So much to left to discover

The Call Box (Westminster - London, United Kingdom 2016)
The red phone box is often seen as a British cultural icon throughout the world. The famous K2 model was the result of a competition in 1924 to design a kiosk that would be acceptable to the London metropolitan boroughs. Designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, it became a familiar sight on the streets of the United Kingdom, Malta, Bermuda and Gibraltar. The color red was chosen to make them easy to spot. There are today far more 'red boxes' in tourist city locations than there ever were originally...
ASTOEN United Kingdom 2016 Smugmug 1003177 Alex Stoen Photography Big Ben Destination Elizabeth Tower Leica MP Typ 240 London SummiluxM 35mm Telephone Booth Travel Westminster red
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.
Alex Stoen Photography Canon EOS 1DX
The arches of Blackfriars Railway Bridge (London, United Kingdom 2018)
The Blackfriars Railway Bridge crosses the River Thames in London, between Blackfriars Bridge and the Millennium Bridge. Built of wrought iron in 1886, it was originally called St Paul's Railway Bridge until St Paul's railway station changed its name to Blackfriars in 1937.

Every time I pass under it, I pause to admire the symmetry of its massive arches. Today, the light reflecting off the surface of the river gave it a special glow that really caught my eye.
ASTOEN United Kingdom 2018 Smugmug 1006642 Age Alex Stoen Photography Architecture Blackfriars Railway Bridge Bridge History Iron Leica MP Typ 240 London Mysterious SummiluxM 35mm Travel United Kingdom Vanishing Point arches creative composition glow railroad symmetry
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.
ASTOEN China 2016 Smugmug 0059 Alex Stoen Photography Canon EOS 1DX EF 1635mm f2.8 L II USM Geotagged Travel Vacation Yangshuo
The Black Magic of Al Qabasah (Bahla, Sultanate of Oman, 2017)
Bahla Fort is one of the oldest and biggest forts in Oman, and the only fort in the country to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The fort is massive and includes many towers, mosques, and wells. The oldest part of the fort is called Al Qabasah which is a five-story collection of rooms and was built as early as the year 500 BC. Many Omanis believe that at one point in time, the fort was also a school of black magic or alchemy, which the area is also famous for. My guide Malik didn't seem very much at ease and kept close to the entrance for a quick way out.
ASTOEN Oman 2017 Smugmug 1007745 Al Qabasah Alex Stoen Photography Architecture Bahla Fort Black Magic Desert Door Escape Exit Fort Frame Geotagged History Leica MP Typ 240 Medieval Mud Brick NGExpeditions Orient Shadows Shelter Sultanate of Oman SummiluxM 35mm Superstition Travel UNESCO World Heritage Site Vacation contrast creative interesting story telling
Pilgrimage at the Shinomiya Shrine (Miyajima, Japan 2015)
Two Japanese girls in traditional pilgrim dresses make their way to the Shinomiya Shrine, under the brilliant canopy of autumn leaves in Momijidani park.

Called "Tsubo-syozoku", these kimonos were worn by noble women and princesses some 1000 years ago. Today, it has become a fun and popular custom to dress up and stroll through colorful park while visiting the Daisyoin temple.
ASTOEN Japan 2015 Smugmug 6716 500px Backlight Canon EOS 1DX Contraluz EF 2470mm f2.8L II USM Flickr Geotagged Google Japanese Dresses Japanese Girls Miyajima Momijidani Park NGExpeditions NatGeo National Geographic Expeditions Pilgrims Religion Shinto Traditional Travel Vacation facebook
Daydreaming (Alicante, Spain 2016)
I made this creative composition of my son 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.
ASTOEN 2016 Smugmug 1005810 Alex Stoen Photography Leica MP Typ 240
Young Hamer Woman at the Keske river crossing (Turmi, Ethiopia 2014)
After a long day exploring the Omo Valley, I got back to the camp with a feeling that I hadn’t captured the portrait I was looking for that day. I decided to walk the riverbed from the camp to the Keske crossing, where I knew the Hamer returning from the Turmi market would cross the river on their way back to their villages. The effort paid off as I made what I feel are my favorite portraits from the Omo Valley, such as this one of a young Hamer woman who was accompanying her mother and sister.
ASTOEN Ethiopia 2014 Smugmug 1122 1DX Africa African Alex Stoen Photography Canon Canon EOS 1DX Creative Lighting Culture EF 1635 f2.8 L II USM Geotagged Girl Hamer Happiness Keske River NatGeo National Geographic Expeditions Omo Valley Portrait Retrato Sonrisa Tradition Travel Tribes Turmi Vacation Woman off shoe flash smile
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 it up perfectly: you don’t visit Varanasi, you live Varanasi. It was truly a life-changing experience for me.
1DX Alex Stoen Photography Asia Benares Boat Canon Canon EOS 1DX Colors of India Contrasts EF 50mm f1.4 USM Flickr Ganga River Ganges Geotagged Google India Light Night Travel Vacation Varanasi facebook low light magic smugmug story telling
A view of the Leliegracht Bridge on the Keisersgracht Canal (Amsterdam, Holland 2015)
Located at the intersection of the Keizersgracht and Leliegracht canals is Keizersgracht 174, the headquarters of the Eerste Hollandsche Levensverzekerings Bank Insurance Company. Built between 1904 and 1905 in the Art Nouveau style of architecture, it gained national monument status in 2001. It was one of the first office towers in the Netherlands. It also served as the international headquarters of Greenpeace for 15 years.

In order to capture the fading light and minimize the noise on the sensor from a higher ISO, I set my camera on a tripod and exposed for 15 seconds at a medium aperture (f/8) allowing most of the scene to remain in focus.
ASTOEN Holland 2015 Smugmug 3452 1DX Alex Stoen Photography Amsterdam Canals Canon Canon EOS 1DX EF 1635 f2.8 L II USM Street Photography Travel
Westminster Bridge: #LondonUnited one year on (London, United Kingdom 2016)
As we mark the 1st anniversary of the Westminster Bridge terror attack, we remember the tragic loss of life from that day, and we reaffirm our commitment to stand united against terror. While the entire event only took 82 seconds from start to finish, it has had a profound impact on all our daily lives. Tonight, the message #LondonUnited will be projected onto the four locations where terror attacks took place across London last year.
ASTOEN 2016 Smugmug 1006395 Alex Stoen Photography Big Ben Elizabeth Tower Leica MP Typ 240 London LondonUnited Rememberance Street Photography SummiluxM 35mm UK United Kingdom Westminster Bridge Westminster Palace
Almond trees blooming in the wind (Castillo de Penella, Spain 2013)
Today marks the first day of spring! Even though we still winter can still be felt, everyone is a bit more cheerful, looking forward to the better days to come.

I made this photo close to the medieval city of Alcoy in Spain, composing the almond trees in blossom, blowing in the cold wind, against a moonlit sky, filled with stars.
ASTOEN Spain 2013 Smugmug 5DMk2 Alcoy Alex Stoen Photography Almendros Almond Blossom Arbol Canon Canon EOS 5D Mark II Castillo de Penella Cielo Clouds Collection Creative Lighting EF 24105 f4 L IS USM Estrellas Geotagged Grass Inland Light Painting Night Night Photography Night Sky Noche Noctambulos Nocturna en Accion Nubes Sky Stars Teamwork Tree Viento Wind blur motion blur mouvement pintar con luz
Desert Rose (Arabaian Desert, United Arab Emirates 2017)
I captured this portrait of beautiful Ayesha in the soft golden light as the sun rose over the sand dunes of the Arabian Desert. This is one of the largest continuous bodies of sand in the world, stretching from Iraq to Yemen, from Egypt to Oman. I stand in the Emirates' first national park, dedicated to conserving the natural beauty and diversity of the Arabian Desert. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is an amazing place created for the protection of those endangered species and for the conservation of the natural desert habitat and heritage.
ASTOEN 2017 Smugmug 1008688 Alex Stoen Photography Geotagged Leica MP Typ 240 NGExpeditions SummiluxM 35mm Travel UAE Vacation
The Herengracht Canal (Amsterdam, Holland 2015)
The Herengracht is considered to be the most important canal in the city. In the 17th century, the richest merchants and the most influential regents and mayors of the city lived on this canal. Even today, an address on the Herengracht is seen as prestigious and chic.

One cannot visit Amsterdam without doing a canal cruise, at least once. I chose to do mine during the golden hour, right before sunset, just as the soft warm light battled the growing shadows.
ASTOEN Holland 2015 Smugmug 2993 1DX Alex Stoen Photography Amsterdam Bridge Canal Canon Canon EOS 1DX EF 2470mm f2.8L USM Flickr Golden Hour Sunset Tour Travel facebook
The Echelons of Society (London, United Kingdom 2018)
I made this photograph during a cold winter night walk along London's Southbank. Every time I pass in front of this staircase at the National Theatre, I pause and reflect on how to compose a creative photo. This particular night, the lighting caught my eye, adding the depth I was missing. Patience and perseverance are key to success!
ASTOEN 2018 Smugmug 1006268 Alex Stoen Photography Architecture Cement Cold Floors Leica MP Typ 240 Levels London National Theatre Night Silhouettes Stairs SummiluxM 35mm United Kingdom Winter city contrast echelons of society
The Forbidden City (Beijing, China 2016)
There are now over 500 million bicycle owners in China, representing the largest leap in individual mobility of human history. Even with the fast multiplication of cars and traffic jams generated in urban areas, the bicycle remains the biggest means of individual mobility for hundreds of millions of Chinese.

I made this photograph in the Forbidden City, composing this cyclist against a red wall - a color symbolizing happiness - just as he was mounting his bike. Towering behind the wall was one of the magnificent palaces, royal residences of the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
ASTOEN China 2016 Smugmug 1007071 Alex Stoen Photography Beijng Bicycle Cyclist Forbidden City Happiness Heritage Leica MP Typ 240 Palace Pekin Roof SummiluxM 35mm Transportation Travel Vacation Wall contrast creative composition forward future mobility red
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…
ASTOEN 2013 Smugmug 2034 1DX Alex Stoen Photography Burma Canon EOS 1DX Destination Geotagged Mandalay Mingun Myanmar Mythical NatGeo National Geographic Expeditions Pagoda Storytelling Travel Vacation creative composition
Homage to the Sun (Jaisalmer, India 2015)
Sunset in the Thar desert of Rajasthan is something out of this world, the sand turns to gold and the soft light from the setting sun brings out the incredible colours of the traditional dresses. I highly recommend spending a night or two in a desert camp and explore the Sam dunes on camelback.

To make this photograph, I placed my model on top of a dune, while I composed low. As she faced the setting sun, the soft light allowed the colors of her dress to really pop.

Taken close to the India-Pakistan border, after attending the annual Desert Festival and Camel show, held in Jaisalmer.
ASTOEN India 2015 Smugmug 1DX Alex Stoen Photography Canon EOS 1DX EF 70200 f2.8 L IS USM Geotagged Homage Model Sam Sand Dunes Sun Sunset Thar Desert Travel Vacation creative composition
The Underground Cocktail Bar (London, United Kingdom 2017)
This is one my favorite "secret" bars in London!
Cahoots is a small cocktail bar, located in what seems like an old abandoned tube station which also served as an air raid shelter in WW2. The entire place is decorated in a post-war context, from the music to the way to the bartenders and waitresses were dressed. It's such an extraordinary experience that even return clients usually come dressed up, immersing themselves even more in what seems like a scene from an old movie! Did I mention they make amazing drinks too?
Alex Stoen Photography Cahoots Leica MP Typ 240 London SummiluxM 35mm United Kingdom
The Ritsurin Garden Teahouse (Takamatsu, Japan 2015)
Dating back over three centuries, Kikugetsu-tei is a traditional Japanese sukiya-style teahouse that was used by successive generations of feudal lords. The origin of the name derives from a line in an old Chinese poem: "When I scoop up the water, I hold the moon in my hands.” This teahouse is the central building of the whole garden, and the view of the South Pond, as seen from the rooms of this teahouse, is a magnificent scene that can be experienced nowhere else…
ASTOEN Japan 2015 smugmug 6290 500px Alex Stoen Photography Autumn Canon EOS 1DX Colors EF 2470mm f2.8L II USM Fall Flickr Garden Geotagged Google Kikugetsutei Model NGExpeditions NatGeo National Geographic Expeditions Perspective Punto de Fuga Ritsurin Garden Tea House Takamatsu Travel Vacation Vanishing Point creative composition facebook kimono lines
Silvius Brabo in the Grote Markt (Antwerp, Belgium 2018)
The medieval city of Antwerp is full of wonders such as the 16th-century Guildhouses at the Grote Markt and its statue of Silvius Brabo, the mythical Roman soldier who is said to have killed a giant, the story of which is used to explain the city's name ("handwerpen" meaning hand throwing).

I made this panoramic composite consisting of 5 vertical images, a technique I use often when I just travel with my 35mm Leica Summilux lens and need to capture wider scenes, like this one of Grote Markt, in the city's historic center.
Alex Stoen Photography Antwerp Belgium Europe Leica MP Typ 240 SummiluxM 35mm Travel
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!
ASTOEN 2013 Smugmug 3876 5DMk2 Alex Stoen Photography Bagan Burma Canon Canon EOS 5D Mark II Geotagged Myanmar NatGeo National Geographic Expeditions Portrait Travel Vacation
Happy #InternationalWomensDay from ITB (Berlin, Germany 2018)
A woman is an epitome of beauty, wisdom and care. She has climbed the mountains and dived into the ocean; she has matched the steps with every man in the world. Today, we celebrate the power of women, their rights and role in our lives and society.

Happy International Women's Day! Feliz Día Internacional de la Mujer!

I captured this portrait of a couple Catrinas, mortal beauties from the Day of the Dead, haunting the halls in Berlin's World Travel Fare today.
ASTOEN 2018 Smugmug 1006589 Alex Stoen Photography Berlin Germany ITB Leica MP Typ 240 SummiluxM 35mm Travel
The Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge (Guangxi, China 2016)
Built in 1916 to provide shelter during inclement weather, the Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge spans the Chinese Linxi River at Sanjiang. Surprisingly, the talented Dong builders of this bridge did not utilize any nails or rivets, using instead many dove-tailed pieces of wood. Though a century old, it’s still very sturdy and, in the right light, it even looks like a rainbow crossing over the river.

As I walked along water's edge in the early morning, I came across this traditional water wheel, used to irrigate the numerous rice paddies surrounding the small village of Sanjiang.
ASTOEN China 2016 Smugmug 9369 Alex Stoen Photography Canon EOS 1DX Dong EF 1635mm f2.8 L II USM Geotagged Guangxi Sanjiang Travel Vacation
Dia de Playa (El Campello, Spain 2018)
Are you as anxious as I am for winter to be over? I feel I had a taste of spring during my last weekend trip to Spain. I made this creative composition from the boardwalk of El Campello, a fishing town on the Mediterranean Costa Blanca.

Deciding on a minimalist approach, I used the negative space to fill the frame, then carefully composed around the different lines, focusing on the repeated elements, and then waited for someone to walk on the water's edge to add a sense of scale and depth to the image.
ASTOEN 2018 Smugmug 1006558 Alex Stoen Photography Alicante Beach Costa Blanca Destination El Campello Horizon Leica MP Typ 240 Spain SummiluxM 35mm Travel
La Cumpleañera (London, United Kingdom 2018)
A huge Happy Birthday to my beautiful wife, my partner in crime, my muse, my best friend! As the years go by, you are just as gorgeous as the first day we met!
I hope all your wishes come true!
ASTOEN 2018 Smugmug 1009865 Alex Stoen Photography Leica MP Typ 240 London SummiluxM 35mm United Kingdom
Paseo de Marti (Havana, Cuba 2012)
The first impression you get when you land in Cuba, is that time froze decades ago, from the old classic cars to the decaying colonial architecture, but thanks to the resilience of its people, life goes on.

The area around the Capitolio is just fascinating and full of life, day or night, from the old "maquinas" parked in front of the building to the surrounding lush parks and their amazing storytellers. It's my favorite place in the city!
5DMk2 Adventure Alex Stoen Photography Canon Canon EOS 5D Mark II Caribbean Colors Cuba Cuban Cars Dream EF 2470mm f2.8L USM La Havana Time Capsule Travel Vacation exotic smugmug
Soupe à l'oignon (Paris, France 2014)
The iconic hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre in Paris has been home to many artists over the years, including Salvador Dalí, Amedeo Modigliani, Claude Monet, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Piet Mondrian, Pablo Picasso, Camille Pissarro and Vincent van Gogh to name a few, not many can afford to live there anymore these days.

I captured this candid photograph in the streets below the famous Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, where the best way to discover these historic and interesting neighborhoods, is to just get lost in the maze of its steep and cobbled streets.
1DX Alex Stoen Photography Canon Canon EOS 1DX EF 70200 f2.8 L IS USM Flickr France Google Montmartre Paris Spring Street Photography Travel Weekend in Paris facebook holiday tourism vacacion
Alpian Serenity (Manigod, France 2010)
I made this composition in the French Alps, not far from the Mont Blanc. The snow-covered scenery felt so pure and peaceful in the soft morning light, that I still remember it today while scrolling through my photo archive from several years ago.

In order to capture as much detail as possible, I choose to bracket my exposure and merge the images into an HDR photograph. This type of post-processing works well in high contrast scenes, like this snowy mountain landscape.
5DMk2 Alex Stoen Photography Canon Canon EOS 5D Mark II Christmas 2010 Collection France Manigod
Nicholson Lake (Crested Butte, Colorado, USA 2009)
As a blizzard hit London today, I couldn't help but remember the beautiful snowscapes of Colorado, so pure, covering up any man-made marks, almost making them disappear, such as this small boat dock at Nicholson Lake, almost undiscernable under the thick blanket of snow.
ASTOEN 2009 smugmug 4908 Alex Stoen Photography Beautiful Canon Canon EOS 5D Mark II Cold Collection Colorado Composition Exercises Congelado Covered Crested Butte Dock EF 24105 f4 L IS USM Flickr Forest Frozen Geotagged Google Lago Lake Mountains Natural Beauty Nature Nieve Paradise Divide Pure Pureza Rocky Mountains Slate River Snow Snowcovered Snowscapes Tranquility Travel USA Untouched White creative composition facebook trees webh woods
The Barber (Jaisalmer, India 2015)
Getting lost in the narrow streets Jaisalmer was one of my favorite experiences during my journey through Rajasthan. I love to get out early, as the city slowly wakes. While some clean the streets, others set-up their market stalls, children prepare for school, and the corner barber awaits his first client. This is usually the time when I make my best photographs. The light is soft and everyone is usually too busy to take notice of a lone westerner, allowing me to record the daily choreography that has been perfected over the course of so many years.
1DX Alex Stoen Photography Canon Canon EOS 1DX EF 70200 f2.8 L IS USM Geotagged India Jaisalmer Travel Vacation
Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Carmen (El Campello, Spain 2018)
London is freezing under a polar vortex at the moment, so we were so glad to find some sun and warmth on the Spanish Costa Blanca if only for a couple days. The soft light this evening was such a delight to feel. It caught my eye as it gently caressed the bell tower of this small church, located in the fishing town of El Campello.
ASTOEN 2018 Smugmug 1006476 Alex Stoen Photography Leica MP Typ 240 London SummiluxM 35mm United Kingdom
St Mary-at-Hill (City of London, United Kingdom 2017)
This is a piece of work from my ongoing project, looking upward from the streets of London. I made this composition at St Mary-at-Hill, along some of the City's most ancient lanes. Since the Great Fire of 1666, the London skyline has certainly evolved a lot... I wonder how the view would have looked like 500 years ago, standing on the same street corner.
ASTOEN 2017 Smugmug 1000421 Alex Stoen Photography Architecture Billingsgate City of London Corner Destination Escape Fenchurch Flight Intersection Leica MP Typ 240 London Looking Up Path Sky Sky Garden Skyline St MaryatHill SummiluxM 35mm Travel United Kingdom Vertical
My Rising Star (Alicante, Spain 2011)
My kiddo turns 21 today! He's grown a lot since I took this portrait of him 7 years ago. Growing up is not an easy task and we've had our fair share of worries and frustrations, but in the end, I'm proud to see how he's grown into such a handsome and responsible young man!
043365 5DMk2 Alex Stoen Photography Canon Canon EOS 5D Mark II Collection EF 24105 f4 L IS USM Estrella Face Familia Family Flickr Hair High Key Hijo Look Mirada Pelo Picasa Picassa Portrait Project365 Retrato Serio Serious Son Star eyes ojos webv
Climbing the Dragon's Backbone (Guangxi, China 2016)
The Longsheng Rice Terraces, also called the Dragon Backbone’s Terraces, are some of the most amazing rice terraces in all of China. I captured this portrait of an ethnic Yao woman, as she was hiking up the trail, snaking around the maze of rice terraces surrounding Longji.
ASTOEN China 2016 Smugmug 1001595 Alex Stoen Photography Geotagged Leica MP Typ 240 Longji Longji Rice Terraces Longsheng SummiluxM 35mm Travel Vacation
The Hard Sell (Alicante, Spain 2011)
A few years ago, I began to shoot stock photography, to help offset the cost of a new lens. Since then, I've managed to sell several hundred images. Such a low volume doesn't amount to much really, but it can definitely add up if you're able to get several thousand images on the images banks! The stock photography has certainly evolved a lot over the last few years. Now with tons of images that are free to use from the web, I wonder how it will impact on the demand for licensed images... and when will it no longer be worth the effort for generating specialized content?
226365 5DMk2 Alex Stoen Photography Azul Beauty Belleza Black White Blanco y Negro Blue Blue jeans Canon Canon EOS 5D Mark II Chica Collection Cortos Cut out EF 24105 f4 L IS USM Expression Flickr Hands Isis Jeans Manos Moda Mode Model Modelo Mujer Musa Muse Noir et Blanc Picasa Picassa Project365 Selective Colour Sexy Shorts bn bw camiseta facebook fashion nb skin
Happy Chinese New Year! (Guiyang, China 2016)
The Chinese New Year begins TODAY! The celebrations will last for over two weeks until March 2nd, making this the longest holiday in the Chinese calendar.

2018 is the Year of the Dog. According to the Asian astrology, your year of birth - and the animal this represents - determines a lot about your personality traits. Anyone born in an Earth Dog year will be communicative, serious, and responsible in the workplace.

Which Chinese zodiac animal are you?

#cny2018 #happycny2018
ASTOEN China 2016 Smugmug 1007518 Alex Stoen Photography Celebration Cny2018 Geotagged Guiyang Guizhou Happycny2018 Leica MP Typ 240 SummiluxM 35mm Travel Vacation Year of the Dog chinesenewyear
The Karo Tribe from Kolcho (Omo Valley, Ethiopia 2014)
The Karo tribe lives along the borders of the Lower Omo River and incorporate rich, cultural symbolism into their rituals by using ornate body art, intricate headdresses, and body scarification to express beauty and significance within their community. This lively tribe of around 2000 people is the main sedentary agriculturalist group in the Lower Omo Valley area of southern Ethiopia.

I made this photograph in the village of Kolcho, at the famous bend of the Omo River. I compensated against the strong backlight using a portable flash inside a small softbox, giving enough fill light to illuminate the three villages allowing them to stand out from the bright sky.
1DX Africa Alex Stoen Photography Canon Canon EOS 1DX EF 1635 f2.8 L II USM Ethiopia Geotagged Kara Kolcho NatGeo National Geographic Expeditions Omo River Omo Valley Travel Tribes Vacation
Be my Valentine...
Happy Valentine's Day to all of you lovers out there, and to all those still searching! Never give up! I took me a few tries to get it right, but in the end, I am fortunate to have found my soulmate!
5DMk2 Alex Stoen Photography Canon Canon EOS 5D Mark II
El Mejillón (Santa Pola, Spain 2008)
For a country which enjoys such as extensive coastline as Spain does, it's no surprise to see so many fish and seafood dishes be part of the national cuisine. After living almost 15 years in Alicante, I've become somewhat of a foodie, savoring some of the best recipes the Mediterranean coast has to offer.

I chose a minimalist approach when making this photo of the lone mussel left on my plate. Exposing in high-key helped me isolate the elements by adding a creative contrast. Recently, I've been revisiting my photo-archive to look at some of my early compositions and came across this image. Reviewing old captures not only allows me to see how my photography has evolved over the years but sometimes I find an interesting composition, worth re-processing.
ASTOEN 2008 Smugmug 3743 Alex Stoen Photography Alicante Details Mediterranean Mejillón Mussels Open Spain Travel composition food gastronomy macro plater seafood
The Drum Towers of Zhaoxing (Guizhou, China 2016)
As the sun set over the main gate, firecrackers exploded in the streets, celebrating the purchase of a new car, or the grand opening of a restaurant. Sweepers promptly cleanup the aftermath while children played in the streets, against the backdrop of one of the village’s 5 drum towers, which serve as the embodiment of the Dong people's exquisite building skills and technology. Zhaoxing has a long history as Dong ancestors settled here some 840 years ago!
ASTOEN China 2016 Smugmug 1000506 Alex Stoen Photography Leica MP Typ 240 SummiluxM 35mm Zhaoxing
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.
ASTOEN 2017 Smugmug 1005937 Alex Stoen Photography Leica MP Typ 240 London SummiluxM 35mm United Kingdom
The Yellow Sari (Agra, India 2015)
As the sun slowly set over the Agra’s Red Fort, a local woman in a yellow sari observed from riverbank facing the Taj Mahal. I was amazed to find out that saris can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, which flourished during 2800–1800 BC. Another interesting fact is that there are more than 80 recorded ways to wear a sari. The most common style is for the sari to be wrapped around the waist, with the loose end of the drape to be worn over the shoulder, baring the midriff.
1DX Agra Alex Stoen Photography Beauty Canon Canon EOS 1DX Countryside EF 70200mm f2.8 L IS USM Elegance Geotagged India Portrait Sunset Taj Mahal Travel Vacation Woman Yellow Sari off camera flash
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (Muscat, Sultanate of Oman 2017)
The Grand Mosque in Muscat is one of the most beautiful and extravagant modern mosques in the world. It first opened in 2001 and took six years to build. It features an amazing blend of Islamic, Middle Eastern, and Omani architectural styles, and also hosts one of the world’s largest handmade Persian rugs and one of the world’s biggest chandeliers, with 600,000 shining bright Swarovski crystals and weighing some 8,5 tons!

I shot this portrait of Lena choosing a very symmetrical composition, as she walked through one of the main arches, positioning myself to capture the minaret centered perfectly inside the frame.
ASTOEN 2017 Smugmug 1689 Alex Stoen Photography Architecture Canon EOS 1DX Culture EF 1635 f2.8 L II USM Faith Frame Geotagged Mosque Muscat NGExpeditions Oman Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Sultanate of Oman Travel Vacation arch composition contrast geometry minaret symmetry
The Caravan (Thar Desert, India 2015)
As the sun began to rise of the Sam Dunes of the Thar Desert, the camel caravan slowly continues its journey before the scorching heat sets in.

I captured this shot close to the India-Pakistan border, after attending the annual Desert Festival and Camel show, held in Jaisalmer. If you visit Rajasthan, I highly recommend spending a night or two in a desert camp and exploring the Sam dunes on camelback, it's an experience out of this world!
1DX Alex Stoen Photography Camels Canon Canon EOS 1DX EF 1635 f2.8 L II USM Flickr Geotagged Google India Sam Sand Dunes Sunrise Thar Desert Travel Vacation Vacation1DX facebook smugmug
Pilgrimage to the Shwedagon Pagoda (Yangon, Myanmar 2013)
The Shwedagon Pagoda is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar, as it is believed to contain relics of the four previous Buddhas. Pilgrims, on their way up the steps of the pagoda, buy flowers, candles, coloured flags and streamers. These are placed at the stupa in a symbolic act of giving, which is an important aspect of Buddhist teaching. In November, a festival of light is held throughout the country, and on midnight, on the day of the full moon, 9999 candles are ceremoniously lit. What an amazing experience!
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Lampounette at King's Cross (London, United Kingdom 2018)
A few weeks ago, London held a fabulous festival of light, illuminating the cold, dark streets of London for four evenings with light art and light installations. This world-class light festival showcased the capital’s spectacular and iconic architecture and streets, with more than 50 works located between King's Cross, Fitzrovia, Mayfair, South Bank, Westminster and the West End.

I shot this installation titled "Lampounette" at King's Cross. It focused on the exploration of light and its interplay with art, architecture and space, inspired by objects of everyday life, working to create a dreamlike universe using humour and poetry.
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Portrait on London Bridge (City of London, United Kingdom 2018)
Another cold and grey winter day in London. I made this iPhone portrait of my wife as we crossed London Bridge this Saturday. The new portrait mode of the iPhone X never ceases to amaze me. I still carry my Leica with me anytime I leave home, but I'm finding the iPhone a great go-to camera to use in quick situations. Mobile photography has evolved so much over the past few years, rivalling if not surpassing most entry-level DSLRs in terms of quality and features.
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