So much left to discover

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!

ASTOEN2011Smugmug5DMk2Alex Stoen PhotographyAlicanteBonfiresCanonCanon EOS 5D Mark IICultureFogueresHoguerasHogueras 2011Hogueras de San JuanTradition

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!

ASTOENSpain2014Smugmug72691DXAlex Stoen PhotographyAlicanteCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 70200 f2.8 L IS USMFlickrFogueresGeotaggedGoogleHogueras de San Juan 2014Mediterranean CultureSant JoanStreet PhotographySummerTravelfacebook

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!

ASTOEN2015Smugmug36941DXAlex Stoen PhotographyAlicanteBonfiresCanonCanon EOS 1DXFlickrFogueresGeotaggedGoogleHogueras de San Juan 2015SpainStreet PhotographySummerTraditionTravelfacebook

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!

ASTOENSpain2015Smugmug1000338Alex Stoen PhotographyAlicanteBonfiresFlickrFogueresGeotaggedGoogleHogueras de San Juan 2015Leica MP Typ 240Street PhotographySummerSummiluxM 50mmTraditionTravelfacebook

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!

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Colors of Key Afer Market (Key Afer, Ethiopia 2014)

Located deep in the Omo Valley, the village of Key Afer holds a market every Thursday, attracting tribal minorities such as the Ari, Bonna and Tsemay people who come for livestock. I was surprised to see how colorful the market was, from the local shops to the traditional clothes worn by the different tribes. Exploring Ethiopia with National Geographic Expeditions was really an eye-opener, allowing me to discover a lot about the southern minorities, and how the growing tourism industry is changing their daily lives.

ASTOENEthiopia2014smugmug99981DXAbyssiniaAfricaAlex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 1DXColorsColors of AfricaEF 70200 f2.8 L IS USMFlickrGeotaggedGoogleKey Afer Market ScenesNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsOmo ValleyScenes of AfricaStreet PhotographyTravelVacationfacebookmarket

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.

ASTOEN2010Smugmug13336540DAguaAlex Stoen PhotographyBarcoBoatCanonCanon EOS 40DCollectionEFS 1785 f45.6 IS USMFlickrMain SailMarMarineMediterraneanMediterranean SeaMerNauticalNauticoNavegarPicasaPicassaProject365SailSailingSailing BoatSeaSpainVelaVeleroWaterWinchwebh

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.

ASTOENJapan2015Smugmug4884Alex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 1DXEF 2470mm f2.8L II USMFushimi Inari ShrineGeotaggedMount InariNGExpeditionsNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsTravelVacationvermilion 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.

Alex Stoen PhotographyCubaHolguinLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mm

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.

ASTOEN2018Smugmug2104Alex Stoen PhotographyBeachBlissCaribbeanCloudsCubaDestinationGuardalavacaNatureOceanParadisePlaya PesqueroShadeStuck in TrafficSunshineTravelTreeTropicalVacationholidayiPhoneXiphoneographymobile Photographyresorttimeoff

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.

ASTOEN2018SmugmugAlex Stoen PhotographyCubaDestinationHolguinLeica MP Typ 240MomentsStoriesSummiluxM 35mmTravel

El Guajiro de Santiago (Santiago de Cuba, Cuba 2018)

I shot this portrait of a Cuban farmer on my way back from Santiago, as he was struggling to keep his cows from crossing the road. The setting sun was bathing the countryside in an amazing light, so I just had to jump out of the car and capture this. It never ceases to amaze me how friendly most Cubans are, being more than happy to pose as I capture their portraits.

ASTOEN2018Smugmug1009150Alex Stoen PhotographyCubaLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mmTravel

Different times (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. I composed this typical scene in a local government office inside an old colonial building. What really caught my eye was the contrast between the plain wooden wall, decorated only with the Cuban flag, the empty chairs around the single table with its flowers facing towards the light, and then the rich floor tiles, reminiscent of a different time...

ASTOEN2018Smugmug6941Alex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 1DXColonialCubaCubanEF 1635 f2.8 L II USMFlagGibaraHolguinSquareTravelcontrastwide

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. Even so, Gibara's biggest asset, according to visitors, are its people, which are described as cooperative, friendly, affectionate, and proud of their village and of its history. It is said that Admiral Christopher Columbus had remarked of Gibara's environs that “it is the most beautiful land that human eyes saw.”

Alex Stoen PhotographyCubaHolguinLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mm

The Unstoppable Maquinas (Holguin, Cuba 2018)

On the road to Gibara, a local fishing town on the northeastern side of Cuba, we passed many "maquinas", or "Yank tanks". There are still an estimated 60,000 of them still driving the Cuban roads today, taxiing locals and tourists from town to town.

ASTOEN2018Smugmug7030Alex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 1DXCarCubaHolguinMomentsRoadStorytellingStreet PhotographyTravelblurclassic carsmotionmouvement

Piña Stop (Holguin, Cuba 2018)

Today we hired a classic car to drive us from Pesquero to Holguin, and stopped on the way to pickup some fresh fruits. I made this composition of my wife choosing a ripe pineapple. I am so happy to see these private businesses flourish around the country.

ASTOEN2018Smugmug1008368Alex Stoen PhotographyCubaDestinationHolguinLeica MP Typ 240MomentsStorytellingSummiluxM 35mmTravel

Transatlantic (Holguin, Cuba 2018)

Just arrived in Cuba last night, and looking forward to relaxing a few days on the pristine beaches of Playa Pesquero. I made this iPhone snap as we crossed the Atlantic.

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The Colors of Notting Hill (London, United Kingdom 2018)

We felt like we got a taste summer this weekend, with the perfect weather to get out! 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.

ASTOEN2018Smugmug1008220Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom

Desert Rose (Arabian Desert, United Arab Emirates 2017)

I captured this portrait of 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. Dubai has created 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.

Alex Stoen PhotographyGeotaggedLeica MP Typ 240NGExpeditionsSummiluxM 35mmTravelUAEVacation

The Bull Ring (Birmingham, United Kingdom 2016)

The Bull Ring is a major commercial area of central Birmingham. It’s been an important feature of the city since the Middle Ages, when its market was first held. Masterplanned and designed by Benoy, the new Bullring Shopping Centre opened its doors in 2003, to huge crowds. Even today, the architecture is an eye catcher, with its 15,000 shiny aluminium discs, inspired by a Paco Rabanne sequinned dress.

ASTOENUnitedKingdom2016SmugmugAlex Stoen PhotographyArchitectureArtBirminghamBull RingCloudsCurvesLeica MP Typ 240Paco RabanneShopping CenterSkyStructureSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdomcitymallot

The Crossing (London, UK 2016)

London is always full of photographic opportunities! I made this long exposure (handheld) over at Charring Cross, just as the diminishing ambient light allowed me to "drag the shutter", capturing this city’s constant movement, using the iconic "call boxes" to frame my composition.

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The Temple of Heaven (Beijing, China 2016)

The Temple of Heaven is a medieval complex of religious buildings situated in the southeastern part of central Beijing. The complex was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for good harvest. It’s now visited by millions each year. This is my favorite composition of the place, however not taken at the best time… I guess I’ll have to come back!

ASTOENChina2016Smugmug7989Alex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 1DXEF 2470mm f2.8L II USMGeotaggedTemple of the SkyTravelVacation

El Capitolio (Havana, Cuba 2012)

The National Capitol Building in Havana, was the seat of government in Cuba until after the Cuban Revolution in 1959, and is now home to the Cuban Academy of Sciences. It’s also home to the world's third largest indoor statue, La Estatua de la República. Day or night, the area around the Capitolio is just fascinating and full of life, from the old maquinas parked in front to the lush parks and their amazing storytellers. I captured this view of the Capitolio from the Parque Central.

ASTOENCuba2012SmugmugAlex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 5D Mark IICapitolioLa HavanaMaquinaParque CentralStreet PhotographyTravelclassic cars

Seven Million Wonders (Les Olmes, France 2010)

While looking back through my photo archive, and I came across this portrait of my niece Marilou, taken 8 years ago. It's really kind of scary how fast children seem to be growing up! Peering over this image, I am reminded of a famous quote by Walt Streightiff, who said:

"There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million."

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Boulangerie des Tilleuls (Faucon, France 2018)

The best bread I've ever had came from the local breadmaker in the small village of Provence where I grew up in. Last month I was fortunate to escape the big city stress and flew to southern France for a weekend. It was a short break but it brought back so many memories of my childhood as well as priceless moments with my family.

Alex Stoen PhotographyFauconFranceLeica MP Typ 240ProvenceSummiluxM 35mmTravelVaisonlaRomaineVaucluseVillage

Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum (Bilbao, Spain 2015)

Built alongside the Nervion River, which runs through the Basque city of Bilbao to the Cantabrian Sea, the Guggenheim Museum of modern and contemporary art, designed by Frank Gehry, has often been hailed as the most important structure of its time when it opened in 1997. Because of their mathematical complexity, the sinuous curves were designed using a three-dimensional design software called Catia, which allowed designs and calculations that, years earlier, had not been possible. The 33,000 extremely thin titanium sheets provide a rough and organic effect, adding to the material’s color changes depending on the weather and light conditions making the entire structure an amazing work of art!

ASTOEN2015Smugmug2120AbstractAlex Stoen PhotographyArchitectureBilbaoCanon EOS 1DXConstructionGoldenGuggenheimSpainTravelcontrast

The Thien Mu Pagoda

Day 6, 07:25. Early arrival at this magnificent 7 story tower. How fitting is it to see it with a very young monk cycling by?

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Novices at the Shwedagon Pagoda (Yangon, Myanmar 2013)

I came across this group of novice monks while attending the festival of lights, a celebration held each November throughout the country. At midnight, on the day of the full moon, 9999 candles are ceremoniously lit. What an amazing experience!

ASTOENMyanmar2013smugmug1DX500pxAlex Stoen PhotographyBurmaCanonCanon EOS 1DXCultureEF 1635 f2.8 L II USMFabricFlickrFunGeotaggedGoogleMonksNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsNovice MonksPeoplePortraitShwedagon PagodaSocietyStreet PhotographyTravelVacationYangonbuddhismfacebook

Moorgate & Telegraph (City of London, United Kingdom 2018)

I made this iPhone capture on my commute to the office, as the City quickly awakes and everyone hustles to work. The early morning hours are usually my favorite time to get these snaps, as the light seems magical, cutting through the retreating shadows.

ASTOEN2018Smugmug1293Alex Stoen PhotographyAppleBankBusinessCity of LondonCommuteDawnDirtyGreat BritainLondonStreet PhotographySunriseUnited KingdomVanishing Pointearly morningiPhoneXiphoneographyshaft of lightshotoniphone

The Garden of Europe (Lisse, Netherlands 2015)

Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe, is considered the world's most beautiful spring gardens with more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths filling over 32 hectares with incredible colors. Timing your visit is a must if you are going to avoid the big crowds!

ASTOENHolland2015Smugmug3097Alex Stoen PhotographyAmsterdamCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 2470mm f2.8L USMFlickrFlowersGardenKeukenhofPrimaveraSpringTravelTulipanesTulipsfacebookjardin

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.

ASTOENChina2016Smugmug1002645Alex Stoen PhotographyGeotaggedLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mmTravelVacationYangshuo

When the sand turns to gold (Thar Desert, India 2015)

Also known as the Great Indian Desert or Marusthali (Land of the dead), the Thar Desert forms a natural boundary between India and Pakistan.

We reached the famous Sam Sand Dunes on camelback, in time to witness the striking beauty of the soft and soothing light at sunset, when the sand turns to gold and the shadows begin to reveal the intricate patterns left by the wind.

1DXAlex Stoen PhotographyCamelsCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 2470mm f2.8L USMGeotaggedIndiaSam Sand DunesSunsetThar DesertTravelVacation

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 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!

ASTOEN2017Smugmug1001062Alex Stoen PhotographyCahootsCocktail BarLeica MP Typ 240LondonSOHOSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom

Take me away... (Alicante, Spain 2008)

I made this composition over 10 years ago, before I started getting into Travel Photography and storytelling. As I revisit my image archive every now and again, this photo always catches my eye. Taken one spring evening at dusk, I tried to capture how the colorful sky contrasted with the growing shadows. In the middle of all the darkness, the runway lights of Alicante airport seemed to invite me to take off, spread my wings, and discover the world!

Getting back into photography, after spending many years without touching a camera, was a true blessing, allowing me to evolve both as an artist and as a person into who I am today.

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The sacred Itsukushima Shinto Shrine Torii (Miyajima, Japan 2015)

Considered one of the top three sites in all of Japan, the Itsukushima Torii appears to float when observed at high tide, adding to the sense of place of this incredible and sacred shrine.

The key elements seemed to come together, the light, the tide, the sky, the clouds... I managed to pull a 30 second exposure at mid-day using a 10-stop neutral density filter, along with a 0.3 soft graduated filter, smoothing out the water and capturing the slight movement of the clouds.

Alex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 1DXEF 2470mm f2.8L II USMGeotaggedJapanNGExpeditionsNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsTravelVacation

The Silk Weaving Machine (Varanasi, India 2015)

Most weavers in Varanasi are Momin Ansari Muslims. Their craft has been passed on from father to son for generations, hand-weaving silk on room-sized foot-powered looms, making the very fashionable Banarasi silk Saree, which many Indian girls dream of wearing for their wedding day.

ASTOENIndia2015smugmug53051DXAlex Stoen PhotographyBenaresBicycleCanonCanon EOS 1DXCultureEF 2470mm f2.8L USMEconomicsFlickrGeotaggedGoogleIndia IncredibleLocal IndustryMachineryPiperIndiaSilk WeavingStreet PhotographyTravelVacationVaranasifacebook

Misfat Al Abriyeen (Al Dhakhiyla, Sultanate of Oman 2017)

I shot this portrait of Maria in Misfat Al Abriyeen, a unique mud brick mountainous village located some 1,000m above sea level on the mountain foothills surrounding wilayat Al Hamra. This village was perched above amazing agricultural terraces, old houses built on top of solid rocks. As I lost myself in its narrow alleys, I couldn't help but notice the old wooden doors, so creatively decorated so many years ago.

ASTOENOman2017Smugmug1007714Alex Stoen PhotographyGeotaggedLeica MP Typ 240Misfat Al AbriyeenNGExpeditionsPortraitSummiluxM 35mmTravelVacationstock

Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere (Rome, Italy 2018)

I've just returned from Rome where we held my niece's baptism, bringing together our family from all around the world, proving once again that all roads lead to Rome!

We were fortunate to hold the ceremony in one of Rome's oldest churches, the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, where I made this image of the ceiling paintings of one of the chapels inside.

Rome proved to be the perfect location for our celebration, one that I feel we will cherish for a long time!

ASTOEN2018Smugmug1007868Alex Stoen PhotographyDestinationItalyLeica MP Typ 240RomeSummiluxM 35mmTravel

El Cochero de 3 pesos (Holguin, Cuba 2012)

The tradition of horse-drawn carriages in Cuba has its origins in the 15th century, when they were introduced on the island by the Spanish, who used them to haul freight. Today, with the shortage of cars, buses and fossil fuels, these “coches” have become the primary means of transportation for most cubans leaving outside the capital. Depending on where, what kind of cart, and the distance to be travelled, the cost ranges from 2 to 10 pesos per passenger (10 to 50 cents of a dollar).

ASTOEN2012smugmug69113 Pesos5DMk2Alcides PinoAlex Stoen PhotographyBarrioCaballoCanonCanon EOS 5D Mark IICocheCocheroCubaEF 2470mm f2.8L USMHolguinHorseLas Calles de CubaLife in CubaPopularPunto de FugaRoadStreet PhotographyTaxiTrafficTransportTransportationTravelVanishing PointVida en Cubacarriagedrawneveryday scenesfotografia callejeraframedstreet

Saigon's Cho Ben Thanh market (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 2009)

Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon, is a city in southern Vietnam famous for the pivotal role it played in the Vietnam War. It's also known for its French colonial architecture, including Notre-Dame Basilica, made entirely of materials imported from France, and the neoclassical Saigon Central Post Office. Food stalls line the city’s streets, especially around bustling the Cho Ben Thanh market, an incredible place where I just loved to get lost for hours, wandering around the different stalls selling anything from food to cheap t-shirts and colorful handbags.

ASTOEN2009smugmug5DMk2Alex Stoen PhotographyAsiaAsianBagsBeautyBolsosCanonCanon 5D Mark IICentral MarketCho Ben ThankCollectionColorsComerceComercioComprarCouleursDepth of FieldDressFlickrGeotaggedHo Chi Minh CityMarchéMercadoMercado CentralPurpleSaigonSaleShopShoppingTiendaTravelVarietyVenderVietnamVioletbokehcolourseveryday lifeframinghandbagsmarketwebv

Punting boats on the River Cherwell (Oxford, United Kingdom 2018)

Taking advantage of the British Bank Holiday and the magnificent weather, we escaped the capital city to spend the day in Oxford, known worldwide as the home of the University of Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world.

I made this image of the punting boats at Magdalen Bridge Boathouse on the River Cherwell, just before they were hired away by the queuing tourist.

ASTOENUnitedKingdom2018Smugmug1007711Alex Stoen PhotographyBoatsFine ArtLeica MP Typ 240Magdalen Bridge BoathouseOxfordRiverRiver CherwellSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdomcity of dreaming spirescreative compositionpunting boats

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...

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Los Caballos del Vino (Caravaza de la Cruz, Spain 2014)

The history of this unique fiesta is absolutely fascinating and is all about the extraordinary story of the True Cross, in Spanish the ‘Vera Cruz’. This fragment of wood is said to have been part of the cross upon which Jesus was crucified and it has protected the city since the 13th century. The presence of the True Cross in Caravaca is the reason for its status as a Holy City, one of only 5 in the world, on par with Rome and Jerusalem.
The legend dates back to the days of the Knights Templar, who came to the aid of the townspeople. The invading Moorish army had cunningly poisoned the water supply, which flowed into the besieged town, and many people were dying of thirst, as they couldn’t drink the poisoned water. The only liquid that could be found to drink was wine. So the brave knights tied flagons of wine to their horses and ran with them up the hill before the Moorish armies realised what was happening, bringing the precious liquid to the townspeople. The Vera Cruz was bathed in the wine and miraculously the sick and wounded were healed...

ASTOENSpain2014Smugmug39341DXAlex Stoen PhotographyCaballos del Vino 2014CanonCanon EOS 1DXCaravaca de la CruzCultureFiestasGeotaggedGoogleMurciaTraditionTravelfacebook

The Hunters from Basha (Guizhou, China 2016)

Deep into mountains of southwest China's Guizhou province, lives a unique and ancient subgroup of the Miao tribe, named "Basha." Some 2,000 men and women of this tribe still live in wooden houses, practice centuries-old customs, and hold unique beliefs. The Basha people are the only group in China allowed to carry guns.

I made this portrait of the tribe's next generation of hunters as they finished receiving a lecture from the village elder. It was quite a special experience!

ASTOENChina2016Smugmug1009622Alex Stoen PhotographyBashaLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mm

The Call Box (City of London, United Kingdom 2017)

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... I found this one while exploring the labyrinth of streets between Bank and Liverpool Street, in the City of London.

ASTOENUnitedKingdom2017Smugmug100161135mmAloneCity of LondonColdCommunicationDestinationEmptyK2LondonPhoneRed Telephone BoxSolitudeStandoutStoneStreet CornerTelephone BoothTravelUnited KingdomUrbanVacationWallcall boxisolatedlook leftoldredstreettelephone boxtelephone kioskvisitbritain

Tunnel Vision (Maidstone, United Kingdom 2018)

Tunnels are always fun to photograph, especially in the high contrast areas such as the exits/entrance. I made this composition in an underpass in Maidstone, Kent. There would not have been a story had the couple at the end of the tunnel not been there. I actually spotted the photo opportunity a few minutes earlier, and simply focused, exposed in high key, and waited for the couple to be walking out. Being able to spot interesting moments just before they happen is one of the most important lessons I've learned over the years.

ASTOEN2018Smugmug1006738Alex Stoen PhotographyKentLeica MP Typ 240MaidstoneSummiluxM 35mmTunnelUnited KingdomVanishing Pointtunnel vision

Beautiful Eyes (Lisse, Netherland 2015)

The gardens of Keukenhof are in full blossom this time of the year. Considered the world's most beautiful spring gardens, it's the home to more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths filling over 32 hectares with incredible colors.

Keukenhof also specializes in variegated tulips, such as these. They symbolize beautiful eyes because of their gorgeous color patterns, perhaps them making the perfect flower to give on a date!

ASTOENHolland2015Smugmug31581DXAlex Stoen PhotographyAmsterdamCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 70200 f2.8 L IS USMFlickrFlowersGardenKeulenhofPrimaveraSpringTravelTulipanesTulipsfacebookjardin