MINI COURSE, MAXI PHOTOS &…
6 Photogenic Vacations
Going on a cycling holiday? Turn your snapshots into top-quality photos! With this mini-course for mega photos, you'll definitely take your travel pictures to an award-winning level. Whether you're heading out with professional equipment or just your smartphone, try these 8 photo lessons at these 8 photogenic destinations.
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Lesson 1. Against the Sun
The first lesson in photography: always keep the sun at your back. Not so! This rule is a common mistake and often results in boring images. Backlighting or sidelight – light that shines sideways on the subject – creates much more beautiful results.
SPAIN, ANDALUSIA
The Immaculately White Villages
Andalusia’s photogenic charm is thanks to its fascinating mix of nature, culture, and history. From the white villages perched on mountain slopes to the sprawling olive groves, every aspect of the landscape offers breathtaking images. The architecture is a visual delight, with imposing Moorish castles, graceful churches, and the signature courtyards filled with colorful flowers. On this hike, you’ll mainly visit the white villages, such as Ronda, Olvera, and Zahara.
Lesson 2. Portrait People
A report is only complete with photos of people. If you want to photograph someone, always ask for permission first (unless it can be done secretly). After all, no one likes to be photographed out of the blue. If you get cooperation, you can also guide the photo a bit. “No, your head a little to the left.”
ITALY, BOLZANO-VENICE
The Pure Italian Life
There is no shortage of photogenic people in Italy. You encounter them during your trek from Bolzano in the mountains to Venice on the coast. The Adige River slowly flows down to sea level, making it a pleasure to cycle, even without an e-bike. In addition to beautiful landscapes, you get to experience the pure Italian life in ancient cities like Trento, Verona, Vicenza, and Padua. Especially in the latter, as tourists are really in the minority here. At the end of the day, the Belli Italiani gather at the Prato della Valle. Along the water features and at the foot of the approximately eighty statues of prominent figures, the true public theater unfolds. From blossoming loves to chattering neighbors on a bench. Camera ready!
Lesson 3. Change Your Perspective
It's easy to be quick to photograph something you find beautiful, but without thinking about how you can make it even more beautiful or interesting.
Lesson 4. Find a Foreground
Look for a fitting foreground and include it in your photo. Often, this is something at the edge or towards the front of the frame.
PORTUGAL, ALGARVE
Dramatic Cliffs and Picturesque Villages
The Algarve, in the south of Portugal, is sure to deliver award-winning shots. The region is known for its golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque villages. The clear, turquoise water beautifully contrasts with the warm hues of the rock formations, providing a perfect setting for sublime photos. The charming white houses with their colorful accents and narrow streets give an authentic sense of Portuguese culture. The 8-day cycling tour takes you to stunning locations such as Tavira, Alte, and Silves.
Lesson 5. Pay Attention to the Details
Sometimes a single detail makes a bigger impression than the entire scene. No report is complete without details: a delicious ice cream, a wooden clog with a little strap, a special postcard, or, as here, a Scottish kilt. The blurry object in the foreground is the bagpipes of a fellow musician. With such a (blurry) foreground, your photo immediately takes on an exciting quality. Train yourself to look for details, and you'll find that you experience your cycling or hiking trip even more intensively.
Lesson 6. Pay Attention to the Light
Light is the most important element for a photographer. But light changes every hour. At 12:00 p.m., the light is often harsh. Better results are achieved in the early morning and late afternoon. Warm light creates atmospheric images. Look at this photo of the immense Chambord Palace along the Loire. The late afternoon light (or early evening light) literally bathes the castle in a warm glow.
FRANCE, LOIRE
The French Loire is truly an ode to all the wealth of the past centuries. Cycling along the famous river is like traveling back to a time when kings tried to outdo each other, or at least built even more impressive castles out of jealousy. One more majestic than the next. Think of Chambord or the elegant Chenonceau. History and nature merge here into a nearly fairytale-like spectacle. During the staycation in Blois, you'll visit places like Cheverny, Amboise, Chambord, and the old fortified town of Beaugency.
Lesson 7. Get Down on Your Knees
Photos are often taken in portrait orientation. But try crouching down or, even better, lying on your stomach. With a different, unusual perspective, your photos will have more impact. The subject will suddenly look very different, as shown here with the Pieterpad trail crossing the Sallandse Heuvelrug. And we've also included lessons 3 and 4: change your perspective and find a foreground.
Pieterpad by Bike
Cycling along the Pieterpad, you’re sure to pass through the Sallandse Heuvelrug. The vast heath fields, rolling hills, and dense forests provide a stunning backdrop for photographers. The hilly terrain also offers expansive views. And during sunrise and sunset, the golden light bathes the hills in a magical glow. The Fietserspad can be completed in eleven days, or you can book it in two parts: six and seven days.
NEW: Minibus Transfer
From now on, we offer an extra service for these holidays: a bus transfer from Maastricht to Pieterburen. Once you arrive in Maastricht, your car is still parked in Pieterburen. No worries, though, as our minibus will effortlessly take you back to the starting point, including your luggage and bike!
Lesson 8. Tilt Your Camera
Sometimes, it’s better to tilt your camera slightly. This creates a surprising perspective and adds more dynamism to your photo, like this shot of a beautifully set table in the French Provence. However, be careful not to turn it into a gimmick. So, no overuse of tilted photos.
FRANCE, PROVENCE
Following in Van Gogh's Footsteps
The Provence is a paradise for lovers of photogenic landscapes. With its rolling lavender fields, charming villages, and warm sunsets, this region offers an enchanting display of colors and contrasts. Vincent van Gogh also agreed. The magic of the often golden light inspired him, just as it does most photographers today. His iconic works – "The Starry Night" and "The Sunflowers" – were born from the vibrant hues and atmosphere of the Provençal nature. Every corner of Provence seems drenched in the beauty that Van Gogh so masterfully captured.
