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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.
Alex Stoen PhotographyBalanceCampositionCanonCanon 5D Mark IICollectionColorsDowntownEF 24105 f4 L IS USMEquilibriumExerciseFlickrFrameGeotaggedGetty ImagesGreenHanoiHoan Kiem LakeIndochinaIndochineLacLagoLakePazPeacePeace of MindPeacefulPsychologyReflectionsSerenitySunrise BridgeThe Huc BridgeTranquilidadTranquilityTravelVietnamWatereveryday lifelifemorningredshutterstocksmugmug
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.
Alex Stoen PhotographyCubaHolguinLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mmTravel
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!
1DX500pxAlex Stoen PhotographyAtmosphereBagyidawBurmaBurmese Pink Buddhist NunsCanonCanon EOS 1DXDedicationFlickrGeotaggedGoogleHsinbyume PagodaMandalayMandalyMingunMonksMount MeruMyanmarNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsPagodaReligionSceneSulamani pagodaTravelVacationdirectionfacebookpurposesmugmug
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 USMFushimi Inari ShrineGeotaggedJapanMount InariNGExpeditionsNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsTravelVacationvermilion torii gates
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.
5DMk2Alex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 5D Mark IIContrastsEF 24105 f4 L IS USMEl CampelloFlickrFloresFlowersGeotaggedHikeLes Puntes de GosalvezMay DayMay Day PicnicNatural BeautyNaturalezaNatureOutdoorsPictoresquePlantsPoeticRomanticSenderismoSilvestreSpainTrailTravelWalkWildWildernesscomposicion creativacreative compositionfacebookmagic lightpradosmugmug
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.
Alex Stoen PhotographyChinatownLeica MP Typ 240LondonStreet PhotographySummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom
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.1DXAlex Stoen PhotographyCamelsCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 2470mm f2.8L USMGeotaggedIndiaSam Sand DunesSunsetThar DesertTravelVacation
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!
ASTOENHolland2015Smugmug1DXAlex Stoen PhotographyAmsterdamCanonCanon EOS 1DXComposition ExercisesEF 70200 f2.8 L IS USMFlickrFlowersGardenKeulenhofPrimaveraSpringTravelTulipanesTulipsVerticalfacebookjardinstems
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...
1DXAlex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 1DXChristmas 2014FrancePuymérasVaisonlaRomaine
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.
Alex Stoen PhotographyCubaLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mmTravel
Cadogan Square (London, United Kingdom 2018)
Cadogan Square is one of the most desirable residential addresses in London and is one of the most expensive in the United Kingdom. It is formed of a garden (restricted to residents) surrounded by red-brick houses, the majority of which have been converted into flats or apartments, with average property prices running close to £6 million. The few houses on the square that have not been converted into flats are said to be valued at over £25 million each! This photo is part of my project on old cars, which I hope to finish this year if the bloody pandemic allows me!
ASTOEN2018Smugmug1009204Alex Stoen PhotographyCadogan SquareCarClassicLeica MP Typ 240LondonOld CarSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdomantiquebritishstreet
Yayoi Kusama's Yellow Pumpkin (Naoshima Island, Japan 2015)
Yayoi Kusama is one of the most acclaimed Japanese artists. She is a precursor of Pop Art and influenced Andy Warhol as well as Claes Oldenburg. Her yellow pumpkin, dotted in black, has become somehow the icon of Naoshima, the Japanese island transformed in a cradle of modern and contemporary art. I shot this before sunrise, as the night's darkness slowly began to fade, allowing the famous pumpkin to contrast against the background.
Alex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 1DXEF 2470mm f2.8L II USMGeotaggedJapanNGExpeditionsNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsTravelVacation
Nuestra Señora de la Alegría (Alicante, Spain 2016)
Spain is known especially for its Holy Week traditions or Semana Santa. Throughout the country, brotherhoods carry magnificent floats with sculptures that depict different scenes from the gospels related to the Passion of Christ or the Sorrows of Virgin Mary. On the Sunday of Resurrection, the processions are jubilant with no faces covered, usually carrying sculptures of Jesus and Mary, and including an encounter of those floats. In Alicante, Nuestra Señora de la Alegría leaves the Basílica Santa María and meets with Jesus on the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, facing the city’s town hall.
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.
1DXAlex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 1DXEthiopiaGeotaggedLalibelaNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsTravelVacation
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.Alex Stoen PhotographyArchitectureCanon EOS 1DXCultureEF 1635 f2.8 L II USMFaithFrameGeotaggedMosqueMuscatNGExpeditionsOmanSultan Qaboos Grand MosqueSultanate of OmanTravelVacationarchcompositioncontrastgeometryminaretsymmetry
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!
Alex Stoen PhotographyChinaGeotaggedLeica MP Typ 240PortraitSummiluxM 35mmTravelVacation
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.
ASTOEN2018Smugmug1000400Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom
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.
ASTOEN2009smugmug25DMk2Alex Stoen PhotographyBicyclesCanonCanon 5D Mark IICollectionColoresColorfulColorsCouleursCountrysideCyclesEF 70200 f2.8 L IS USMEducationFlickrGeotaggedGirlsGoing to SchoolHai PhongHanoi to HalongHappinessIndochinaIndochineOff to SchoolRice FieldsRice PaddiesSchoolSchool GirlsSchool UniformsShadeSunSunnyTransportationTravelTwoUmbrelaUniformsVietnamcomposition
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.
ASTOENUnitedKingdom2017SmugmugAlex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdomvisitbritain
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.
1DXAlex Stoen PhotographyBenaresBicycleCanonCanon EOS 1DXCultureEF 2470mm f2.8L USMEconomicsFlickrGeotaggedGoogleIndiaIndia IncredibleLocal IndustryMachineryPiperIndiaSilk WeavingStreet PhotographyTravelVacationVaranasifacebooksmugmug
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?
ASTOENSpain2011Smugmug25590163655DMk2AbeilleAbejaAlex Stoen PhotographyBeeBees and FlowersCanonCanon EOS 5D Mark IICollectionCycleDetailsDetallesEF 70200 f2.8 L IS USMExtension TubeFlickrFlowerInsectsLookMiradaNaturalezaNaturePicasaPicassaPolenProject365SharpStareVia VerdeVolandoflyingfreezelifemacrowebhwork
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!
ASTOEN2013Smugmug38765DMk2Alex Stoen PhotographyBaganBurmaCanonCanon EOS 5D Mark IIGeotaggedMyanmarNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsPortraitTravelVacation
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!
ASTOENOman2017Smugmug1006401Alex Stoen PhotographyGeotaggedLeica MP Typ 240NGExpeditionsSummiluxM 35mmTravelVacation
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
In the Shadow of Time (Holguin, 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. 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 made this photograph by the Parque Calixto Garcia in Holguin, on the oriental side of the island.
ASTOENCuba2012smugmug6986American ClassicsBeat upBlueCarCarsClassicClassicsCollectiblesCuban CarsDestinationFrameHolguinIslandMaquinaMysteriousOld CarPortalRestoredShadowsSkyStreet PhotographyTransportationTravelTropicalWhiteWornclassic carsmomentoldpinkstrang shadowstime
Tango on the steps of the Trocadéro (Paris, France 2014)
As long as the weather is good, tango enthusiasts gather on the steps of the Trocadéro overlooking the Tour Eiffel, to dance seductively until twilight. Paris is such a fun place to visit, specially in the late spring/ealy summer. Don't do too much during the day, or you'll miss out on the incredibly nightlife!
The Garden of Europe (Lisse, 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!
ASTOENHolland2015Smugmug3112AmsterdamBeautifulBeautyBloomBlossomBrightCanonColorColorfulCuteFieldFlowerFlowersGardenGreenKeukenhofKeulenhofLandscapeNaturalNatureNetherlandsPetalPlantSpringSunnyTravelTulipsViewWhitebackgroundjardinlovelypinkredseasontulip
The Land of the Rising Sun (Naoshima Island, Japan 2015)
Naoshima Island is home to the Benesse Art Site. Based on the concept of coexistence among nature, architecture, and art, the complex, intended to blend increasingly into the natural environment of Setonaikai National Park as the years go by, was entirely designed by Tadao Ando. Contemporary art is displayed not only within the museum galleries, but also in all parts of the buildings and surrounding area. It is a place where people can explore art, nature, architecture, and their own thoughts in a multi-layered and synergistic fashion. Fortunate guests can stay overnight, and take their artistic immersion to a whole different level! I captured my first Japanese sunrise from the terrace, which seemed to extend all the way to the horizon.
ASTOENJapan2015Smugmug500pxAlex Stoen PhotographyArchitectureArtBenesse HouseCanon EOS 1DXChairsCoupleDeckEF 2470mm f2.8L II USMFlickrGeotaggedGoldenGoogleHorizonKagawaMuseumNGExpeditionsNaoshima IslandNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsPairProfilePunto de FugaSetSilhouetteSunriseTerraceTravelVacationVanishing Pointcreative compositionfacebookinfinitylines
Portrait In the Blue City (Jodhpur, India 2015)
As the Blue City of Jodhpur awakens, its residents begin their daily routine. This is the best time to wander around without attracting too much attention. While exploring the old quarter, close to the Mehrangarh Fort, I made a portrait of this woman who really caught my attention with her colorful sari, but even more so the strength she seemed to express under her calm gaze.
ASTOENIndia2015Smugmug9429Alex Stoen PhotographyBlue CityCanon EOS 1DXGazeGeotaggedJodhpurPortraitRajasthanTravelVacationincredibleindia
The Unfinished Mingun Pagoda (Mandalay, Myanmar 2013)
A local Burmese woman stands by the southern entrance to the Mingun pagoda, cracked during an earthquake in 1839. It was built to house a relic of the Buddha, the brick structure was originally intended to be over 150 meters tall, but a series of factors impeded its completion such as technological challenges associated with such a large project, insufficient labor, because many of the slaves brought over for the construction project escaped, and probably most importantly, a prophecy went around in the Kingdom saying that once the pagoda was finished, the Kingdom would come to an end. I sure this may have led to a deliberate slowdown of the project!
When the King died in 1819 the project was indefinitely stopped and none of his successors resumed work on it. In front of the pagoda facing the river are the remains of two giant Chinthe lions about 29 meters high, guarding the temple… I can't help but wonder how impressive the finished project would have looked like if it had been completed…ASTOENMyanmar2013smugmugBurmaGeotaggedGoogleHorizontalMandalayMandalyNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsTravelVacation
Dassanech Tribal Dance (Omorate, Ethiopia 2014)
The Omo Valley, situated in Africa’s Great Rift, is home to an estimated 200,000 indigenous peoples who have lived there for millennia. The Dassanech (meaning ‘People from the Delta”) inhabit the southernmost region of the valley, where the Omo River Delta enters Lake Turkana.
To reach the village, I had to cross the Omo river in a dugout canoe, so I travelled light, with 2 camera bodies - one with a telephoto-zoom lens and the other wide-angle. With so much dust, the last thing you want to do is to change lenses on the camera and expose your sensor!1DXAfricaAlex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 1DXDasenechEF 70200 f2.8 L IS USMEthiopiaGeotaggedNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsOmo ValleyOmorateTravelTribesVacation
Waterloo Bridge Book Market (London, United Kingdom 2017)
Tucked under Waterloo Bridge on Queen's Walk is one of London's best kept secrets: one of the only outdoor secondhand and antique book markets in southern England. Open daily, rain or shine, many locals come to browse through the hundreds of classics and contemporary titles, comics, maps and prints. My favorite time go is right before sunset, when the sun is low and the light reaches under the bridge illuminating the many rows and stacks of books.
ASTOENUnitedKingdom2017Smugmug1009899BooksBridgeCoverCultureDestinationHiddenLiteratureLondonQueen's WalkReadingSaleSecretsTravelUnited KingdomWaterloo Bridgebook marketbrowsediscoverholidaylocallocal secretmarketmomentsecondhandsellstreettitlestucked awaywonder
La Maquina del 53 (Gibara, 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. 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 the small fishing village of Gibara, on the eastern side of the island.
ASTOENCuba2012Smugmug7215ClassicGibaraHorizontalMaquinaTravelframedold
Solitude (Cancale, France 2015)
We've now been staying at home for a full week. In these are very challenging times, I hope everyone is keeping safe! While we all maintain social distancing, fundamental to get through this pandemic, I urge we all stay in touch with our friends and loved ones. I often find myself 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. Keep safe everyone, #stayathome #quedateencasa!
Alex Stoen PhotographyBlueBoatBretagneCancaleFranceLeica MP Typ 240OceanTravelVacationWaterWaves
The Camel Caravan (Arabian Desert, United Arab Emirates 2017)
While exploring the Arabian Desert outside the @AlMaha_Resort, I came across this camel caravan traveling back to camp. I jumped out of the Land Cruiser and raced to the front of the caravan to compose against the setting sun. This is the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR), UAE’s first national park. It's a protected environment for the last of the desert wildernesses, setup to preserve its unique and beautiful desert habitat, and the many threatened flora and fauna species within. If you ever travel to Dubai, I highly recommend checking out this amazing initiative.
Alex Stoen PhotographyArabian DesertBest destinationCamel CaravanCamelsDesertDubai Desert Conservation ReserveEmiratesGeotaggedLeica MP Typ 240Middle EastNGExpeditionsNational ParkSilhouetteSummiluxM 35mmTravelUAEVacationcaravancreative compositionspecial moments
Cañada de la Leña (Murcia, Spain 2012)
While I lived in Spain, I loved to explore the small rural villages. I captured this scene in Cañada de la Leña, a tiny village with a population of 138. The name most certainly refers to the grapevines that have been surrounding the village for centuries. During the summer, the temperature in this region of Spain has been known to reach 45ºC - the shade from this tree must have provided some relief!
ASTOENSpain2012Smugmug6236AbandonedChairsCountrysideDesertedDoorMurciaPuebloReliefRestRural LifeShadeTravelTreeVillageWalldecaygrapevinesmain streetoldrural scenesmall
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.
ASTOEN2016Smugmug1002934Alex Stoen PhotographyChinaGeotaggedLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mmTravelVacationYangshuo
Le champs des coquelicots (Vercoiran, France 2019)
Last year, I returned to the small Provençal village where I spent so many years of my childhood. Roaming through the surrounding fields and seeing familiar details brought back a sense of nostalgia, yet accompanied by a renewed appreciation for the natural beauty of the smallest things, so often overlooked in our daily bustling lives.
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.
1DX500pxAlex Stoen PhotographyBaganBurmaCanonCanon EOS 1DXFlickrGeotaggedGoogleInle LakeMyanmarNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsTravelVacationfacebooksmugmug
La Cumpleañera (Daxu, China 2016)
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!ASTOENChina2016Smugmug1004057Alex Stoen PhotographyDaxuGeotaggedIsisLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mmTravelVacation
The Children of Jinka (Omo Valley, Ethiopia 2014)
In 2014, I visited OMO CHILD, a home that cares for Mingi (cursed) children abandoned/sentenced to death by their tribes. The practice is slowly disappearing thanks to efforts like OMO CHILD. I had a chance to see the school in Jinka, where local and Mingi children were educated together…what an incredible experience. I came across this beautiful girl on her way home after school.
For more information on Mingi children and the ongoing efforts to protect them, I recommend you have a look at http://omochild.org/.ASTOENEthiopia2014Smugmug1DXAfricaAlex Stoen PhotographyAspirationCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 70200 f2.8 L IS USMFaces of AbyssiniaFlickrGeotaggedGirlGoogleJinkaNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsOmo ValleySchoolTravelVacationfacebookinnocence
Itsukushima Shinto Shrine Torii (Miyajima, Japan 2015)
Considered one of the top three sites in all of Japan, the Itsukushima Torii appears to float when observed at high tide, adding to the sense of place of this incredible and sacred shrine.
The key elements seemed to come together, the light, the tide, the sky, the clouds... I managed to pull a 30 second exposure at mid-day using a 10-stop neutral density filter, along with a 0.3 soft graduated filter, smoothing out the water and capturing the slight movement of the clouds.ASTOENJapan2015Smugmug6773AmazingAsiaBest destinationBreathtakingCloudsDevotionGateIslandItsukushima Shinto Shrine ToriiLong ExposureLuckMiyajimaMiyajima IslandMomemtPeacePerfectionReligionSacredSeaSense of PlaceShintoShrineSkyToriiTranquilityTravelVacationWaterblurcreative compositioniconicspecial moments
Fountain of Life (Rajasthan, India 2015)
Deserts are known to be inhospitable, yet they also hold unimaginable colors. Few realize that the Thar Desert is the most densely populated desert in the world, home to over 40% of Rajasthan's population.
I captured this shot close to the India-Pakistan border, after attending the annual Desert Festival and Camel show, held in Jaisalmer.ASTOENIndia2015Smugmug84231DXAlex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 70200 f2.8 L IS USMGeotaggedSunsetThar DesertTravelVacation