Determining a travelers' hot spot at any given time can be tiresome and misleading. Veteran travelers, particularly those bearing cameras and discerning eyes, know that some glitzy international destinations maintain their “it” status even when fickle crowds of trend chasers are lost in Eastern Europe.
That sense of timeless beauty -- a combination of historic, cultural, character-study, architectural, and landscape photographic appeal -- and intrinsically unique visuals were the criteria for selecting these particular destinations.
You will need a few things to enjoy these top five perpetually photogenic locales: a vibrant, social approach to dealing with locals and sightseeing, your camera and a pair of comfortable shoes. In an ever-changing world, the following are consistently the hottest sites on the globe for camera-toting men.
1. Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre means “The Five Lands” in Italian and refers to five villages clustered over five rocky miles along the northwestern coast of Italy: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Relative historic isolation has helped preserve the overwhelming beauty of both the natural landscapes and the individual villages.Although each village has its own distinct charm and presents opportunities for architectural, cultural and landscape photography, Vernazza is often recognized as the most charming, and Manarola, with its rocky beach, the most scenic. Great views and colors, as well as charming harbors and fishing boats, are key visual draws. Even though tourists have discovered the towns of Cinque Terre, there has been little detrimental effect to the environment, architecture or culture of “The Five Lands.” Character studies are imbued with sincerity and offer interesting juxtaposition with images of what little “glam” there is here, centered on the few night spots in Monterosso.
Kodak moment: The towns seen from the sea make for spectacular images that seem to have come from a bygone era.
2. Mykonos, Greek Islands
History oozes seductively from the very walls, the very pathways and even the sea in historic Mykonos, and it plays a key role in the appeal of the island and the old town of the same name. This history can be memorably captured by photographing the well-known windmills of Mykonos, as well as its white-painted streets, the Old Port of Mykonos Town, SuperParadise Beach (scenically, it lives up to its name), Old Mykonos, and the Little Venice of Mykonos.Local routine and special occasions have prompted residents to become terrific character studies for great shots as well. Foggy dawns and colorful sunsets contribute to diverse qualities of light, empowering a deft, artistic hand to capture the beauty that surrounds the deep history here.
Kodak moment: If you’re on a scooter or in a car, it’s only an easy 15-minute trip to the top of the island, where spectacular panoramic photos of Mykonos are easily taken.
3. Cannes, France
As Cannes is best-known for its famed May film festival, during which time the city is flush with celebrities and a seemingly equal number of paparazzi, unless the latter is your preferred photographic medium, it is best (and more affordable) to see the permanent appeal here during Cannes’ short summer tourist season from late June to early September.Quaint architecture and charming characters abound and are amenable to the photographer. Cannes’ natural charms remain delightfully unspoiled, including astounding seascapes of the deep azure ocean. The Port of Cannes, particularly from an elevated position or in the soft light of dawn or dusk, really captures the heart of this famed city -- without a single misbehaving Hollywood type.
Kodak moment: Panoramic photographs of the city from La Californie, the hillside of Cannes with mansions overlooking the town, are breathtaking.
4. South Beach, Florida
South Beach, Miami Beach’s southernmost point, is on most jetsetters’ itineraries. Interestingly, the same attractions that bring legions of tourists are also those that appeal to the camera-toting traveler. Great things to shoot are South Beach’s unique Tropical Art Deco architecture, characterized by playful themes and soft, pastel colors; the environmental beauty of the Atlantic Ocean abutting café-laden Ocean Drive; celebrities galore; and, on major avenues Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road, Collins Avenue, and Washington Avenue, a disproportionate number of models and other beautiful people in bustling nightclubs and world-class restaurants or just walking their dogs.Kodak moment: The ultimate South Beach photo opportunity is Ocean Drive's Deco-influenced “strip” as seen from the shoreline looking back west, or better yet, from a boat or helicopter.
5. Toronto, Canada
It’s the combination of the large city’s architecture, Lake Ontario and the particular soft hue of the light at its longitude that draws the eye of the knowledgeable photographer to Toronto. Architecturally speaking, the CN Tower, the scenic skyscrapers of downtown against the pale blue sky backdrop, Eaton Center, the University of Toronto, and the stylish Fashion District all present vast potential.Toronto architecture is more modern than other North American cities such as New York or Chicago, leading to more extreme angles and creative use of space, as opposed to the maximum density that drove development in other comparable cities. The result is a city that appears, in person and on film, more "21st century" than many others.
Character studies in these areas and in the exotic, friendly Chinatown can be equally appealing. Although winters are daunting, warmer months offer much in the way of landscape and environmental photography. Early risers photograph around the lakefront just as nature recedes at the presence of people waking. Toronto Island Park is particularly colorful and gorgeous in the summer.
Kodak moment: For those with a car and a desire for a worthy day trip, majestic Niagara Falls is a fairly quick hop and an incomparable experience.
your best shot yet
Far-flung or well-known destinations are on the long-term travel agendas of many people and photographers. Some people will make all of their dream locations, some none, and others just a few. Hopefully, though, with research and the sage advice of globetrotting photo-artists, the camera-toting man can make the most of the travel time allotted him.International Travel Photographer Patrice LePaulmier is alumni of the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale and the University of Miami. He specializes in travel photography from both sides of the Atlantic and produces Photography Prints on Canvas for clients and businesses. For more information about his services or to learn more about his upcoming travel photography book collection, you can visit www.JourneysOfTheWorld.com.
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