As the biggest continent on the planet, Asia is also the most diverse. Furthermore, regarding its natural areas and population, it is home to many extremes.
Why?
The tallest mountains in the world, the Himalayas are in Asia, while the longest river in one country is the Yangtze in China. What about the most densely populated countries in the world? Again, China, followed by India, both in Asia are at the top of the list.
All of this makes Asia one of the most interesting continents on the planet. From its rainforests and snowy peaks to it its jungles, plains, deserts and rivers, landscapes in Asia are a photographer's dream.
If you long for diverse landscapes, scenery and even people, then no other continent boasts as much diversity.
What about beauty?
If you have ever seen Asian landscape photos of the mountains of Nepal, the deserts of Pakistan, snow in Siberia or the rivers of Vietnam, you will know that its natural wilderness is exquisite.
Given both its size and diversity, there is no doubt that Asian landscapes will not disappoint any intrepid photographer.
And if landscapes in Asia are not enough, don’t miss our article about landscape photography tips for across the world.
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Defining Landscape Photography
If you’re looking for a definition for landscape photography so that you can shoot the best landscapes in Asia, you will find that they are as varied as landscape photos themselves.
You would not be incorrect in assuming that the term is self-explanatory and simply means an image of beautiful or interesting scenery. This, however, does not encompass the full explanation of what landscape photos can entail.
Landscape and nature photography overlap significantly. Furthermore, landscapes can also include wildlife or a human element – this means that a landscape could certainly include photography of urban scenes like cities too.
Asian landscape photos could certainly include both. In short, landscape subjects could be spaces, places, people and things.
Another defining feature of a landscape photograph is that it is shot outdoors.
Once you have explored Asian landscapes, you may want to consider photography destinations in South America or the top places for landscapes in Europe.
What is a Landscape?
You want to shoot a landscape of Asia, but perhaps you are still struggling with a definition for landscape photos. This could be because the word landscape is confusing in itself.
We imagine landscapes as beautiful spaces that are devoid of humans. The myth here is that they have to be wild, unspoilt and strictly natural. This, however, is not true. In fact, the word landscape could also blur the lines between nature and man’s relationship with it.
‘Landscape’ is derived from two Germanic words. ‘Land’ we presume to know, yet originally it meant a place to which people belong. Ireland is an example of where the Irish belong. Meanwhile ‘scape’, comes from a word that means ‘to shape’. This suggests our sense to work, sculpt and transform the land. Neither of these terms suggests zero human involvement and this is true of Asian landscapes too.
Whether you are shooting Asian landscapes or not, the point is that landscape photography is exceptionally broad and interesting because it can include so many different views and include or not include man.
Elements for Great Landscape Photos
Whether it is a landscape of Asia or anywhere else, like any art form, the beauty of landscape photography lies in the eyes of the beholder.
One thing is sure, you could be in the most beautiful setting in the world and still take a below-average photograph.
Why?
Because professional photography is about technique and knowledge of composition. Honing important skills to help you manipulate light and clarity through depth of field, shutter speed and white balance is critical to taking professional photographs.
Next, you will need quality camera gear and a knowledge of which lenses are suited to which situations. And if, like most, you are taking digital images, your photo editing skills are almost as important as knowing what to do when looking through the lens.
Finally, whether you are taking photographs in your home town or setting up your tripod to shoot landscapes in Asia, you will need an enormous amount of patience. Being willing to wait for the precise moment and for the perfect light always pays off when it comes to taking landscape photos.
So if you are willing to travel halfway across the world to capture great Asian landscapes, give yourself time and avoid disappointment.
Once you have your Asian landscape photos why not move on to the great landscape photography destinations in the USA?
Locations to Shoot the Landscape of Asia
So you know you want to shoot a winning landscape of Asia, but with so much on offer where do you start?
The continent is enormous, so to help you with ideas for your Asian landscape photos, here is a list of stunning locations.
Having said this, the selection is just too big and your own research will also be necessary depending on your style and which countries interest you the most.
Remember that landscape photography is not just about the emptiness of a remote location, it can be virtually anything you want it to be. In fact, the more unexpected your shot, the more potential it will have to impress.
Check out Superprof for photography courses near you and you could be off to shoot Asian landscape photos.
Mongolian Steppes
When it comes to landscapes in Asia, some of the most enthralling, most intoxicatingly stunning images ever taken have originated from Mongolia. It’s a mind-bogglingly desolate place of expansive isolation that boasts snow-covered hills over endless plains.
Beauty, of course, is subjective, but we’re sure that no one would argue with this suggestion.
Siberia
Amazingly, Siberia has not yet been fully explored. Amongst the reasons for this is its sheer size as well as its freezing temperatures. Not only that, it is sparsely populated and challenging to get around.
Having said this, its beauty is quite astonishing. Most photographers head to Lake Baikal, but why not try something more unusual like the Altai Mountains which are sure to blow you away?
Tea Fields of China
Have you ever wondered where the saying ‘for all the tea in China' comes from?
It literally means that the vast tea plantations of China of impressive in size and beauty.
These landscapes, with their vivid, neat green lines upon endless rolling hillsides are simply dazzling. You will find them all over the country, but the most famous of them all are in Sichuan and Hangzhou.
While you are shooting this landscape of Asia, why not hop over to India’s Western Ghats for more?
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
The Indonesian islands of Raja Ampat are a very special place to capture Asian landscapes. As an area that boasts some of the highest biodiversity on the planet, its 1 500 little islands are absolutely spectacular.
If you are looking for an exceptional panorama where forested hillocks appear to be bursting out of the sea, then this one is for you.
The Himalayas
As the world’s largest mountain range, the Himalaya mountains needs no introduction. Both terrifying and spectacular, many impressive scenes await the intrepid photographer.
From the valleys of Kashmir and the rocky landscapes of Ladakh to Uttarakhand and the lofty peaks of Nepal and southern China, which break Asia in two, there is much to explore.
For truly unique mountain views, the Himalayas is a must-visit destination.
The Andaman Islands, India
The Andaman Islands are an absurdly beautiful archipelago within India. Known by wildlife and nature photographers because of exceptional coastlines, forests and even elephants on beaches, this destination is worth the trip.
Kazakhstan
Bizarrely, Central Asia has been overlooked by western tourists for a long time.
Kazakhstan offers some of the most incredible landscapes in the world – from the Charyn Canyon to the unusual colours of the Big Almaty Lake, you and your camera will know that you have found something special.
Zhangjiajie, China
If you’re looking for a landscape that has not often been seen, try the scenic area of China’s Wulingyuan which is close to the city of Zhanjiajie.
From valleys characterised by massive sandstone pillars that tower through clouds of mist, to Tianqiashengkong, the world’s highest natural bridge, which hangs vertiginously over a four-hundred-metre drop, this is an area worth visiting.
If adventure photography seems to be your thing, make sure you also check out the best locations for landscape photography in Africa.
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