When it comes to photography, I have a couple of lists. Ideas for shoot locations, ideas for themes– I think everyone can use more lists in their life, honestly. So, I’d like to share with you all another one to add to the lists in your life. Think of it as a travel bucketlist– only for photography.

1. Iceland

While I would say my main photography style has to do with portraiture, I still enjoy more scenic photography. Iceland has always seemed like such an idyllic location for photography, and for a multitude of reasons. Perhaps I like it for its “stereotrypical” aesthetic, but I still want to go there for a few reasons.

First, the Northern Lights. I’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights in person, and to photograph them would be amazing. Then you’ve got the idyllic town photography, with places like Reykjavík, which even being Iceland’s capital still holds a certain small town charm. And of course you can’t forget the amazing waterfalls and glacial ice found all over the country. Iceland just seems to have this magical charm about it that I can’t wait to photograph.

There’s the added plus that I’m actually planning on going to Iceland with my mom as my very late highschool graduation gift. The trip has obviously been put on hold because of COVID, but I find comfort in the fact that I’ll be able to make reality of at least one of these dream destinations.

2. Bhutan

Bhutan is a southern Asian country in the Eastern Himalayas. In all honestly, being the relatively uncultured and unworldly person I am, I probably never would have even heard of this country if it weren’t for my friend Andrea having gone on a trip there a few years back. She shared some of the photography she took on the trip, and it amazed me. Since then, I’ve been interested in visiting Bhutan myself.

It has amazing architecture, and I’ve heard amazing stories about their festivals. The opportunity to experience another country’s culture is so exciting to me, and I’d love to visit and get a closer look into the life of the people of Bhutan. It seems so different than the life I know here in America, and those differences are what I want to capture in my photography and celebrate. I highly suggest checking it out and learning more about the place.

3. Tokyo, Japan

For someone who loves street fashion (even if they aren’t super good at dressing as such) as well as portraiture, Tokyo is calling my name. I’ve seen so many videos of streetwear photography in Tokyo, and I really want to try my own hand at it.

Tokyo seems like such a vibrant city, from its people to its architecture and culture, and it seems so cool to go– not only for the photography opportunities, but also to experience their culture. I’m not the most travelled person, but I want to make it a goal of mine to see much more of the world in my future. Tokyo is definitely going to be on that list.

4. Rome, Italy

Italy in general has such interesting architecture. I’ve never been a huge fanatic of architecture photography, but maybe it’s because I don’t find much inspiration in what’s around me. (It’s hard to get excited about suburbanite houses.)

Rome especially, as the namesake of Roman Catholicism, has amazing churches and cathedrals that I would love to photograph. Plus, there’s the architecture of Ancient Rome, much of which still exists, that would be amazing to visit. I have to be really inspired to like architecture photography, and Rome is exactly the place to explore it.

5. Hawaii

I’ve wanted to visit Hawaii and its islands for a while now– and not just because of its beaches and fresh fruit. Volcanoes, lush greenery, and surfers on the beaches provide so much opportunity for a bunch of different styles of photography that I’m interested in.

Plus, my mom actually grew up in Hawaii through middle school, so I bet she would be able to tell me about a lot of cool spots I might not otherwise know about. And there’s a great tip for you: do your best to not just be a tourist where you travel (whether it be for photography or something else). Trying to act and live as a local wherever you visit is going to allow you to find so many “hidden” gems and is really going to elevate your travel experience.

6. Teahupo’o, Tahiti

Teahupo’o is known for its crazy dangerous surfing, combining size, speed, power, all combined with the fact that the waves break over a shallow coral reef. What interests me about Teahupo’o isn’t the surfing– or rather, I don’t want to surf there myself.

However, after getting more into sports photography lately, I really want to photograph surfing. I love board sports of all types, but I’ve always held a fascination with surfing (must’ve been all those Blue Crush movies).

As one of the most dangerous places to surf, Teahupo’o attracts surfers from around the world. I’d love to get the chance to photograph some of the best surfers, as well as meet a lot of new and interesting people. Consider it on my list.

What are your dream destinations– for photography, or otherwise? Let me know. I would love to add some more places to my list.

Until next time!