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Crossing the U Bein Bridge (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. Crossing the bridge at sunset was one of those magical moments that fills your soul, and reminds me why I'm so passionate about travel.
ASTOENMynmar2013Smugmug27501DXAlex Stoen PhotographyBurmaCanonCanon EOS 1DXGeotaggedMandalayMyanmarNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsPortraitTravelVacationYangon
Arrosoir sur la grande fontaine (Puyméras, France 2018)
Last year, I returned to the small Provençal village where I spent so many years of my childhood. Roaming the narrow streets was a great exercise, looking for familiar details to capture and seeing how much has changed over the years and how much still remains the same.
I composed around this watering can, sitting on the fountain, in one of the village's squares. I used a very wide aperture to give the scene some creative depth, and also allowing for a fast shutter speed to capture the water droplets bouncing off the can.ASTOENFrance2018Smugmug1007327Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240ProvenceSummiluxM 35mmTravelVaisonlaRomaineVaucluseVillage
Tenryu-ji Temple (Kyoto, Japan 2015)
Tenryu-ji is the most important temple in Kyoto's Arashiyama district. It was built in 1339 by the ruling shogun Ashikaga Takauji, dedicated to Emperor Go-Daigo, who had just passed away. The entire complex is amazing, with incredible landscape gardens, enjoyable even if it's raining.
ASTOENJapan2015Smugmug4672Alex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 1DXEF 1635mm f2.8 L II USMGeotaggedNGExpeditionsNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsTravelVacation
The sadhus of Benares (Varanasi, India 2015)
In Hinduism, a sadhu is a religious ascetic or holy person. He is solely dedicated to achieving liberation, the fourth and final stage of life, through meditation and contemplation of Brahman. Sadhus often wear saffron-coloured clothing, symbolising their renunciation, leaving behind all material attachments.
Living as a sadhu is a difficult lifestyle. Sadhus are considered to be dead unto themselves, and legally dead to the country of India. As a ritual, they may be required to attend their own funeral before following a guru for many years, serving him by doing menial tasks until acquiring the necessary experience to leave his leadership.ASTOENIndia2015Smugmug63311DXAlex Stoen PhotographyBenaresCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 2470mm f2.8L USMFaithGeotaggedGhatHoly MenPortraitReligionSadhuTravelVacationVaranasi
The Al Alam Palace (Muscat, Sultanate of Oman 2017)
Today I learned the news of the passing of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, ruler of the Sultanate of Oman for the last 50 years. When I visited the country 3 years ago, I couldn't help at being impressed by how much he did for Oman and it's people. Here's photo I made of the presidential palace on my last visit.
"Al Alam" means "The Flag" in Arabic. The palace is one of six royal residences of the ruling monarch, Sultan Qaboos. It has a history of over 200 years, built by Imam Sultan bin Ahmed the 7th direct grandfather of the current Sultan. The palace has a facade of gold and blue. It was last rebuilt as a royal residence in 1972. The inner grounds of the palace remain off-limits, but you can stop by the gates in order to try to capture its sense of place. The Al Alam Palace is surrounded by the Mirani and Jalali Forts built in the 16th century by the Portuguese.ASTOEN2017Smugmug1006536Al Alam PalaceAlex Stoen PhotographyGeotaggedLeica MP Typ 240MuscatNGExpeditionsOmanRoyal ResidenceSultan QaboosSultanate of OmanSummiluxM 35mmTravelVacation
Hamer wives 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
1DXAfricaAfricanAlex Stoen PhotographyBull JumpingCanon EOS 1DXCultureEF 1635 f2.8 L II USMEthiopiaGeotaggedHamerKeskeLookNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsOmo ValleyPocket WizardTraditionTravelTribesUkuli BulaVacationoff shoe flashsurprise
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 Carousel of Lights (London, United Kingdom 2018)
I composed this photograph during an evening walk along London's Southbank. Officially called the Queen's Walk, the path takes you from Westminster Bridge, along the south bank of the River Thames towards Tate Modern then back over the river on the Millennium footbridge to St Paul's Cathedral. Along the way, there are countless opportunities for street photography!
ASTOENUnitedKingdom2018smugmug1006278Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom
The Colorful Villa Blanca (Gibara, Cuba 2018)
Founded in January 1817, Gibara is also known as "La Villa Blanca" from the color of its colonial architecture and well-planned layout of its streets, houses and parks. Nowadays, the old quarter is full of colorful houses, providing the perfect backdrop for my composition of this "máquina", so typical to see in the streets of Cuba.
ASTOENCuba2018Smugmug1008785Alex Stoen PhotographyHolguinLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mm
The Underground Cocktail Bar (London, United Kingdom 2017)
This is one my favorite "secret" bars in London!
Cahoots is a small cocktail bar, located in what seems like an old abandoned tube station which also served as an air raid shelter in WW2. The entire place is decorated in a post-war context, from the music to the way to the bartenders and waitresses were dressed. It's such an extraordinary experience that even return clients usually come dressed up, immersing themselves even more in what seems like a scene from an old movie! Did I mention they make amazing drinks too?ASTOEN2017Smugmug1005961Alex Stoen PhotographyCahootsLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom
Arashiyama’s bamboo grove (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.
The place was very difficult to photograph due to the constant flow of crowds.
I was looking for an angle that would contrast an empty pathway against the busy, complex forest. It took me over an hour to get this shot!ASTOENJapan2015Smugmug4778ArashiyamaArashiyama bamboo groveBambooBest destinationDestinationEnchantedForestGeotaggedGoogleGreenHeightJapaneseJungleMomentsMysticalNaturalNaturePathPerspectiveSense of PlaceSkyTravelUmbrellaVacationVanishing PointWildbest vacationleading lines
Sunrise over Ha Long Bay
One of my all time favorite places, Ha Long Bay.
In ancient Vietnamese, Ha Long 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 the 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!BayBeautyCalmColorColorsDawnDragonsHalongHalong BayImmenseIndochinaJadeJade SeaKayakLegendsLimestoneLimestone IslandsShadesSunriseSunsetSuperbThousand IslandsTravelUNESCOVietnamWide AngleWorld Heritage SiteWorld Wonderpinkpinkishstocktoneswow
A Breath of Sunlight (Trinidad, Cuba 2012)
My wife took me to Cuba a few years ago to meet her parents. On the way, we stayed in the very picturesque town of Trinidad, located in the middle of the island. Trinidad is Cuba’s best preserved colonial town which is also a UNESCO heritage site since 1988. Like most colonial towns, Trinidad is amazing with brightly colored buildings and cobblestone streets.
ASTOENCuba2012Smugmug70635DMk2Alex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 5D Mark IITrinidadstock
Novices at the Shwedagon Pagoda (Yangon, Myanmar 2013)
I came across this group of novice monks while attending the festival of lights at Myanmar's sacred Shwedagon Pagoda. During this celebration held each November throughout the country, at midnight, on the day of the full moon, 9999 candles are ceremoniously lit. What an amazing experience!
ASTOENMyanmar2013smugmug1DX500pxAlex Stoen PhotographyBurmaCanonCanon EOS 1DXCultureEF 1635 f2.8 L II USMFabricFlickrFunGeotaggedGoogleMonksNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsNovice MonksPeoplePortraitShwedagon PagodaSocietyStreet PhotographyTravelVacationYangonbuddhismfacebook
Take me away... (Alicante, Spain 2008)
I made this composition over 10 years ago, before I started getting into Travel Photography and storytelling. As I revisit my image archive every now and again, this photo always catches my eye. Taken one spring evening at dusk, I tried to capture how the colorful sky contrasted with the growing shadows. In the middle of all the darkness, the runway lights of Alicante airport seemed to invite me to take off, spread my wings, and discover the world!
Getting back into photography, after spending many years without touching a camera, was a true blessing, allowing me to evolve both as an artist and as a person into who I am today.ASTOENSpain2008SmugmugAirportAlicanteCloudsColorDuskFrom Dusk till DawnGeotaggedGuidanceNightPathPositionRunwaySkySunsetTake me awayTravelVanishing PointVerticaldespegarlandinglightsnavegationstocktakeoff
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.
ASTOENMyanmar2013smugmug1DX500pxAlex Stoen PhotographyBaganBoatBurmaCanonCanon EOS 1DXColorsFishermanFlickrGeotaggedGoogleInle LakeNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsReflectionsSilhouetteSunriseTraditionTravelVacationWaterfacebook
La Maquina (Holguin, 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 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 captured this beauty in Holguin, Cuba’s third largest city, renown for its city parks and squares.
ASTOEN2019Smugmug1003070Alex Stoen PhotographyCubaHolguinLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mmTravel
Els Enfarinats (Ibi, Spain 2017)
The annual festival of Els Enfarinats (meaning "the floured ones" in Valencian) takes place in the town of Ibi in Alicante, Spain on December 28, as part of celebrations related to the Day of the Innocents. In the day-long festival, participants dressed in mock military uniforms stage a mock coup d'état, under a blaze of fireworks, flour bombs and eggs.
It was a very messy morning but extremely fun to shoot. I played it safe and carefully egg/flour proofed my DSLR using a waterproof bag which I covered with a camera “skin” along with a clear UV filter to protect the lens.ASTOENSpain2017SmugmugAlex Stoen PhotographyAlicanteCanon EOS 1DXEls EnfarinatsIbi
The Girl in Red (Lao Cai, Vietnam 2009)
As I arrived on the overnight train from Hanoi to Lai Cai, on the border with China, my guide kindly asks: "would you rather go to a market where we'll find 6 different ethnic tribes, very popular with the visiting tourists, or take a 4x4 up the mountains and go to a much smaller market, frequented by just 4 ethnic tribes but with no tourists?". I started questioning his sense of humor, but before long, I was in the front seat of an old jeep, making my way up the muddy roads towards the village of Muong Hum. I'm not sure who was startled first, the little girl riding the family's water buffalo, seeing the jeep emerging from behind the curve, or my driver as I yelled for him to stop so I could jump out, camera in hand to capture this amazing scene, against a backdrop of terraced rice paddies, only days away from harvest. My voyage to Vietnam was truly an eye-opener for me, as I re-discovered my passion for travel photography.
ASTOENVietnam2009smugmug7496AgricultureCanonCanon 5D Mark IICollectionColoresColorsEF 24105 f4 L IS USMFieldsFlickrGeotaggedGirlIndochinaIndochineLao Cai to Muong HumPortraitTravelWater Buffaloanimalchildhoodeveryday lifelifemorningredrojorougewebh
Magical Mornings (Manigod, France 2010)
One of the most magical moments of the year is to wake up to a snowy landscape on Christmas day, then open your presents with your loved ones. As I never take anything for granted anymore, I truly appreciate these small special moments and treasure them more than any present I could receive. Merry Christmas to all!
ASTOENFrance2010Smugmug13695DMk2Alex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 5D Mark IIChristmas 2010Manigod
The Color of Love (Agra, India 2015)
As the morning mist slowly gave way to the soft light from the rising sun, illuminating the white marble of Mumtaz Mahal's paradise-like eternal house, only then can you really appreciate the true beauty of this world wonder, built out of love and dedication.
Did you know that the Taj Mahal takes on different coloring at different times of the day? It changes from a pinkish hue in the morning to a milky white in the evening, then becomes golden at night when lit by the moon. They say the changing color resembles the changing mood of females - in particular, the Emperor's queen.ASTOENIndia2015Smugmug1985AgraAlex Stoen PhotographyAsiaCanon EOS 1DXColorsDedicationGeotaggedLoveMonumentMosquePalacePerspectiveRaysReligionSun StarSunriseTaj MahalTempleTravelTumbVacationdirectionlines
Via Reale (Trinidad, Cuba 2012)
Even today, Cuba still feels like 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. The Yank tank or máquina are the words used to describe the many classic cars still present in Cuba with an estimated 60,000 of them still driving the roads today. I captured this classic 1958 Chevrolet in the small colonial village of Trinidad, on the southern coast of the island.
ASTOENCuba2012Smugmug71885DMk2Alex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 5D Mark IITrinidadVia Reale
Solid Reference (Villajoyosa, Spain 2014)
I shot this long exposure of the navigation light marking the entrance to the old port of Villajoyosa, a fascinating town on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. Dating back to the bronze age, it was well situated along the major trade routes under the Greeks and the Romans. During the Middle Age the coast was uninhabited because of the constant pirate raids, and in the 8th century the Southeastern coastal regions, known as Levante, were Islamized. In the 14th century, the king of Aragón (Jaume II), founded the present town.
ASTOENSpain2014smugmug1DX500pxAlex Stoen PhotographyBig StopperBlack WhiteBlanco y NegroCanonCanon EOS 1DXComposition ExercisesCrepusculoEF 1635 f2.8 L II USMFlickrGeotaggedGoogleLarga ExposicionLee FilterLighthouseLong ExposureMarMediterranean SeaNoir et BlancSeaSolid ReferenceSunsetVillajoyosabnbwfacebookseascapes
Westminster Bridge (London, United Kingdom 2016)
Rainy days make for some interesting and creative street photography. This was shot on Westminster Bridge, facing the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
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. The custom goes back 300 years, but the current House of Commons was destroyed in the London Blitz during WWII and rebuilt in 1945.ASTOENUnitedKingdom2016Smugmug1003747Alex Stoen PhotographyBig BenBusHouses of ParliamentLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmmotion blurmouvementredslow shutter
The Maiko (Kyoto, Japan 2015)
Kyoto is the heart of Japan’s geisha world. In Kyoto, however, fully-fledged geisha are properly called geiko. Young ladies, usually between the ages of 15 and 20, train for five years to become a geiko. During this period, they are known as maiko.
Today, only a few hundred true geishas remain in Kyoto.
Meeting one of Kyoto’s geishas was truly a magical and memorable experience.ASTOENJapan2015smugmug1002943500pxAlex Stoen PhotographyAutumnFallFlickrGeishaGeotaggedGoogleKyotoLeica MP Typ 240MaikoNGExpeditionsNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsPortraitRetratoSummiluxM 35mmTraditionalTravelVacationfacebook
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 white balance was the trickiest part of making the photo in order not to lose the magical blue glow, created as the natural light entered the ceiling lantern and gets refracted from the crushed-glass paint, coating the wrought-iron central structure.ASTOEN2017SmugmugAlex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom
The Forbidden City (Beijing, China 2016)
There are now over 500 million bicycle owners in China, representing the largest leap in individual mobility of human history. Even with the fast multiplication of cars and traffic jams generated in urban areas, the bicycle remains the biggest means of individual mobility for hundreds of millions of Chinese.
I made this photograph in the Forbidden City, composing this cyclist against a red wall - a color symbolizing happiness - just as he was mounting his bike. Towering behind the wall was one of the magnificent palaces, royal residences of the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties.ASTOENChina2016Smugmug1007071Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mmTravelVacation
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!
ASTOEN2017Smugmug1006193Alex Stoen PhotographyGeotaggedLeica MP Typ 240NGExpeditionsOmanSummiluxM 35mmTravelVacation
Piña Stop (Holguin, Cuba 2018)
Last year we hired a classic car to drive us from Pesquero to Holguin, and stopped on the way to pickup some fresh fruits. I made this composition of my wife choosing a ripe pineapple. I was so happy to see these private businesses flourish around Cuba.
ASTOENCuba2018Smugmug1008368Alex Stoen PhotographyDestinationHolguinLeica MP Typ 240MomentsStorytellingSummiluxM 35mmTravel
The Taungthaman Lake 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 before sunset, as the small boats 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.
1DX500pxAlex Stoen PhotographyBurmaCanonCanon EOS 1DXFlickrGeotaggedGoogleMandalayMandalyMyanmarNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsTravelVacationfacebooksmugmug
The Arbore Elders (Omo Valley, Ethiopia 2014)
This elder couple posed for me as I visited their village. They are members of the Arbore people, a small tribe that lives in the southwest region of the Omo Valley. The tribe has ancestral and cultural links to the Konso people and perform many ritual dances while singing. Their philosophy and truly inspiring: they believe that their singing and dancing eliminates negative energy and with the negative energy gone, the tribe will prosper - if only all world leaders would think this way...
ASTOENEthiopia2014smugmug11581DXAfricaAfricanAlex Stoen PhotographyArboreCanonCanon EOS 1DXCoupleCreative LightingCultureEF 1635 f2.8 L II USMEldersFlickrGeotaggedGoogleNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsOmo ValleyParentsPocket WizardPortraitTraditionTravelTribesVacationfacebookhutoff shoe flash
The Call Box (City of London, United Kingdom 2017)
The red phone box is often seen as a British cultural icon throughout the world. The famous K2 model was the result of a competition in 1924 to design a kiosk that would be acceptable to the London metropolitan boroughs. Designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, it became a familiar sight on the streets of the United Kingdom, Malta, Bermuda and Gibraltar. The color red was chosen to make them easy to spot. There are today far more 'red boxes' in tourist city locations than there ever were originally... I found this one while exploring the labyrinth of streets between Bank and Liverpool Street, in the City of London.
ASTOENUnitedKingdom2017Smugmug100161135mmAloneCity of LondonColdCommunicationDestinationEmptyK2LondonPhoneRed Telephone BoxSolitudeStandoutStoneStreet CornerTelephone BoothTravelUnited KingdomUrbanVacationWallcall boxisolatedlook leftoldredstreettelephone boxtelephone kioskvisitbritain
Emerging shadows at Nizwa Fort (Nizwa, Sultanate of Oman 2017)
Nizwa is an ancient city in northern Oman. It sits on a plain characterized by seasonal rivers and palm plantations. Known for its impressive castle, Nizwa Fort, with its huge cylindrical tower built in the 17th century to defend the city's position on a major trade route, the city also hosts one of the oldest markets in the Sultanate, Nizwa Souk, lined with handicrafts stalls and silversmiths working in small shops. As the sun slowly sets over the ancient town, the mud brick walls take on an orangish tone, before becoming totally enveloped by the emerging shadows.
ASTOEN2017Smugmug1007394Alex Stoen PhotographyGeotaggedLeica MP Typ 240NGExpeditionsOmanSummiluxM 35mmTravelVacationstock
Pilgrimage at the Shinomiya Shrine (Miyajima, Japan 2015)
Two Japanese girls in traditional pilgrim dresses make their way to the Shinomiya Shrine, under the brilliant canopy of autumn leaves in Momijidani park.
Called "Tsubo-syozoku", these kimonos were worn by noble women and princesses some 1000 years ago. Today, it has become a fun and popular custom to dress up and stroll through colorful park while visiting the Daisyoin temple.ASTOENJapan2015Smugmug6716500pxBacklightCanon EOS 1DXContraluzEF 2470mm f2.8L II USMFlickrGeotaggedGoogleJapanese DressesJapanese GirlsMiyajimaMomijidani ParkNGExpeditionsNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsPilgrimsReligionShintoTraditionalTravelVacationfacebook
La Peculiar Tienda de Heredia (Santiago de Cuba, Cuba 2018)
Located in the heart and soul of Santiago, a few steps away from the historical Parque Cespedes, this tiny shop sells all kinds of souvenirs, from half-century old books to vinyl records, military medals or political stickers. Recognizing the opportunity for a creative composition, I strike up a conversation with the shopkeeper, who agrees to pose for me at the entrance, pretending to read a book that he later gave to me. It was a challenging photograph to make, requiring exposure bracketing to maintain details from the dark interior, as well as the from the bright street outside, resulting in a natural looking HDR.
ASTOENCuba2018SmugmugAlex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 1DXTravel
Baby it's cold outside (London, United Kingdom 2016)
With winter around the corner and with temperatures dropping to freezing levels, it's difficult sometimes to find the motivation to get out during the weekends. As we approach the shortest day of the year, we are always on the lookout for a sunny day to get out and enjoy any one of London's numerous parks. I made this portrait of my wife in Bishops Park, Fulham, where we braved the cold in search of the last colors of autumn.
ASTOENUnitedKingdom2016Smugmug1004056Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom
The Tutu Boutique (London, United Kingdom 2016)
Once night, I was on my way home when I saw this small storefront in the corner of my eye. I found it so captivating as if it was trying to tell a story. I can almost imagine the mannequin coming to life in the middle of the night, while no one is looking and dance to Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake.
ASTOENUnitedKingdom2016Smugmug1005464Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom
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
Punting boats at Magdalen Bridge Boathouse (Oxford, United Kingdom 2018)
Last summer, we took advantage of a bank holiday and escaped the capital city to spend the day in Oxford, known worldwide as the home of the University of Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world.
I made this image of the punting boats at Magdalen Bridge Boathouse on the River Cherwell, just before they were hired away by the queuing tourist.ASTOENUnitedKingdom2018Smugmug1007711Alex Stoen PhotographyBoatsFine ArtLeica MP Typ 240Magdalen Bridge BoathouseOxfordRiverRiver CherwellSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdomcity of dreaming spirescreative compositionpunting boats
The Harvest (Sapa, Vietnam 2009)
During the autumn, the terraced rice fields of Sapa turn to gold, ready to be harvested. The region is host to many hill tribes, lush vegetation, and Fansipan, the highest peak in Vietnam. During my 6 hours trek into the valley below the old French colonial outpost, I came across some of the country's friendliest people and breathtaking landscapes!
Jabreen Castle (Bahla, Sultanate of Oman 2017)
Built in the late 17th century, Jabreen Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Oman. What makes this castle so 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 most beautiful historic castle found in the Sultanate. The castle is three stories tall, features two towers, numerous receptions halls, dining areas, meeting rooms, a courtroom, a library, and classrooms. The interior design of the castle features decorated windows, wooden balconies, arches with inscribed Arabic calligraphy, and breathtaking ceiling artwork.
I made this portrait at the entrance of the main hall, leading to the interior courtyard.ASTOEN2017Smugmug2410Alex Stoen PhotographyArabicBeautyBeliefCanon EOS 1DXCastleConfidenceCoverdCustomDominanceEleganceGeotaggedJabreen CastleLookMaskModelMuslimNGExpeditionsNatural lightOmanPortraitReligiousRobeSide LightTraditionTravelVacationVeilWomanblackfashion
When the Maple Tree Glowed (Mount Koya, Japan 2015)
During the season of autumn foliage, the leaves of the trees turn red due to the cold weather. The practice of gathering the autumn leaves which fall to the ground is a custom from ancient times, and it’s common in Japan to use the leaves you have picked up as bookmarks.
ASTOENJapan2015Smugmug5510500pxAlex Stoen PhotographyAutumnCanon EOS 1DXEF 1635mm f2.8 L II USMFall ColoursFlickrGeotaggedGoogleMaple TreeMount KoyaNGExpeditionsNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsNightTravelVacationfacebookglow
Street Photographer (Baracoa, Cuba 2012)
Baracoa is an incredible little town which lies on the Bay of Honey, where Christopher Columbus landed in Cuba on his first voyage. It is the oldest Spanish settlement in Cuba and was the island's first capital.
Surrounded by a wide mountain range, the city is quite isolated, and for centuries was only accessible by sea.
Once viewed as a showcase of the Cuban revolution, a mountain road built in the 1960's, connecting the city to Guantanamo (only never to be maintained since).
Even today, the town doesn't feel overrun by tourists and maintains a unique and original charm they will make you want to return again and again.ASTOEN2012Smugmug7951Alex Stoen PhotographyBaracoaCaribbeanColonialColorsCubaDestinationIslandTravelTropicalVacationdiscoverphotographerstreet
The Elizabeth Tower and Westminster Bridge from across the Thames (London, United Kingdom 2017)
It was a cloudy day over London when I made this photograph, much like the weather these past few days. Although this angle of Westminster might eventually feel boring, I still force myself back and attempt a different capture every time I pass by the famous landmark. I am a firm believer that the quality of the end-image will be a direct result of how much effort the photographer has put into it...
ASTOEN2017Smugmug1009944Alex Stoen PhotographyBig BenLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom
Candle lighting at the World Sufi Spirit Festival in Nagaur (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. I was able to capture this just as the candles were being lit all around the fort, moments before the amazing festival events started.
ASTOENIndia2015Smugmug05981DXAhhichatragarh FortAlex Stoen PhotographyArtsCandle LightingCanonCanon EOS 1DXColorsEF 1635 f2.8 L II USMGeotaggedInternational FestivalMagic MomentsMusicNagaurNightPilgrimsRajasthanSacredTradictionTravelVacationWorld Sufi Spirit Festivalfacebooklights
Higher Ground (Omo Valley, Ethiopia 2014)
The Omo Valley is undoubtedly a unique place on earth because of the wide variety of people and animals that inhabit it. Located in Africa's Great Rift Valley, the region is known for its culture and diversity. The tribes that live in the lower Omo Valley are believed to be among the most fascinating on the continent of Africa and around the world. I came across these artists on my way from Jinka to Turmi. They seemed to have taken full advantage of the marketing possibilities offered by the increasing number of tourist coming to the region!
1DXAboveAbyssiniaAdvantageAfricaAlex Stoen PhotographyBoysCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 1635 f2.8 L II USMEthiopiaFlickrFunGeotaggedGoogleHamerHappinessHeightJinka to TurmiKidsLaughsNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsPainted BodiesShowing offThreeTravelTribesTrioVacationfacebookhigher groundsmugmugstilts
Autumn in Hyde Park (London, United Kingdom 2016)
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.
In order to capture the star-shaped sun, I chose a small aperture (f16) causing the light to bend around the edges of the lens aperture blades creating the "star" look.ASTOEN2016Smugmug1003850Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom
Happy 500th! (Havana, Cuba 2019)
Today Havana celebrates its 500th birthday, founded by the Spanish in 1519. It became a stopping point for the treasure-laden Spanish galleons on the crossing between the New World and the Old World. As I walk through the narrow streets of Old Havana, time seems to stop, or crawl... Many buildings have fallen into ruin in the latter half of the 20th century, but it's nice to see that a growing number are being restored.
To make this shot, I used a wide 16mm lens on my full-frame DSLR and positioned myself right next to the driver as he was stopped at the traffic light.