could ever ask for.
To get these phenomenal photographs you can opt to take to the air for a bird’s eye view, or alternatively, you can set upon the 58km trek that offers several opportunities for many amazing pictures.
For an award-winning worthy photograph, you may want to set aboard a canoe to get some amazing stills from inside the gorge itself.
8. Lofoten Archipelago, Norway
You can’t really find a better place to capture the beauty of Earth than at Lofoten Archipelago in Norway.
There’s no end to the different types of scenery that you can take pictures of. From stunning soaring mountains to large, open, crystal clear seas, golden sandy beaches to sheltered pebbly bays, you’ll find it all.
This untouched haven is sure to impress all eyes that fall upon it and is certain to fill your camera roll with some of the most impressive snapshots you’ve ever had the privilege of taking.
9. Bektau-Ata, Kazakhstan
Often described as a kingdom of unearthly beauty, full of grandeur, and freedom, it is evident that you’ll get some of the most stunning pictures of the natural beauty of this Kazakhstan desert.
The beauty of this breathtaking area is that it is also relatively obscure, unknown, and untouched. It truly is a hidden gem that deserves more appreciation and attention than it gets.
While here, you’ll be able to take plenty of photos of volcanic rock formations, low points with crystal pools, and dramatic layers with contrasting lines that look absolutely striking on film.
10. Mount Teide, Tenerife
Mount Teide is not only the highest peak in the entire Canary Islands but also the entirety of Spain, soaring a whipping 3718 meters above sea level. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site and a volcano.
It is admired by all that get the chance to lay eyes on it and it provides one of the most stunning views across the globe.
Not only is it worth traveling around the area to get some amazing snapshots of the stunning volcano, but you should also consider hiking up the summit too where you’ll get some of the most rewarding views from the summit which also provide amazing landscape inspiration for your photography portfolio.
11. Quilotoa Loop, Ecuador
The Quilotoa Loop is on everyone’s bucket list, photographer or not, due to its spectacular views.
Honestly, you’ll be at a loss to find an area that isn’t worthy of capturing on camera during this 200 km hike, but the emphasis, by far, should be on none other than the dazzling emerald Crater Lake.
Panoramics of the crater and all its glory might be a long and laborious task due to its location, but it is more than worth it for the phenomenal results.
Along the route, you’ll also get the chance to snap pictures of Volcan Cotopaxi, an active volcano just 25km away. If you visit on a day when the sky is clear, you can get some out-of-this-world images of it soaring into the sky.
Final Thoughts
There are so many different places across the world, each one a little different from the next, each and every one unique.
But one thing that they all have in common is the unmatched beauty and ability to produce some of the most phenomenal landscape photographs.
If you visit any of the recommendations in this article, we can guarantee that you will be taken away by the breathtaking views and scenery as well as get some of the best snapshots for your photography portfolio.
Hey everyone, and welcome to LemonadeAndLenses.com. My name is Laura and I am the founder of this site!
For as long as I can remember, I have loved taking photographs. There is nothing I love more than looking back through old pictures, and having all of the memories come flooding back.
If you want to learn about how to take professional images, and to run your own photography business, then I can help you out, here at Lemonade And Lenses.
