The Best Travel Destinations For Photographers In 2017, Captured By The Fstoppers Community

Forbes recently released their picks for the top photography travel destinations in the world; meanwhile, this month Fstoppers began filming our latest tutorial, Photographing The World With Elia Locardi 3. Considering the tremendous amount of incredible images shared among the Fstoppers community from across the globe, it only seems fitting to take a look at some of 2017's top travel destinations for photographers as captured by you, the Fstoppers community.

2016's list was chosen based on the location's quality of natural light. This year's list was selected based on a variety of criteria but primarily focused on locations where wilderness, culture, color, and history merged together.

Norway

Image credit Stefano Chiarelli

If glaciers, mountains, and the deepest fjords on the planet intrigue you, you’re either a Viking or you’re one of the many photographers dreaming of filling your viewfinders with Norway’s incredible scenery.

The Lofoten Islands in Norway’s far north Arctic Circle are known for some of the best northern lights in the world. During summer months, the sun barely sets, leaving photographers with a nearly endless sunset.

Highlights:

• Glaciers
• Stunning Mountains
• Fjords (Google it)
• Aurora Borealis
• Long-Lasting Sunsets

Dubai

Image credit Elia Locardi

Situated along the Persian Gulf coast, more than 2.2 million humans call Dubai home. Regarded as one of the most technologically advanced cities in the world, Dubai is also home to one of the world’s fastest growing economies.

Highlights:

• Architecture
• Cultural Diversity
• Desert Landscapes
• World-Class Resorts

Hawaii

Image credit Jason Matias

Interested in traveling outside of the continental United States, but want the familiarity you’ve become accustomed to while living in the U.S.? Hawaii may be the destination for you in 2017.

Hawaii’s eight main islands, Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, Maui, and the Island of Hawaiʻi all offer a variety of photographic sole food. Those who have been will tell you that you’ll be back. Considering the amazing geographic features associated with each individual island, it’s highly likely that you’ll be unable to see them all in one visit.

Highlights

• Convenience
• Tropical Rainforests
• Cliffs
• Waterfalls
• Volcanoes
• Beaches and Great Surf

Vermont

Video credit Mark Bowers

History buffs will have plenty to photograph throughout the state of Vermont, as few states have such a rich history.

Quick fact: In ratio of cows to people, Vermont has the greatest number of dairy cows in the country. What does that mean for photographers? Aside from not having to worry about running out of milk (photogs love milk), you’ll be able to add some utterly fantastic livestock images to your portfolio if you so choose.

Highlights

• Beautiful Landscapes
• Rich Art Scene
• Culture
• History

Great Barrier Reef

If underwater photography is your thing, or you’d like it to be, you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere more photogenic than The Great Barrier Reef.

Located off the coast of Queensland in northeastern Australia, the Great Barrie Reef is the largest living thing on Earth. The reef is also to countless species of colorful fish, mollusks, and starfish, along with other marine life like turtles, dolphins, and sharks.

Highlights

• One of the Seven Wonders Of The World
• Marine Life
• Underwater Photography
• 600+ Species of Coral
• Islands

Croatia

Image credit Luka Jazic

Croatia encompasses more than a thousand Mediterranean islands along the Adriatic Sea across from Italy. Its medieval Gornji Grad (Upper Town) and diverse museums make Croatia a destination for photographers interested in experiencing interesting architecture and stunning natural beauty.

Highlights

• Natural Beauty
• Medieval Architecture
• Rich In History
• Plitvice Lakes National Park

Southeast China

Image credit Helminadia Ranford

Quick fact: The movie Avatar was inspired by the karst forests of Zhangjiajie.

Highlights

• Rice Fields
• Beautiful Landscapes
• Often Overlooked
• Culture
• Karst Forests

Borneo

Image credit Andrew Nguyen

The third largest island in the world is ironically one of the most remote place in the world. It’s here that you’ll find the most diverse rainforests on the planet.

Highlights

• Rainforest
• Remote
• Wildlife
• National Parks

Southern Brazil

Image credit Michael DeStefano

The former home of the Summer Olympics is also home to a number of once in a lifetime photographic opportunities.

Highlights

• Culture
• Colorful Architecture
• Tropical Landscapes
• Nature and Wildlife

Iceland

Image credit Ken Koskela

This majestic country is home to vivid and surreal landscapes that any landscape, adventure, or travel photographer would give an arm and a leg to photograph. Roughly a six hour flight from NYC, Iceland may not be as far out of reach as it may seem.

Highlights

• Aurora borealis
• Stunning Landscapes
• luminous-blue icebergs
• Ice Caves
• Wildlife
• Waterfalls

 

Have any of these beautiful destinations made it onto your 2017 travel itinerary? 

 

[via Forbes]