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The Big Sister (Longsheng, China 2016)
While visiting China's Longji rice terraces, I stayed in the small village of Longsheng, and I visited one of the old traditional homes, where an amazing old lady lived with her very charismatic great-granddaughter. The little girl lost her parents a few months before and was now under the care of her grandparents. It was a very difficult subject to talk about, with the parents having been the principal source of income for the entire family. The grandparents eventually went back to being the bread-winners. Here, a kind neighbor came to help, acting as a big sister. It was a very interesting scene to watch.
Alex Stoen PhotographyChinaGeotaggedLeica MP Typ 240LongjiLongji Rice TerracesLongshengSummiluxM 35mmTravelVacation
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 2017)
This architectural work of art is one the world’s largest mosques, with a capacity for an astonishing 40,000 worshippers. It features 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, 24 karat gold gilded chandeliers and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet. The main prayer hall is dominated by one of the world’s largest chandeliers –10 meters in diameter, 15 meters in height and weighing twelve tons. The mosque's first ceremony was the funeral of its namesake, Sheikh Zayed, who is buried at the site. Photographing the place is not easy. Getting there early and beating the crowds is the only way. I shot this super wide in order to give a sense of place (16mm + Circular Polarizing filter).
ASTOEN2017Smugmug4114Alex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 1DXGeotaggedNGExpeditionsTravelUAEVacation
Autumn in Greenwich Park (London, United Kingdom 2019)
Fall is probably my favorite time of the year. The heat of the summer has passed and you can feel nature winding down. It's a moment of amazing colors and incredible sunsets, a perfect time to take long strolls through the park. I feel blessed having so many parks around me being in London. This was taken in Greenwich Park, overlooking the River Thames and home to the Royal Observatory and the Prime Meridian, the reference point for the rest of the world. The park is an amazing mix of 17th century landscape, stunning gardens and a rich history that dates back to Roman times.
ASTOEN2019Smugmug1004232Alex Stoen PhotographyAutumnFallGreenwich ParkLeica CameraLeica MP Typ 240LondonNatureSeasonsSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom
The Double Nine Players (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. Time seems to be one of the few things that many Cubans have plenty of. I captured this scene in the streets of Gibara, a small fishing village on the north-eastern coast of the island. The game of dominoes is one of the pastimes that best identifies the nature of Cubans and covers every inch of the island. Playing dominoes provides an excellent excuse for having a few shots of rum with friends, of exchanging opinions on the political scene worldwide and the latest gossip in the neighborhood.
ASTOEN2019Smugmug7836Alex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 1DXCubaDominioGameGibaraPlayStreet PhotographyTraveleveryday lifeeveryday scenesstockstreet scene
Emerging Shadows at Shoreditch (London, United Kingdom 2018)
Located in trendy east London, where walls are splashed with colourful street art, Shoreditch is a creative hub full of hip pubs and cafes, edgy art galleries and legendary nightclubs. I captured this street scene as the late afternoon emerging shadows battled the retreating sunlight, a perfect environment for a Leica and a 35mm prime lens!
ASTOENUnitedKingdom2018Smugmug1006811Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240LondonShoreditchSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom
The Hilltribes Market of Muong Hum (Lao Cai, Vietnam 2009)
As I arrived on the overnight train from Hanoi to Lai Cai, on the border with China, my guide kindly asks: "would you rather go to a market where we'll find 6 different ethnic tribes, very popular with the visiting tourists, or take a 4x4 up the mountains and go to a much smaller market, frequented by just 4 ethnic tribes but with no tourists?". I started questioning his sense of humor, but before long, I was in the front seat of an old jeep, making my way up the muddy roads towards the village of Muong Hum. The visit did not disappoint! The regional ethnic minorities filled the market, some selling their goods, others buying supplies to take back to their villages, tucked away in the mountains. Being the lone tourist in this environment, I was pleasantly surprised to see how friendly everyone was, and receptive to having their photographs taken. My voyage to Vietnam was truly an eye-opener for me, as I re-discovered my passion for travel photography.
ASTOEN2009smugmug75965DMk2Alex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 5D Mark IICollectionEF 70200 f2.8 L IS USMGeotaggedHilltribesHilltribes MarketMuong Hum MarketPeoplePortraitSapaTravelVietnammarket
Making a Splash! (Riga, Latvia 2018)
In the heart of Medieval Riga, the labyrinthine pedestrianized streets of Old Town are still outflanked by massive church spires and guild houses. They date to the Middle Ages when Old Riga was a place of peaceful religion and trade, independent of nearby militarized states.
I made this photograph in Livu square. Unlike other historic squares in the old town, this one was created by the Soviets who leveled historic neighborhoods that stood in its place... Looking at the nearby guild halls that survived Soviet occupation, I can only imagine what this place once looked like!ASTOENLatvia2018Smugmug1009716Alex Stoen PhotographyBaltic StatesLeica MP Typ 240RigaSummiluxM 35mm
Old man sitting in a field (Jodhpur, India 2015)
As the sun set in the countryside outside Jodhpur, I came across this peculiar old man, sitting in a field by the dirt road. I kindly asked to take his photo and was answered by the graceful head wobble giving me his OK. The key to capturing a good portrait is being able to connect with the person in front of the lens in order to move the viewer. India is one of those places where breaking the ice is so easy and people just love the attention of being photographed…
ASTOENIndia2015smugmug1DXAlex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 2470mm f2.8L USMFlickrGeotaggedGoogleJodhpurPocket WizardPortraitRetratoTravelVacationfacebookoff shoe flashold man
Lijn 12 Antwerpen (Antwerp, Belgium 2018)
Last year, 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 scene of a classic Tram making its way towards the port. This city is full of wonders such as the 16th-century Guildhouses at the Grote Markt and its statue of Brabo.
ASTOENBelgium2018Smugmug0878Alex Stoen PhotographyAntwerpAppleStreet PhotographyTRAMTransportationiPhoneXiphoneographynarrowshotoniphone
Temple of the Golden Pavilion
Many visit Japan in spring to witness the famous cherry blossoms, but fall can be just as interesting if not more. Here is Kinkaku-ji, officially named Rokuon-ji, but also known as the Golden Pavilion. It is regarded as one of the most popular Zen Buddhist temples in Japan. According to the religious records, the three-story building holds relics of the Buddha (Buddha's Ashes).
ASTOENJapan2015Smugmug1002618ArchitectureAsiaBeautifulBest destinationBuddhist templesDesignDestinationGardenGoldenGolden PavilionHorizontalJapaneseKinkakujiKyotoMistNaturalNaturePeacePerfectionQuietReflectionReligionRokuonjiTempleTemple of the Golden PavilionTranquilityTravelTreeVacationWaterZenbuddhabuddhismmorningtourism
The Lost Forest (Vall de Gallinera, Spain 2012)
Long exposure of a lone burnt tree, in what was once a lush forest in the mountains surrounding Alicante. A devastating fire raged through a few years before, and this tree was somehow left standing, perhaps a reminder of what once stood on these slopes. It's so unfortunate and upsetting that many of these fires are intentional to profit from the land reconversion, a crime that usually goes unpunished.
ASTOENSpain2012smugmug500px5DMk2Alex Stoen PhotographyAlicanteAloneArbolBurnedCanonCanon EOS 5D Mark IICarlos SerranoCenizasCieloCollectionCreative LightingDeadEF 24105 f4 L IS USMEspañaFireFlickrFrom Dusk till DawnFuegoGoogleIlluminationLa ForadaLight PaintingLight PollutionNaturalezaNatureNightNight PhotographyNight SkyNocheNoctambulosNoctambulos en AccionNocturnalPerdidoPine TreePinoSkySolitudeSoloTreeVall de Gallineraarbol quemadocharredfacebookiluminacion creativalostpintar con luzstock
Autumn in Hyde Park (London, United Kingdom 2018)
Fall is now in full swing, so we decided to go to our favorite park in London: Hyde Park created by Henry VIII in the 16th century. The leaves have turned golden and have started to fall, blanketing the ground around the large trees.
ASTOENUnitedKingdom2018Smugmug1000475Alex Stoen PhotographyAutumnFallHyde ParkLeica MP Typ 240LondonRoyal ParksSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom
Happy Diwali (London, United Kingdom 2016)
Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is the most popular of all the festivals from South Asia. It is also the occasion for celebrations by Jains and Sikhs as well as Hindus. The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word deepavali, meaning "rows of lighted lamps". I shot this at Trafalgar Square in London a few years ago, where the local Hindu community held a massive celebration with incredible live shows and amazing food. I highly recommend the experience if you're in London at this time of the year!
ASTOENUnitedKingdom2016Smugmug1003307Alex Stoen PhotographyDiwaliEnglandFestival of LightsHinduLeica MP Typ 240LondonStreet PhotographySummiluxM 35mm
Kashi, the City of Light (Varanasi, India 2015)
Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Benaras, is the cultural capital of India. Varanasi is a melting pot, where both death and life come together. Dating to the 11th century B.C. (that’s over 3000 years!), this is one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities. It draws Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges River’s sacred waters and perform funeral rites. Along the city's winding streets are some 2,000 temples, including Kashi Vishwanath, the “Golden Temple,” dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
Lonely Planet describes the city as “one of the most blindingly colorful, unrelentingly chaotic and unapologetically indiscreet places on earth”. Not everyone is prepared to visit this incredible city, where the circle of life overpowers all of your senses. My local guide’s words sum if it perfectly: you don’t visit Varanasi, you live Varanasi. It was truly a life-changing experience for me.ASTOENIndia2015Smugmug5327Alex Stoen PhotographyBenaresBirdsBoatCanonGangesGeotaggedRowingSunriseTravelVacationVaranasiWatercity
Playful Shadows (Elche, Spain 2010)
I captured this shot in the streets of Elche, in southern Spain. The town was originally settled by the Greeks and then occupied by Carthaginians and Romans. Today, the city has grown to be the largest footwear manufacturer in Spain, and in Europe. Culture has always played an important role in the city over the years, and it's now home to two large universities. In 2000, UNESCO declared the city's 200,000 palm tree orchard a World Heritage Site.
ASTOEN2010Smugmug3233655DMk2Alex Stoen PhotographyAlmanecerBasilicaBicicletaBicycleBoyCanonCanon EOS 5D Mark IIChildChurchCiclistaCollectionCuadradaCycleDireccionEF 24105 f4 L IS USMElcheElxFlickrIglesiaJugando con lucesLampLightLumiereLuzNiñoPicasaPicassaPlayful ShadowsPlazaProject365RiderRidingShadings of LightShadowsSilhouetteSquareSunSunriseTeenagerdirectionjugandolineaslinesshutterstocksiluetasolsoleilsombrasstockwebs
Torre de Belém (Lisbon, Portugal 2019)
Officially called the Torre de São Vicente, this 16th-century fortification
served both as a fortress to guard the entrance to Lisbon's harbor, and as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon. It was the starting point for many of the voyages of discovery, and for the sailors, it was the last sight of their homeland. It was built during the height of the Portuguese Renaissance under the reign of Manuel I. The Tower of Belém is a cultural reference, a symbol of the specificity of Portugal at the time, including its privileged exchange with other cultures and civilisations.
I took this 60-second exposure at sunset, using a 10-stop neutral density filter, along with a 0.3 soft graduated filter.ASTOEN2019Smugmug7350Alex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 1DXLisbonPortugalTravel
The sacred 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.
Alex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 1DXEF 2470mm f2.8L II USMGeotaggedNGExpeditionsNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsTravelVacation
West India Quay (London, United Kingdom 2017)
London has been a bit gray these days, with an occasional drizzle every now and again. I captured this on my daily commute to work, from the Docklands Light Railway at Canary Wharf as my train was passing over West India Quay. It's hard to imagine how much the Isle of Dogs and Canary Wharf have evolved over the past decade. A century ago, dozens of clippers would have been moored here, unloading their cargo of tea, sugar, and rum. Today, under the towering shadows of a few symbolic cranes, reminders of an older era, Canary Wharf is now home to the world's leading financial firms.
ASTOEN2017Smugmug0075Alex Stoen PhotographyBlack WhiteBritainCanary WharfLondonReflectionsUnited KingdomWaterWest India QuayiPhoneXiphoneographyshotoniphone
Shades Of Autumn (London, United Kingdom 2016)
Fall is probably my favorite time of the year. The heat of the summer has passed and you can feel nature winding down. It's a moment of amazing colors and incredible sunsets, a perfect time to take long strolls through the park. I feel blessed having so many parks around me being in London. This was taken at the Isabella Plantation, a Victorian woodland garden inside Richmond Park, in south-west London.
ASTOEN2016Smugmug1003370Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mm
Hope, the new star at Hintze Hall (London, United Kingdom 2017)
A stunning 25-meter-long blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling takes centre stage in Hintze Hall, at the amazing Natural History Museum in London.
The female blue whale was named Hope by the Museum staff, as a symbol of humanity's power to shape a sustainable future. Blue whales were hunted to the brink of extinction in the twentieth century, but were also one of the first species that humans decided to save on a global scale.
Having been to the museum several times already, I knew exactly where to go as soon as the museum doors opened, and managed to get a few shots before the main hall got filled with visitors. This is a good example of a situation where HDR photography works well. I took 3 shots, one underexposed to capture the detail of the ceiling windows, a standard exposure of the blue-tone lit whale skeleton, and an overexposed shot to catch the architectural details of the main hall - this procedure is called exposure bracketing. I finally merged the 3 images in Lightroom to produce an HDR photograph.ASTOEN2017SmugmugAlex Stoen PhotographyBlue WhaleCanon EOS 1DXGreat BritainHintze HallHopeLondonNHMNatural History MusuemUnited Kingdom
Portobello Road Market (London, United Kingdom 2017)
Located in London's Notting Hill neighborhood, Portobello Road hosts an incredibly interesting market, very popular with the tourists. The market began as many other London markets and sold mainly fresh-food in the 19th century; antiques and wares dealers arrived in the late 1940s and '50s, and gradually antiques have become the main attraction of this market, especially on Saturday mornings. The market seems to inherit the lively colors that make Portobello Road and Notting Hill such an interesting place to explore. This lonely leaf on an empty vendor's cart really caught my eye, adding a sense of season to my story of this colorful place.
ASTOEN2017Smugmug1005607Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom
As the city awakens (Jaisalmer, India 2015)
Ever so slowly, the soft morning light begins to reveal the details in the narrow streets of Jaisalmer. The city gradually wakes.
Some clean the streets, others make their way to the small local market. It doesn't take me long to realize there is not a single tourist in sight... I feel it's one of those pure moments that end up leaving a mark on my soul...ASTOENIndia2015smugmug79541DXAlex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 1DXDaily LifeEF 70200 f2.8 L IS USMFlickrGeotaggedGoogleJaisalmerSoft LightStreet PhotographyStreetsTravelVacationfacebookmarket
Colors of Key Afer Market (Key Afer, Ethiopia 2014)
Located deep in the Omo Valley, the village of Key Afer holds a market every Thursday, attracting tribal minorities such as the Ari, Bonna and Tsemay people who come for livestock. I was surprised to see how colorful the market was, from the local shops to the traditional clothes worn by the different tribes. Exploring Ethiopia with National Geographic Expeditions was really an eye-opener, allowing me to discover a lot about the southern minorities, and how the growing tourism industry is changing their daily lives.
ASTOENEthiopia2014smugmug99981DXAbyssiniaAfricaAlex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 1DXColorsColors of AfricaEF 70200 f2.8 L IS USMFlickrGeotaggedGoogleKey Afer Market ScenesNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsOmo ValleyScenes of AfricaStreet PhotographyTravelVacationfacebookmarket
Xijiang, home of the one thousand Miao 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, its many traditional dark wooden houses have been restored to their original appearance in a bid to boost tourism.
I captured this moment at the Sightseeing Platform right before sunset. It's the best place to enjoy the panorama of Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village and where many Chinese tourists rent traditional costumes of the Miao people and get their photos taken.ASTOENChina2016Smugmug1007793Alex Stoen PhotographyGeotaggedLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mmTravelVacation
Sweet 16 (Alicante, Spain 2016)
My son is no longer a boy and is turning into a young man as he celebrates his 16th birthday today! I wish him all the best in this important year to come. I made this creative composition of Jonathan as he was sitting next to the Pasarela del Postiguet, a contemporary pedestrian bridge in Alicante, designed in a curved form and illuminated at night by internal LEDs. It makes for some very creative photography! If you're enjoying a walk along the Playa del Postiguet, below the Castillo de Santa Barbara, you cannot miss it.
ASTOENSpain2016Smugmug1005810Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240
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.
ASTOEN2019Smugmug1001788Alex Stoen PhotographyCubaHavanaLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mmTravel
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!
ASTOEN2013Smugmug07251DXAlex Stoen PhotographyBurmaCanonCanon EOS 1DXGeotaggedMyanmarNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsTravelVacationYangon
The tabacco farmers of Viñales (Pinar del Rio, Cuba 2019)
On my trip to Cuba this year, I was finally able to get to the tobacco fields of Viñales, in Cuba’s famous province of Pinar del Rio. This was the season’s first crop, with the best leaves destined for cigar making. The second crop is then used for cigarettes. Growing tobacco is no easy job, with the farmers working all day to meet the government production quotas. To make this photo in the harsh afternoon light, I used a 0.9 Neutral Density filter, allowing me to maintain the lens aperture reasonably wide.
ASTOEN2019Smugmug1002048Alex Stoen PhotographyCubaLeica MP Typ 240Pinar del RioSummiluxM 35mmTravelViñales
The sadhus of Benares (Varanasi, India 2015)
In Hinduism, a sadhu is a religious ascetic or holy person. He is solely dedicated to achieving liberation, the fourth and final stage of life, through meditation and contemplation of Brahman. Sadhus often wear saffron-coloured clothing, symbolising their renunciation, leaving behind all material attachments.
Living as a sadhu is a difficult lifestyle. Sadhus are considered to be dead unto themselves, and legally dead to the country of India. As a ritual, they may be required to attend their own funeral before following a guru for many years, serving him by doing menial tasks until acquiring the necessary experience to leave his leadership.ASTOENIndia2015Smugmug63311DXAlex Stoen PhotographyBenaresCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 2470mm f2.8L USMFaithGeotaggedGhatHoly MenPortraitReligionSadhuTravelVacationVaranasi
Notting Hill Carnival (London, United Kingdom 2019)
Notting Hill Carnival, which takes place on the Sunday and Monday of the British summer bank holiday each year. This Carnival is the largest street festival in Europe and originated in 1964 as a way for Afro-Caribbean communities to celebrate their own cultures and traditions. The roots of the carnival go back to the Caribbean carnivals of the early 19th century which were all about celebrating the abolition of slavery and the slave trade.
I made this photograph on the carnival's second day, which is usually more colorful, with more floats and incredible costumes! The event is so popular that it attracted a crowd of 2 million! It's an amazing array of sounds, colourful sights and social solidarity. With so many great photos, it was hard to pick up the best ones, but this one stood out to me because of the way it conveys the story, with all its emotions. Looking forward to next year's event!!!ASTOEN2019Smugmug1000629Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica Q2LondonNotting Hill CarnavalTravelUnited Kingdom
Notting Hill Carnival (London, United Kingdom 2019)
Today marks the second and last day of this year's Notting Hill Carnival, which takes place on the Sunday and Monday of the British summer bank holiday each year. This Carnival is the largest street festival in Europe and originated in 1964 as a way for Afro-Caribbean communities to celebrate their own cultures and traditions. The roots of the carnival go back to the Caribbean carnivals of the early 19th century which were all about celebrating the abolition of slavery and the slave trade. Today, the Notting Hill Carnival is huge, attracting a crowd of 2 million! It's an amazing array of sounds, colourful sights and social solidarity. Today's event was just crazy, with loads of great photos, but this shot stood out to me because of the way it conveys the story, with all its emotions. Looking forward to next year's event!!!
ASTOEN2019Smugmug1000666Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica Q2LondonNotting Hill CarnavalTravelUnited Kingdom
Notting Hill Carnival (London, United Kingdom 2019)
Today marks the first day of this year's Notting Hill Carnival, which takes place on the Sunday and Monday of the British summer bank holiday each year. This Carnival is the largest street festival in Europe and originated in 1964 as a way for Afro-Caribbean communities to celebrate their own cultures and traditions. The roots of the carnival go back to the Caribbean carnivals of the early 19th century which were all about celebrating the abolition of slavery and the slave trade. Today, the Notting Hill Carnival is huge, attracting a crowd of 2 million! It's an amazing array of sounds, colourful sights and social solidarity. Today's event was just crazy, like a huge explosion of colors, sounds, people making this carnival one of a kind!
ASTOEN2019Smugmug1000217Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica Q2LondonNotting Hill CarnavalTravelUnited Kingdomcarnaval
Discovering The Great Wall (Mutianyu, China 2016)
Perhaps the most recognizable symbol of China and its long and vivid history, the Great Wall of China actually consists of numerous walls and fortifications, many running parallel to each other. The best-known and best-preserved section of the Great Wall was built in the 14th through 17th centuries A.D., during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). I had seen so many different photos of the wall, so I decided to add a creative element to my compositions. It was a long day of hiking, but well worth the effort as we had the wall almost to ourselves.
ASTOENChina2016SmugmugAlex Stoen PhotographyAmazingAsiaBest destinationBreathtakingCanon EOS 1DXCultureDefenseEF 2470mm f2.8L II USMGeotaggedGreat WallHeritageMutianyuSouvenirTravelVacationWalliconmomenttourism
Czy pijesz piwo? Do you dink beer? (Wroclaw, Poland 2019)
Beer in Poland has been brewed for well over a thousand years! Little did I know that Poland is Europe's third-largest beer producer after the UK and Germany. I made this portrait of Natalia who kindly served us a few rounds of the local beer. Before World War II, Wroclaw was actually named Breslau, a German city since the 13th century which explains the Bohemian culture I saw around the city.
Wroclaw's historic City Hall (Wroclaw, Poland 2019)
This past week, I made a business trip to Wroclaw, my first visit to Poland. Located at the intersection of two long-existing trading routes, the Via Regia and the Amber Road, it was one of the centres of the Duchy of Poland, and briefly, in the first half of the 13th century, the centre of half of the divided Kingdom of Poland. German settlers arrived in increasing numbers after the Mongol invasion, and Wrocław eventually became part of the Kingdom of Bohemia. After the War of Austrian Succession, the Silesian region was added to Prussia, and later part of the German Empire. After World War II, Wrocław and most of Silesia were transferred to Poland. I made this panoramic shot of the city's main square and historic Town Hall by stitching 5 vertical photos taken in rapid sequence in order to reduce the ghosting effect caused by moving elements.
ASTOEN2019SmugmugAlex Stoen PhotographyCity HallHistoricLeica Q2PolandTravelWroclaw
Colorful Old Havana (Havana Cuba, 2019)
Havana was founded by the Spanish 500 years ago in 1519, in the natural harbor of the Bay of Havana. It became a stopping point for the treasure-laden Spanish galleons on the crossing between the New World and the Old World. As I walk through the narrow streets of Old Havana, time seems to stop, or crawl... Many buildings have fallen into ruin in the latter half of the 20th century, but it's nice to see that a growing number are being restored. I composed this photograph as the sun was setting and people were hurrying home, not paying much attention to a tourist taking photos of old cars. The colors in this scene really struck me so I tried to frame my shot around them. The lady passing in front wasn't just pure luck. As I framed the photo, I saw here coming in the corner of my eye, and simply waiting for her to step into the frame to complete the shot. She may have felt guilty for stepping in front of my shot, but I was grateful she did!
ASTOEN2019Smugmug7630Alex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 1DXCubaHavanaTravel
Vilnius Cathedral Basilica of St. Stanislaus and St. Vladislaus (Vilnius, Lithuania 2019)
The Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of Vilnius is the most important Catholic building in Lithuania. It is situated in Vilnius Old Town, just off of Cathedral Square. Dedicated to Saints Stanislaus and Ladislaus, the church is the heart of Catholic spiritual life in Lithuania.
There are a lot of stories and legends when this Basilica was constructed.
Some state that it was built by the great King Mindaugas in the 13th century. Other legends are telling that the Cathedral is standing in the ancient pagans sanctum, where Thunder God Perkūnas was worshiped. When king Mindaugas was baptized, he ordered the Basilica to be built in this location to show his loyalty to Christianity. Some say that after Mindaugas death, the Cathedral was turned into a pagans sanctum again.
St. John Paul II started his historic visit to Lithuania with a prayer at the Vilnius Cathedral Basilica, which he called “the beating heart of the Lithuanian nation”.ASTOEN2019SmugmugAlex Stoen PhotographyBaltic StatesLeica Q2LithuaniaTravelVilnius
The Miao girls from Basha (Guizhoiu, China 2016)
I captured this portrait of these two Miao girls in the village of Basha, located deep into mountains of southwest China's Guizhou province. The Basha is a unique and ancient subgroup of the Miao tribe. Some 2,000 men and women of this tribe still live in wooden houses, practice centuries-old customs, and hold unique beliefs. An interesting fact is that the Basha people are the only group in China allowed to carry guns (for hunting). I couldn't understand what the girls were talking about, but I think it was about boys...
ASTOENChina2016Smugmug1009644Alex Stoen PhotographyBashaLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mm
The Tree of Clouds (New Mexico, USA 2019)
Along our 5 hour drive from Colorado to Santa Fe, I spotted this lonely tree along side the State Road, not far from Taos, New Mexico. Realising the photographic opportunity, I made a mental note of my surroundings to try to stop on our way back, the next day. Located on a curve, overlooking the Rio Grande George in the distance, I had no problem finding the spot and was able to compose a few landscape shots. This is a composite of several vertical shots stitched together as a panorama in Photoshop. This process give me the ability to create very large photographs, using a high quality prime lens, by simply combining “slices” from a scene into a large landscape, without losing details. The resulting scene is over 70 megapixels.
ASTOENUnitedStates2019SmugmugAlex Stoen PhotographyColoradoLeica Q2TravelUSA
El Santuario de Chimayó (New Mexico, USA 2019
The El Santuario de Chimayo is considered the most important pilgrimage site in the United States. Its popularity owes to the curative powers of the “Tierra Bendita” or “holy dirt” found in a small hole in a precept off the main altar. For nearly 200 years, the dirt is believed by many to have miraculous healing powers over a wide variety of ailments and afflictions.
As the legend goes, in 1810, a member of the local Penitente order was performing his rites when he saw a light emanating from a hillside near the Santa Cruz river. As he approached the light, he was surprised to discover that it was originating from beneath the ground. He started to dig, and found a rather large crucifix bearing a black Christ. He left the Christo sticking out of the ground, and ran back to get his brothers, so they could perform the appropriate benedictions.
The crucifix, known as “Nuestro de Senor de Esquipulas” or the “Black Christ of Esquipulas,” was instantly considered highly sacred and was brought to the nearby church at Santa Cruz in a ceremonial procession and placed in the high altar. The next day, the Christo was gone, and was eventually found in the hole where it came from. This happened three times before the priests, weary of making the procession from Chimayo to Santa Cruz, decided to build a small chapel over the hole where the crucifix was found. Almost immediately, the dirt from the hole started to effect miraculous healing cures.
The story of how a crucifix from Esquipulas, a small town in Guatemala, came to be buried in a remote location in the New Mexico wilderness, was a mystery until someone discovered documents from the Diocese in Durango that tell the story of a Guatemalan priest who had come with the first settlers of Chimayo. The priest from Esquipulas preached to the local Indians and carried around a large crucifix. The Indians rebelled and killed the priest, and he was buried by the settlers, who used the crucifix to mark his grave. In 1810, the Santa Cruz river flooded, and the crucifix and body of the priest were uncovered. Those who remembered the priest exclaimed “That is the padre from Esquipulas!” and that is how the Christo’s origins were known. Interestingly, Esquipulas is also a holy pilgrimage site known for it’s clay which is said to have curative powers, and the site where the crucifix was found was already considered sacred by the Tewa Indians long before the Spanish even arrived.ASTOEN2019Smugmug1030516Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica Q2New MexicoSanctuario de ChimayoTravelUSA
Hiking up Cheyenne Cañon (Colorado Springs, USA 2019)
The hiking trails in Cheyenne Cañon have become our famiy's favorite spot to get some excersise, located only a few minutes drive from the house. The views from the top of the trail are spectacular! I made this panoramic composite by merging 5 vertical photos straight from Lightroom.
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Pueblo de Taos (New Mexico, USA 2019)
Located just north of the modern city of Taos, New Mexico, Pueblo de Taos is an ancient pueblo belonging to a Taos-speaking (Tiwa) Native American tribe of Puebloan people. The pueblos are considered to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States. The Taos community is known for being one of the most private, secretive, and conservative pueblos. Natives will almost never speak of their religious customs to outsiders, and because their language has never been written down, much of the culture remains unknown to the rest of the world.
As I approached the pueblo, I couldn't help but imagine how the first Spanish visitors may have felt when they originally arrived in 1540 as part of the Francisco Vásquez de Coronado expedition, in search of the rumored Seven Cities of Gold... Throughout the 1600s, cultural tensions grew between the native populations of the Southwest and the increasing Spanish colonial presence, culminating in the killing of the priest and the destruction of the church. Later, during the Mexican–American War of 1847, a force of Mexicans and Taos killed the local governor and marched on Santa Fe. The revolt was suppressed after the rebels took refuge in San Geronimo Mission Church. The American troops bombarded the church, killing or capturing the insurrectionists and destroying the physical structure, the ruins of which can still be seen today in the pueblo's cemetery.ASTOEN2019Smugmug1030439Alex Stoen PhotographyColoradoLeica Q2TravelUSA
Old Colorado City (Colorado Springs, USA 2019)
Old Colorado City was founded during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush of 1859 and was involved in the mining industry, both as a supply hub and as a gold ore processing center beginning in the 1890s. Residents of Colorado City worked at some of the 50 coal mines of the Colorado Springs area. It was briefly the capital of the Colorado Territory. For many years, Colorado Springs prohibited the use of alcohol within its border due to the lifestyle of Colorado City's opium dens, bordellos, and saloons. It is now a tourist area, with boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
I am so happy to be back in Colorado after so many years. So much has changed, yet it's charm is still very much alive!ASTOEN2019Smugmug1020552Alex Stoen PhotographyColoradoLeica Q2TravelUSA
Temple of the Golden Pavilion (Kyoto, Japan 2015)
Many visit Japan in spring to witness the famous cherry blossoms, but fall can be just as interesting if not more. Here is Kinkaku-ji, officially named Rokuon-ji, but also known as the Golden Pavilion. It is regarded as one of the most popular Zen Buddhist temples in Japan. According to the religious records, the three-story building holds relics of the Buddha (Buddha's Ashes).
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Wadi Aday (Muscat, Sultanate of Oman 2017)
Tucked away between the mountains outside Muscat, Wadi Aday is the largest dry riverbed in the area. I captured this posed portrait of Zahra in an abandoned house, alongside the wadi. I wonder how much daily life has changed since the original owners used to live between these mud brick walls.
Photo made during a #NGExpeditions trip to #Oman, traveling the sands of time.ASTOEN2017Smugmug1006735AbandonedAdventureArabianArabian PeninsulaCreative LightingExploreHorizontalModelMuscatOmanOmaniOrientOrientalRuinsStaircaseStairsSultanate of OmanSun FlareTravelVacationWadiWadi Adayholidaysmud brick wallsmudbrickstockwooden door
The Popa Taungkalat shrine (Mount Popa, Myanmar 2013)
Fifty kilometers southeast of Bagan in Central Myanmar at the base of Mt Popa (meaning “flower” in Sanskrit) is a solitary peak topped by gold stupas. The Popa Taungkalat shrine is the favored home of 37 Mahagiri Nats or animist spirit entities, statues of which can be found at its base. These spirits were once so important to the country's early Kings that it was essential for them to consult the Nats before commencing their reign.
To reach the top, you need to remove shoes and socks and climb the 777 steps to the summit. Along the way are a multitude of monkeys expecting treats. Sometimes they can get a little aggressive so it's recommended that you keep a tight grip on your possessions!ASTOENMyanmar2013Smugmug45231DXAlex Stoen PhotographyBaganBurmaCanonCanon EOS 1DXGeotaggedNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsTravelVacation
The sound of dusk approaching (Alicante, Spain 2011)
I shot this while working on a yearlong photo-a-day project which also coincided with a lot of changes in my personal life, reflecting on the important things, and setting new goals. There's nothing more helpful then taking time to walk the countryside and surrounding yourself with nature, in order to listen to your soul.
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