So much left to discover

Mystical Moments (Bagan, Myanmar 2013)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Red Convertible (Havana, Cuba 2019)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Santisima Trinidad (Alicante, Spain 2014)

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

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

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

1DXAlex Stoen PhotographyBurmaCanonCanon EOS 1DXGeotaggedMyanmarNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsTravelVacationYangon

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

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

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

Warm Summer Sun (by Mark Twain)

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

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The Passage of Time (Santa Pola, Spain 2010)

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

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El Capitolio (Havana, Cuba 2019)

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

Alex Stoen PhotographyCubaHavanaLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mmTravel

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

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

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Across the Yamuna River (Agra, India 2015)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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38.4ºN (Alicante, Spain 2017)

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

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

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

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The Colors of Rajasthan (Jaipur, India 2015)

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

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Bridge of the Rising Sun (Hanoi, Vietnam 2009)

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

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Discovering Jabreen Castle (Bahla, Sultanate of Oman 2017)

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

ASTOEN2017Smugmug2484Alex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 1DXGeotaggedNGExpeditionsOmanTravelVacation

La Maquina (Gibara, Cuba 2019)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Nature's Canvas (Alicante, Spain 2013)

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

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The Smoke Break (London, United Kingdom 2016)

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

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

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

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

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Tulip Heaven (Keukenhof, Netherlands 2015)

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

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

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

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U Bein Bridge at Sunset (Amarapura, Myanmar 2013)

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

1DXAlex Stoen PhotographyBurmaCanonCanon EOS 1DXGeotaggedMandalayMyanmarNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsTravelVacationYangon

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

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

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Cadogan Square (London, United Kingdom 2018)

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

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

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

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Nuestra Señora de la Alegría (Alicante, Spain 2016)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Miao Girl (Guizhou, China 2016)

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

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Behind the Wall (Southampton, United Kingdom 2018)

A couple of years ago, we visited Southampton during a nice sunny weekend. I was amazed how much undiscovered heritage it held. The port city gained a lot of importance when the Normans arrived in the eleventh century, but was also the point from which the Mayflower sailed towards the New World, and later the Titanic. As we walked towards the city's famous Bargate, with its medieval walls, I came across this construction site and worked on a creative composition using the colors, light and shadows, along with the mysterious background, which makes you want to peak over the wall and discover the world that lays beyond.

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A Colorful Commute (Hai Duong, Vietnam 2009)

As I browse through my image archive, this candid photo from Vietnam keeps getting my attention. Not my best composition, but the vibrance of the colors are just amazing. I captured this timeless moment while travelling from Hanoi to Hai Phong on my way to Ha Long Bay in 2009. School children making their way to class on their bicycles is such a common sight all over Asia, but this colorful moment caught my attention.

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Semana Santa (Alicante, Spain 2016)

Spain is known especially for its Holy Week traditions or Semana Santa. Throughout the country, brotherhoods carry magnificent floats with sculptures that depict different scenes from the gospels related to the Passion of Christ or the Sorrows of the Virgin Mary. On the Sunday of Resurrection, the processions are jubilant with no faces covered, usually carrying sculptures of Jesus and Mary, and including an encounter of those floats. Here, the float of Jesus makes its way toward the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the city's town hall to meet with the float of the Virgen Mary, Nuestra Señora de la Alegría.

ASTOEN2016Smugmug1005979Alex Stoen PhotographyAlicanteEasterLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mm

The Ballerina (Havana, Cuba 2019)

During my last trip to Havana, I was able to hook up with a well known and very talented Cuban photographer who managed to set up a ballerina shoot for me in an old colonial house. Just as I expected, it was a very fabulous experience which I will most certainly include in future trips with clients. Havana is full of amazing architecture, allowing for perfect backdrops for photo shoots.

Alex Stoen PhotographyCubaHavanaLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mmTravel

St Dunstan-in-the-East (City of London, United Kingdom 2017)

This is one of my favorite hidden gardens in London. It's located inside the ruins of an old church, in the middle of the City of London. Originally built in about 1100, it was severely damaged in the Great Fire of London in 1666, patched up, then rebuilt in 1817 only to be almost completely destroyed in the Blitz of 1941. Only the church's tower and steeple survived the bombs' impact. Of the rest of the church, only the north and south walls remained. Following the war, it was decided not to rebuild St Dunstan's, and in 1967 the City of London Corporation decided to turn the ruins of the church into a public garden, which opened in 1971.

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The Silk Weaving Machine (Varanasi, India 2015)

Most weavers in Varanasi are Momin Ansari Muslims. Their craft has been passed on from father to son for generations, hand-weaving silk on room-sized foot-powered looms, making the very fashionable Banarasi silk Saree, which many Indian girls dream of wearing for their wedding day.

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Symbiotic Relationships (Alicante, Spain 2011)

Spring is still a couple weeks away, but sometimes it feels it's right around the corner. It's always an interesting time to be on the lookout for even the smallest details (macro photography). I captured this moment while exploring an old railroad track in Spain, reconverted into a hiking trail. It reminded be of the importance of symbiotic relationships. Can the bees survive without flowers? Where would the flowers be without the bees?

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

After navigating through a narrow feeder channel, you suddenly enter the wide expanse of Myanmar's Inle Lake, and you immediately realise how special the place is... I have very fond memories of the expedition I took there with National Geographic a few years ago, where I explored its enchanting secrets, 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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Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (Muscat, Sultanate of Oman 2017)

I shot this portrait of Sarah in the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat. Being the only mosque open to non-Muslims means it's very touristy so arriving early and beating the crowds was key in getting the right portraits in this amazing place. It's one of the most beautiful and extravagant modern mosques in the world featuring an amazing blend of Islamic, Middle Eastern, and Omani architectural styles, and it also hosts one of the world’s largest handmade Persian rugs as well as one of the world’s biggest chandeliers, with 600,000 shining bright Swarovski crystals!

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The Temple of Heaven (Beijing, China 2016)

The Temple of Heaven is a medieval complex of religious buildings situated in the southeastern part of central Beijing. The complex was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for good harvest. It’s now visited by millions each year. This is my favorite composition of the place, however not taken at the best time… I guess I’ll have to come back!

Alex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 1DXChinaEF 2470mm f2.8L II USMGeotaggedTemple of the SkyTravelVacation

Dancing beauty (Jaisalmer, India 2015)

Rajasthan, the land of Kings. Drenched into royal grandeur and soaked into glorious history, Rajasthan is one of the most charming and captivating states of India. Highly cultivated classical music and dance with its own distinct style is part of the cultural tradition of Rajasthan. The music is uncomplicated and songs depict day-to-day relationships and chores, more often focused around fetching water from wells or ponds. While staying at the majestic Suryagarh fort, I was able to catch the beauty of the traditional Kalbeliya folk dance.

ASTOENIndia2015smugmug72611DXAlex Stoen PhotographyAsiaCanonCanon EOS 1DXColors of IndiaCultureDancerDancingEF 70200 f2.8 L IS USMFlickrGeotaggedGoogleGraceJaisalmerMusicPiperIndiaRajasthanSuryagarhTravelVacationfacebookmotionmouvementslow shutter