Photographing Egypt: Five Expert Tips for the Land of the Pharaohs
During his three decades traveling the globe with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, Certified Photo Instructor David Cothran has explored Egypt many times in search of the country’s best photo ops. “At first, you focus on the powerful geometry of the iconic monuments, but beyond the famous sites, there is a great deal more to discover,” he says. For Cothran, the best photos tell the story of your expedition—the challenge for travelers is capturing unique impressions of their journey to this iconic destination.
Here, Cothran shares his tips for photographing the "land of the Pharaohs."
Look for Original Angles
Just about everything you'll see in Egypt has been photographed many times. To make your images stand out, look for unusual angles and fresh ideas. You’ll certainly want to take that wide-angle shot of an entire temple, but make sure you also get up close and play around with photos that emphasize the geometry and textures of the stone.
All Photos: David Cothran
Pay Attention to Composition
To build a strong composition, fill your frame with shapes and colors that work well together and watch for how these different elements line up or echo one another. Use foreground features—like a camel and driver in front of the pyramids—to add interest to wide shots.
Work with the Desert Light
Egypt’s strong desert light is gorgeous, but it can be quite challenging for photography. Early morning or late afternoon when the angle of the sun is low are ideal times to capture photographs. However, if you must shoot images mid-day, you can work with harsh highlights by seeking out strong geometric patterns or using shadows to frame brightly lit elements. In dim temples, sunlight coming in at a sideways angle can help emphasize the shapes and lines of hieroglyphs and bas-relief figures.
Capture Modern-Day Culture
Meeting local people is one of the best parts of your visit, and they can be wonderful subjects for photography. Strike up a short conversation and ask permission before shooting. This helps create a connection with your subject, which makes for better images. Caretakers at the temples are often eager to have their pictures taken for a small tip. You may find it well worth it since including a person in your frame can really bring temple architecture to life.
Infuse Your Photos with a Variety of Subjects
A visit to Egypt is filled with visual magic. Beyond the landmarks you’ll find historic mosques and Coptic churches, crumbling Byzantine walls in the shadow of modern skyscrapers, bustling markets and quiet riverside farms—all woven together by the warmth and beauty of the Egyptian people. Capture a variety of different shots that together tell the story of your journey and what it means to you.
