Epic Landscapes: A Travel Photographer’s Bucket List
Every travel photographer knows the feeling: you step into a place so breathtaking, so otherworldly, that your shutter finger twitches with anticipation. These aren’t just places you visit—they’re landscapes that leave a mark on your soul and imprint themselves forever in your portfolio.
From towering mountains and sculpted deserts to surreal coastlines and untamed wilderness, the world is filled with scenes that seem tailor-made for photography. And while there are countless corners of the Earth worth capturing, some destinations rise above the rest—true bucket-list spots where epic beauty meets photographic opportunity.
Whether you're seeking drama, tranquility, scale, or color, here are 10 epic landscapes every travel photographer should dream about—and eventually, shoot.
1. Patagonia, Argentina & Chile
For: Mountain drama, glaciers, and wind-swept wilderness
Patagonia is wild, raw, and cinematic in every sense. With jagged granite peaks like Fitz Roy and Torres del Paine, sprawling ice fields, turquoise lakes, and unpredictable weather, this region demands patience and rewards it with unforgettable light.
Photographers come here for sunrise mountain reflections, condors soaring over cliffs, and the vivid contrast of snow against copper-colored rock.
Pro tips:
Visit during the shoulder seasons (October–November or March–April) for fewer crowds and dynamic skies.
Use a sturdy tripod—the winds are notoriously strong.
Golden hour and blue hour in the mountains offer spectacular mood and color.
2. Namib Desert, Namibia
For: Abstract sandscapes, surreal light, and minimalist beauty
There’s no place quite like the Namib Desert. With its rolling red dunes, ancient camelthorn trees, and sun-bleached skeletons at Deadvlei, Namibia offers photographers a surreal, painterly palette of shadows and shapes.
This is the kind of place where photography becomes art. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal, when long shadows carve the dunes into sculptural forms.
Pro tips:
Use a telephoto lens to compress dune lines and isolate patterns.
Deadvlei is best at sunrise, before the harsh midday sun flattens the scene.
A drone can offer incredible symmetry and scale—where allowed.
4. The Dolomites, Italy
For: Alpine drama, rolling meadows, and postcard perfection
The Dolomites are one of Europe’s most photogenic mountain ranges, with iconic rock formations like Tre Cime di Lavaredo, charming alpine huts, and flower-filled valleys that change character with the seasons.
From hiking trails and mountain passes to cozy villages, the region offers countless compositions, especially during sunrise when the peaks glow with fiery color.
Pro tips:
Visit in late spring for wildflowers or in autumn for golden larch trees.
Wake up early—many of the best views require short hikes.
Stay in rifugios (mountain huts) for sunrise access and epic views right outside your door.
5. Banff & Jasper, Canada
For: Turquoise lakes, glaciers, and vast mountain vistas
The Canadian Rockies are pure landscape poetry. Iconic spots like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Peyto Lake are musts, but it’s the off-the-beaten-path drives, wildlife sightings, and glacier viewpoints that elevate this region for photographers.
Dramatic weather patterns add mood to your shots, and reflections are a daily reward if you catch a calm morning.
Pro tips:
Arrive early for sunrise at popular lakes—parking fills fast.
Use ND filters for waterfall shots like Athabasca or Sunwapta Falls.
Keep a zoom lens handy—elk, moose, and bears are common in the area.
6. Faroe Islands
For: Remote cliffs, misty weather, and moody storytelling
Located between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands are the embodiment of rugged seclusion. With sea cliffs plunging into the North Atlantic, turf-roofed houses, and epic hiking routes, every angle offers visual poetry.
Weather changes on a dime here, which makes for compelling light, dramatic clouds, and atmospheric storytelling.
Pro tips:
Pack waterproof gear (for you and your camera).
Use wide and mid-range lenses to showcase the scale of cliffs and sea stacks.
The hike to Trælanípa and the view of Lake Sørvágsvatn are musts.
7. Iceland
For: Waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic diversity
It’s no surprise Iceland is a staple on every landscape photographer’s bucket list. Its visual variety—from Skógafoss to Vestrahorn, black sand beaches to glowing ice caves—is unmatched in such a compact country.
Every region offers something different: the south coast is known for iconic spots, the west for solitude, and the highlands for lunar-like terrain.
Pro tips:
A 4x4 vehicle will unlock remote gems.
Shoot during midnight sun (summer) or under the aurora (winter).
Weather-seal your gear—it’s often wet, windy, or snowy.
8. Atacama Desert, Chile
For: Mars-like terrain, salt flats, and stargazing
One of the driest places on Earth, the Atacama Desert is a surreal and stark playground for photographers. Valleys carved by wind, salt formations, and pastel-hued mountains make for epic sunset and blue-hour sessions.
At night, Atacama is a top-tier destination for astrophotography—clear skies and zero light pollution mean galaxies galore.
Pro tips:
Visit Valle de la Luna at sunset for Martian vibes.
Bring a tripod and remote shutter for night skies.
Use polarizers to deepen sky contrast in the day.
9. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China
For: Vertical peaks, misty forests, and Avatar-worthy scenes
This UNESCO World Heritage site inspired the floating mountains of Avatar, and for good reason. Zhangjiajie’s towering quartz-sandstone pillars poke through the mist in a visual spectacle unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Elevated walkways and glass bridges offer unique vantage points, while cable cars make accessing remote peaks easier.
Pro tips:
Early morning offers the best chance for fog and atmosphere.
Use telephoto lenses to isolate spires and layers.
Patience pays off—wait for the mist to roll in for that magical shot.
10. Antelope Canyon, USA
For: Light beams, curves, and natural sculpture
Located in Arizona, Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon famous for its flowing sandstone shapes and magical shafts of light that pour in at the right time of day.
While it’s one of the more photographed locations in the U.S., it’s still a must for any photographer who loves form, color, and light interaction.
Pro tips:
Book photo-specific tours for tripod access and fewer crowds.
Visit around midday for light beams in Upper Antelope Canyon.
Use a wide-angle lens and bracket exposures for best results.
Final Thoughts
Epic landscapes are more than backdrops—they're visual stories waiting to be told. They challenge your technical skills, test your patience, and inspire your artistic vision.
But beyond the shot, these places remind us why we travel: to witness wonder, to explore the raw edges of the planet, and to bring home pieces of that awe in our frames.
So whether you're planning your next big adventure or dreaming from your desk, let this bucket list guide your lens toward something unforgettable.
And remember: the most epic landscapes aren't just the ones with dramatic views—they're the ones that move you. Happy shooting.
Images via Dreamstime Stock Photos
