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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 Chinese Linxi River at Sanjiang. Surprisingly, the talented Dong builders of this bridge did not utilize any nails or rivets, using instead 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 rainbow crossing over the river.
As I walked along water's edge in the early morning, I came across this traditional water wheel, used to irrigate the numerous rice paddies surrounding the small village of Sanjiang.ASTOENChina2016Smugmug9369Alex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 1DXDongEF 1635mm f2.8 L II USMGeotaggedGuangxiSanjiangTravelVacation
Dia de Playa (El Campello, Spain 2018)
Are you as anxious as I am for winter to be over? I feel I had a taste of spring during my last weekend trip to Spain. I made this creative composition from the boardwalk of El Campello, a fishing town on the Mediterranean Costa Blanca.
Deciding on a minimalist approach, I used the negative space to fill the frame, then carefully composed around the different lines, focusing on the repeated elements, and then waited for someone to walk on the water's edge to add a sense of scale and depth to the image.ASTOEN2018Smugmug1006558Alex Stoen PhotographyAlicanteBeachCosta BlancaDestinationEl CampelloHorizonLeica MP Typ 240SpainSummiluxM 35mmTravel
La Cumpleañera (London, United Kingdom 2018)
A huge Happy Birthday to my beautiful wife, my partner in crime, my muse, my best friend! As the years go by, you are just as gorgeous as the first day we met!
I hope all your wishes come true!ASTOEN2018Smugmug1009865Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom
Paseo de Marti (Havana, Cuba 2012)
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.
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!5DMk2AdventureAlex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 5D Mark IICaribbeanColorsCubaCuban CarsDreamEF 2470mm f2.8L USMLa HavanaTime CapsuleTravelVacationexoticsmugmug
Soupe à l'oignon (Paris, France 2014)
The iconic hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre in Paris has been home to many artists over the years, including Salvador Dalí, Amedeo Modigliani, Claude Monet, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Piet Mondrian, Pablo Picasso, Camille Pissarro and Vincent van Gogh to name a few, not many can afford to live there anymore these days.
I captured this candid photograph in the streets below the famous Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, where the best way to discover these historic and interesting neighborhoods, is to just get lost in the maze of its steep and cobbled streets.1DXAlex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 70200 f2.8 L IS USMFlickrFranceGoogleMontmartreParisSpringStreet PhotographyTravelWeekend in Parisfacebookholidaytourismvacacion
Alpian Serenity (Manigod, France 2010)
I made this composition in the French Alps, not far from the Mont Blanc. The snow-covered scenery felt so pure and peaceful in the soft morning light, that I still remember it today while scrolling through my photo archive from several years ago.
In order to capture as much detail as possible, I choose to bracket my exposure and merge the images into an HDR photograph. This type of post-processing works well in high contrast scenes, like this snowy mountain landscape.5DMk2Alex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 5D Mark IIChristmas 2010CollectionFranceManigod
Nicholson Lake (Crested Butte, Colorado, USA 2009)
As a blizzard hit London today, 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 undiscernable under the thick blanket of snow.
ASTOEN2009smugmug4908Alex Stoen PhotographyBeautifulCanonCanon EOS 5D Mark IIColdCollectionColoradoComposition ExercisesCongeladoCoveredCrested ButteDockEF 24105 f4 L IS USMFlickrForestFrozenGeotaggedGoogleLagoLakeMountainsNatural BeautyNatureNieveParadise DividePurePurezaRocky MountainsSlate RiverSnowSnowcoveredSnowscapesTranquilityTravelUSAUntouchedWhitecreative compositionfacebooktreeswebhwoods
The Barber (Jaisalmer, India 2015)
Getting lost in the narrow streets Jaisalmer was one of my favorite experiences during my journey through Rajasthan. I love to get out early, as the city slowly wakes. While some clean the streets, others set-up their market stalls, children prepare for school, and the corner barber awaits his first client. This is usually the time when I make my best photographs. The light is soft and everyone is usually too busy to take notice of a lone westerner, allowing me to record the daily choreography that has been perfected over the course of so many years.
1DXAlex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 70200 f2.8 L IS USMGeotaggedIndiaJaisalmerTravelVacation
Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Carmen (El Campello, Spain 2018)
London is freezing under a polar vortex at the moment, so we were so glad to find some sun and warmth on the Spanish Costa Blanca if only for a couple days. The soft light this evening was such a delight to feel. It caught my eye as it gently caressed the bell tower of this small church, located in the fishing town of El Campello.
ASTOEN2018Smugmug1006476Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom
St Mary-at-Hill (City of London, United Kingdom 2017)
This is a piece of work from my ongoing project, looking upward from the streets of London. I made this composition at St Mary-at-Hill, along some of the City's most ancient lanes. Since the Great Fire of 1666, the London skyline has certainly evolved a lot... I wonder how the view would have looked like 500 years ago, standing on the same street corner.
ASTOEN2017Smugmug1000421Alex Stoen PhotographyArchitectureBillingsgateCity of LondonCornerDestinationEscapeFenchurchFlightIntersectionLeica MP Typ 240LondonLooking UpPathSkySky GardenSkylineSt MaryatHillSummiluxM 35mmTravelUnited KingdomVertical
My Rising Star (Alicante, Spain 2011)
My kiddo turns 21 today! He's grown a lot since I took this portrait of him 7 years ago. Growing up is not an easy task and we've had our fair share of worries and frustrations, but in the end, I'm proud to see how he's grown into such a handsome and responsible young man!
0433655DMk2Alex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 5D Mark IICollectionEF 24105 f4 L IS USMEstrellaFaceFamiliaFamilyFlickrHairHigh KeyHijoLookMiradaPeloPicasaPicassaPortraitProject365RetratoSerioSeriousSonStareyesojoswebv
Climbing the Dragon's Backbone (Guangxi, China 2016)
The Longsheng Rice Terraces, also called the Dragon Backbone’s Terraces, are some of the most amazing rice terraces in all of China. I captured this portrait of an ethnic Yao woman, as she was hiking up the trail, snaking around the maze of rice terraces surrounding Longji.
ASTOENChina2016Smugmug1001595Alex Stoen PhotographyGeotaggedLeica MP Typ 240LongjiLongji Rice TerracesLongshengSummiluxM 35mmTravelVacation
The Hard Sell (Alicante, Spain 2011)
A few years ago, I began to shoot stock photography, to help offset the cost of a new lens. Since then, I've managed to sell several hundred images. Such a low volume doesn't amount to much really, but it can definitely add up if you're able to get several thousand images on the images banks! The stock photography has certainly evolved a lot over the last few years. Now with tons of images that are free to use from the web, I wonder how it will impact on the demand for licensed images... and when will it no longer be worth the effort for generating specialized content?
2263655DMk2Alex Stoen PhotographyAzulBeautyBellezaBlack WhiteBlanco y NegroBlueBlue jeansCanonCanon EOS 5D Mark IIChicaCollectionCortosCut outEF 24105 f4 L IS USMExpressionFlickrHandsIsisJeansManosModaModeModelModeloMujerMusaMuseNoir et BlancPicasaPicassaProject365Selective ColourSexyShortsbnbwcamisetafacebookfashionnbskin
Happy Chinese New Year! (Guiyang, China 2016)
The Chinese New Year begins TODAY! The celebrations will last for over two weeks until March 2nd, making this the longest holiday in the Chinese calendar.
2018 is the Year of the Dog. According to the Asian astrology, your year of birth - and the animal this represents - determines a lot about your personality traits. Anyone born in an Earth Dog year will be communicative, serious, and responsible in the workplace.
Which Chinese zodiac animal are you?
#cny2018 #happycny2018ASTOENChina2016Smugmug1007518Alex Stoen PhotographyCelebrationCny2018GeotaggedGuiyangGuizhouHappycny2018Leica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mmTravelVacationYear of the Dogchinesenewyear
The Karo Tribe from Kolcho (Omo Valley, Ethiopia 2014)
The Karo tribe lives along the borders of the Lower Omo River and 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.
I made this photograph in the village of Kolcho, at the famous bend of the Omo River. I compensated against the strong backlight using a portable flash inside a small softbox, giving enough fill light to illuminate the three villages allowing them to stand out from the bright sky.1DXAfricaAlex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 1635 f2.8 L II USMEthiopiaGeotaggedKaraKolchoNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsOmo RiverOmo ValleyTravelTribesVacation
Be my Valentine...
Happy Valentine's Day to all of you lovers out there, and to all those still searching! Never give up! I took me a few tries to get it right, but in the end, I am fortunate to have found my soulmate!
El Mejillón (Santa Pola, Spain 2008)
For a country which enjoys such as extensive coastline as Spain does, it's no surprise to see so many fish and seafood dishes be part of the national cuisine. After living almost 15 years in Alicante, I've become somewhat of a foodie, savoring some of the best recipes the Mediterranean coast has to offer.
I chose a minimalist approach when making this photo of the lone mussel left on my plate. Exposing in high-key helped me isolate the elements by adding a creative contrast. Recently, I've been revisiting my photo-archive to look at some of my early compositions and came across this image. Reviewing old captures not only allows me to see how my photography has evolved over the years but sometimes I find an interesting composition, worth re-processing.ASTOEN2008Smugmug3743Alex Stoen PhotographyAlicanteDetailsMediterraneanMejillónMusselsOpenSpainTravelcompositionfoodgastronomymacroplaterseafood
The Drum Towers of Zhaoxing (Guizhou, China 2016)
As the sun set over the main gate, firecrackers exploded in the streets, celebrating the purchase of a new car, or the grand opening of a restaurant. Sweepers promptly cleanup the aftermath while children played in the streets, against the backdrop of one of the village’s 5 drum towers, which serve as the embodiment of the Dong people's exquisite building skills and technology. Zhaoxing has a long history as Dong ancestors settled here some 840 years ago!
ASTOENChina2016Smugmug1000506Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mmZhaoxing
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.ASTOEN2017Smugmug1005937Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom
The Yellow Sari (Agra, India 2015)
As the sun slowly set over the Agra’s Red Fort, a local woman in a yellow sari observed from riverbank facing the Taj Mahal. I was amazed to find out 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.
1DXAgraAlex Stoen PhotographyBeautyCanonCanon EOS 1DXCountrysideEF 70200mm f2.8 L IS USMEleganceGeotaggedIndiaPortraitSunsetTaj MahalTravelVacationWomanYellow Sarioff camera flash
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.ASTOEN2017Smugmug1689Alex Stoen PhotographyArchitectureCanon EOS 1DXCultureEF 1635 f2.8 L II USMFaithFrameGeotaggedMosqueMuscatNGExpeditionsOmanSultan Qaboos Grand MosqueSultanate of OmanTravelVacationarchcompositioncontrastgeometryminaretsymmetry
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!1DXAlex Stoen PhotographyCamelsCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 1635 f2.8 L II USMFlickrGeotaggedGoogleIndiaSam Sand DunesSunriseThar DesertTravelVacationVacation1DXfacebooksmugmug
Pilgrimage to 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, coloured 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!
1DXAlex Stoen PhotographyBurmaCanonCanon EOS 1DXGeotaggedMyanmarNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsPortraitTravelVacationYangon
Lampounette at King's Cross (London, United Kingdom 2018)
A few weeks ago, London held a fabulous festival of light, illuminating the cold, dark streets of London for four evenings with light art and light installations. This world-class light festival showcased the capital’s spectacular and iconic architecture and streets, with more than 50 works located between King's Cross, Fitzrovia, Mayfair, South Bank, Westminster and the West End.
I shot this installation titled "Lampounette" at King's Cross. It focused on the exploration of light and its interplay with art, architecture and space, inspired by objects of everyday life, working to create a dreamlike universe using humour and poetry.ASTOEN2018Smugmug6642Alex Stoen PhotographyBritainCanon EOS 1DXLondonUKUnited Kingdom
Portrait on London Bridge (City of London, United Kingdom 2018)
Another cold and grey winter day in London. I made this iPhone portrait of my wife as we crossed London Bridge this Saturday. The new portrait mode of the iPhone X never ceases to amaze me. I still carry my Leica with me anytime I leave home, but I'm finding the iPhone a great go-to camera to use in quick situations. Mobile photography has evolved so much over the past few years, rivalling if not surpassing most entry-level DSLRs in terms of quality and features.
ASTOEN2018Smugmug0903Alex Stoen PhotographyAppleCity of LondonEnglandLondonLondon BridgePortraitUnited KingdomiPhoneiPhoneXiphoneography
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.1DXAlex Stoen PhotographyBenaresCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 2470mm f2.8L USMFaithGeotaggedGhatHoly MenIndiaPortraitReligionSadhuTravelVacationVaranasi
Brydges Place (London, United Kingdom 2016)
Situated right next to the Coliseum theatre is Brydges Place, London's narrowest alley. With just 15 inches wide at its narrowest point, the alley runs for 200m connecting St Martin's Lane with Bedfordbury in Covent Garden. Only one person can walk down it at a time, so we can imagine the alley has seen some great drunken faceoffs! The Marquis of Granby pub - a former haunt of Dickens - backs onto the alley, and its dark seclusion provides a perfect venue for late night piddlers.
I composed my shot around the narrowest point, framing using the leading lines and the lamp. Choosing a shallow focus, I simply waited for someone to cross the frame.ASTOEN2016Smugmug1003159Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mm
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
Xijiang, home of the one thousand families (Guizhou, China 2016)
Located in Eastern Guizhou, the village of Xijiang is home to the largest Miao community in China. Nicknamed the village of 1000 families, it’s many traditional dark wooden houses have been restored to their original appearance in a bid to boost tourism. As the sun set over the main square, the faint sound of music caught my ear. I eventually came across the three colourful singers who agreed to pose for a quick portrait.
Alex Stoen PhotographyChinaGeotaggedLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mmTravelVacation
22 Wijngaard Straat (Antwerp, Belgium 2018)
This weekend we escaped London to discover a hidden gem less than an hour away. We hopped on a direct FlyVLM flight from London City Airport and landed in Antwerp 50 minutes later. After a good night's rest at the beautiful boutique Hotel Indigo, located right next to the Central Station, we explored the old streets of the city’s historic center, where I captured this detail, in Wijngaardstraat. The medieval city is full of wonders such as the 16th-century Guildhouses at the Grote Markt and its statue of Brabo.
ASTOEN2018Smugmug1006432Alex Stoen PhotographyAntwerpBelgiumColorsDetailsEuropeFreshGreenLeica MP Typ 240NumbersPlantStreet PhotographySummiluxM 35mmTravelWallWijngaardstraatcontrastmacroold
Urban Patterns at Canary Wharf (London, United Kingdom 2018)
Coinciding with London's Lumiere Light Festival, Canary Wharf hosts Winter Lights, with more than 30 installations showcasing artists from around the world.
Located at Jubilee Plaza, this interactive installation titled "Urban Patterns" was fun to photograph with its silhouettes, surrounded by the tall buildings of London's financial district.
Using a tripod, I exposed for 1s to capture enough light without causing to much blur from people moving around.ASTOEN2018Smugmug6548Alex Stoen PhotographyArtBritainCanon EOS 1DXLightingLondonLumiereUKUnited KingdomWinter Lightsfestival
Aquarium at Seven Dials (London, United Kingdom 2018)
Lumiere London is back, lighting up the cold, dark streets of London for four evenings with light art and light installations. This world-class light festival showcases the capital’s spectacular and iconic architecture and streets, with more than 50 works located between King's Cross, Fitzrovia, Mayfair, South Bank, Westminster and the West End.
Aquarium was created by transforming a red telephone box into an aquarium full of exotic fish, in Earlham Street at Seven Dials. Despite the cold rain, large crowds were present to discover these amazing art installations (sometimes resulting in some challenging photographic environments).ASTOEN2018Smugmug1006331Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom
Waterlicht at King's Cross (London, United Kingdom 2018)
Lumiere London is back, lighting up the cold, dark streets of London for four evenings with light art and light installations. This world-class light festival showcases the capital’s spectacular and iconic architecture and streets, with more than 50 works located between King's Cross, Fitzrovia, Mayfair, South Bank, Westminster and the West End.
I shot this at Granary Square, by King's Cross. This installation titled "Waterlicht" was inspired by our changing relationship to water, the risk was all face if immediate action is not taken to tackle global warming and rising levels. This ethereal dream-like landscape was tricky to photograph, as the only way to capture the waves was to shoot at a higher shutter speed - 1/15th sec with tripod.ASTOEN2018Smugmug67371DXAlex Stoen PhotographyBritainCanon EOS 1DXLondonUKUnited Kingdom
Lumiere London, a festival of lights (London, United Kingdom 2018)
Lumiere London is back, lighting up the cold, dark streets of London for four evenings with light art and light installations. This world-class light festival showcases the capital’s spectacular and iconic architecture and streets, with more than 50 works located between King's Cross, Fitzrovia, Mayfair, South Bank, Westminster and the West End.
I decided to shoot the event with my tripod, to reduce sensor noise and blur the crowd around the static displays.ASTOEN2018Smugmug6616Alex Stoen PhotographyBritainCanon EOS 1DXLondonLumiereUKUnited Kingdom
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.Alex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 1DXEF 2470mm f2.8L II USMGeotaggedNGExpeditionsNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsTravelVacation
Pierrette (Cancale, France 2015)
I seem to be suffering from the winter blues, daydreaming of better days, such as a summer spent in Brittany a few years ago, where we fell in love with the small town of Cancale, on the northern French coast, not too far from the Saint-Malo. I captured this in the Port de la Houle, incredibly famous for its oysters. Every morning, we would grab a fresh dozen to enjoy in the evening with a glass of Rosé. As I suddenly feel another gust of freezing wind, I quickly snap back to reality, flip up my coat collar, and commute home under the cover of darkness...
ASTOEN2015Smugmug1000757Alex Stoen PhotographyBlueBoatBretagneCancaleFranceLeica MP Typ 240OceanTravelVacationWaterWaves
Young Hamer Woman at the Keske river crossing (Turmi, Ethiopia 2014)
After a long day exploring the Omo Valley, I got back to the camp with a feeling that I hadn’t captured the portrait I was looking for that day. I decided to walk the riverbed from the camp to the Keske crossing, where I knew the Hamer returning from the Turmi market would cross the river on their way back to their villages. The effort paid off as I captured what I feel is my favorite shot from the Omo Valley, this portrait of a young Hamer woman who was accompanying her mother and sister.
1DXAfricaAlex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 1635 f2.8 L II USMEthiopiaGeotaggedHamerKeskeNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsOmo ValleyTravelTribesTurmiVacation
Sunrise over the Bridge of God (Arba Minch, Ethiopia 2014)
Mesmerizing sunrise over the "Bridge of God", an isthmus between Lakes Abaya and Chamo, deep inside the Nechisar National Park. Arba Minch was my first stop on my National Geographic Expeditions journey to discover the many tribes of the Omo Valley. I shot this panoramic composite of 5 vertical frames from our lodge, as the sun slowly rose over Africa's Great Rift Valley.
Africa is such an incredible place to visit. A vast and highly diverse continent full of fascinating cultures, dramatic scenery and extraordinary animals, Africa offers some of the most amazing travel experiences in the world.1DXAfricaAlex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 1DXEthiopiaGeotaggedNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsTravelVacation
The Konso clan chief (Omo Valley, Ehtiopia 2014)
Located in a juniper-dominated sacred forest, the compound of Kalla Gezahegn is a fascinating and atmospheric place. A former civil engineer in Addis Ababa, Gezahegn speaks fluent English. I captured his portrait as he was explaining his role as the head spiritual leader, arbiter, judge and peacemaker for nine Konso clans. His title is strictly hereditary and Gezahegn is 20th in a line that has lived in the same compound for about 500 years. He lives here with his family in total isolation, ensuring his impartiality when settling intra-clan disputes and crimes, which are still often dealt by the chief rather than the national government.
1DXAfricaAlex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 1DXChiefEF 1635 f2.8 L II USMEthiopiaGeotaggedKalla GezahegnKonsoMediatorNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsOmo ValleyPriestTravelTribesVacationspiritual leader
St. James's Park Tube Station (London, United Kingdom 2017)
St. James's Park is one of my favorite areas in London to explore. Located next to Buckingham Palace, it's the capital's oldest park, where the Royal Family used to hunt wild boar (a long time ago). The city has grown a lot since then. In 1868, an Underground Tube station was opened adjacent to the park, linking South Kensington and Westminster.
I snapped this iPhone photo from the tube, right before the doors closed, on my way to the Royal Geographic Society. As the station wasn't too crowded, I quickly composed the old station sign along with the waiting man, sitting on the bench, a very mundane scene which always catches my eye.ASTOEN2017Smugmug0329Alex Stoen PhotographyAppleDirtyGreat BritainHistoricLondonMapSolitudeSt James's ParkStreet PhotographyTube StationUndergroundUnited KingdomWaitWaitingWornbenchiPhoneXiphoneographyshotoniphone
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. @travelbabbo and I braved the rain at sunset to get a few shots of the pumpkin just before darkness set in.
500pxAlex Stoen PhotographyArtBenesse HouseCanon EOS 1DXEF 2470mm f2.8L II USMFlickrGeotaggedGoogleJapanNGExpeditionsNaoshimaNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsSculptureTravelVacationfacebook
The Singel Canal (Amsterdam, Holland 2015)
The Singel is a canal in Amsterdam which encircled the city in the Middle Ages. It served as a moat around the city until 1585, when Amsterdam expanded beyond the Singel. The canal is now lined with many beautiful, richly decorated canal houses built during the Dutch Golden Age.
To capture this night view of the canal, I quickly setup a tripod, composed with the moon on one side and exposed for 20 sec. I was careful to get everything right on the first shot then move along, as it's sometimes "difficult" to take photographs around the red light district.1DXAlex Stoen PhotographyAmsterdamCanalsCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 1635 f2.8 L II USMFlickrGoogleHistoryHollandLife in the CityLong ExposureNightNocturnalRed Light DistrictReflectionsSingel CanalSingelgebiedStreet PhotographyTravelUrban JungleWatercity lightsfacebookold quarter
A land of growing opportunities (Muscat, Sultanate of Oman 2017)
I captured this portrait of Zahra in the small fishing village of Qantab, not far from Oman's capital of Muscat. The country has a progressive interpretation of Sharia law, which means that women are allowed to participate in politics, society and workforce to the fullest extent possible, making Oman one of the leading Gulf countries in terms of gender equality.
As Zahra was wearing a very colorful jalabiyya and matching scarf, I decided to pose her against a bright neutral background, thus allowing the dress's colors to pop and preserving its interesting patterns.ASTOEN2017Smugmug1006946Alex Stoen PhotographyGeotaggedLeica MP Typ 240MuscatNGExpeditionsOmanSummiluxM 35mmTravelVacation
The Lookout (Guantanamo, Cuba 2012)
As I explored the oriental part of Cuba, I choose to hire a private driver in an old Soviet Moskvitch car to drive me to the colonial town of Baracoa, where Christopher Columbus landed in Cuba on his first voyage. The 6-hour drive took me through parts of the island where tourists rarely go. Along the way, the scenery varied from vast agricultural lands to lush tropical forests, from high mountaintops to deserted pristine beaches... As we slowly made our way, I noticed this silhouette on a nearby hilltop, and immediately swung my 70-200mm to catch the scene before it disappeared behind us. Looking at the image now, it reminds me of the Cuban story of survival, always on the lookout for the next storm to come, isolated yet resilient and with a tremendous sense of humor.
ASTOENCuba2012smugmugAboveAloneCaribbeanCloudsColorsCubanDramaticFarmerGreenIslandLookoutNaturePastureScaleSilhouetteSkySolitudeTopTravelTreeTropicalUpVacationsWatcherWeatherexotichilltopholidayisolatedisolationshadowsmallstockstorm
The Mystical Fishermen of Inle (Inle Lake, Myanmar 2013)
I am saddened by the news of ethnic/religious unrest in eastern Myanmar in the past several months. I have very fond memories of my expedition there with National Geographic, where I explored its enchanting secrets. I captured this on Inle Lake, a place where sky and water meet and 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 was an absolutely enthralling experience. I truly hope to return to this remarkable land soon!
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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.ASTOEN2017Smugmug1006092Alex Stoen PhotographyAlicanteLeica MP Typ 240SpainSummiluxM 35mmTravel