So much left to discover

Happy Diwali (London, United Kingdom 2016)

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is the most popular of all the festivals from South Asia. It is also the occasion for celebrations by Jains and Sikhs as well as Hindus. The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word deepavali, meaning "rows of lighted lamps". I shot this at Trafalgar Square in London two years ago, where the local Hindu community held a massive celebration with incredible live shows and amazing food. I highly recommend the experience if you're in London in November!

ASTOENUnitedKingdom2016Smugmug1003307Alex Stoen PhotographyDiwaliEnglandFestival of LightsHinduLeica MP Typ 240LondonStreet PhotographySummiluxM 35mm

Daydreaming (Alicante, Spain 2016)

I made this creative composition of my son Jonathan as he was sitting next to the Pasarela del Postiguet, a contemporary pedestrian bridge in Alicante, designed in a curved form and illuminated at night by internal LEDs. It makes for some very creative photography! If you're enjoying a walk along the Playa del Postiguet, below the Castillo de Santa Barbara, you cannot miss it.

ASTOEN2016Smugmug1005799Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240

The Caravan (Thar Desert, India 2015)

As the sun began to rise of the Sam Dunes of the Thar Desert, the camel caravan slowly continues its journey before the scorching heat sets in.

I captured this shot close to the India-Pakistan border, after attending the annual Desert Festival and Camel show, held in Jaisalmer. If you visit Rajasthan, I highly recommend spending a night or two in a desert camp and exploring the Sam dunes on camelback, it's an experience out of this world!

ASTOENIndia2015Smugmug1DXAlex Stoen PhotographyCamelsCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 1635 f2.8 L II USMGeotaggedSam Sand DunesSunriseThar DesertTravelVacation

Peanut Winnowing (Bagan, Myanmar 2013)

On the road to Mount Popa, I came across these peanut winnowers. While Myanmar might not be the cultural home to the peanut butter sandwich, the peanut is still king here. The historical consensus is that the peanut originated in South America and went global, thanks to Spanish explorers, eventually making its way to Asia, where it still thrives. Here, it’s sprinkled on top of noodles, pounded into salads, made into soup, toasted and served as a snack, and, most of all, pressed into oil. I must have spent 20 minutes with these farmers, some standing on wooden platforms and letting the chaff blow away as they shook a basket full of dried stalks, roots and nuts to the wind. It was truly a unique experience!

ASTOEN2013Smugmug43281DXAlex Stoen PhotographyBaganBurmaCanonCanon EOS 1DXGeotaggedMyanmarNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsPortraitTravelVacation

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, moored in the port of Alicante.

ASTOENSpain2014Smugmug1DXAlex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 1DX

Hamer wifes at a bull jumping ceremony in the Omo Valley (Omo Valley, Ethiopia 2014)

Before a Hamer can marry, he must complete a “rites of passage” ceremony, marking the transition from boyhood to adulthood. The Bull-Jumping (Ukuli Bula) represents a life-changing event, which determines whether a young Hamer man is ready to make the social jump from an immature member of his society to the responsibility of marriage and raising a family

ASTOENEthiopia2014Smugmug04571DXAfricaAfricanAlex Stoen PhotographyBull JumpingCanon EOS 1DXCultureEF 1635 f2.8 L II USMGeotaggedHamerKeskeLookNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsOmo ValleyPocket WizardTraditionTravelTribesUkuli BulaVacationoff shoe flashsurprise

Autumn in Hyde Park (London, United Kingdom 2018)

Fall is now in full swing, so we decided to go to our favorite park in London: Hyde Park created by Henry VIII in the 16th century. The leaves have turned golden and have started to fall, blanketing the ground around the large trees.

ASTOENUnitedKingdom2018Smugmug1000475Alex Stoen PhotographyAutumnFallHyde ParkLeica MP Typ 240LondonRoyal ParksSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom

The Cormorant Fishermen of Guilin (Guangxi, China 2016)

One of the highlights of my trip to China was to meet the famous cormorant fishermen of Guilin. Even if the water is too polluted now for fishing to be sustainable, these fishermen remain icons of some sort in this area, prized by many photographers, yet they remain as graceful as ever, even with old age. Their art will eventually be lost, as new generations take over, turning traditions into simple tourist attractions. I’m so glad and honored to have been able to meet the authentic, original cormorant fishermen of Guilin.

ASTOENChina2016Smugmug0406Alex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 1DXEF 1635mm f2.8 L II USMGeotaggedTravelVacationYangshuo

The man from Barna (Jodhpur, India 2015)

The key to capturing emotions is being able to connect with the person in front of the lens. This takes time, practice, patience and above all, respect. India is one of those places where breaking the ice is so easy and people just love the attention of being photographed… This portrait was taken in the small village of Barna, in the countryside south of Jodhpur.

ASTOENIndia2015Smugmug99931DXAlex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 1DXGeotaggedJodhpurTravelVacation

The Tulip Stairs (Greenwich, United Kingdom 2017)

The Queen's House iconic Tulip Stairs are not only beautiful — they're the first geometric self-supporting spiral stairs in Britain. This 17th-century palace was commissioned by Henry VII and built adjacent to the Tudor Palace of Greenwich.

This is also the location of the Rev R. W. Hardy’s famous ‘ghost’ photograph taken in 1966, which appears to show two or three shrouded figures on the staircase – a phenomenon that has never been explained logically to this day. As I composed my photograph, I did notice a few figures myself but quickly realized they were just tourist peeking their head from the 2nd floor.

Getting the correct exposure was the trickiest part of making the photo in order capture the natural light entering the ceiling lantern and its refraction from the crushed-glass paint, coating the wrought-iron central structure.

ASTOENUnitedKingdom2017Smugmug1005947Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom

Through the streets of Lugnudum (Lyon, France 2010)

I captured this on one of my visits to the Vieux Lyon, exploring the old cobblestone medieval streets. This part of town is absolutely fascinating. Lugnudum, now Lyon, was established by the Romans in 43 B.C. and enjoyed prosperity for over 300 years as one of the most important Roman cities, behind Rome of course. In the Middle Ages, Lyon soon became the focus of political and religious power. The old quarter is really enchanting and holds many secrets, many only discoverable through the small passageways called "traboules". Looking at this pigeons fly between these old buildings, I cannot help but imagine the same scene, in the same streets, happening hundreds of years ago...

ASTOEN2010Smugmug3490ArchitectureBirdsBlue skyBuildingsFranceFreedomHistoryLibertyLooking UpLugnudumLyonPerspectivePigeonsSaint JeanSceneSkyStreetsVerticalWindowsWorld Heritage Siteconceptualflyingflying awaylinesmiddle agesmomentmotionoldold quarterpackroman cityview lyonview point

Okunoin cemetery (Mount Koya, Japan 2015)

Okunoin is Japan's largest cemetery. Stretching away to either side, the forest floor is scattered with more than 200,000 stone stupas of all shapes and sizes. Here and there you’ll also find Jizō statues and the occasional war memorial. A large number of historical characters are also buried here, among them the great general Oda Nobunaga.

ASTOENJapan2015Smugmug1003319Alex Stoen PhotographyAutumnFallFlickrGeotaggedGoogleLeica MP Typ 240Mount KoyaNGExpeditionsNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsOkunoin cemeteryStatueSummiluxM 35mmTravelVacationcreative compositionfacebook

Autumn in Hyde Park (London, United Kingdom 2018)

Fall is now in full swing, so we decided to go to our favorite park in London: Hyde Park created by Henry VIII in the 16th century. The leaves have turned golden and have started to fall, blanketing the ground around the large trees.

ASTOEN2018Smugmug1000457Alex Stoen PhotographyAutumnFallHyde ParkLeica MP Typ 240LondonRoyal ParksSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom

Walk Sprightly Like A Pigeon (London, United Kingdom 2016)

Another photo of Westminster from a walk along the Thames' Southbank last fall. The sun was still too bright for a sunset, but I couldn't resist capturing this pigeon's walk, undisturbed from everyone passing by.
This was one of those street photography situations warranting a quick reaction to capture a peculiar moment, which was only going to last a few seconds.
.
The title is based on one of the secrets to longevity, according to Li Ching-Yuen, a Chinese herbalist who had claimed to have lived 256 years old.

ASTOENUnitedKingdom2016Smugmug1005954ArchitectureBig BenBirdBridgeHigh KeyHouses of ParliamentLondonPastelPigeonSkySouthbankSunsetThamesUnited KingdomWalkWestminsterWestminster Bridgecitystockstreet

Hamer "Second Wife" in the Woyeto town market (Omo Valley, Ethiopia 2014)

The Omo Valley is located in Africa’s Great Rift Valley and is home to an estimated 200,000 indigenous peoples who have lived there for millennia.
I captured this portrait of a Hamer "Second Wife" in the small town market of Woyeto. Her "status" is indicated by the metal rings around her neck.

1DXAfricaAlex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 70200 f2.8 L IS USMEthiopiaGeotaggedNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsOmo ValleyTravelVacation

Through the Streets of Havana (Havana, Cuba 2012)

As Tropical Storm Michael is building up to be another strong hurricane, it's already dumping up to a foot of rain in western Cuba. I think back of when I made this photograph of the Capitolio a few years ago, shortly after Tropical Storm Debby had passed. The night was calm, and street life was getting back to normal as I captured this reflection while an old classic car was passing by. The area around the Capitolio is just fascinating and full of life, day or night, from the old "maquinas" parked in front of the building to the surrounding lush parks and their amazing storytellers. It's my favorite place in the city!

ASTOEN2012SmugmugArchitectureBlue HourCarClassicCubaHavanaHistoryLa HabanaLong ExposureNightPuddleRainReflectionsTransportationTravelblurdirectionmotionmotion blurmouvementslow shutterstreettime

Oku-Iya Kazurabashi 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.

ASTOENJapan2015Smugmug100500pxAlex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 1DXEF 2470mm f2.8L II USMFlickrGeotaggedGoogleNGExpeditionsNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsTravelVacationfacebook

Where the land meets the sea (Lang Co, Vietnam 2009)

Lang Co is an amazing island-like stretch of palm-shaded white sand, with a turquoise lagoon on one side and 10km of beachfront on the other. As we drove from Hue to Hoi An, this scene of a fisherman's canoe at the edge of the lagoon caught my eye. Had I not had my camera at the ready as we crossed the bridge, I would have likely missed the shot!

ASTOENVietnam2009smugmug5DMk2Alex Stoen PhotographyAloneBeachBoatCalmCanonCanon 5D Mark IIChina BeachCollectionDanangEF 24105 f4 L IS USMGeotaggedHue to Hoi AnIndochinaIndochineLang Co BeachRestingSandSandySereneSolitaireSolitudeTravel

Monk at the Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery (Inle Lake, Myanmar 2013)

After navigating the shallow waters of Inle Lake and documenting its mystical fishermen, I visited the teak wood monastery of Shwe Yan Pyay, where I made this photograph of a young monk peeking out of the building's distinctive oval windows. In all my travels around the World, I honestly feel Myanmar is one of the few places left where the simple pleasures of travel remain intact. I long for the opportunity to return to this remarkable land soon!

ASTOENMyanmar2013Smugmug89751DXAlex Stoen PhotographyBaganBurmaCanonCanon EOS 1DXGeotaggedNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsTravelVacation

The Autumnal colors of Hyde Park (London, United Kingdom 2016)

Fall is probably my favorite time of the year. The heat of the summer has passed and you can feel nature winding down. It's a moment of amazing colors and incredible sunsets, a perfect time to take long strolls through the park. I feel blessed having so many parks around me being in London.

I made this photograph of the Albert Memorial in Hyde Park, the largest of Londonn's four Royal Parks, created by Henry VIII in the 16th century.

ASTOENUnitedKingdom2016Smugmug1003936Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom

Desert Rose (Arabian Desert, United Arab Emirates 2017)

I captured this portrait of Ayesha in the soft golden light as the sun rose over the sand dunes of the Arabian Desert. This is one of the largest continuous bodies of sand in the world, stretching from Iraq to Yemen, from Egypt to Oman. Dubai has created the Emirates' first national park, dedicated to conserving the natural beauty and diversity of the Arabian Desert. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is an amazing place created for the protection of those endangered species and for the conservation of the natural desert habitat and heritage.

ASTOENUnitedArabEmirates2017Smugmug3570Alex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 1DXGeotaggedNGExpeditionsTravelUAEVacationstock

The Carpetmaker (Jodhpur, India 2015)

In the countryside south of Jodhpur, not far from the village of Nandwan, you'll find this special carpetmaking community. I photographed the couple of represented and sold the colorful handcrafted carpets. All proceeds from the sales go back to the community.

ASTOENIndia2015Smugmug01291DXAlex Stoen PhotographyArtisansCanonCanon EOS 1DXCarpetsColorfulCommunityCoupleEF 2470mm f2.8L USMFlickrFloorGeotaggedHandcraftJodhpurLocal BusinessPocket WizardRajasthanTraditionTravelVacationoff camera flashposedseller

The Cormorant Fishermen of Guilin (Guangxi, China 2016)

One of the highlights of my trip to China was to meet the famous cormorant fishermen of Guilin. Even if the water is too polluted now for fishing to be sustainable, these fishermen remain icons of some sort in this area, prized by many photographers, yet they remain as graceful as ever, even with old age. Their art will eventually be lost, as new generations take over, turning traditions into simple tourist attractions. I’m so glad and honored to have been able to meet the authentic, original cormorant fishermen of Guilin.

ASTOENChina2016Smugmug0266Alex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 1DXEF 1635mm f2.8 L II USMGeotaggedTravelVacationYangshuo

Le Bouquet (Lyon, France 2015)

This is one of the first images I made after picking up a Leica rangefinder camera, 3 years ago. I quickly discovered I had to return to the basics of photography and start over. This whole experience allowed me to concentrate on the process of making a photo, taking my time to achieve a finer result.

ASTOENFrance2015Smugmug1001045Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mm

Limehouse (London, United Kingdom 2017)

Limehouse takes its name from the limekilns that operated from the mid-14th century, converting Kentish chalk into quicklime for the capital’s building industry. From the late 16th century ships were built at Limehouse and traders supplied provisions for voyages. With the growth of its docks, Limehouse acquired an immigrant population and became London’s first Chinatown. The Chinese community was never very large but it gained a reputation for gambling and opium-smoking and Limehouse provided the backdrop for the Dr Fu Manchu films.

ASTOEN2017SmugmugAlex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom

The Morning Ritual (Agra, India 2015)

As the sun slowly rose above the magnificent Taj Mahal, piercing through the morning fog, a magical soft light illuminated normally unseen moments at the mosque, like this sweeper, cleaning before the massive crowds of tourists swarm this World Wonder.

ASTOENIndia2015Smugmug19821DXAgraAlex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 1DXGeotaggedTaj MahalTravelVacation

Dreamy Mountain Scene in Miyoshi (Iya Valley, Japan 2015)

Located in the center of Japan's Shikoku Island, Miyoshi is known for its abundant nature and pristine rivers. After a long day of exploring the Iya Valley, the rain suddenly stopped and the clouds began to reveal the majestic mountains, as if nature was painting on a timeless canvas right before me.

ASTOENJapan2015Smugmug5952500pxAlex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 1DXEF 2470mm f2.8L II USMFlickrFogGeotaggedGoogleMiyoshiMountainsNGExpeditionsNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsPathRainTravelUmbrelaVacationdirectionfacebook

The Wadi (Muscat, Sultanate of Oman 2017)

Tucked away between the mountains outside Muscat, Wadi Adai is the largest dry riverbed in the area. I captured this posed portrait in an abandoned house, alongside the wadi. I wonder how much daily life has changed since the original owners used to live between these mud brick walls.

Photo made during #NGExpeditions trip to #Oman, traveling the sands of time.

ASTOENOman2017Smugmug1006663Alex Stoen PhotographyGeotaggedLeica MP Typ 240MuscatNGExpeditionsSummiluxM 35mmTravelVacation

Monks at the Chaukhtatgyi Monastery (Yangon, Myanmar 2013)

Myanmar is the most religious Buddhist country in the world, with somewhere between 80 and 90 percent of the population practicing Buddhism. From as young as seven years old, the boys of Myanmar train as novice monks. Growing up together in their ancient monasteries they form a brotherhood of close connections. They eat, pray, become educated, play and live together, for what will become decades as they form a new family that spans many generations.

ASTOENMyanmar2013SmugmugBurmaBurmeseDevotionFaithHeritageMonasteryMonksPortraitReligiousSimple LifeSimplicityTravelVacationYangonbuddhabuddhismspirituality

El Capitolio (Havana, Cuba 2012)

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 maquinas parked in front to the lush parks and their amazing storytellers. I captured this view of the Capitolio from the Parque Central.

ASTOENCuba2012SmugmugAlex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 5D Mark IICapitolioLa HavanaMaquinaParque CentralStreet PhotographyTravelclassic cars

Westminster at Dusk (London, United Kingdom 2016)

Autumn is quickly approaching and we can already begin to witness the vivid sunsets, so unique to this season. This is an HDR composite of three shots, taken on the south bank of the Thames, with Westminster Bridge, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey in the background. I timed my capture to the sunset and the lighting of the famous landmarks.

Here's an interesting fact: there are two main halls where Parliament sits: the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The benches in the House of Commons are made of green leather – the same shade of green in which Westminster Bridge, just outside, is painted. In contrast, the seats of the House of Lords are upholstered in red leather, the same color as London’s double-decker buses!

ASTOENUnitedKingdom2016Smugmug1004321Alex Stoen PhotographyBridgeDobledecker busesElizabeth TowerHouses of ParliamentLeica MP Typ 240LondonRestorationSilenceSummiluxM 35mmSunsetUnited KingdomWestminsterWestminster Bridgebusesvisitbritain

Zentsuji Temple (Kagawa Prefecture, Japan 2015)

Zentsuji Temple is regarded as one of Japan’s most sacred places. It is one of the top three pilgrimage destinations in the entire country. It's the birthplace of one of the most revered figures of Japanese Buddhism, the high priest Kobo Daishi, or "Kukai". He built this temple himself when he returned from China in 807, and named it after his father.

As I silently roamed around the temple complex among the local pilgrims, I was overwhelmed by the sense of peace and serenity...

ASTOENJapan2015Smugmug1003976500pxAlex Stoen PhotographyAutumnFallFlickrGeotaggedGoogleJapanese BuddhismKobo DaishiLeica MP Typ 240NGExpeditionsNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsPilgrimageStatuesSummiluxM 35mmTemples of ShikokuTravelVacationZentsuji Templefacebook

The sound of dusk approaching (Alicante, Spain 2011)

I shot this while working on a yearlong photo-a-day project which also coincided with a lot of changes in my personal life, reflecting on the important things, and setting new goals. There's nothing more helpful then taking time to walk the countryside and surrounding yourself with nature, in order to listen to your soul.

ASTOENSpain2011Smugmug2063655DMk2Alex Stoen PhotographyAtardecerBacklightBloomCanonCanon EOS 5D Mark IICollectionContraluzDepth of FieldDryEF 70200 f2.8 L IS USMFlickrFlorFlowerMarchitadaNatural BeautyNaturalezaNatureNew LifePicasaPicassaPlantPlantaProfundidad de CampoProject365SecoSilvestreSunlightSunsetVida NuevaWildernessWitheredbokehcomposicion creativacreative compositiondoffacebookshallow dof

House of the Blackheads (Riga, Latvia 2018)

Situated in the old town of Riga, The original House of the Blackheads was erected during the 14th century for the Brotherhood of Blackheads, a guild for unmarried merchants, shipowners, and foreigners in Riga. Most of the ornaments were added between 1580 and 1886. The building was bombed to a ruin by the Germans on June 28 1941, and what was left was demolished by the Soviets in 1948. The building we see today was reconstructed from 1995 to 1999.

Being one the most photographed buildings in Riga, I searched for a creative composition, looking for interesting angles, playing with the lens flares from the sun, entering into a photographer dance, twisting and turning, all the while listening to the sweet melody of an accordionist playing in the background.

ASTOENLatvia2018Smugmug1000166Alex Stoen PhotographyBaltic StatesLeica MP Typ 240RigaSummiluxM 35mm

Remnants of the past Sovietization (Riga, Latvia 2018)

The Baltic states fell under Soviet rule from the end of World War II in 1945, from Sovietization onwards until independence was regained in the aftermath of the Soviet coup of 1991. During my trip to Riga, I was keen to find the remnants of Socialist influence, from the crumbling architecture to the old cars. I spotted this one on a side street, and loved the backdrop of the old building behind it, giving the photo the timeless effect I was looking for.

ASTOENLatvia2018Smugmug1009953Alex Stoen PhotographyBaltic StatesLeica MP Typ 240RigaSummiluxM 35mm

Latvian National Opera and Ballet (Riga, Latvia 2018)

The very beginning of opera performances in Latvia can be traced back to the 18th century when first musical shows were staged in the Duchy of Courland and the first travelling opera troupes appeared in Riga. Also called Riga's White House, the Latvian National Opera and Ballet was built in 1863, and today hosts over 200 performances and symphonic music concerts every season.

After walking through a rainy Old Riga during the weekend, we didn't want to leave without a nice photograph of the National Opera building and were finally blessed with a beautiful sunny Monday morning.

ASTOENLatvia2018SmugmugAlex Stoen PhotographyBaltic StatesLeica MP Typ 240LondonRigaSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom

The Latvian Riflemen (Riga, Latvia 2018)

In the centre of Old Riga stands a controversial red granite statue that was originally dedicated to the Latvian Red Riflemen who formed the core of Russia's Red Army between 1915 and 1918, some of whom became Lenin's personal bodyguards.

Some view the monument as a symbol of the old communist system and would love to tear it down. Others believe it's a necessary tribute to Latvians who fought in the early years of WWI. It now honours all Latvian riflemen, both Whites and Reds. Politics aside, it's an impressive monument.

ASTOENLatvia2018Smugmug1009817Alex Stoen PhotographyBaltic StatesLeica MP Typ 240RigaSummiluxM 35mm

Livu Square (Riga, Latvia 2018)

In the heart of Medieval Riga, the labyrinthine pedestrianized streets of Old Town are still outflanked by massive church spires and guild houses. They date to the Middle Ages when Old Riga was a place of peaceful religion and trade, independent of nearby militarized states.

I made this photograph in Livu square. Unlike other historic squares in the old town, this one was created by the Soviets who leveled historic neighborhoods that stood in its place... Looking at the nearby guild halls that survived Soviet occupation, I can only imagine what this place once looked like!

ASTOENLatvia2018Smugmug1009788Alex Stoen PhotographyBaltic StatesLeica MP Typ 240RigaSummiluxM 35mm

Colorful Shadows (Alicante, Spain 2012)

As a Mediterranean and Iberian commercial center, Alicante had trading contacts with Greece, Phoenicia, the southern Iberian city of Tartessos, absorbing some of their influences. With the ascendance of Carthage, it imported a number of Carthaginian architectural features, traces of which are still present in the ruins. However, the majority of the city's remains bear a Roman stamp. The town was refounded as Lucentum in the course of the Second Punic War, and over the years it gained a thoroughly Roman character, complete with baths, forums, temples, sewers. I captured this shot very close to the archaeological site, in the old port. As I focused on the colorful shadows at sunset, I couldn’t help but think about the old ships that used to dock in this precise location, more than 2000 years ago…

ASTOENSpain2012smugmug500px5DMk2AguaAlex Stoen PhotographyAntiguoAtardecerBarcoBoatCanonCanon EOS 5D Mark IIColoresColorsDefensasEF 70200 f2.8 L IS USMFishingFlickrGolden HourGoogleMediterraneanMediterraneoMooredPescaPoeticPortPuertoReflectionsSeaShadowsSunsetWateroldredsreflejossombrasstockviejo

Peanut Winnowing (Bagan, Myanmar 2013)

On the road to Mount Popa, I came across these peanut winnowers. While Myanmar might not be the cultural home to the peanut butter sandwich, the peanut is still king here. The historical consensus is that the peanut originated in South America and went global, thanks to Spanish explorers, eventually making its way to Asia, where it still thrives. Here, it’s sprinkled on top of noodles, pounded into salads, made into soup, toasted and served as a snack, and, most of all, pressed into oil. I must have spent 20 minutes crawling around these farmers, standing on wooden platforms and letting the chaff blow away as they shook a basket full of dried stalks, roots and nuts to the wind. It was truly unique experience!

ASTOENMyanmar2013smugmug1DX500pxAlex Stoen PhotographyBaganBurmaCanonCanon EOS 1DXFlickrGeotaggedGoogleNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsPortraitTravelVacationfacebook

The Elder from Basha (Guizhou, China 2016)

Deep into mountains of southwest China's Guizhou province, lives a unique and ancient subgroup of the Miao tribe, named "Basha." Some 2,000 men and women of this tribe still live in wooden houses, practice centuries-old customs, and hold unique beliefs. The Basha people are the only group in China allowed to carry guns.

I shot this portrait of one of their elders, who invited us into his humble home. I was really happy to see how much the young were looking up to him. Don’t be fooled by his serious look… he had quite a sense of humour!

ASTOENChina2016Smugmug1009723Alex Stoen PhotographyBashaLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mm

The Caravan (Thar Desert, India 2015)

As the sun sets over the sand dunes of the Thar desert of Rajasthan, the camel caravan prepares to camp before the cold of the desert night sets in.

I captured this shot close to the India-Pakistan border, after attending the annual Desert Festival and Camel show, held in Jaisalmer. If you visit Rajasthan, I highly recommend spending a night or two in a desert camp and exploring the Sam dunes on camelback, it's an experience out of this world!

ASTOENIndia2015Smugmug8673AloneAmazingAsiaBest destinationBreathtakingCamelsColorfulColors of IndiaDesertHorizontalOdd numberProfileRajasthanRidgeSam Sand DunesSandSilhouettesSkySolitudeSun FlareSun StarSunsetThar DesertTransportTravelVacationanimalsboundlesscaravancopy spacedunesmomentspecial momentstimelesstransitionwide

The Millwall Docks (London, United Kingdom 2017)

Graced with a gorgeous Sunday afternoon, it was a perfect day for a walk to Old Greenwich via the Millwall docks and enjoy a picnic at the Observatory. It's hard to imagine that only a decade ago, the Isle of Dogs was not this colorful and lively! Built in 1868, it was used mainly for timber and grain until the 1960's when it was those activities were relocated downriver. Today, you can hardly notice the docks' industrial past, as most of the area has been reconverted to offices and housing.

Summer in London is by far the best time of the year!

ASTOENUnitedKingdom2017Smugmug1003554Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdomvisitbritain

The Tea Ceremony (Miyajima, Japan 2015)

Not too far away from the famous torii gate of Itsukushima, I witnessed a private, traditional tea serving ceremony, also called Chanoyu, Sado or simply Ocha in Japanese. It is a choreographic ritual of preparing and serving Japanese green tea, called Matcha, together with traditional Japanese sweets to balance with the bitter taste of the tea. Preparing tea in this ceremony means pouring all one's attention into the predefined movements. The whole process is not about drinking tea, but is about aesthetics, preparing a bowl of tea from one's heart. It was a very nice experience.

ASTOEN2015Smugmug1004444Alex Stoen PhotographyAutumnFallGeotaggedLeica MP Typ 240NGExpeditionsNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsSummiluxM 35mmTravelVacation

Notting Hill Carnival (London, United Kingdom 2017)

This year’s Notting Hill Carnival was absolutely enthralling! Taking place on the Sunday and Monday of the British summer bank holiday each year, this Carnival is the largest street festival in Europe. Originating in 1964 as a way for Afro-Caribbean communities to celebrate their own cultures and traditions, the carnival’s roots go back to the Caribbean carnivals of the early 19th century which were all about celebrating the abolition of slavery and the slave trade. Today, the Notting Hill Carnival is huge, attracting a crowd of 2 million! It's an amazing array of sounds, colourful sights and social solidarity. This summer’s event was just crazy, with loads of great photos, but this shot stood out to me because of the way it conveys the story, an explosion of colors and emotions. I am really looking forward to next year's event!!!

ASTOEN2017Smugmug1004690Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom

The rest stop (Holguin, Cuba 2018)

I am rarely in front of the camera, but @isis_stoen caught me this year as we travelled to Cuba to scout for photographic locations on the eastern side of the island. Hiring a local "maquina" is by far the cheapest way to get around. The business of taxi hires is still going strong with an estimated 60,000 of them, but the road ahead is full of uncertainties as the local economy adjusts after the collapse of Cuba' main fuel supplier, Venezuela.

ASTOEN2018Smugmug2251Canon EOS 60DCaribbeanChevyChevy Bel AirCubaDestinationLeicaTravelVacationclassic carsphotographer

The Karo Girl from Kolcho (Omo Valley, Ethiopia 2014)

The Karo tribe living along the borders of the Lower Omo River incorporate rich, cultural symbolism into their rituals by using ornate body art, intricate headdresses, and body scarification to express beauty and significance within their community. This lively tribe of around 2000 people is the main sedentary agriculturalist group in the Lower Omo Valley area of southern Ethiopia.

ASTOENEthiopia2014smugmug05381DXAfricaAlex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 1635 f2.8 L II USMFaces of AbyssiniaFlickrGeotaggedGirlGoogleKaraKaroKolchoNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsOmo RiverOmo ValleyPortraitTravelTribesVacationfacebook

Kashi, the City of Light (Varanasi, India 2015)

Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Benaras, is the cultural capital of India. Varanasi is a melting pot, where both death and life come together. Dating to the 11th century B.C. (that’s over 3000 years!), this is one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities. It draws Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges River’s sacred waters and perform funeral rites. Along the city's winding streets are some 2,000 temples, including Kashi Vishwanath, the “Golden Temple,” dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.

Lonely Planet describes the city as “one of the most blindingly colorful, unrelentingly chaotic and unapologetically indiscreet places on earth”. Not everyone is prepared to visit this incredible city, where the circle of life overpowers all of your senses. My local guide’s words sum if it perfectly: you don’t visit Varanasi, you live Varanasi. It was truly a life-changing experience for me.

ASTOENIndia2015Smugmug5327Alex Stoen PhotographyBenaresBirdsBoatCanonGangesGeotaggedRowingSunriseTravelVacationVaranasiWatercity