Our gregarious guide Mohammad pointed to the intricate carvings on the wall, “It’s a urinal. I need two volunteers.” Naturally, we were picked to do something this humiliating. Facing towards the ‘urinals’ we were suddenly spun around by his hands. My hand touched Audrey’s fingers and at that particular moment I finally clued in to what was going on.
This particular area was where marriage ceremonies took place and instead of our entire group laughing at us pretending to use the toilet, we shared the same genuine chuckles over the two of us involved in a mock wedding. Oh, how our families will be disappointed/shocked at having not being invited on our special day 😉
Many archaeological sites and/or UNESCO Heritage sites don’t live up to the hype. When I visited the Taj Mahal in Agra I felt a little underwhelmed. Although it was impressive I expected more. I suppose at times I suffer a little bit from my preconceived expectations: Paris Syndrome except in more exotic locales.
However, I must genuinely admit that Petra not only lived up to my expectations – it exceeded them. The sheer size in combination with the impressive architecture helped me channel my inner Indiana Jones 😉
As a travel photographer, visiting Petra, Jordan is like a boy realizing a childhood dream of visiting a fantasy land. It was hard to put my camera down; however, I did manage to spend plenty of time taking in Petra with my own two eyes and not just behind the lens.
The moment I realized the treasury was mere meters in front of me is one of the most distinct memories I have from Petra, Jordan. Another top moment was hiking the monastery in Petra.
This is the iconic image from Petra, Jordan – a wide angle perspective shot of the treasury. You won’t have this place to yourself though as hoards of tourists, camels and even cats all compete for space.
I’ve seen this man many times in photo galleries from other friends who have been to Petra. It was almost surreal getting to take his photo.
The echoing sound of galloping horses is one in which you’ll learn to familiarize yourself with when visiting Petra.
A final shot I took (and edited in sepia) just before sunset.
This man isn’t nearly as imposing as he seems. In fact, I just had to pay him a small fee in order for him to let me pass. He even let me take his photo 😉
I often had to remind myself to turn around and look back. Petra is so grand and massive that you forget sometimes to check your surroundings from the rear.
There were no shortage of animal powered transportation options; however, mule certainly seemed less attractive of an option than going by camel or horseback.
No photo essay of mine would be complete with an obligatory shot of a roaming cat. This one was slinking around some trinkets being sold outside of a small shop.
The architecture and especially the intricate carvings boggled my mind. At this point in the day we were exhausted from all of the walking we had done. Worse yet was that the heat was really getting to us; however, we didn’t want to miss out on climbing the steps to get a closer look.
HDR photography came in handy every once in a while given the contrast between the harsh shadows and bright highlights.
Fancy a camel ride? A few days later we rode camels from our Bedouin camp grounds to the area where we’d eventually have breakfast. Camels = 1, Sam and Audrey = 0 To say these lumbering beasts tenderized us would be quite the understatement.
The rewards of climbing steps were that we had a great vantage point view over Petra. On the right you’ll notice many trinkets for sale.
Aside from Angkor Wat and Machu Picchu, I’ve never visited an archaeological site that lived up to its hype and impressed me as much as Petra, Jordan. I only wish I had more time to explore its vast expanse.
As a travel photography tip, don’t forget to look up at your surroundings.
In order to get a sense of the sheer size of these grounds, I’ve used people in the background as a scale. With more time I would have liked to have had the opportunity to explore more of the frontier areas of the city; however, with just half a day I think I made the most of my time here.
Petra Travel Photography Tips
Petra, Jordan’s most iconic archaeological site, is a dream destination for photographers. With its ancient tombs, towering sandstone cliffs, and the famous Treasury carved into the rock, Petra offers a wealth of photo opportunities that are as diverse as they are breathtaking. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a casual traveler with a smartphone, capturing the essence of Petra requires a mix of planning, creativity, and a bit of luck with the light. Here are some essential travel photography tips to help you make the most of your visit to this ancient wonder.
Timing is Everything: Best Times to Shoot
One of the keys to great photography in Petra is getting the timing right. The interplay of light and shadow on the rose-red rocks is what gives Petra its magical quality, and different times of day offer different photographic opportunities.
- Golden Hour Magic: The early morning and late afternoon are the best times to capture Petra’s warm, golden hues. The soft light during these “golden hours” accentuates the textures and colors of the sandstone, making your photos pop with warmth and depth. Arrive early to catch the first light hitting the Treasury, or stay until late afternoon to photograph the Monastery bathed in the golden glow.
- Midday Challenges: While midday light can be harsh, it can also create striking contrasts, especially in the narrow Siq canyon. If you’re shooting during this time, look for opportunities to capture the dramatic play of light and shadow as the sun filters through the high canyon walls.
- Petra by Night: For a truly unique experience, consider attending Petra by Night, where the Treasury is illuminated by thousands of candles. This event offers a magical atmosphere and a chance to capture long-exposure shots of the illuminated façade. Bring a tripod to steady your camera and experiment with different exposure times to capture the glow of the candles against the darkened rock.
Composition Tips: Framing the Perfect Shot
Petra’s grand scale and intricate details offer endless possibilities for creative compositions. Whether you’re focusing on a single structure or trying to capture the vastness of the site, consider these composition tips:
- Leading Lines: The Siq, the narrow canyon that leads to the Treasury, is a natural leading line that guides the viewer’s eye into the frame. Use the curving walls of the Siq to create a sense of depth and anticipation as the Treasury slowly comes into view.
- Foreground Interest: Adding a foreground element, such as a camel or a Bedouin in traditional attire, can add context and a sense of scale to your photos. This approach works particularly well when photographing the larger monuments like the Treasury or the Monastery.
- Look for Reflections: After a rain, you might find puddles in the Siq or other areas of Petra. These puddles can create beautiful reflections of the cliffs and monuments, adding a creative twist to your shots.
- Capture the Details: While the grand monuments are awe-inspiring, don’t forget to zoom in on the details. Look for carvings, inscriptions, and patterns in the rock that tell the story of Petra’s history. These close-up shots can add variety to your photo collection.
Gear and Settings: What to Bring
To make the most of your photography at Petra, it’s important to bring the right gear and know how to use it effectively. Here’s what you should consider:
- Camera and Lenses: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a range of lenses will give you the most flexibility. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the grandeur of the monuments and landscapes, while a telephoto lens can help you zoom in on details or distant subjects. A standard zoom lens (24-70mm) is also a good all-round option.
- Tripod: If you’re planning on shooting during low-light conditions, such as Petra by Night, a tripod is essential for steady, long-exposure shots. It’s also useful for capturing sharp images in the dimly lit interiors of the tombs.
- Settings: Keep your ISO as low as possible to reduce noise, especially when shooting in bright conditions. Use aperture priority mode to control your depth of field, and experiment with different apertures to see how they affect your compositions. For long exposures, switch to manual mode and set your shutter speed accordingly.
Practical Tips: Making the Most of Your Visit
Photographing Petra isn’t just about the technical aspects—it’s also about how you experience the site. Here are some practical tips to ensure you capture the best possible shots while enjoying your visit:
- Pace Yourself: Petra is a vast site with a lot of ground to cover. Take your time to explore different angles and perspectives. Don’t rush from one spot to another; instead, take a moment to soak in the atmosphere and let the inspiration come to you.
- Respect the Site: Remember that Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage site with great historical and cultural significance. Always be respectful of the monuments and the local customs. Avoid climbing on the structures or disturbing the environment.
- Stay Hydrated: Petra can get very hot, especially in the summer months. Carry plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and take breaks in the shade. It’s important to stay comfortable so you can focus on getting great shots.
- Interact with Locals: The Bedouin people who live and work in Petra are an integral part of the site’s character. Don’t be afraid to engage with them, ask for permission to take their photo, or include them in your compositions. Their presence adds a human element to your images, making them more relatable and authentic.
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