In our fast-moving lives, we are always chasing something like our goals, office deadlines, etc. In all this rush we forget to cherish the beautiful world around us. We all need a reset button in the middle of all this chaos. That’s where travel plays an important role we can connect with Mother Nature, breathe in fresh air, soak in the calm surroundings, and truly be present. For many, photography is a way to hold onto those moments by capturing those feelings, telling a story, and making memories.
The Mountains: A Landscape Photographer’s Paradise
A landscape photographer’s first choice of paradise is the mountains. Stand at a vantage point and see layers of mountains, one after another, line up for your camera from foreground to background!
Spiti Valley: A Hidden Gem in the Himalayas
In India, you can find this paradise in any corner of the Himalayan ranges. One such corner is the quaint village of Spiti, which is home to rustic and rocky gigantic mountains and beautiful and rare flora and fauna with streams and rivers that run like its veins.
Planning Your Spiti Photography Tour: The Full Tribal Circuit
If you are planning a photography tour to Spiti, you must attempt the full tribal circuit, i.e., Shimla-Spiti-Manali, or vice versa. Take at least 8-9 days out of your work schedule for this trip. Any Spiti photography tour of less than that duration will only make you yearn for the place more. On your way to Kaza from Shimla, explore the snow-capped hills of Kalpa and introduce yourself to the rocky terrain from Nako. Or enter from the Manali route and immerse yourself in the greenery of Lahaul. Keep in mind that the Manali route only opens up towards the end of May/ beginning of June.
Having kept aside the time for the trip, focus on visiting places that may not be famous but will offer good lighting conditions, i.e., not just soft bright light but a good play of chiaroscuro. For instance, Komic, a small village set atop Kaza, will give you a good aerial view of the mountains, and during the daytime, you will see clouds form stark shadows on the roads and hills. Of course, take out time to visit Langza and try image-making with the enormous Buddha Statue.
Exploring Lesser-Known Spots for Perfect Lighting
But do not hesitate to make stops on your ride while you’re on your way to any location. Surprisingly, the best images come not from planned visits but from stumbling upon some beauty and if your luck favours you, you might get a glance at the incredible wildlife of the Himalayan region like Blue Sheep, Ibex, Red Fox etc.
Losar: A Must-Visit Destination for Stunning Landscapes
Make special room for Losar in your Spiti Valley Photography Tour, as it will surely take your breath away. You’ll get to absorb its beauty on your way to Kaza from Kunzum La Pass, and this is a terrain not seen anywhere else. The land has fertile soil and lush green vegetation and standing behind those green fields are the towering rocky mountains. On some of these mountains are rock pillar formations, and on a day with good cloud activity, you will see clouds galivant around those pillars!
But take some time out to indulge in documentary and portrait photography as well. Locals’ portraits can often exhibit powerful expressions however remember they may be shy or reserved, so approach them with kindness and respect and ask for their permission before clicking their pictures.