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Level 2

How to take photos of monuments and historical sites

You can learn so much about a city’s heritage and its people when you visit a landmark or historical site. But the photos Local Guides like you take at these important places can help those who haven’t had a chance to visit them, too.

 

Last week, we shared that Local Guides photography is being used as an educational tool to improve the learning experience of young rural students through the India Literacy Project. The India Literacy Project uses photos taken by Local Guides to teach children about India’s historical landmarks. That’s because we showcase your great shots in Google Earth’s educational features!

 

This is just one of the many ways your photos can have a huge impact on others. Here are a few tips for taking your best photos at historical landmarks.

 

First and foremost, make sure to adhere to site’s policies

 

Many historical landmarks and museums have strict policies on photography. It’s important to understand and be respectful of the rules when you arrive. Some locations have ancient artifacts and don’t allow flash. However, they may allow photography shot with natural light. Some buildings are also religious historical sites, so it’s important to always behave in a respectful manner during your visit. Do research beforehand to understand the site’s policies.

 

Caption: A closeup of the tilework and archways at City Palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. (Local Guide Sylvain Magne)Caption: A closeup of the tilework and archways at City Palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. (Local Guide Sylvain Magne)

Take photos early in the day or at dusk for ideal light

 

Photograph early in the day or at dusk when the natural light and shadows will be softer. The crowds may also be smaller at these times. Try capturing your outdoor photos right after sunrise or just before sunset which will help your photos to have a nice warm glow.

 

Caption: A photo of the gateway at the Taj Mahal photographed before sunset in Agra, India. (Local Guide Alex Mijares)Caption: A photo of the gateway at the Taj Mahal photographed before sunset in Agra, India. (Local Guide Alex Mijares)

Capture the entire building in your frame

 

An important part of photographing landmarks and historical sites is showing people what the entire building looks like. Try stepping back and getting a wide view of the entire site in your frame.

 

Caption: A photo of the Tomb of Muhammad Shah at Lodhi Gardens in Delhi, India. (Local Guide Sher-Singh-Khatri)Caption: A photo of the Tomb of Muhammad Shah at Lodhi Gardens in Delhi, India. (Local Guide Sher-Singh-Khatri)

Discover the historical gems and architectural details

 

Have some fun hunting down the important elements of the historical site! Perhaps there is a prized piece of artwork, tilework, or an architectural element that has an interesting story behind it. When you’ve located the treasure, make sure your subject is the hero in your frame.

 

Caption: A closeup of decorative pillars in a hallway of Mysore Palace in Mysore, Karnataka, India. (Local Guide Aparna Priyadarshini)Caption: A closeup of decorative pillars in a hallway of Mysore Palace in Mysore, Karnataka, India. (Local Guide Aparna Priyadarshini)

Wait for WiFi to add your best photos

 

After you’ve snapped your great photos, save mobile data by waiting to upload them once you have a WiFi connection.

 

What are the best historical sites you’ve visited? What did you learn there? Share your photos and stories in the comments below and on Google Maps.

India
76 comments
Level 9

Re: How to take photos of monuments and historical sites

Wow @Christina-NYC wonderful framing of scenarios and great tips for photography of Monuments. Thanks for sharing with us.

Love to Hear ; Love to Share !
Kamal Hasnainee
Bangladesh
Level 10

Re: How to take photos of monuments and historical sites

I love take historical place picture .now share few hope all people like this

 

Pic: Golconda Fort ,Hyderabad, Telengana, India

 

TipuS10.jpgTipuS13.jpg

Pic: Tipu Sultan summer palace, benglauru , Karnataka , India

 

 

Blue mosqueBlue mosque

IMG_20160523_125152.jpgIMG_20160310_142400.jpg21368961_1947824501898032_6562818465109517518_o.jpg21368590_1947819745231841_758084325617478207_o.jpgIMG_20160310_141952.jpg

Mahabub Hasan
Level 8

回應: How to take photos of monuments and historical sites

@Christina-NYCGreat photos!

I usually use my mobile phone to take a quick shots and post the photos in google map.

Level 9

Re: How to take photos of monuments and historical sites

nice photography @MahabubMunna brother. Thanks for sharing.

 


@MahabubMunna wrote:

I love take historical place picture .now share few hope all people like this

Blue mosqueBlue mosqueIMG_20160523_125152.jpg


 

Love to Hear ; Love to Share !
Kamal Hasnainee
Bangladesh
Level 8

Re: How to take photos of monuments and historical sites

@Christina-NYC

Very very helpful and useful information

Thanks for sharing

Definitely we following these guidelines while taking photos of monuments and historical sites

Bhaskar
Level 8

Re: How to take photos of monuments and historical sites

I like to take photos of historical places and monuments. It is mile 0, Seward. The beginning of the historical path during the Gold Rush in Alaska.

 

058430584405850

Level 10

Re: How to take photos of monuments and historical sites

Today I brought some friends to visit this place, which is a beautiful pink mosque in Malaysia.

Putra Mosque in Putrajaya Malaysia

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/KyvyeJahbLU2

All photos below taken by me

 

 

 

 

@Haseeb @AkmalB @Cweng @PavelSarwar @Shirni @AlsmieA @Saidulkarim

Level 10

Re: How to take photos of monuments and historical sites

Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Srirangam (in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu)

The largest Hindu Temple in India, and second largest in the world, second only to Angkor Wat (according to Wiki)

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/bWdmwkhJzVG2

All photos below taken personally by me 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 @JohnPeter @SalmaanN 

Level 9

Re: How to take photos of monuments and historical sites

Wao! @Christina-NYC the photos are beautiful and most important, from India. Making me proud too.

Thanks for the tips.