So much left to discover

World Sufi Spirit Festival in the Nagaur Fort (Rajasthan, India 2015)

Lit by the sparkling incandescence of a thousand candles, the prestigious 12th-century Ahhichatragarh Fort in Nagaur hosted the World Sufi Spirit Festival, an extraordinary sacred and historical musical journey that carried us to the very origin of a tradition linked to those pilgrims of the past, travelers of the spirit, who brought to civilization a sense of inspiration and meaning.

In order to tell the story of my experience and give a sense of place, I composed wide to include the fort walls on each side, which helped me close the frame. By slowing the shutter speed, I was able to capture the movement of the dancers, as well as expose at a lower ISO, thus reducing sensor noise. All of this would have been harder to achieve had I not been setup on a tripod, which I always take along on my travels.

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The Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge (Guangxi, China 2016)

Built in 1916 to provide shelter during inclement weather, the Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge spans the China's Linxi River at Sanjiang. Surprisingly, the Dong builders of this bridge did not use any nails or rivets. Instead, the talented Dong people used many dove-tailed pieces of wood. Though a century old, it’s still very sturdy and in the right light, it even looks like a brilliant rainbow crossing over the river. I captured this moment at sunset, when the golden light was reflecting on the rice paddies below the village, creating a truly magical scene.

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Escapade to Regent's Park (London, United Kingdom 2017)

As a heatwave hits London these days, I can't imagine how packed the parks must be, even as we continue under lockdown. A couple years ago, as I explored Regent's Park, I came across this semi-hidden corner, surrounded by trees, which seemed to be an ideal spot to disconnect from the city's busy streets and overpacked tube carriages. Right behind the trees is the park's open-air theatre, which is the oldest, professional, permanent outdoor theatre in all of Britain, a great place to listen to concerts or watch comedy plays in the summer evenings. I wonder how future concerts will be like?

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Nicholson Lake (Crested Butte, Colorado, USA 2009)

Another year has passed without being able to play in some powder. I couldn't help but remember the beautiful snowscapes of Colorado, so pure, covering up any man-made marks, almost making them disappear, such as this small boat dock at Nicholson Lake, almost indiscernible under the thick blanket of snow.

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Komodidad (Holguin, Cuba 2012)

Cuba is full of paradoxes. This storefront really caught my eye. With a 1960's design, "komodidad" (meaning comfortable) was a home improvement store that went out of business and was completely run down when I visited Holguin. Time has gone by, and I hear the store was eventually reopened as an ice-cream shop!

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Greenwich Market (Greenwich, United Kingdom 2016)

Dating back to the 1700's, the market in Greenwich has a very long history. For hundreds of years, traders sold live and dead meat, fish, eggs, butter, poultry, fruit and vegetables. After World War II the wholesale fruit, veg, meat and fish stalls of Greenwich Market went through a gradual period of decline until the 1980s, when the market converted to arts and crafts, inspired by the flourishing example of Camden Lock.

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Amapola en la Ventana (Palma de Mallorca, Spain 2018)

I shot this image in the streets of Palma de Mallorca, also the Pearl of the Mediterranean. As I walked the streets in the city's old town, I'm fascinated to observe the marks of history, still noticeable after the passage of time, whether it be Roman walls, the Moorish patios or the 13th-century Gothic cathedral, history is everywhere! This particular scene (of no historical importance), caught my photographic attention, probably for the composition, the colors, the reflection, all of which drew me to make this photograph.

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The Watcher (Arabian Desert, United Arab Emirates 2017)

A couple of years ago, I was invited to join a very small National Geographic Expedition, travelling through the timeless desert from Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman to Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. One of my favorite stops along the way was at the amazing Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. It was established by Emiri decree in 2002 and comprises of some 5% of the Emirate's total landmass. Before the park was built, the population of Arabian oryx was teetering on the verge of extinction. The Sheikh's father made the drastic move of shipping the last remaining population to the US to breed them in secure conditions. When the reserve was formed a few years later, he brought them back where their numbers have now tripled. This unprecedented recovery has helped give this ancient desert a new lease on life.

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Closed (Alicante, Spain 2013)

I made this photograph of the doors to Alicante's city hall, built in the 18th century in baroque style by Lorenzo Chápuli. Hidden behind these massive doors are some remarkable rooms such as the Salón Azul styled from the period of Spain’s Queen Isabel, the Salón de Plenos meeting hall and a chapel in which mass is held.

This image forms part of my extensive collection of doorknockers from all around Europe.

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The Legend of Mother Dragon (Halong Bay, Vietnam 2009)

In ancient Vietnamese, Halong literally means “descending dragon” and it is originated from a legend of this ancient land.

The legend says that during the old time when the country was newly formed, Vietnamese had to fight against fierce invaders coming from the North through the sea. Feeling sorry for the country, The Jade Emperor sent the Mother Dragon and her children descending on earth to help ancient Vietnamese people defend the country.

While the mighty enemies were attacking the mainland, The Mother Dragon and her children suddenly appeared and incinerated the enemies with their divine fire and giant emeralds. The emeralds from the dragon’s mouth were scattered around the battlefield on the sea and formed an invincible defensive wall that left enemy battleship fleet sinking. Thanks to the dragons, the Northern invaders were finally swept away and peace finally came back the South East Asian country once again. After thousands of years, the wall of emerald turned into island and islets of different sizes and shapes.

Vietnam is such a unique and amazing country. A land rich in colors, incredible food, and friendly people. I can't wait to get back and discover more of its hidden treasures!

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Memories (Provence, France 2009)

Life may be regarded as a sequence of events, some more important than others, the sum of which will inevitably define who we are. This capture was one of those moments for me, retracing my father's footsteps to this small village in Provence, which he had photographed some 30 years before me. As I watched the sunlight slowly pierce through the frosted valley to illuminate the small village, I came to realise how deep the passion for photography was instilled in me. It was one of those life-changing moments.

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Mystical Moments (Bagan, Myanmar 2013)

The temple strewn plains of Bagan have existed for nearly a thousand years. King Anawrahta who ruled from 1044 to 1077 started the building of temples on this dusty plain, and it continued for hundreds of years.

Ancient texts list 4446 temples in the area but according to a UNESCO survey in 1988, only 2230 remain. Even with the number halved, the sheer density of temples is a marvel to behold.

To make this photograph, I arrived at the Shwedansaw Pagoda well before dawn and climbed up the many steps, tripod in hand, just in time to get setup to watch the golden light of the rising sun burn through the morning mist. I still feel it was one of my lifetime favorite experiences!

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View of the Observatory from the Queen's House (Greenwich, United Kingdom 2017)

Queen's House is a former royal residence built between 1616 and 1635 in Greenwich. It was commissioned by Anne of Denmark, who died before it was finished. Later Charles I gave it his wife Henrietta Maria who oversaw its completion. Breaking with the traditional red-brick Tudor style architecture, it was the first fully Classical building in England. Today, it houses an extraordinary art collection including works by Great Masters such as Gainsborough, Reynolds, Turner and Hogarth.

I captured this view of the Greenwich Observatory on a sunny afternoon last fall. Using the columns to frame my composition, I paid close attention to the background and chose a narrow aperture (f11) to keep all the elements in focus.

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The Red Convertible (Havana, Cuba 2019)

The first impression you get when you land in Cuba, is that time froze decades ago, from the old classic cars to the decaying colonial architecture, but thanks to the resilience of its people, life goes on. Yank tank, máquina or almendrón are the words used to describe the many classic cars present in Cuba with an estimated 60,000 of them still driving the roads today. I captured this beauty in Havana Vieja as the sun was setting, allowing for some very soft and warm light against the emerging shadows.

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Kazurabashi suspension bridge over the Iya river (Iya Valley, Japan 2015)

In the past, suspension bridges made of mountain vines (kazurabashi) were one of the only ways to easily move people and goods across the river of the of the Iya Valley. History is unclear about their origins, but legends say that they were either first raised by Kobo Daishi, founder of the Shingon Sect of Japanese Buddhism, or created by Heike refugees hiding in the area after their defeat in the Gempei War (1180-1185) as a means of quickly cutting off access to the valley. 13 bridges once spanned the valley, but only three survive today.

I tried to cross the Iya Kazurabashi bridge, but traffic is limited to one way only, and for the hefty fee of 550 Yen…

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The Shifting Sands (Arabian Desert, United Arab Emirates 2017)

After abandoning the mountains of Oman and trekking through the oasis of Al Ain, the final leg of my Arabian journey took me through the shifting sands of the Arabian Desert, majestic and beautiful. As the sun disappeared behind the horizon, I can't help but be mesmerised by the soft curving dunes, caressed only by the warm wind. Only as the shadows grow between the dunes can you truly appreciate the beauty of the desert.

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The sacred path through Arashiyama’s bamboo forest (Kyoto, Japan 2015)

The bamboo grove in Arashiyama is one of those magical places where time seems to stop and where the sense of place envelops you.

It was a very difficult location to photograph in, due to the constant flow of crowds. I was looking for an angle that would contrast an empty pathway against the busy, complex forest. My patience eventually paid off after an hour, when I was able to make this creative composition, portraying the terrestrial path beneath the sacred heavens.

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Santisima Trinidad (Alicante, Spain 2014)

The "Santisima Trinidad" was launched in 1769 in the Habana navy yard in Cuba. It was known as "Escorial" due to its magnificence and was the biggest and most armed vessel in the world. The "Santisima Trinidad" took part in a lot of decisive historical events while it was crossing the seas. The galleon was the Spanish flagship in July 1779 during the American War of Independence when Spain and France declared war against the British to support North America. The ship is also famous for its tragic end in 1805 during the Battle of Trafalgar. It sunk 25 miles off the coast of Gibraltar after a massive fight, marking the beginning of the end of Spanish power on the seas. This is a replica, built as a tourist attraction/restaurant, that used to be moored in the port of Alicante, but has since been removed to give the city a cleaner image.

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Evening Prayer at the Shwedagon Pagoda (Yangon, Myanmar 2013)

The Shwedagon Pagoda is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar, as it is believed to contain relics of the four previous Buddhas. Pilgrims, on their way up the steps of the pagoda, buy flowers, candles, colored flags and streamers. These are placed at the stupa in a symbolic act of giving, which is an important aspect of Buddhist teaching. In November, a festival of light is held throughout the country, and on midnight, on the day of the full moon, 9999 candles are ceremoniously lit. What an amazing experience!

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It's the 75th anniversary of VE Day, the end of the 2nd World War!

I can't believe I'm in London for this, but social distancing guidelines are still in effect, so everyone is celebrating in their own way from home, from watching the Red Arrows fly over the capital to having virtual quiz parties with friends. Tonight the Queen addresses the nation, at the same time that her father King George VI gave his radio address back in 1945. After the Queen's Speech, a singalong will take place of Vera Lynn's "We'll Meet Again", which has once again become a symbol of hope for Britons during the coronavirus pandemic.

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It’s with a heavy heart that I say adieu...

Warm Summer Sun (by Mark Twain)

Warm summer sun,
Shine kindly here,
Warm southern wind,
Blow softly here.
Green sod above,
Lie light, lie light.
Good night, dear heart,
Good night, good night.

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The Passage of Time (Santa Pola, Spain 2010)

My thoughts are so far away at the moment, with dear ones in this troublesome time. I wish it'd be easier to hug each other, but it comforts me to feel that we are still all together and supporting one another, even from continents away. Soon enough, everything will get better, allowing us to meet again and cherish the sweet memories together. I love you!

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El Capitolio (Havana, Cuba 2019)

The National Capitol Building in Havana was the seat of government in Cuba until after the Cuban Revolution in 1959, and is now home to the Cuban Academy of Sciences. It’s also home to the world's third-largest indoor statue, La Estatua de la República. Day or night, the area around the Capitolio is just fascinating and full of life, from the old máquinas parked in front to the lush parks and their amazing storytellers. I captured this view of the Capitolio from Calle Brasil, which faces the front of the building. When I visited last year, the renovation for the 500th anniversary was almost complete. I'm looking forward to seeing it again without the scaffolding for once!

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The blue window shutter on mud house of Jinka (Omo Valley, Ethiopia 2014)

Almost 85% of the houses in Ethiopia are made of mud and stick or thatch walls. Most houses in rural areas have dirt floors, and very few rooms, some just one or two. In certain areas of Ethiopia people have a habit of painting their houses in bright colors, and some even decorate them with bright paintings.

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Across the Yamuna River (Agra, India 2015)

On one side of the Yamuna River sites the magnificent Taj Mahal, but if you venture on the opposite bank, you'll discover a completely different perspective, well worth the detour. This is where I came across these local villagers working in their fields. I was drawn to this lady's colorful saris, which contrasted nicely with the knee-high grass. Did you know that saris can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, which flourished during 2800–1800 BC. Another interesting fact is that there are more than 80 recorded ways to wear a sari. The most common style is for the sari to be wrapped around the waist, with the loose end of the drape to be worn over the shoulder, baring the midriff.

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Los Caballos del Vino (Caravaca de la Cruz, Spain 2014)

The history of this unique fiesta is absolutely fascinating and is all about the extraordinary story of the True Cross, in Spanish the ‘Vera Cruz’. This fragment of wood is said to have been part of the cross upon which Jesus was crucified and it has protected the city since the 13th century. The presence of the True Cross in Caravaca is the reason for its status as a Holy City, one of only 5 in the world, on par with Rome and Jerusalem.
The legend dates back to the days of the Knights Templar, who came to the aid of the townspeople. The invading Moorish army had cunningly poisoned the water supply, which flowed into the besieged town, and many people were dying of thirst, as they couldn’t drink the poisoned water. The only liquid that could be found to drink was wine. So the brave knights tied flagons of wine to their horses and ran with them up the hill before the Moorish armies realised what was happening, bringing the precious liquid to the townspeople. The Vera Cruz was bathed in the wine and miraculously the sick and wounded were healed...

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The Mystical Fishermen of Inle (Inle Lake, Myanmar 2013)

As you enter the wide expanse of Inle Lake at the end of a narrow feeder channel, you begin to realise how special the place is. Whenever I get stuck in traffic, or I’m waiting in long lines, I simply think about those moments, where sky and water met, where the fishermen perform over-the-water ballet with conical baskets and oars for props—all while balanced on the bows of their boats. It’s absolutely enthralling. If you ever plan a visit to Myanmar, you shouldn’t miss this remarkable place.

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The old Muttrah Souq (Muscat, Sultanate of Oman 2017)

Considered one of the oldest marketplaces in the Arab world, the Muttrah Souq in Muscat is a magical place, full of exotic colors, sounds and aromatic smells. Dating back several centuries, the souq has seen immense trade in the age of sail, being strategically located on the way to India and China

In the middle of all the hustle and bustle, the crowd and noise, I found myself completely absorbed by the souq's tantalising and magical beauty. In order to capture a sense of place, I decided to make a wide-angle image at this busy market junction. Having found the desired composition, I simply waited for a "moment" to happen, which for me was these three ladies crossing into my frame.

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38.4ºN (Alicante, Spain 2017)

We spent Christmas and New Year's in Alicante this year. With temperatures reaching almost 25ºC, it was the perfect destination to get away from London's wet and cold winter.

Home to the Volvo Ocean Race, this port city on Spain’s southeastern Costa Blanca has a long maritime history, dating back to the Greek and Phoenician traders who came to trade in 1000 BC. Due to the city geographical location, it usually enjoys very mild winters and a climate very similar to that of Los Angeles, California.

To make this photograph, I sought a creative composition using the chair's interesting shadow, and used the passing rowboat in the background to balance the elements inside my frame.

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The Colors of Rajasthan (Jaipur, India 2015)

I captured this colorful portrait in the Pink City of Jaipur, Rajasthan's capital. The city gained its epithet when it was painted pink to celebrate the visit of the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, in 1876. The color endures today and can be seen on many prominent and historical buildings. Rajasthan is the jewel in India's crown. Its a land of fairy-tale palaces, epic forts and host to many colorful festivals. Experiencing India, with all its contrasts, has had a profound impact on me, and allowed me to understand why so many of fallen in love with this incredible place to which I long to return to.

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Bridge of the Rising Sun (Hanoi, Vietnam 2009)

Hoan Kiem Lake translates as “Lake of the Returned Sword.” It’s based on a legend of a turtle stealing –or, more accurately, reclaiming– a sword from Emperor Le Loi. The story goes that the emperor had been given a magical sword by the Golden Turtle God (Kim Qui) to smite the Chinese Ming Dynasty. After successfully fending off the invaders, the emperor was boating on Hoan Kiem Lake when a giant turtle rose up and snatched the sword from him and disappeared into the depths, never to be found again. The legend says it was the Golden Turtle God reclaiming the magical sword. I visited the lake at sunrise, the time chosen by hundreds of Hanoi residents to practice tai chi and prepare for the long day ahead.

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Discovering Jabreen Castle (Bahla, Sultanate of Oman 2017)

As I explored the interiors of Jabreen Castle, this wooden balcony inside one of the palace internal courtyards really caught my attention, contrasting against the mudbrick walls, the warm light coming in from above and the cool shadows below. Jabreen Castle is quite unique is that it was built during a time of peace, constructed as a palace by a ruler who was passionate about science and art and that made it the Sultanate's most beautiful historic castle. Towering over three stories, it features numerous receptions halls, dining areas, meeting rooms, a courtroom, a library, and classrooms. The interior design of the castle includes decorated windows, wooden balconies, arches with inscribed Arabic calligraphy, and breathtaking ceiling artwork. I could have easily spent hours wondering around and capturing details...

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La Maquina (Gibara, Cuba 2019)

When you visit Cuba, you soon realise that time seems to stop on the island, from the colonial architecture to the classic cars and the horse-drawn carriages. Yank tank or máquina are the words used to describe the many classic cars present in Cuba with an estimated 60,000 of them still driving the roads today. I found this one in the streets of Gibara, a small fishing village on the north-eastern coast of the island.

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Thilashins touring the pristine Hsinbyume Pagoda (Mingun, Myanmar 2013)

The Hsinbyume Pagoda is a large pagoda on the northern side of Mingun in Sagaing Region in Myanmar, on the western bank of the Irrawaddy River. The pagoda's design is a great departure from Burmese pagoda design norms. It is based on descriptions of the mythical Sulamani pagoda on Mount Meru, and the lower parts of the pagoda represent the mountain. Seven concentric terraces represent the seven mountain ranges going up to the Mount Meru according to Buddhist mythology. Once again, getting there early in the morning allowed me to enjoy the entire place to myself!

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The Magnificent Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine (Kyoto, Japan 2015)

One of the main objectives from my trip to Japan was to capture the row of vermilion torii gates that straddle the paths at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Since early Japan, Inari was seen as the patron of business, traditionally worshipped by merchants and manufacturers. Each of the torii at Fushimi Inari Taisha is donated by a Japanese business. First and foremost, though, Inari is the god of rice.

Due to the extreme popularity of the site, the only way to avoid the masses and “pull off” the shot was to get there early in the morning, as soon as the shrine opened to the public.

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Nature's Canvas (Alicante, Spain 2013)

Today is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, a day of awareness and support for environmental protection. First celebrated in 1970 across the USA, Earth Day events are now held in more than 193 countries worldwide. On this date, the landmark Paris Agreement was also signed, allowing for the implementation of the climate protection treaty. As Earth day celebrates its 50th anniversary, we must continue to fight for a clean environment with increasing urgency, as the ravages of climate change become more apparent every day. The effects of drastically reducing our carbon footprint resulting from the weeks of lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic clearly show the benefits of giving our Earth some breathing room.

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The Smoke Break (London, United Kingdom 2016)

London is always a prime location for street photography. I captured this in Chinatown, by Leicester Square. I first noticed the chef smoking, his pose, the green background, then the yellow lanterns. My mind raced to process these elements as I brought the viewfinder up to my eye.

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A Surreal evening at the Sam Sand Dunes of the Thar Desert (Jaisalmer, India 2015)

Also known as the Great Indian Desert or Marusthali (Land of the dead), the Thar Desert forms a natural boundary between India and Pakistan.

We reached the famous Sam Sand Dunes on camelback, in time to witness the striking beauty of the soft and soothing light at sunset, when the sand turns to gold and the shadows begin to reveal the intricate patterns left by the wind.

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Tulip Heaven (Keukenhof, Netherlands 2015)

Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe, is considered the world's most beautiful spring gardens with more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths filling over 32 hectares with incredible colors. Timing your visit is a must if you are going to avoid the big crowds!

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Le clocher en chapeau de gendarme (Puymeras, France 2014)

I grew up in Puyméras, a small village of Provence, a place where the pace of life is quite different. Every year I try to return to the place where I spend so many years of my childhood. Roaming the narrow streets is always a great photographic exercise, looking for familiar details to capture and seeing how much has changed over the years and how much remains the same... I can hardly wait to get back there once more! The church bell tower design is unique in Provence, some say it resembles the traditional hat of a french gendarme...

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U Bein Bridge at Sunset (Amarapura, Myanmar 2013)

Easily one of Burma’s most photographed sights, U Bein is the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world, stretching close to 1200 meters across Taungthaman Lake. I captured this shot right as the sun was setting on the horizon, while my small boat manoeuvred around the lake. The soft light was just magnificent. This was truly one of those magical moments that filled my soul, and that I will cherish forever.

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El Guajiro de Santiago (Santiago de Cuba, Cuba 2018)

I shot this portrait of a Cuban farmer on my way back from Santiago, as he was struggling to keep his cattle from crossing the road. The setting sun was bathing the countryside in an amazing light, so I just had to jump out of the car and capture this. It never ceases to amaze me how friendly most Cubans are, being more than happy to pose as I capture their portraits.

Alex Stoen PhotographyCubaLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mmTravel

Cadogan Square (London, United Kingdom 2018)

Cadogan Square is one of the most desirable residential addresses in London and is one of the most expensive in the United Kingdom. It is formed of a garden (restricted to residents) surrounded by red-brick houses, the majority of which have been converted into flats or apartments, with average property prices running close to £6 million. The few houses on the square that have not been converted into flats are said to be valued at over £25 million each! This photo is part of my project on old cars, which I hope to finish this year if the bloody pandemic allows me!

ASTOEN2018Smugmug1009204Alex Stoen PhotographyCadogan SquareCarClassicLeica MP Typ 240LondonOld CarSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdomantiquebritishstreet

Yayoi Kusama's Yellow Pumpkin (Naoshima Island, Japan 2015)

Yayoi Kusama is one of the most acclaimed Japanese artists. She is a precursor of Pop Art and influenced Andy Warhol as well as Claes Oldenburg. Her yellow pumpkin, dotted in black, has become somehow the icon of Naoshima, the Japanese island transformed in a cradle of modern and contemporary art. I shot this before sunrise, as the night's darkness slowly began to fade, allowing the famous pumpkin to contrast against the background.

Alex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 1DXEF 2470mm f2.8L II USMGeotaggedJapanNGExpeditionsNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsTravelVacation

Nuestra Señora de la Alegría (Alicante, Spain 2016)

Spain is known especially for its Holy Week traditions or Semana Santa. Throughout the country, brotherhoods carry magnificent floats with sculptures that depict different scenes from the gospels related to the Passion of Christ or the Sorrows of Virgin Mary. On the Sunday of Resurrection, the processions are jubilant with no faces covered, usually carrying sculptures of Jesus and Mary, and including an encounter of those floats. In Alicante, Nuestra Señora de la Alegría leaves the Basílica Santa María and meets with Jesus on the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, facing the city’s town hall.

Alex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 1DX

The keeper of Bet Abba Libanos (Lalibela, Ethiopia 2014)

The ancient churches of Lalibela are a wonder in themselves, spectacular and truly amazing. Every church has its own priest, and these are not only the ones taking care of the services in the church, but also have a role as a kind of museum keepers to visitors. They are usually dressed in white, with either a white cloth wrapped around their head or a ceremonial hat. They are also the guards of the treasures of their church, and above all, they are human. Humor is a wonderful ice-breaker when I try to connect with my subjects, but above all, you must be respectful of the people and their customs.

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Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (Muscat, Sultanate of Oman 2017)

The Grand Mosque in Muscat is one of the most beautiful and extravagant modern mosques in the world. It first opened in 2001 and took six years to build. It features an amazing blend of Islamic, Middle Eastern, and Omani architectural styles, and also hosts one of the world’s largest handmade Persian rugs and one of the world’s biggest chandeliers, with 600,000 shining bright Swarovski crystals and weighing some 8,5 tons!

I shot this portrait of Lena choosing a very symmetrical composition, as she walked through one of the main arches, positioning myself to capture the minaret centered perfectly inside the frame.

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The Miao Girl (Guizhou, China 2016)

The Miao live primarily in southern China's mountains, in the provinces of Guizhou, Hunan, Yunnan, Sichuan, Guangxi, Hainan, Guangdong, and Hubei. The small village I visited organised a welcoming ceremony, along with the traditional Lusheng dance, after which I managed to make a few portraits of very friendly villagers. Traveling off the tourist track can be so rewarding!

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