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Behind the Wall (Southampton, United Kingdom 2018)
A couple of years ago, we visited Southampton during a nice sunny weekend. I was amazed how much undiscovered heritage it held. The port city gained a lot of importance when the Normans arrived in the eleventh century, but was also the point from which the Mayflower sailed towards the New World, and later the Titanic. As we walked towards the city's famous Bargate, with its medieval walls, I came across this construction site and worked on a creative composition using the colors, light and shadows, along with the mysterious background, which makes you want to peak over the wall and discover the world that lays beyond.
ASTOEN2018Smugmug1000400Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdom
A Colorful Commute (Hai Duong, Vietnam 2009)
As I browse through my image archive, this candid photo from Vietnam keeps getting my attention. Not my best composition, but the vibrance of the colors are just amazing. I captured this timeless moment while travelling from Hanoi to Hai Phong on my way to Ha Long Bay in 2009. School children making their way to class on their bicycles is such a common sight all over Asia, but this colorful moment caught my attention.
ASTOEN2009smugmug25DMk2Alex Stoen PhotographyBicyclesCanonCanon 5D Mark IICollectionColoresColorfulColorsCouleursCountrysideCyclesEF 70200 f2.8 L IS USMEducationFlickrGeotaggedGirlsGoing to SchoolHai PhongHanoi to HalongHappinessIndochinaIndochineOff to SchoolRice FieldsRice PaddiesSchoolSchool GirlsSchool UniformsShadeSunSunnyTransportationTravelTwoUmbrelaUniformsVietnamcomposition
Semana Santa (Alicante, Spain 2016)
Spain is known especially for its Holy Week traditions or Semana Santa. Throughout the country, brotherhoods carry magnificent floats with sculptures that depict different scenes from the gospels related to the Passion of Christ or the Sorrows of the Virgin Mary. On the Sunday of Resurrection, the processions are jubilant with no faces covered, usually carrying sculptures of Jesus and Mary, and including an encounter of those floats. Here, the float of Jesus makes its way toward the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the city's town hall to meet with the float of the Virgen Mary, Nuestra Señora de la Alegría.
ASTOEN2016Smugmug1005979Alex Stoen PhotographyAlicanteEasterLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mm
The Ballerina (Havana, Cuba 2019)
During my last trip to Havana, I was able to hook up with a well known and very talented Cuban photographer who managed to set up a ballerina shoot for me in an old colonial house. Just as I expected, it was a very fabulous experience which I will most certainly include in future trips with clients. Havana is full of amazing architecture, allowing for perfect backdrops for photo shoots.
Alex Stoen PhotographyCubaHavanaLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mmTravel
St Dunstan-in-the-East (City of London, United Kingdom 2017)
This is one of my favorite hidden gardens in London. It's located inside the ruins of an old church, in the middle of the City of London. Originally built in about 1100, it was severely damaged in the Great Fire of London in 1666, patched up, then rebuilt in 1817 only to be almost completely destroyed in the Blitz of 1941. Only the church's tower and steeple survived the bombs' impact. Of the rest of the church, only the north and south walls remained. Following the war, it was decided not to rebuild St Dunstan's, and in 1967 the City of London Corporation decided to turn the ruins of the church into a public garden, which opened in 1971.
ASTOENUnitedKingdom2017SmugmugAlex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdomvisitbritain
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.
1DXAlex Stoen PhotographyBenaresBicycleCanonCanon EOS 1DXCultureEF 2470mm f2.8L USMEconomicsFlickrGeotaggedGoogleIndiaIndia IncredibleLocal IndustryMachineryPiperIndiaSilk WeavingStreet PhotographyTravelVacationVaranasifacebooksmugmug
Symbiotic Relationships (Alicante, Spain 2011)
Spring is still a couple weeks away, but sometimes it feels it's right around the corner. It's always an interesting time to be on the lookout for even the smallest details (macro photography). I captured this moment while exploring an old railroad track in Spain, reconverted into a hiking trail. It reminded be of the importance of symbiotic relationships. Can the bees survive without flowers? Where would the flowers be without the bees?
ASTOENSpain2011Smugmug25590163655DMk2AbeilleAbejaAlex Stoen PhotographyBeeBees and FlowersCanonCanon EOS 5D Mark IICollectionCycleDetailsDetallesEF 70200 f2.8 L IS USMExtension TubeFlickrFlowerInsectsLookMiradaNaturalezaNaturePicasaPicassaPolenProject365SharpStareVia VerdeVolandoflyingfreezelifemacrowebhwork
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
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (Muscat, Sultanate of Oman 2017)
I shot this portrait of Sarah in the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat. Being the only mosque open to non-Muslims means it's very touristy so arriving early and beating the crowds was key in getting the right portraits in this amazing place. It's one of the most beautiful and extravagant modern mosques in the world featuring an amazing blend of Islamic, Middle Eastern, and Omani architectural styles, and it also hosts one of the world’s largest handmade Persian rugs as well as one of the world’s biggest chandeliers, with 600,000 shining bright Swarovski crystals!
ASTOENOman2017Smugmug1006401Alex Stoen PhotographyGeotaggedLeica MP Typ 240NGExpeditionsSummiluxM 35mmTravelVacation
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!
Alex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 1DXChinaEF 2470mm f2.8L II USMGeotaggedTemple of the SkyTravelVacation
Dancing beauty (Jaisalmer, India 2015)
Rajasthan, the land of Kings. Drenched into royal grandeur and soaked into glorious history, Rajasthan is one of the most charming and captivating states of India. Highly cultivated classical music and dance with its own distinct style is part of the cultural tradition of Rajasthan. The music is uncomplicated and songs depict day-to-day relationships and chores, more often focused around fetching water from wells or ponds. While staying at the majestic Suryagarh fort, I was able to catch the beauty of the traditional Kalbeliya folk dance.
ASTOENIndia2015smugmug72611DXAlex Stoen PhotographyAsiaCanonCanon EOS 1DXColors of IndiaCultureDancerDancingEF 70200 f2.8 L IS USMFlickrGeotaggedGoogleGraceJaisalmerMusicPiperIndiaRajasthanSuryagarhTravelVacationfacebookmotionmouvementslow shutter
In the Shadow of Time (Holguin, 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. Yank tank or máquina are the words used to describe the many classic cars present in Cuba with an estimated 60,000 of them still driving the roads today. I made this photograph by the Parque Calixto Garcia in Holguin, on the oriental side of the island.
ASTOENCuba2012smugmug6986American ClassicsBeat upBlueCarCarsClassicClassicsCollectiblesCuban CarsDestinationFrameHolguinIslandMaquinaMysteriousOld CarPortalRestoredShadowsSkyStreet PhotographyTransportationTravelTropicalWhiteWornclassic carsmomentoldpinkstrang shadowstime
Tango on the steps of the Trocadéro (Paris, France 2014)
As long as the weather is good, tango enthusiasts gather on the steps of the Trocadéro overlooking the Tour Eiffel, to dance seductively until twilight. Paris is such a fun place to visit, specially in the late spring/ealy summer. Don't do too much during the day, or you'll miss out on the incredibly nightlife!
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!
ASTOENHolland2015Smugmug3112AmsterdamBeautifulBeautyBloomBlossomBrightCanonColorColorfulCuteFieldFlowerFlowersGardenGreenKeukenhofKeulenhofLandscapeNaturalNatureNetherlandsPetalPlantSpringSunnyTravelTulipsViewWhitebackgroundjardinlovelypinkredseasontulip
The Land of the Rising Sun (Naoshima Island, Japan 2015)
Naoshima Island is home to the Benesse Art Site. Based on the concept of coexistence among nature, architecture, and art, the complex, intended to blend increasingly into the natural environment of Setonaikai National Park as the years go by, was entirely designed by Tadao Ando. Contemporary art is displayed not only within the museum galleries, but also in all parts of the buildings and surrounding area. It is a place where people can explore art, nature, architecture, and their own thoughts in a multi-layered and synergistic fashion. Fortunate guests can stay overnight, and take their artistic immersion to a whole different level! I captured my first Japanese sunrise from the terrace, which seemed to extend all the way to the horizon.
ASTOENJapan2015Smugmug500pxAlex Stoen PhotographyArchitectureArtBenesse HouseCanon EOS 1DXChairsCoupleDeckEF 2470mm f2.8L II USMFlickrGeotaggedGoldenGoogleHorizonKagawaMuseumNGExpeditionsNaoshima IslandNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsPairProfilePunto de FugaSetSilhouetteSunriseTerraceTravelVacationVanishing Pointcreative compositionfacebookinfinitylines
Portrait In the Blue City (Jodhpur, India 2015)
As the Blue City of Jodhpur awakens, its residents begin their daily routine. This is the best time to wander around without attracting too much attention. While exploring the old quarter, close to the Mehrangarh Fort, I made a portrait of this woman who really caught my attention with her colorful sari, but even more so the strength she seemed to express under her calm gaze.
ASTOENIndia2015Smugmug9429Alex Stoen PhotographyBlue CityCanon EOS 1DXGazeGeotaggedJodhpurPortraitRajasthanTravelVacationincredibleindia
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…ASTOENMyanmar2013smugmugBurmaGeotaggedGoogleHorizontalMandalayMandalyNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsTravelVacation
Dassanech Tribal Dance (Omorate, Ethiopia 2014)
The Omo Valley, situated in Africa’s Great Rift, is home to an estimated 200,000 indigenous peoples who have lived there for millennia. The Dassanech (meaning ‘People from the Delta”) inhabit the southernmost region of the valley, where the Omo River Delta enters Lake Turkana.
To reach the village, I had to cross the Omo river in a dugout canoe, so I travelled light, with 2 camera bodies - one with a telephoto-zoom lens and the other wide-angle. With so much dust, the last thing you want to do is to change lenses on the camera and expose your sensor!1DXAfricaAlex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 1DXDasenechEF 70200 f2.8 L IS USMEthiopiaGeotaggedNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsOmo ValleyOmorateTravelTribesVacation
Waterloo Bridge Book Market (London, United Kingdom 2017)
Tucked under Waterloo Bridge on Queen's Walk is one of London's best kept secrets: one of the only outdoor secondhand and antique book markets in southern England. Open daily, rain or shine, many locals come to browse through the hundreds of classics and contemporary titles, comics, maps and prints. My favorite time go is right before sunset, when the sun is low and the light reaches under the bridge illuminating the many rows and stacks of books.
ASTOENUnitedKingdom2017Smugmug1009899BooksBridgeCoverCultureDestinationHiddenLiteratureLondonQueen's WalkReadingSaleSecretsTravelUnited KingdomWaterloo Bridgebook marketbrowsediscoverholidaylocallocal secretmarketmomentsecondhandsellstreettitlestucked awaywonder
La Maquina del 53 (Gibara, 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. Yank tank or máquina are the words used to describe the many classic cars present in Cuba with an estimated 60,000 of them still driving the roads today. I captured this beauty in the small fishing village of Gibara, on the eastern side of the island.
ASTOENCuba2012Smugmug7215ClassicGibaraHorizontalMaquinaTravelframedold
Solitude (Cancale, France 2015)
We've now been staying at home for a full week. In these are very challenging times, I hope everyone is keeping safe! While we all maintain social distancing, fundamental to get through this pandemic, I urge we all stay in touch with our friends and loved ones. I often find myself daydreaming of better days, such as a summer spent in Brittany a few years ago, where we fell in love with the small town of Cancale, on the northern French coast, not too far from the Saint-Malo. I captured this in the Port de la Houle, incredibly famous for its oysters. Every morning, we would grab a fresh dozen to enjoy in the evening with a glass of Rosé. Keep safe everyone, #stayathome #quedateencasa!
Alex Stoen PhotographyBlueBoatBretagneCancaleFranceLeica MP Typ 240OceanTravelVacationWaterWaves
The Camel Caravan (Arabian Desert, United Arab Emirates 2017)
While exploring the Arabian Desert outside the @AlMaha_Resort, I came across this camel caravan traveling back to camp. I jumped out of the Land Cruiser and raced to the front of the caravan to compose against the setting sun. This is the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR), UAE’s first national park. It's a protected environment for the last of the desert wildernesses, setup to preserve its unique and beautiful desert habitat, and the many threatened flora and fauna species within. If you ever travel to Dubai, I highly recommend checking out this amazing initiative.
Alex Stoen PhotographyArabian DesertBest destinationCamel CaravanCamelsDesertDubai Desert Conservation ReserveEmiratesGeotaggedLeica MP Typ 240Middle EastNGExpeditionsNational ParkSilhouetteSummiluxM 35mmTravelUAEVacationcaravancreative compositionspecial moments
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!
ASTOENSpain2012Smugmug6236AbandonedChairsCountrysideDesertedDoorMurciaPuebloReliefRestRural LifeShadeTravelTreeVillageWalldecaygrapevinesmain streetoldrural scenesmall
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.
ASTOEN2016Smugmug1002934Alex Stoen PhotographyChinaGeotaggedLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mmTravelVacationYangshuo
Le champs des coquelicots (Vercoiran, France 2019)
Last year, I returned to the small Provençal village where I spent so many years of my childhood. Roaming through the surrounding fields and seeing familiar details brought back a sense of nostalgia, yet accompanied by a renewed appreciation for the natural beauty of the smallest things, so often overlooked in our daily bustling lives.
The Mystical Fishermen of Inle (Inle Lake, Myanmar 2013)
As you enter the wide expanse of Inle Lake at the end of a narrow feeder channel, you begin to realise how special the place is. Whenever I get stuck in traffic, or I’m waiting in long lines, I simply think about those moments, where sky and water met, 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’s absolutely enthralling. If you ever plan a visit to Myanmar, you shouldn’t miss this remarkable place.
1DX500pxAlex Stoen PhotographyBaganBurmaCanonCanon EOS 1DXFlickrGeotaggedGoogleInle LakeMyanmarNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsTravelVacationfacebooksmugmug
La Cumpleañera (Daxu, China 2016)
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!ASTOENChina2016Smugmug1004057Alex Stoen PhotographyDaxuGeotaggedIsisLeica MP Typ 240SummiluxM 35mmTravelVacation
The Children of Jinka (Omo Valley, Ethiopia 2014)
In 2014, I visited OMO CHILD, a home that cares for Mingi (cursed) children abandoned/sentenced to death by their tribes. The practice is slowly disappearing thanks to efforts like OMO CHILD. I had a chance to see the school in Jinka, where local and Mingi children were educated together…what an incredible experience. I came across this beautiful girl on her way home after school.
For more information on Mingi children and the ongoing efforts to protect them, I recommend you have a look at http://omochild.org/.ASTOENEthiopia2014Smugmug1DXAfricaAlex Stoen PhotographyAspirationCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 70200 f2.8 L IS USMFaces of AbyssiniaFlickrGeotaggedGirlGoogleJinkaNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsOmo ValleySchoolTravelVacationfacebookinnocence
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.ASTOENJapan2015Smugmug6773AmazingAsiaBest destinationBreathtakingCloudsDevotionGateIslandItsukushima Shinto Shrine ToriiLong ExposureLuckMiyajimaMiyajima IslandMomemtPeacePerfectionReligionSacredSeaSense of PlaceShintoShrineSkyToriiTranquilityTravelVacationWaterblurcreative compositioniconicspecial moments
Fountain of Life (Rajasthan, India 2015)
Deserts are known to be inhospitable, yet they also hold unimaginable colors. Few realize that the Thar Desert is the most densely populated desert in the world, home to over 40% of Rajasthan's population.
I captured this shot close to the India-Pakistan border, after attending the annual Desert Festival and Camel show, held in Jaisalmer.ASTOENIndia2015Smugmug84231DXAlex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 70200 f2.8 L IS USMGeotaggedSunsetThar DesertTravelVacation
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.1DXAlex Stoen PhotographyAmsterdamCanalsCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 1635 f2.8 L II USMHollandStreet PhotographyTravel
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.ASTOEN2014Smugmug65661DXAlex Stoen PhotographyCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 70200 f2.8 L IS USMFlickrFranceGoogleMontmartreParisSpringStreet PhotographyTravelWeekend in Parisfacebookholidaytourismvacacion
Spiritual Moments at the Shinbinthalyaung reclining Buddha (Bagan, Myanmar 2013)
Burma is a land full of mystical places, legends and myths that have been shaping the culture for hundreds of years. In the dusty plain of Bagan, home to thousands of pagodas built over the last thousand years, I came across this scene of two novice monks meditating at reclining Buddha of Shinbinthalyaung. It was a truly captivating moment, full of peace and tranquillity, free of worries or burden. I was really amazed how long that feeling stuck with me, even after I returned to my daily office routine. I can hardly wait to return to the enchanted land of Myanmar, hopefully in the next few years.
Have you had a similar experience somewhere special?ASTOENMyanmar2013smugmugBaganBurmaGeotaggedGoogleNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsPortraitTravelVacationVertical
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.
Alex Stoen PhotographyCubaDestinationHolguinLeica MP Typ 240MomentsStoriesSummiluxM 35mmTravel
The Path to Freedom (Cancale, France 2015)
Summer in Brittany a few years ago was just amazing. As we endure what seems like an endless winter in London, I think back to the days we spent in 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.
Alex Stoen PhotographyCancaleCoolFranceFreedomLeica MP Typ 240OceanOpenPierSeaSolitudeSummiluxM 35mmWalkWoman
Birthday Man! (London, United Kingdom 2020)
My son turns 23 today! I can't believe how fast he's grown into the man he is today. Growing is not always easy, but you've overcome the many challenges thrown at you. Stay strong, chin up, be proud of who you are and always remember you can count on my support! Love you kiddo!
ASTOEN2020SmugmugAlex Stoen PhotographyLeica Q2LondonTravelUnited Kingdom
Misfat Al Abriyeen (Al Dhakhiyla, Sultanate of Oman 2017)
Misfat Al Abriyeen is a unique mud brick mountainous village located 1,000 m above sea level on the mountain foothills surrounding wilayat Al Hamra. The village boasts amazing agricultural terraces, beautiful alleys, and old houses built on top of solid rocks, surely as means of providing security during the olden times.
Photo made during #NGExpeditions trip to #Oman, traveling the sands of time.Alex Stoen PhotographyGeotaggedLeica MP Typ 240Misfat Al AbriyeenNGExpeditionsOmanPortraitSummiluxM 35mmTravelVacationstock
Al Ain Palace (Al Ain, United Arab Emirates 2017)
Known as the Al Ain Palace Museum, 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.
ASTOENUnitedArabEmirates2017Smugmug2731Abu DhabiAl Ain PalaceGeotaggedHorizontalNGExpeditionsTravelUAEVacation
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 China's Linxi River at Sanjiang. Surprisingly, the Dong builders of this bridge did not use any nails or rivets. Instead, the talented Dong people used 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 brilliant rainbow crossing over the river. I captured this moment at sunset, when the golden light was reflecting on the rice paddies below the village, creating a truly magical scene.
ASTOENChina2016Smugmug1001028Alex Stoen PhotographyCanon EOS 1DXChengyang Wind and Rain BridgeDongGeotaggedGuangxiLeica MP Typ 240SanjiangSummiluxM 35mmTravelVacation
Dia de Playa (El Campello, Spain 2018)
Are you as anxious as I am for winter to be over? 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
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.
ASTOENIndia2015Smugmug20771DXAgraAlex Stoen PhotographyBeautyCanonCanon EOS 1DXCountrysideEF 70200mm f2.8 L IS USMEleganceGeotaggedPortraitSunsetTaj MahalTravelVacationWomanYellow Sarioff camera flash
A leasurely stroll through Ritsurin Garden (Takamatsu, Japan 2015)
Designed in the 17th century, the Ritsurin Garden is one of the largest parks in Japan and is unrivaled for its exquisite and historic pine trees. There is a lovely cluster of about seventy maple trees whose gold and red colors create a truly majestic atmosphere.
ASTOENJapan2015Smugmug6239Alex Stoen PhotographyBridgeCanon EOS 1DXEF 2470mm f2.8L II USMFall ColoursGeotaggedGoogleModelNGExpeditionsNatGeoNational Geographic ExpeditionsPocket WizardRitsurin GardenTakamatsuTravelVacationfacebookkimonored
Brixton's Magic (London, United Kingdom 2017)
Brixton is such an amazing place. Located in South London, it’s eclectic and mildly chaotic and possibly the only place in the capital where you’ll find a church with a tapas bar in its crypt! I captured this in POP Brixton, an independent shipping container village overflowing with street food stalls, restaurants, bars, shops & events. I was on my way out when I noticed the magical light coming through the plastic meat locker curtains allowing for some amazing silhouetted shots.
ASTOENUnitedKingdom2017Smugmug1009669Alex Stoen PhotographyLeica MP Typ 240LondonSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdomvisitbritain
Muttrah Fish Souq (Muscat, Oman 2017)
Last day in Muscat. Before leaving the country's capital, we stopped at the Muttrah Fish Souq close to the fishing port. As I wandered around, a local pointed me to the pier, where the wish was usually offloaded from the small boats. Sure enough, I came across this group of fisherman who was removing today's catches from the net. It was a moment I would most definitely have missed had I not decided to check out the backstage of the Muttrah Fish Souq.
Photo made during #NGExpeditions trip to #Oman, traveling the sands of time.ASTOENOman2017Smugmug1007121Alex Stoen PhotographyGeotaggedLeica MP Typ 240NGExpeditionsSummiluxM 35mmTravelVacation
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
Pasarela del Postiguet (Alicante, Spain 2014)
The Pasarela del Postiguet is a pedestrian bridge in Alicante, that has a curved form and is illuminated at night by internal LEDs. It makes for some very creative photography! If you're enjoying a walk along the Playa del Postiguet, below the Castillo de Santa Barbara, you cannot miss it.
1DX500pxAlex Stoen PhotographyAlicanteCanonCanon EOS 1DXComposition ExercisesEF 1635 f2.8 L II USMEjercicios de ComposicionFlickrGeotaggedGoogleNightNochePaseo MaritimoPathPlaya del PostiguetSpainStreet Photographycreative compositionfacebookred shoessmugmug
Desert Rose (Arabian 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.
Alex Stoen PhotographyGeotaggedLeica MP Typ 240NGExpeditionsSummiluxM 35mmTravelUAEVacation
Confusion (City of London, United Kingdom 2017)
Working right next to City of London's Barbican complex, is such a treat!!! The area is a prominent example of 1970s British brutalist architecture, redeveloping an area devasted by WWII bombings. The concrete estate consists of several tower blocks, terraces, grouped around a lake and green squares. Today, the estate also hosts The Barbican Centre, the largest performing arts center of its kind in Europe. Every day, as I commute between the concrete buildings, I never cease to be amazed by photographic opportunities and creative compositions offered by this type of architecture!
ASTOEN2017Smugmug1005489Alex Stoen PhotographyArchitectureConcreteCurvesLeica MP Typ 240LondonRepetitionShadowsStaircaseStepsSummiluxM 35mmUnited Kingdomcreative compositionlinesredstreet