Captivating people, breathtaking vistas, awe-inspiring natural phenomena, rare and exotic animals—we know what makes the best photos. And we know where to find them. Read on to learn where to go to get the shots of your dreams. Consider this your ticket to amazing images. Photo Credit: Alison WrightSiem Reap, Cambodia The center of the capital of the Khmer Empire until the 15th century, Angkor Wat, after the Khmer's decline, remained lost to the outside world until 1860. The temple complex is considered one of the world's most important architectural sites. The central tower is surrounded by four smaller towers and adorned with intricate statues and carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. Most of the temples face east, so the best light is the morning, while west-facing Angkor Wat gets the best light in the afternoon. Must-get shots: A reflection of the temple complex in the waters of the moat, and the massive Bodhisattva head carvings of Ta Prohm, the only temple that's been left largely unrestored. For more info: www.tourismcambodia.com. **This Photo: Monk, Ta Prohm Temple **_ Photographer Alison Wright advises shooting the temple complex around dawn or sunset, when the monks visit. "The key to avoiding the crowds is to go in an anti-clockwise direction," she says. "Most people end up on Bakheng Hill watching the sunset, but there's no subject then except the sun."_ _ _.
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Ecuador Six hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador, the 58 islands and cays of the Galápagos archipelago are home to more endemic species of animals than almost anywhere else. That’s why it was so crucial to Charles Darwin’s development of the theory of evolution. And, of course, it’s why so many photographers love to take pictures there. In the air, look for pelicans and albatrosses, on land spot 29 species of land birds and two species of land iguana, and underwater look for dolphins and hammerhead sharks. Must-get shots: The 400-pound Galápagos tortoise, marine iguana, flightless cormorant, Galápagos penguin, and, of course, the famous blue-footed boobie. For more info: Galápagos Conservancy, www.galapagos.org. This Photo: Marine Iguanas, Fernandina Island
Alison Wright marvels at how close she could get to some of the animals of Galápagos. “I almost never used a long lens, and I had to be aware of where I was stepping so as not to crush any of the little critters,” she says. “The secret to creating some drama to photo-graphing these prehistoric looking lizards: Get down on your belly and shoot low.”
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East Himalayas This isolated country is nearly 70-percent forest, and photographing there would be a feather in any traveler’s cap, as the government limits the number of tourists allowed in each year. Those dedicated enough will be rewarded with a pictorial feast. Visit in the spring for the blooming rhododendrons and orchids, as well as a peek at the snow-capped mountains. Secure a spot in the spring or fall for one of the Tshechus dance festivals, where local people don colorful costumes and perform masked sword dances and other rituals that date back to the Middle Ages. Truly dedicated travelers should make the several-day trek to Chomolhari, Bhutan’s highest mountain, to visit Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest, one of Bhutan’s most revered monasteries. Must-get shots: Close-ups of red chili peppers, wide views of lush rice paddies, plus yak herders, and women weaving back-strap looms in the eastern mountain villages. For more info: www.kingdomofbhutan.com. In This Photo: Tiger’s nest monastery
_ Be warned: “On our first visit in 2007 you were allowed to carry cameras into the building and photograph the exterior,” says Neil Meyerhoff of this sacred site. “But in 2009, you had to leave your camera at the gate.”_
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Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea This island’s remote location—seashells were used as currency until 1933—and vast biodiversity would put it on any travel photographer’s must-shoot list, but it’s the indigenous population of Papua New Guinea that’s the real draw. During August and September, hundreds of people from 700 tribal groups travel for days and dress in elaborate body paint, headdresses, and wigs to participate in a series of shows for the Sing-Sing festival. The event has become popular with tourists, and inevitably more commercialized in recent years, but it’s still a must for photos of people that you won’t see anywhere else. Must-get shots: Close-ups of the vivid primary color face paint, detail shots of costumes, as well as action shots of performances. For more info: www.pngtourism.org.pg. This Photo: Mudman, Pogla Village, Mount Hagen
“These warriors dress as spirits and creep through the mist and jungle to scare away enemies,” says Chris McLennan. His advice: As long as you’re in PNG, visit the remote areas, but get a reputable guide and don’t travel alone.
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Iceland This misnamed country (it’s about 89% ice-free) is home to mud pools, hot springs, lava fields, geysers, glaciers, enormous craters, volcanoes, mountains and waterfalls, and a million other photo ops. In Kverkfjöll, hot springs beneath a glacier have created amazing ice caves, and in many places you can see layers of white and black ice, formed from volcanic ash covered with snow. Spot icebergs floating on picturesque lakes, such as the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon in the southeast. Drive the 860-mile, two-lane ring road. Visit in the winter for the contrast of snow against black lava fields and a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Must-get shots: Bathers in the Blue Lagoon—a natural, blue-green, steaming, thermal swimming pool. And be sure to shoot the Geysir area, where the geyser Strokkur produces a high column of boiling water every 15 minutes. For more info: www.visiticeland.com. This photo: Geysir National Park
_ Under an overcast sky, Dylan Toh of Everlook Photography used a split neutral-density filter to balance the bright blue of Blesi hot spring in the foreground with the erupting Strokkur in the background. “Use an intermediate exposure (0.5 to 1 sec) to capture the geyser,” he advises. “Use a tripod and have wet-weather gear plus a cable release at ready.”_
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