So much left to discover

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Notting Hill Carnival (London, United Kingdom 2017)
This year’s Notting Hill Carnival was absolutely enthralling! Taking place on the Sunday and Monday of the British summer bank holiday each year, this Carnival is the largest street festival in Europe. Originating in 1964 as a way for Afro-Caribbean communities to celebrate their own cultures and traditions, the carnival’s roots 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. This summer’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, an explosion of colors and emotions. I am really looking forward to next year's event!!!
ASTOEN 2017 Smugmug 1004690 Alex Stoen Photography Leica MP Typ 240 London SummiluxM 35mm United Kingdom
The rest stop (Holguin, Cuba 2018)
I am rarely in front of the camera, but @isis_stoen caught me this year as we travelled to Cuba to scout for photographic locations on the eastern side of the island. Hiring a local "maquina" is by far the cheapest way to get around. The business of taxi hires is still going strong with an estimated 60,000 of them, but the road ahead is full of uncertainties as the local economy adjusts after the collapse of Cuba' main fuel supplier, Venezuela.
ASTOEN 2018 Smugmug 2251 Canon EOS 60D Caribbean Chevy Chevy Bel Air Cuba Destination Leica Travel Vacation classic cars photographer
The Karo Girl from Kolcho (Omo Valley, Ethiopia 2014)
The Karo tribe living along the borders of the Lower Omo River 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.
ASTOEN Ethiopia 2014 smugmug 0538 1DX Africa Alex Stoen Photography Canon Canon EOS 1DX EF 1635 f2.8 L II USM Faces of Abyssinia Flickr Geotagged Girl Google Kara Karo Kolcho NatGeo National Geographic Expeditions Omo River Omo Valley Portrait Travel Tribes Vacation facebook
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.
ASTOEN India 2015 Smugmug 5327 Alex Stoen Photography Benares Birds Boat Canon Ganges Geotagged Rowing Sunrise Travel Vacation Varanasi Water city
Sunset over the City (London, United Kingdom 2018)
The gorgeous sunset tonight over the heart of the City of London was enough justification to dust-off the large telephoto lens and capture this bracketed exposure (-1/0/+1), merged into a natural looking HDR. During this brief moment, I was able to set aside all my worries and simply enjoy the moment until the light faded away into the distance.
Alex Stoen Photography Britain Canon EOS 1DX London UK United Kingdom
The Unfinished Mingun Pagoda (Mandalay, Myanmar 2013)
Three monks climb down from the Mingun pagoda, cracked during an earthquake in 1839 in Mandalay, Burma. 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'm 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 may have looked…
ASTOEN Myanmar 2013 Smugmug 2129 1DX Alex Stoen Photography Burma Canon Canon EOS 1DX Geotagged Mandaly NatGeo National Geographic Expeditions Portrait Travel Vacation Yangon
The keeper of Bet Abba Libanos (Lalibela, Ethiopia 2014)
The ancient churches of Lalibela are a wonder in themselves, spectacular and truly amazing. Every church has its own priest, and these are not only the ones taking care of the services in the church, but also have a role as a kind of museum keepers to visitors. They are usually dressed in white, with either a white cloth wrapped around their head or a ceremonial hat. They are also the guards of the treasures of their church, and above all, they are human. Humor is a wonderful ice-breaker when I try to connect with my subjects, but above all, you must be respectful of the people and their customs.
ASTOEN Ethiopia 2014 Smugmug 1573 1DX Alex Stoen Photography Canon Canon EOS 1DX Geotagged Lalibela NatGeo National Geographic Expeditions Travel Vacation
The Colors of Notting Hill (London, United Kingdom 2018)
A few weeks ago, we headed to Portobello Road Market, in the heart of colorful Notting Hill. While making my photos, I am always on the lookout for creative compositions. Here, I used colors to create an interesting image. Take these colors away, and the composition simply doesn't work.
ASTOEN United Kingdom 2018 Smugmug 1008214 Alex Stoen Photography Leica MP Typ 240 London SummiluxM 35mm United Kingdom
The Guardians (Alicante, Spain 2011)
I made this creative composition during one of my daily walks while I lived in southern Spain. This was shot in San Juan de Alicante, a small town close to Alicante, on the Spanish Costa Blanca. In this frame, I composed while juxtapositioning the silhouetted streetlights, giving the scene some depth.
ASTOEN Spain 2011 smugmug 251365 500px 5DMk2 Alex Stoen Photography Atardecer Black White Blanco y Negro Canon Canon EOS Canon EOS 5D Mark II Classic Collection Degradado EF 70200 f2.8 L IS USM Flickr Google Lamps Light Luz Night Noche Noir et Blanc Picasa Picassa Project365 Silhouettes Street Photography alumbrado bn bw clasico facebook guardianes lamparas nb old sentinelas siluetas viejo watchers
Cañada de la Leña (Murcia, Spain 2012)
While I lived in Spain, I loved to explore the small rural villages. I captured this scene in Cañada de la Leña, a tiny village with a population of 138. The name most certainly refers to the grapevines that have been surrounding the village for centuries. During the summer, the temperature in this region of Spain has been known to reach 45ºC - the shade from this tree must have provided some relief!
ASTOEN 2012 Smugmug 6236 Abandoned Chairs Countryside Deserted Door Murcia Pueblo Relief Rest Rural Life Shade Spain Travel Tree Village Wall decay grapevines main street old rural scene small
The Emirati Bird of Prey (Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, United Arab Emirates 2017)
The falcon is UAE's national bird and is a symbol of force and courage. Falconry has a special place in Emirati culture. In the old days, falcons in Europe have always been a sport of the kings, of the aristocracy, but in the Middle East, falconry has always been a necessity for the Bedouins to survive in the desert. Abu Dhabi and Dubai are located on one of the main migration routes for falcons. During the fall season, the Bedouins captured the birds and use them to hunt for meat during the winter. They'd be released back into the wild in spring. Falcons meant survival. Even Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE and its first president, was a very passionate and avid falconer. Did you know that the United Arab Emirates even issues passports for its falcons (to combat smuggling)! I captured this at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve while on a photo expedition with National Geographic Expeditions.
ASTOEN 2017 Smugmug 1008218 Alex Stoen Photography Geotagged Leica M Typ 240 NGExpeditions SummiluxM 35mm Travel UAE Vacation
Lijnbaansbrug bridge (Amsterdam, Netherlands 2015)
This bridge crosses Amsterdam’s Singel canal, which encircled the city in the Middle Ages. It served as a moat around the city until 1585, when Amsterdam expanded beyond the Singel. The canal is now lined by many beautiful, richly decorated traditional gable houses built during the Dutch Golden Age.
ASTOEN Holland 2015 Smugmug Alex Stoen Photography Amsterdam Canals Canon Canon EOS 1DX EF 1635 f2.8 L II USM Street Photography Travel
Cala de la Mallaeta (Villajoyosa, Spain 2011)
I made this nocturnal long exposure in a small cove on the Spanish coast, close to Alicante. Taking photos at night totally different than during the day. You are a lot less impulsive, and take the time to carefully compose your shot, using light (natural and added) to create something interesting. It may take you a few tries to get everything right, but once all the elements come together, a piece of art emerges...
ASTOEN Spain 2011 smugmug 203365 500px 5DMk2 Alex Stoen Photography Arbol CTO Cala de la Mallaeta Canon Canon EOS 5D Mark II Cielo Clouds Collection EF 24105 f4 L IS USM Flickr From Dusk till Dawn Google Horizon La Mallaeta La Vila Larga Exposicion Light Painting Lluvia Long Exposure Manual Temperature Menace Menacing Night Night Photography Noche Noctambulo Noctambulos Nocturna Nocturnal Nubes Picasa Picassa Project365 Rain Sky Tiempo Tormenta Tree Villajoyosa composicion creativa creative composition facebook flashes fotografía nocturna motion mouvement storm tones
The man from Barna (Jodhpur, India 2015)
The key to capturing emotions is connection. The photographer must 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… This portrait was taken in the small village of Barna, in the countryside south of Jodhpur.
ASTOEN India 2015 Smugmug 9994 1DX Alex Stoen Photography Canon Canon EOS 1DX Geotagged Jodhpur Travel Vacation
Pontocho (Kyoto, Japan 2015)
Pontocho is one of Kyoto's most atmospheric dining areas. It is a narrow alley running from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori, next to the Kamogawa River. The alley is packed with restaurants on both sides offering a wide range of dining options from inexpensive yakitori to traditional and modern Kyoto cuisine, foreign cuisine and highly exclusive establishments that require the right connections and a fat wallet. I captured this scene close to the entrance of Pontocho while on a #NGExpedition to #Japan with @natgeotravel and @travelbabbo. Did I mention my favorite dinner of my entire stay in Japan was in a small Pontocho yakitori? If you’re ever in Kyoto, don't miss it!
ASTOEN Japan 2015 Smugmug Alex Stoen Photography Autumn Fall Geotagged Leica MP Typ 240 NGExpeditions NatGeo National Geographic Expeditions SummiluxM 35mm Travel Vacation
The Little Sevillanas (London, United Kingdom 2017)
This past May, London's Spanish community celebrated the "Feria de Londres". Taking place under the iconic Tower Bridge, it brought the vibrant and lively celebrations of Andalucía to the banks of the River Thames. Inspired by the traditional festivities of the region’s colorful spring fairs, it was a great place to enjoy some delicious Spanish tapas, beer, paella and wine, and of course to dance Sevillanas!
ASTOEN 2017 Smugmug 1001466 Alex Stoen Photography Leica MP Typ 240 London SummiluxM 35mm United Kingdom
Halong Bay (Haiphong, Vietnam 2009)
Vietnam is such a unique and amazing country. A land rich in colors, incredible food, and friendly people. I can't wait to get back and discover more of its hidden treasures!
ASTOEN Vietnam 2009 Smugmug 8834 Collection Halong Bay Horizontal Indochina Cruises Travel webh
Through the shadows 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.
ASTOEN Oman 2017 Smugmug 1007817 Al Qabasah Alex Stoen Photography Architecture Bahla Fort Black Magic Desert Door Escape Exit Father and child Fort Frame Geotagged History Leica MP Typ 240 Medieval Mud Brick NGExpeditions Orient Shadows Shelter Silhouette Sultanate of Oman SummiluxM 35mm Superstition Travel UNESCO World Heritage Site Vacation contrast creative interesting magic story telling
The Mursi Boy (Omo Valley, Ethiopia 2014)
The Mursi tribe are a semi-nomadic ethnic group in South-western Ethiopia, in the Omo Valley and Mago National Park, not far from the Kenyan border. Surrounded by three rivers and a mountain range, the home of the Mursi is one of the most isolated regions of the country.

The Mursi people use elaborate and decorative body art for many different reasons, not only as a social status but sometimes to associate tribal families. Each pattern has a different meaning and it is believed that once their bodies are painted they come ‘alive’ in spirit.
ASTOEN Ethiopia 2014 Smugmug 9924 1DX Africa African Alex Stoen Photography Boy Canon Canon EOS 1DX Child Creative Lighting Culture EF 1635 f2.8 L II USM Faces of Abyssinia Geotagged Militia Village Mursi NatGeo National Geographic Expeditions Omo Valley Painted Face Pocket Wizard Portrait Serious Tradition Travel Tribes context facebook off shoe flash
The Churchill Arms (London, United Kingdom 2018)
There was no better place in London to watch today's World Cup Final than in the famous Churchill Arms! Dating back to at least the late nineteenth century, the pub received its current name after the Second World War. Located in the colorful Notting Hill, this pub has received numerous awards not only for its incredible floral decorations but also as the very first London pub with a Thai restaurant, which opened over 25 years ago. We ate some amazing spring rolls, as we toasted France's victory with an ice-cold lagger!
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Vive la France!
Today France celebrates its National Day commemorating the anniversary of Storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, a turning point of the French Revolution, as well as the Fête de la Fédération which celebrated the unity of the French people on 14 July 1790. It's a day full of celebrations, parades and fireworks. French communities throughout the World get together to celebrate with food.... and wine!
ASTOEN France 2010 Smugmug 4330 Abstract Blue Closeup Colors Drink French French Wine Fun Glass Horizontal Party Red White Blue Tricolor White Wine bokeh conceptual macro patriotic red tipsy
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.
ASTOEN India 2015 Smugmug 1DX Alex Stoen Photography Benares Canon Canon EOS 1DX EF 50mm f1.4 USM Geotagged Travel Vacation Varanasi
Three novice monks at the Nat Taung Kyaung Monastery (Bagan, Myanmar 2013)
Dating back to the 18th century, Nat Taung Kyaung is a small oasis of peace, far from the crowds overrunning the most famous temples.
The monastery is secluded north of the town walls of Old Bagan and also houses one of the oldest teak buildings still standing in all Burma.
ASTOEN Myanmar 2013 smugmug 1DX 500px Alex Stoen Photography Bagan Burma Canon Canon EOS 1DX Flickr Geotagged Google NatGeo National Geographic Expeditions Portrait Travel Vacation facebook
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!
ASTOEN 2018 Smugmug 1006811 Alex Stoen Photography Leica MP Typ 240 London Shoreditch SummiluxM 35mm United Kingdom
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.
ASTOEN China 2016 Smugmug Alex Stoen Photography Amazing Asia Best destination Breathtaking Canon EOS 1DX Culture Defense EF 2470mm f2.8L II USM Geotagged Great Wall Heritage Mutianyu Souvenir Travel Vacation Wall icon moment tourism
Pride (London, United Kingdom 2018)
Today more than one million people took to the streets in central London to mark the annual Pride parade. First held in 1972, it has expanded over the years to include everyone in the LGBTQ+ alphabet. The theme of this year's Pride is 'Pride Matters', with organisers asking why the month is still important. Pride is a month-long celebration of the LGBT+ community, culminating in today's glitter-filled parade festivities.
ASTOEN 2018 Smugmug 1009309 Alex Stoen Photography Leica MP Typ 240 London SummiluxM 35mm United Kingdom
The Path to Freedom (Cancale, France 2015)
Summer in Brittany is just amazing. Leaving the unbearable heat of southern Spain, we fell in love with the small town of Cancale, on the northern coast of Brittany, not too far from the Saint-Malo. I captured this in the Port de la Houle, incredibly famous for its oysters. We would grab a fresh dozen every morning to enjoy in the evening with a glass of Rosé.
ASTOEN France 2015 Smugmug 1000499 Alex Stoen Photography Cancale Cool Freedom Leica MP Typ 240 Ocean Open Pier Sea Solitude SummiluxM 35mm Walk Woman
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.
ASTOEN India 2015 smugmug 6302 1DX Alex Stoen Photography Benares Canon Canon EOS 1DX EF 2470mm f2.8L USM Faith Flickr Geotagged Ghat Google Holy Men Looks Portrait Religion Sadhu Travel Vacation Varanasi character facebook
Escapade to Regent's Park (London, United Kingdom 2017)
Under longest heatwave in 20 years, London parks offer the perfect places to escape the blazing temperatures. As I explored Regent's Park, I came across this semi-hidden corner, surrounded by trees, which seemed to be an ideal spot to disconnect from the city's busy streets and overpacked tube carriages. Right behind the trees is the park's open-air theatre, which is the oldest, professional, permanent outdoor theatre in all of Britain, a great place to listen to concerts or watch comedy plays in the summer evenings.
ASTOEN United Kingdom 2017 Smugmug 1002020 Best destination Chairs Clouds Destination Empty Escapade Fresh Grass Green Hidden Leica MP Typ 240 London Long Chairs Natural Nature Park Regent's Park Relax Selective Focus Sky Spring Stripes Summer SummiluxM 35mm Sun Travel United Kingdom Vacation Vertical best vacation creative composition moment trees visitbritain
U Bein Bridge (Amarapura, Myanmar 2013)
Easily one of Burma’s most photographed sights, U Bein is the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world, stretching close to 1200 meters across Taungthaman Lake. I captured this shot right before sunset, as my small boat manoeuvred around the lake. The soft light was just magnificent. This was truly one of those magical moments that filled my soul, and that I will cherish forever.
ASTOEN 2013 Smugmug 2781 1DX Alex Stoen Photography Burma Canon Canon EOS 1DX Geotagged Mandalay Myanmar NatGeo National Geographic Expeditions Travel Vacation Yangon
The Sheikh's Ladder (Al Ain, United Arab Emirates 2017)
Creative composition of an old wooden ladder at Sheikh Zayed's old palace in Al Ain. It was the former home of the late UAE founder, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The Palace was once a political and social hub. Built in 1937 and then renovated in 1998, the building finally became a museum in 2001 and now houses a large collection of material about the ruling family. It was quite interesting to see how they lived back then!
ASTOEN United Arab Emirates 2017 Smugmug 2806 Arabian Palace Architecture Blue sky Brown Lader Outdoors Scale Sharp Sky Steps String Travel UAE United Arab Emirates Up Vacation Vertical Wall Wooden Wooden ladder climb conceptual geometric ladder mudbrick mudbrick wall nomadic old
The farmer from Daxu (Guangxi, China 2016)
Daxu is an ancient town dating back to more than 2000 years, founded during the Qin Dynasty. It thrived as a leading trade and commercial hub due to its close proximity to the Li River. The thirteen docks that can still be seen in Daxu today are the remnants of this former golden age.

During my visit, I met this farmer, who kindly invited me to his home and should me how he made tofu from soybeans. A passionate yueqin player, he also loved traditional Chinese calligraphy. Traditions were evident everywhere I looked, from the grinding stones that pressed the soybeans to the brick walls and portraits of Mao adorning this century-old house.
ASTOEN China 2016 Smugmug 1003960 Alex Stoen Photography Daxu Geotagged Leica MP Typ 240 SummiluxM 35mm Travel Vacation
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!
ASTOEN 2017 Smugmug 1006193 Alex Stoen Photography Geotagged Leica MP Typ 240 NGExpeditions Oman SummiluxM 35mm Travel Vacation
Lost in Montmartre (Paris, France 2014)
Home to many artists, 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 highly recommend just getting lost (with a map to find your way out) in the steep and cobbled streets of one of the most historic and interesting neighborhoods in Paris.
ASTOEN 2014 Smugmug 6594 1DX Alex Stoen Photography Canon Canon EOS 1DX EF 1635 f2.8 L II USM Flickr France Google Montmartre Paris Spring Street Photography Travel Weekend in Paris facebook holiday tourism vacacion
Arashiyama’s Sagano bamboo grove (Kyoto, Japan 2015)
Only 30 minutes or so from the bustling Kyoto city center, the towering bamboo forest is an almost shocking contrast to the urbanity surrounding it. Wooden paths weave through the dense thicket of tall bamboo stalks that reach dozens of feet into the sky, creating a canopy. The absolutely gorgeous forest of skinny bamboo trunks is the heroin chic of wooded glades. As the wind passes through the tightly packed plants, the wood bends and creaks, the leaves rustle, and the trunks knock together, creating a peaceful sound like almost nothing else.
ASTOEN Japan 2015 smugmug 4722 500px Alex Stoen Photography Arashiyama bamboo grove Bamboo Canon EOS 1DX EF 1635mm f2.8 L II USM Flickr Forest Geotagged Google NGExpeditions NatGeo National Geographic Expeditions Perspective Punto de Fuga Sagano Travel Vacation Vanishing Point facebook leading lines
Brick Lane (London, United Kingdom 2016)
London’s Brick Lane has a fascinating history and is one of the most popular places to visit in the East End today. Brick Lane used to be a poor slum area in the past and was in the very heart of Jack the Ripper territory.

The street might have gotten its name when brick and tile manufacturers set up shop in the 15th century. The street later became a popular location for breweries. The famous brewing family, the Trumans, started their business there. Its proximity to Spitalfields saw an influx of French Huguenots when they were driven out of France, also in the 17th century. The street and the surrounding area became well known for its weaving and tailoring. Like much of the East End, this area was a haven for immigrants moving into London to escape persecution abroad or looking for a better life. During the 19th and 20th centuries, it was best known for its Irish and Jewish population.

Today, the community living in and around Brick Lane is predominantly Bangladeshi. The street is a great place to go for a curry, especially if you want to try traditional and authentic cooking!
ASTOEN United Kingdom 2016 Smugmug 1004825 Alex Stoen Photography Brick Lane Leica M Typ 240 London Painting Street Photography SummiluxM 35mm Travel United Kingdom graffiti
Hogueras de San Juan - Bonfires of San Juan (Alicante, Spain 2011)
Alicante celebrates the arrival of summer with the Bonfires of San Juan. In an atmosphere of music, color, fireworks and extravagance, thousands of people experience this annual fiesta which pays tribute to fire. The celebrations conclude the night of the 24th, effigies (ninots) are burnt to the ground all around the city. It's truly an amazing experience!
ASTOEN 2011 Smugmug 5DMk2 Alex Stoen Photography Alicante Bonfires Canon Canon EOS 5D Mark II Culture Fogueres Hogueras Hogueras 2011 Hogueras de San Juan Tradition
Hogueras de San Juan - Bonfires of San Juan (Alicante, Spain 2014)
Alicante celebrates the arrival of summer with the Bonfires of San Juan. In an atmosphere of music, color, fireworks and extravagance, thousands of people experience this annual fiesta which pays tribute to fire. The celebrations conclude the night of the 24th, effigies (ninots) are burnt to the ground all around the city. It's truly an amazing experience!
ASTOEN Spain 2014 Smugmug 7269 1DX Alex Stoen Photography Alicante Canon Canon EOS 1DX EF 70200 f2.8 L IS USM Flickr Fogueres Geotagged Google Hogueras de San Juan 2014 Mediterranean Culture Sant Joan Street Photography Summer Travel facebook
Hogueras de San Juan - Bonfires of San Juan (Alicante, Spain 2015)
Alicante celebrates the arrival of summer with the Bonfires of San Juan. In an atmosphere of music, color, fireworks and extravagance, thousands of people experience this annual fiesta which pays tribute to fire. The celebrations conclude the night of the 24th, effigies (ninots) are burnt to the ground all around the city. It's truly an amazing experience!
ASTOEN 2015 Smugmug 3694 1DX Alex Stoen Photography Alicante Bonfires Canon Canon EOS 1DX Flickr Fogueres Geotagged Google Hogueras de San Juan 2015 Spain Street Photography Summer Tradition Travel facebook
Hogueras de San Juan - Bonfires of San Juan (Alicante, Spain 2015)
Alicante celebrates the arrival of summer with the Bonfires of San Juan. In an atmosphere of music, color, fireworks and extravagance, thousands of people experience this annual fiesta which pays tribute to fire. The celebrations conclude the night of the 24th, effigies (ninots) are burnt to the ground all around the city. It's truly an amazing experience!
ASTOEN Spain 2015 Smugmug 1000338 Alex Stoen Photography Alicante Bonfires Flickr Fogueres Geotagged Google Hogueras de San Juan 2015 Leica MP Typ 240 Street Photography Summer SummiluxM 50mm Tradition Travel facebook
The Harvest (Sapa, Vietnam 2009)
In just over 2 months, the terraced rice fields of Sapa will be turning to gold, ready to be harvested. The region is host to many hill tribes, lush vegetation, and Fansipan, the highest peak in Vietnam. During my 6 hours trek into the valley below the old French colonial outpost, I came across some of the country's friendliest people and breathtaking landscapes!
ASTOEN Vietnam 2009 Smugmug 8292 Cat Cat Village to Sansaho Village Collection Sapa
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.
ASTOEN Ethiopia 2014 smugmug 9998 1DX Abyssinia Africa Alex Stoen Photography Canon Canon EOS 1DX Colors Colors of Africa EF 70200 f2.8 L IS USM Flickr Geotagged Google Key Afer Market Scenes NatGeo National Geographic Expeditions Omo Valley Scenes of Africa Street Photography Travel Vacation facebook market
The Winch (Alicante, Spain 2010)
I really miss casting off and raising the mainsail for a beautiful day out on the water. Being able to completely disconnect allowed me to add some perspective to my thoughts, reaching difficult conclusions and making life-changing decisions. I composed this photograph several years ago, on a sailing trip in the Mediterranean Sea off the Spanish Costa Blanca.
ASTOEN 2010 Smugmug 133365 40D Agua Alex Stoen Photography Barco Boat Canon Canon EOS 40D Collection EFS 1785 f45.6 IS USM Flickr Main Sail Mar Marine Mediterranean Mediterranean Sea Mer Nautical Nautico Navegar Picasa Picassa Project365 Sail Sailing Sailing Boat Sea Spain Vela Velero Water Winch webh
The Magnificent Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine (Kyoto, Japan 2015)
One of the main objectives from my trip to Japan was to capture the row of vermilion torii gates that straddle the paths at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Since early Japan, Inari was seen as the patron of business, traditionally worshiped by merchants and manufacturers. Each of the torii at Fushimi Inari Taisha is donated by a Japanese business. First and foremost, though, Inari is the god of rice.

Due to the extreme popularity of the site, the only way to avoid the masses and “pull off” the shot was to get there early in the morning, as soon as the shrine opened to the public.
ASTOEN Japan 2015 Smugmug 4884 Alex Stoen Photography Canon EOS 1DX EF 2470mm f2.8L II USM Fushimi Inari Shrine Geotagged Mount Inari NGExpeditions NatGeo National Geographic Expeditions Travel Vacation vermilion torii gates
La Peculiar Tienda de Heredia (Santiago de Cuba, Cuba 2018)
Located in the heart and soul of Santiago, a few steps away from the historical Parque Cespedes, this tiny shop sells all kinds of souvenirs, from half-century old books to vinyl records, military medals or political stickers. Recognizing the opportunity for a creative composition, I strike up a conversation with the shopkeeper, who agrees to pose for me at the entrance, pretending to read a book that he later gave to me. It was a challenging photograph to make, requiring exposure bracketing to maintain details from the dark interior, as well as the from the bright street outside, resulting in a natural looking HDR.
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The Colorful Villa Blanca (Gibara, Cuba 2018)
Founded in January 1817, Gibara is also known as "La Villa Blanca" from the color of its colonial architecture and well-planned layout of its streets, houses and parks. Nowadays, the old quarter is full of colorful houses, providing the perfect backdrop for my composition of this "máquina", so typical to see in the streets of Cuba.
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Playa Pesquero (Guardalavaca, Cuba 2018)
The Caribbean never ceases to take my breath away, with its pristine sandy beaches, turquoise water and tropical weather, allowing us to escape our realities if only for a few days. I captured this blissful scene on the iPhone, which came in extremely handy on the beach, allowing me to walk around without carrying my Leica M or my heavy Canon DSLR.
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La Epoca (Holguin, Cuba 2018)
Founded as San Isidoro de Holguín in 1545, the city was named after its founder Captain García Holguín, a Spanish military officer. Holguin is now the third largest city in Cuba and renown for its city parks and squares. I composed this scene of two classic "maquinas" at Parque Calixto Garcia, in front of the old department store called La Epoca, which made for the perfect backdrop for this beautiful 1952 Chevy Bel Air.
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