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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.ASTOENHolland2015Smugmug34521DXAlex Stoen PhotographyAmsterdamCanalsCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 1635 f2.8 L II USMStreet PhotographyTravel
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.
ASTOEN2016Smugmug1006395Alex Stoen PhotographyBig BenElizabeth TowerLeica MP Typ 240LondonLondonUnitedRememberanceStreet PhotographySummiluxM 35mmUKUnited KingdomWestminster BridgeWestminster 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.ASTOENSpain2013Smugmug5DMk2AlcoyAlex Stoen PhotographyAlmendrosAlmond BlossomArbolCanonCanon EOS 5D Mark IICastillo de PenellaCieloCloudsCollectionCreative LightingEF 24105 f4 L IS USMEstrellasGeotaggedGrassInlandLight PaintingNightNight PhotographyNight SkyNocheNoctambulosNocturna en AccionNubesSkyStarsTeamworkTreeVientoWindblurmotion blurmouvementpintar 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.
ASTOEN2017Smugmug1008688Alex Stoen PhotographyGeotaggedLeica MP Typ 240NGExpeditionsSummiluxM 35mmTravelUAEVacation
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.ASTOENHolland2015Smugmug29931DXAlex Stoen PhotographyAmsterdamBridgeCanalCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 2470mm f2.8L USMFlickrGolden HourSunsetTourTravelfacebook
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!
ASTOEN2018Smugmug1006268Alex Stoen PhotographyArchitectureCementColdFloorsLeica MP Typ 240LevelsLondonNational TheatreNightSilhouettesStairsSummiluxM 35mmUnited KingdomWintercitycontrastechelons 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.ASTOENChina2016Smugmug1007071Alex Stoen PhotographyBeijngBicycleCyclistForbidden CityHappinessHeritageLeica MP Typ 240PalacePekinRoofSummiluxM 35mmTransportationTravelVacationWallcontrastcreative compositionforwardfuturemobilityred
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…ASTOEN2013Smugmug20341DXAlex Stoen PhotographyBurmaCanon EOS 1DXDestinationGeotaggedMandalayMingunMyanmarMythicalNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsPagodaStorytellingTravelVacationcreative 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.ASTOENIndia2015Smugmug1DXAlex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 1DXEF 70200 f2.8 L IS USMGeotaggedHomageModelSam Sand DunesSunSunsetThar DesertTravelVacationcreative 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 PhotographyCahootsLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmUnited 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…
ASTOENJapan2015smugmug6290500pxAlex Stoen PhotographyAutumnCanon EOS 1DXColorsEF 2470mm f2.8L II USMFallFlickrGardenGeotaggedGoogleKikugetsuteiModelNGExpeditionsNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsPerspectivePunto de FugaRitsurin Garden Tea HouseTakamatsuTravelVacationVanishing Pointcreative compositionfacebookkimonolines
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 PhotographyAntwerpBelgiumEuropeLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mmTravel
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
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.ASTOEN2018Smugmug1006589Alex Stoen PhotographyBerlinGermanyITBLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mmTravel
The Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge (Guangxi, China 2016)
Built in 1916 to provide shelter during inclement weather, the Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge spans the Chinese Linxi River at Sanjiang. Surprisingly, the talented Dong builders of this bridge did not utilize any nails or rivets, using instead many dove-tailed pieces of wood. Though a century old, it’s still very sturdy and, in the right light, it even looks like a rainbow crossing over the river.
As I walked along water's edge in the early morning, I came across this traditional water wheel, used to irrigate the numerous rice paddies surrounding the small village of Sanjiang.ASTOENChina2016Smugmug9369Alex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 1DXDongEF 1635mm f2.8 L II USMGeotaggedGuangxiSanjiangTravelVacation
Dia de Playa (El Campello, Spain 2018)
Are you as anxious as I am for winter to be over? I feel I had a taste of spring during my last weekend trip to Spain. I made this creative composition from the boardwalk of El Campello, a fishing town on the Mediterranean Costa Blanca.
Deciding on a minimalist approach, I used the negative space to fill the frame, then carefully composed around the different lines, focusing on the repeated elements, and then waited for someone to walk on the water's edge to add a sense of scale and depth to the image.ASTOEN2018Smugmug1006558Alex Stoen PhotographyAlicanteBeachCosta BlancaDestinationEl CampelloHorizonLeica MP Typ 240SpainSummiluxM 35mmTravel
La Cumpleañera (London, United Kingdom 2018)
A huge Happy Birthday to my beautiful wife, my partner in crime, my muse, my best friend! As the years go by, you are just as gorgeous as the first day we met!
I hope all your wishes come true!ASTOEN2018Smugmug1009865Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom
Paseo de Marti (Havana, Cuba 2012)
The first impression you get when you land in Cuba, is that time froze decades ago, from the old classic cars to the decaying colonial architecture, but thanks to the resilience of its people, life goes on.
The area around the Capitolio is just fascinating and full of life, day or night, from the old "maquinas" parked in front of the building to the surrounding lush parks and their amazing storytellers. It's my favorite place in the city!5DMk2AdventureAlex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 5D Mark IICaribbeanColorsCubaCuban CarsDreamEF 2470mm f2.8L USMLa HavanaTime CapsuleTravelVacationexoticsmugmug
Soupe à l'oignon (Paris, France 2014)
The iconic hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre in Paris has been home to many artists over the years, including Salvador Dalí, Amedeo Modigliani, Claude Monet, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Piet Mondrian, Pablo Picasso, Camille Pissarro and Vincent van Gogh to name a few, not many can afford to live there anymore these days.
I captured this candid photograph in the streets below the famous Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, where the best way to discover these historic and interesting neighborhoods, is to just get lost in the maze of its steep and cobbled streets.1DXAlex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 70200 f2.8 L IS USMFlickrFranceGoogleMontmartreParisSpringStreet PhotographyTravelWeekend in Parisfacebookholidaytourismvacacion
Alpian Serenity (Manigod, France 2010)
I made this composition in the French Alps, not far from the Mont Blanc. The snow-covered scenery felt so pure and peaceful in the soft morning light, that I still remember it today while scrolling through my photo archive from several years ago.
In order to capture as much detail as possible, I choose to bracket my exposure and merge the images into an HDR photograph. This type of post-processing works well in high contrast scenes, like this snowy mountain landscape.5DMk2Alex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 5D Mark IIChristmas 2010CollectionFranceManigod
Nicholson Lake (Crested Butte, Colorado, USA 2009)
As a blizzard hit London today, I couldn't help but remember the beautiful snowscapes of Colorado, so pure, covering up any man-made marks, almost making them disappear, such as this small boat dock at Nicholson Lake, almost undiscernable under the thick blanket of snow.
ASTOEN2009smugmug4908Alex Stoen PhotographyBeautifulCanonCanon EOS 5D Mark IIColdCollectionColoradoComposition ExercisesCongeladoCoveredCrested ButteDockEF 24105 f4 L IS USMFlickrForestFrozenGeotaggedGoogleLagoLakeMountainsNatural BeautyNatureNieveParadise DividePurePurezaRocky MountainsSlate RiverSnowSnowcoveredSnowscapesTranquilityTravelUSAUntouchedWhitecreative compositionfacebooktreeswebhwoods
The Barber (Jaisalmer, India 2015)
Getting lost in the narrow streets Jaisalmer was one of my favorite experiences during my journey through Rajasthan. I love to get out early, as the city slowly wakes. While some clean the streets, others set-up their market stalls, children prepare for school, and the corner barber awaits his first client. This is usually the time when I make my best photographs. The light is soft and everyone is usually too busy to take notice of a lone westerner, allowing me to record the daily choreography that has been perfected over the course of so many years.
1DXAlex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 70200 f2.8 L IS USMGeotaggedIndiaJaisalmerTravelVacation
Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Carmen (El Campello, Spain 2018)
London is freezing under a polar vortex at the moment, so we were so glad to find some sun and warmth on the Spanish Costa Blanca if only for a couple days. The soft light this evening was such a delight to feel. It caught my eye as it gently caressed the bell tower of this small church, located in the fishing town of El Campello.
ASTOEN2018Smugmug1006476Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom
St Mary-at-Hill (City of London, United Kingdom 2017)
This is a piece of work from my ongoing project, looking upward from the streets of London. I made this composition at St Mary-at-Hill, along some of the City's most ancient lanes. Since the Great Fire of 1666, the London skyline has certainly evolved a lot... I wonder how the view would have looked like 500 years ago, standing on the same street corner.
ASTOEN2017Smugmug1000421Alex Stoen PhotographyArchitectureBillingsgateCity of LondonCornerDestinationEscapeFenchurchFlightIntersectionLeica MP Typ 240LondonLooking UpPathSkySky GardenSkylineSt MaryatHillSummiluxM 35mmTravelUnited KingdomVertical
My Rising Star (Alicante, Spain 2011)
My kiddo turns 21 today! He's grown a lot since I took this portrait of him 7 years ago. Growing up is not an easy task and we've had our fair share of worries and frustrations, but in the end, I'm proud to see how he's grown into such a handsome and responsible young man!
0433655DMk2Alex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 5D Mark IICollectionEF 24105 f4 L IS USMEstrellaFaceFamiliaFamilyFlickrHairHigh KeyHijoLookMiradaPeloPicasaPicassaPortraitProject365RetratoSerioSeriousSonStareyesojoswebv
Climbing the Dragon's Backbone (Guangxi, China 2016)
The Longsheng Rice Terraces, also called the Dragon Backbone’s Terraces, are some of the most amazing rice terraces in all of China. I captured this portrait of an ethnic Yao woman, as she was hiking up the trail, snaking around the maze of rice terraces surrounding Longji.
ASTOENChina2016Smugmug1001595Alex Stoen PhotographyGeotaggedLeica MP Typ 240LongjiLongji Rice TerracesLongshengSummiluxM 35mmTravelVacation
The Hard Sell (Alicante, Spain 2011)
A few years ago, I began to shoot stock photography, to help offset the cost of a new lens. Since then, I've managed to sell several hundred images. Such a low volume doesn't amount to much really, but it can definitely add up if you're able to get several thousand images on the images banks! The stock photography has certainly evolved a lot over the last few years. Now with tons of images that are free to use from the web, I wonder how it will impact on the demand for licensed images... and when will it no longer be worth the effort for generating specialized content?
2263655DMk2Alex Stoen PhotographyAzulBeautyBellezaBlack WhiteBlanco y NegroBlueBlue jeansCanonCanon EOS 5D Mark IIChicaCollectionCortosCut outEF 24105 f4 L IS USMExpressionFlickrHandsIsisJeansManosModaModeModelModeloMujerMusaMuseNoir et BlancPicasaPicassaProject365Selective ColourSexyShortsbnbwcamisetafacebookfashionnbskin
Happy Chinese New Year! (Guiyang, China 2016)
The Chinese New Year begins TODAY! The celebrations will last for over two weeks until March 2nd, making this the longest holiday in the Chinese calendar.
2018 is the Year of the Dog. According to the Asian astrology, your year of birth - and the animal this represents - determines a lot about your personality traits. Anyone born in an Earth Dog year will be communicative, serious, and responsible in the workplace.
Which Chinese zodiac animal are you?
#cny2018 #happycny2018ASTOENChina2016Smugmug1007518Alex Stoen PhotographyCelebrationCny2018GeotaggedGuiyangGuizhouHappycny2018Leica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mmTravelVacationYear of the Dogchinesenewyear
The Karo Tribe from Kolcho (Omo Valley, Ethiopia 2014)
The Karo tribe lives along the borders of the Lower Omo River and incorporate rich, cultural symbolism into their rituals by using ornate body art, intricate headdresses, and body scarification to express beauty and significance within their community. This lively tribe of around 2000 people is the main sedentary agriculturalist group in the Lower Omo Valley area of southern Ethiopia.
I made this photograph in the village of Kolcho, at the famous bend of the Omo River. I compensated against the strong backlight using a portable flash inside a small softbox, giving enough fill light to illuminate the three villages allowing them to stand out from the bright sky.1DXAfricaAlex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 1635 f2.8 L II USMEthiopiaGeotaggedKaraKolchoNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsOmo RiverOmo ValleyTravelTribesVacation
Be my Valentine...
Happy Valentine's Day to all of you lovers out there, and to all those still searching! Never give up! I took me a few tries to get it right, but in the end, I am fortunate to have found my soulmate!
El Mejillón (Santa Pola, Spain 2008)
For a country which enjoys such as extensive coastline as Spain does, it's no surprise to see so many fish and seafood dishes be part of the national cuisine. After living almost 15 years in Alicante, I've become somewhat of a foodie, savoring some of the best recipes the Mediterranean coast has to offer.
I chose a minimalist approach when making this photo of the lone mussel left on my plate. Exposing in high-key helped me isolate the elements by adding a creative contrast. Recently, I've been revisiting my photo-archive to look at some of my early compositions and came across this image. Reviewing old captures not only allows me to see how my photography has evolved over the years but sometimes I find an interesting composition, worth re-processing.ASTOEN2008Smugmug3743Alex Stoen PhotographyAlicanteDetailsMediterraneanMejillónMusselsOpenSpainTravelcompositionfoodgastronomymacroplaterseafood
The Drum Towers of Zhaoxing (Guizhou, China 2016)
As the sun set over the main gate, firecrackers exploded in the streets, celebrating the purchase of a new car, or the grand opening of a restaurant. Sweepers promptly cleanup the aftermath while children played in the streets, against the backdrop of one of the village’s 5 drum towers, which serve as the embodiment of the Dong people's exquisite building skills and technology. Zhaoxing has a long history as Dong ancestors settled here some 840 years ago!
ASTOENChina2016Smugmug1000506Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mmZhaoxing
View of the Observatory from the Queen's House (Greenwich, United Kingdom 2017)
Queen's House is a former royal residence built between 1616 and 1635 in Greenwich. It was commissioned by Anne of Denmark, who died before it was finished. Later Charles I gave it his wife Henrietta Maria who oversaw its completion. Breaking with the traditional red-brick Tudor style architecture, it was the first fully Classical building in England. Today, it houses an extraordinary art collection including works by Great Masters such as Gainsborough, Reynolds, Turner and Hogarth.
I captured this view of the Greenwich Observatory on a sunny afternoon last fall. Using the columns to frame my composition, I paid close attention to the background and chose a narrow aperture (f11) to keep all the elements in focus.ASTOEN2017Smugmug1005937Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom
The Yellow Sari (Agra, India 2015)
As the sun slowly set over the Agra’s Red Fort, a local woman in a yellow sari observed from riverbank facing the Taj Mahal. I was amazed to find out that saris can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, which flourished during 2800–1800 BC. Another interesting fact is that there are more than 80 recorded ways to wear a sari. The most common style is for the sari to be wrapped around the waist, with the loose end of the drape to be worn over the shoulder, baring the midriff.
1DXAgraAlex Stoen PhotographyBeautyCanonCanon EOS 1DXCountrysideEF 70200mm f2.8 L IS USMEleganceGeotaggedIndiaPortraitSunsetTaj MahalTravelVacationWomanYellow Sarioff camera flash
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (Muscat, Sultanate of Oman 2017)
The Grand Mosque in Muscat is one of the most beautiful and extravagant modern mosques in the world. It first opened in 2001 and took six years to build. It features an amazing blend of Islamic, Middle Eastern, and Omani architectural styles, and also hosts one of the world’s largest handmade Persian rugs and one of the world’s biggest chandeliers, with 600,000 shining bright Swarovski crystals and weighing some 8,5 tons!
I shot this portrait of Lena choosing a very symmetrical composition, as she walked through one of the main arches, positioning myself to capture the minaret centered perfectly inside the frame.ASTOEN2017Smugmug1689Alex Stoen PhotographyArchitectureCanon EOS 1DXCultureEF 1635 f2.8 L II USMFaithFrameGeotaggedMosqueMuscatNGExpeditionsOmanSultan Qaboos Grand MosqueSultanate of OmanTravelVacationarchcompositioncontrastgeometryminaretsymmetry
The Caravan (Thar Desert, India 2015)
As the sun began to rise of the Sam Dunes of the Thar Desert, the camel caravan slowly continues its journey before the scorching heat sets in.
I captured this shot close to the India-Pakistan border, after attending the annual Desert Festival and Camel show, held in Jaisalmer. If you visit Rajasthan, I highly recommend spending a night or two in a desert camp and exploring the Sam dunes on camelback, it's an experience out of this world!1DXAlex Stoen PhotographyCamelsCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 1635 f2.8 L II USMFlickrGeotaggedGoogleIndiaSam Sand DunesSunriseThar DesertTravelVacationVacation1DXfacebooksmugmug
Pilgrimage to the Shwedagon Pagoda (Yangon, Myanmar 2013)
The Shwedagon Pagoda is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar, as it is believed to contain relics of the four previous Buddhas. Pilgrims, on their way up the steps of the pagoda, buy flowers, candles, coloured flags and streamers. These are placed at the stupa in a symbolic act of giving, which is an important aspect of Buddhist teaching. In November, a festival of light is held throughout the country, and on midnight, on the day of the full moon, 9999 candles are ceremoniously lit. What an amazing experience!
1DXAlex Stoen PhotographyBurmaCanonCanon EOS 1DXGeotaggedMyanmarNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsPortraitTravelVacationYangon
Lampounette at King's Cross (London, United Kingdom 2018)
A few weeks ago, London held a fabulous festival of light, illuminating the cold, dark streets of London for four evenings with light art and light installations. This world-class light festival showcased the capital’s spectacular and iconic architecture and streets, with more than 50 works located between King's Cross, Fitzrovia, Mayfair, South Bank, Westminster and the West End.
I shot this installation titled "Lampounette" at King's Cross. It focused on the exploration of light and its interplay with art, architecture and space, inspired by objects of everyday life, working to create a dreamlike universe using humour and poetry.ASTOEN2018Smugmug6642Alex Stoen PhotographyBritainCanon EOS 1DXLondonUKUnited Kingdom
Portrait on London Bridge (City of London, United Kingdom 2018)
Another cold and grey winter day in London. I made this iPhone portrait of my wife as we crossed London Bridge this Saturday. The new portrait mode of the iPhone X never ceases to amaze me. I still carry my Leica with me anytime I leave home, but I'm finding the iPhone a great go-to camera to use in quick situations. Mobile photography has evolved so much over the past few years, rivalling if not surpassing most entry-level DSLRs in terms of quality and features.
ASTOEN2018Smugmug0903Alex Stoen PhotographyAppleCity of LondonEnglandLondonLondon BridgePortraitUnited KingdomiPhoneiPhoneXiphoneography
The sadhus of Benares (Varanasi, India 2015)
In Hinduism, a sadhu is a religious ascetic or holy person. He is solely dedicated to achieving liberation, the fourth and final stage of life, through meditation and contemplation of Brahman. Sadhus often wear saffron-coloured clothing, symbolising their renunciation, leaving behind all material attachments.
Living as a sadhu is a difficult lifestyle. Sadhus are considered to be dead unto themselves, and legally dead to the country of India. As a ritual, they may be required to attend their own funeral before following a guru for many years, serving him by doing menial tasks until acquiring the necessary experience to leave his leadership.1DXAlex Stoen PhotographyBenaresCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 2470mm f2.8L USMFaithGeotaggedGhatHoly MenIndiaPortraitReligionSadhuTravelVacationVaranasi
Brydges Place (London, United Kingdom 2016)
Situated right next to the Coliseum theatre is Brydges Place, London's narrowest alley. With just 15 inches wide at its narrowest point, the alley runs for 200m connecting St Martin's Lane with Bedfordbury in Covent Garden. Only one person can walk down it at a time, so we can imagine the alley has seen some great drunken faceoffs! The Marquis of Granby pub - a former haunt of Dickens - backs onto the alley, and its dark seclusion provides a perfect venue for late night piddlers.
I composed my shot around the narrowest point, framing using the leading lines and the lamp. Choosing a shallow focus, I simply waited for someone to cross the frame.ASTOEN2016Smugmug1003159Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mm
Street Photographer (Baracoa, Cuba 2012)
Baracoa is an incredible little town which lies on the Bay of Honey, where Christopher Columbus landed in Cuba on his first voyage. It is the oldest Spanish settlement in Cuba and was the island's first capital.
Surrounded by a wide mountain range, the city is quite isolated, and for centuries was only accessible by sea.
Once viewed as a showcase of the Cuban revolution, a mountain road built in the 1960's, connecting the city to Guantanamo (only never to be maintained since).
Even today, the town doesn't feel overrun by tourists and maintains a unique and original charm they will make you want to return again and again.ASTOEN2012Smugmug7951Alex Stoen PhotographyBaracoaCaribbeanColonialColorsCubaDestinationIslandTravelTropicalVacationdiscoverphotographerstreet
Xijiang, home of the one thousand families (Guizhou, China 2016)
Located in Eastern Guizhou, the village of Xijiang is home to the largest Miao community in China. Nicknamed the village of 1000 families, it’s many traditional dark wooden houses have been restored to their original appearance in a bid to boost tourism. As the sun set over the main square, the faint sound of music caught my ear. I eventually came across the three colourful singers who agreed to pose for a quick portrait.
Alex Stoen PhotographyChinaGeotaggedLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mmTravelVacation
22 Wijngaard Straat (Antwerp, Belgium 2018)
This weekend we escaped London to discover a hidden gem less than an hour away. We hopped on a direct FlyVLM flight from London City Airport and landed in Antwerp 50 minutes later. After a good night's rest at the beautiful boutique Hotel Indigo, located right next to the Central Station, we explored the old streets of the city’s historic center, where I captured this detail, in Wijngaardstraat. The medieval city is full of wonders such as the 16th-century Guildhouses at the Grote Markt and its statue of Brabo.
ASTOEN2018Smugmug1006432Alex Stoen PhotographyAntwerpBelgiumColorsDetailsEuropeFreshGreenLeica MP Typ 240NumbersPlantStreet PhotographySummiluxM 35mmTravelWallWijngaardstraatcontrastmacroold
Urban Patterns at Canary Wharf (London, United Kingdom 2018)
Coinciding with London's Lumiere Light Festival, Canary Wharf hosts Winter Lights, with more than 30 installations showcasing artists from around the world.
Located at Jubilee Plaza, this interactive installation titled "Urban Patterns" was fun to photograph with its silhouettes, surrounded by the tall buildings of London's financial district.
Using a tripod, I exposed for 1s to capture enough light without causing to much blur from people moving around.ASTOEN2018Smugmug6548Alex Stoen PhotographyArtBritainCanon EOS 1DXLightingLondonLumiereUKUnited KingdomWinter Lightsfestival
Aquarium at Seven Dials (London, United Kingdom 2018)
Lumiere London is back, lighting up the cold, dark streets of London for four evenings with light art and light installations. This world-class light festival showcases the capital’s spectacular and iconic architecture and streets, with more than 50 works located between King's Cross, Fitzrovia, Mayfair, South Bank, Westminster and the West End.
Aquarium was created by transforming a red telephone box into an aquarium full of exotic fish, in Earlham Street at Seven Dials. Despite the cold rain, large crowds were present to discover these amazing art installations (sometimes resulting in some challenging photographic environments).ASTOEN2018Smugmug1006331Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom
Waterlicht at King's Cross (London, United Kingdom 2018)
Lumiere London is back, lighting up the cold, dark streets of London for four evenings with light art and light installations. This world-class light festival showcases the capital’s spectacular and iconic architecture and streets, with more than 50 works located between King's Cross, Fitzrovia, Mayfair, South Bank, Westminster and the West End.
I shot this at Granary Square, by King's Cross. This installation titled "Waterlicht" was inspired by our changing relationship to water, the risk was all face if immediate action is not taken to tackle global warming and rising levels. This ethereal dream-like landscape was tricky to photograph, as the only way to capture the waves was to shoot at a higher shutter speed - 1/15th sec with tripod.ASTOEN2018Smugmug67371DXAlex Stoen PhotographyBritainCanon EOS 1DXLondonUKUnited Kingdom
Lumiere London, a festival of lights (London, United Kingdom 2018)
Lumiere London is back, lighting up the cold, dark streets of London for four evenings with light art and light installations. This world-class light festival showcases the capital’s spectacular and iconic architecture and streets, with more than 50 works located between King's Cross, Fitzrovia, Mayfair, South Bank, Westminster and the West End.
I decided to shoot the event with my tripod, to reduce sensor noise and blur the crowd around the static displays.ASTOEN2018Smugmug6616Alex Stoen PhotographyBritainCanon EOS 1DXLondonLumiereUKUnited Kingdom