Best classic places spots hotspots sites sights views photo locations to photograph for photography with maps tips ideas composition postcard photos cool beautiful pictures
Grand Prize in the National Self-Published Book Awards
Benjamin Franklin Award for Best First Book
Best Travel Guide, Benjamin Franklin Awards finalist
“Impressive in its presentation and abundance of material.”
— National Geographic Traveler
“PhotoSecrets books are an invaluable resource for photographers.”
— Nikon School of Photography
“One of the best travel photography books we’ve ever seen.”
— Minolta
“Guides you to the most visually distinctive places to explore with your camera.”
— Outdoor Photographer
“This could be one of the most needed travel books ever published!”
— San Francisco Bay Guardian
“The most useful travel guides for anyone with a camera.”
— Shutterbug’s Outdoor and Nature Photography
“Takes the guesswork out of shooting.”
— American Way (American Airlines magazine)
PhotoSecrets Giza, first published May 3, 2016. This version output April 21, 2018.
Curated, coded and designed by Andrew Hudson. Copyright © Andrew Hudson for PhotoSecrets (Photo Tour Books, Inc.). Photos, text and maps copyrights are listed in the credits section.
“‘And what is the use of a book,’ thought Alice ‘without pictures or conversations?’”
— Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll
Thank you to the many talented photographers that generously made their photos available. Photos distributed by the following:
Text copyright of Wikipedia editors and contributors. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA).
Map data from OpenStreetMap and its contributors. Open data licensed under the Open Data Commons Open Database License (ODbL).
Cover image by Sculpies/Shutterstock.
Back cover image by .
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any way without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner(s) and the publisher of this book.
The information provided within this book is for general informational purposes only. Some information may be inadvertently incorrect, or may be incorrect in the source material, or may have changed since publication, this includes GPS coordinates, addresses, location titles, descriptions, Web links, and photo credits. Use with caution; do not photograph from roads or other dangerous places or when trespassing, even if GPS coordinates and/or maps indicate so; beware of moving vehicles; obey laws. The publisher and author cannot accept responsibility for any consequences arising from the use of this book. There are no representations or warranties, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information, products, services, images, or graphics contained in this book for any purpose. Any use of this information is at your own risk.
For corrections, please send an email.
A great travel photograph, like a great news photograph, requires you to be in the right place at the right time to capture that special moment. Professional photographers have a short-hand phrase for this: “F8 and be there.”
There are countless books that can help you with photographic technique, the “F8” portion of that equation. But until now, there’s been little help for the other, more critical portion of that equation, the “be there” part. To find the right spot, you had to expend lots of time and shoe leather to wander around, track down every potential viewpoint, and essentially re-invent the wheel.
In my career as a professional travel photographer, well over half my time on location is spent seeking out the good angles. Andrew Hudson’s PhotoSecrets does all that legwork for you, so you can spend your time photographing instead of wandering about. It’s like having a professional location scout in your camera bag. I wish I had one of these books for every city I photograph on assignment.
PhotoSecrets can help you capture the most beautiful sights with a minimum of hassle and a maximum of enjoyment. So grab your camera, find your favorite PhotoSecrets spots, and “be there!”
Bob Krist has photographed assignments for National Geographic, National Geographic Traveler, Travel/Holiday, Smithsonian, and Islands. He won “Travel photographer of the Year” from the Society of American Travel Writers in 1994, 2007, and 2008.
For National Geographic, Bob has led round-the-world tours and a traveling lecture series. His book In Tuscany with Frances Mayes spent a month on The New York Times’ bestseller list and his how-to book Spirit of Place was hailed by American Photographer magazine as “the best book about travel photography we’ve ever read.”
The parents of three sons, Bob and his wife live in New Hope, Pennsylvania.
Thank you for reading PhotoSecrets. As a fellow fan of travel and photography, I hope this guide will help you quickly find the most visually stunning places, and come home with equally stunning photographs.
PhotoSecrets is designed to show you all the best sights. Flick through, see the classic shots, and use them as a departure point for your own creations. Get ideas for composition and interesting viewpoints. See what piques your interest. Know what to shoot, where to stand, when to go, and why it’s interesting. Now you can spend less time researching and more time photographing.
The idea for PhotoSecrets came during a trip to Thailand, when I tried to find the exotic beach used in the James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun. None of the guidebooks I had showed a picture, so I thought a guidebook of postcard photos would be useful for us photographers. Twenty-plus years later, you have this guide. Thanks!
Now, start exploring — and take lots of photos!
Originally an engineer, Andrew Hudson started PhotoSecrets in 1995. His first book won the Benjamin Franklin Award for Best First Book and his second won the Grand Prize in the National Self-Published Book Awards.
Andrew has published 38 nationally-distributed photography books. He has photographed assignments for Macy’s, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Men’s Health and Seventeen, and been a location scout for Nikon. His photos and articles have appeared in Alaska Airlines, National Geographic Traveler, Shutterbug Outdoor and Nature photography, Where, and Woman’s World.
Andrew has a degree in Computer Engineering from Manchester University and a certificate in copyright law from Harvard Law School. Born in Redditch, England, he lives with his wife, two kids, and two chocolate Labs, in San Diego, California.
At a Glance | |
---|---|
Name: | Giza pyramid complex |
What: | Archaeological site on the Giza Plateau, by Cairo, Egypt. |
Fame: | Icon of Egypt One of the Seven Wonders of the World; the oldest and one one remaining |
Includes: | Great Pyramids; Great Sphinx |
Far: | 13 km (8 mi) from Cairo city centre |
Web: | sca-egypt.org |
GPS: | 29.976111, 31.132778 |
Type: | Monument |
Address: | Al Haram, Nazlet El-Semman, Al Haram, Giza Governorate, Egypt |
Region: | Middle Egypt |
Notes: | UNESCO World Heritage Site |
Memphis and its pyramid complex – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur.
Photographer: AhlyMan
Year: 2005.
Source: Wikipedia
License: Released by author into the public domain.
The Pyramid of Djedefre consists today mostly of ruins located at Abu Rawash in Egypt.
Addr: | Abu Rawash, Giza, Egypt | Where: | 30.03222 31.07472 |
What: | Pyramid | When: | Anytime |
Wik: |
Photographer: AhlyMan
Year: 2005.
Source: Wikipedia
License: Released by author into the public domain.
Photographer: Nina
Year: 2005.
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY-SA 3.
The big one.
Addr: | Giza, Egypt | Where: | 29.979159 31.134195 |
What: | Pyramid | When: | Anytime |
AKA: | Pyramid of Khufu, Pyramid of Cheops | Wik: |
Photographer: Keith Yahl
Source: Flickr
License: CC-BY 2.
Photographer: Pichugin Dmitry
Source: Shutterstock
License: Shutterstock standard license.
Pyramids.
Addr: | Giza, Paris, Egypt | Where: | 29.9769093 31.1358589 |
When: | Anytime |
Photographer: Olaf Tausch
Year: 2009.
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY 3.
Entrance.
Addr: | Giza, Egypt | Where: | 29.980071 31.134207 |
What: | Entrance | When: | Anytime |
Photographer: Dennis Jarvis
Source: Flickr
License: CC-BY-SA 2.
Addr: | Giza, Egypt | Where: | 29.97611 31.13083 |
What: | Pyramid | When: | Anytime |
AKA: | Pyramid of Chephren | Wik: |
Photographer: Mgiganteus1
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY-SA 3.
Photographer: Arancid Amoeba
Source: Flickr
License: CC-BY-SA 2.
Photographer: Musikanimal
Year: 2015.
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY-SA 3.
Photographer: Hamish2k
Year: 2005.
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY-SA 3.
Photographer: Shade
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY-SA 2.
Addr: | Giza, Egypt | Where: | 29.97250 31.12833 |
What: | Pyramid | When: | Anytime |
Wik: |
Photographer: Jonah Bettio
Year: 2007.
Source: Flickr
License: CC-BY-SA 2.
Six pyramids.
Addr: | Giza, Egypt | Where: | 29.965987 31.127876 |
When: | Anytime |
Photographer: WitR
Source: Shutterstock
License: Shutterstock standard license.
Six pyramids.
Addr: | Giza, Egypt | Where: | 29.965285 31.125892 |
When: | Anytime |
Photographer: Ricardo Liberato
Year: 2006.
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY-SA 2.
Six pyramids.
Addr: | Giza, Egypt | Where: | 29.964780 31.124974 |
When: | Anytime |
Photographer: Andre Klaassen
Source: Shutterstock
License: Shutterstock standard license.
Photographer: Sculpies
Year: 2009.
Source: Shutterstock
License: Shutterstock standard license.
Pyramids.
Addr: | Giza, Paris, Egypt | Where: | 29.965373 31.126627 |
When: | Anytime |
Photographer: Dan Breckwoldt
Source: Shutterstock
License: Shutterstock standard license.
Photographer: Robster1983
Source: Wikipedia
License: Released by author into the public domain.
Addr: | Giza, Egypt | Where: | 29.982831 31.114282 |
When: | Anytime |
Photographer: EFesenko
Source: Shutterstock
License: Shutterstock standard license.
Pyramids.
Addr: | Giza, Paris, Egypt | Where: | 29.969653 31.132693 |
When: | Anytime |
Photographer: Sculpies
Source: Shutterstock
License: Shutterstock standard license.
Pyramids.
Addr: | Giza, Paris, Egypt | Where: | 29.978653 31.139007 |
When: | Anytime |
Photographer: Mareandmare
Source: Shutterstock
License: Shutterstock standard license.
Addr: | Giza, Egypt | Where: | 29.975399 31.138213 |
When: | Anytime |
Photographer: ADi G
Source: Shutterstock
License: Shutterstock standard license.
Addr: | Giza, Egypt | Where: | 29.975034 31.139441 |
When: | Anytime |
Photographer: Kokhanchikov
Source: Shutterstock
License: Shutterstock standard license.
Photographer: Alchemist-Hp
Year: 2010.
Source: Wikipedia
License: Free Art License 1.
Addr: | Giza, Egypt | Where: | 29.9749918 31.1377656 |
When: | Anytime |
Photographer: Olaf Tausch
Year: 2009.
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY 3.
Photographer: Sculpies
Source: Shutterstock
License: Shutterstock standard license.
Addr: | Giza, Egypt | Where: | 29.9749801 31.1378433 |
When: | Anytime |
Photographer: Daniel Mayer
Year: 2008.
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY-SA 4.
Addr: | Giza, Egypt | Where: | 29.975178 31.138477 |
When: | Anytime |
Photographer: Burhan Bunardi Xie
Source: Shutterstock
License: Shutterstock standard license.
Photographer: Chanel Wheeler
Year: 2009.
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY-SA 2.
Photographer: Hamish2k
Year: 2005.
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY-SA 3.
Addr: | Giza, Egypt | Where: | 29.975071 31.136928 |
When: | Anytime |
Photographer: Musikanimal
Year: 2015.
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY-SA 3.
Addr: | Giza, Egypt | Where: | 29.974959 31.138056 |
When: | Anytime |
Photographer: Johnny 201
Year: 2011.
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY-SA 3.
Addr: | Giza, Egypt | Where: | 29.975672 31.138042 |
When: | Anytime |
Photographer: Aoswch
Year: 2006.
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY-SA 2.
Addr: | 4 Abusir, Giza | Where: | 29.89500 31.20250 |
What: | Pyramid | When: | Anytime |
Wik: |
Photographer: Jon Bodsworth
Year: 2006.
Source: Wikipedia
License: Released by author into the public domain.
The Pyramid of Sahure was the first pyramid built in the necropolis of Abusir, Egypt.
Addr: | 4 Abusir, Giza | Where: | 29.89778 31.20333 |
What: | Pyramid | When: | Anytime |
Wik: |
Photographer: Kurohito
Year: 2010.
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY-SA 3.
Photographer: Jon Bodsworth
Year: 2007.
Source: Wikipedia
License: Released by author into the public domain.
Photographer: Jon Bodsworth
Year: 2007.
Source: Wikipedia
License: Released by author into the public domain.
Photographer: Neithsabes
Year: 2009.
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY-SA 3.
Photographer: Kurohito
Year: 2010.
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY-SA 3.
Photographer: Kurohito
Year: 2010.
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY-SA 3.
Photographer: Charlesjsharp
Year: 2007.
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY-SA 3.
Step pyramid.
Addr: | Saqqara, Egypt | Where: | 29.8712667 31.2163944 |
What: | Pyramid | When: | Anytime |
AKA: | Step Pyramid | Wik: |
Photographer: Zolakoma
Source: Flickr
License: CC-BY 2.
Photographer: Charlesdrakew
Source: Wikipedia
License: Released by author into the public domain.
Photographer: Maveric149
Year: 2008.
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY-SA 3.
Photographer: Dennis Jarvis
Source: Flickr
License: CC-BY-SA 2.
Addr: | Pyramid of Djoser, Saqqara, Egypt | Where: | 29.869105555556 31.218033333333 |
What: | Buildings | When: | Anytime |
Photographer: Berthold Werner
Year: 2010.
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY 3.
Photographer: Udimu
Year: 1996.
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY-SA 3.
The pyramid of Egyptian pharaoh Djedkare-Isesi was built at South Saqqara in the fifth dynasty.
Addr: | Saqqara, Giza, Egypt | Where: | 29.85111 31.22083 |
What: | Pyramid | When: | Anytime |
Wik: |
Photographer: Olaf Tausch
Year: 2014.
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY 3.
The Pyramid Complex of Unas is located in the pyramid field at Saqqara, near Cairo in Egypt.
Addr: | Where: | 29.868306 31.214778 | |
What: | Pyramid | When: | Anytime |
Wik: |
Photographer: Neithsabes
Year: 2007.
Source: Wikipedia
License: Released by author into the public domain.
The Pyramid complex of Userkaf was built c.
Addr: | Where: | 29.87361 31.21889 | |
What: | Pyramid | When: | Anytime |
Wik: |
Photographer: Neithsabes
Year: 2007.
Source: Wikipedia
License: Released by author into the public domain.
Photographer: Neithsabes
Year: 2007.
Source: Wikipedia
License: Released by author into the public domain.
Photographer: Neithsabes
Year: 2007.
Source: Wikipedia
License: Released by author into the public domain.
Photographer: Neithsabes
Year: 2007.
Source: Wikipedia
License: Released by author into the public domain.
Photographer: Neithsabes
Year: 2004.
Source: Wikipedia
License: Released by author into the public domain.
The Tomb of Akhethetep also Tomb or Mastaba of Akhethotep, is a tomb complex that was built and completed at different times in Saqqarah, Giza, Egypt.
Addr: | Saqqara, Giza, Egypt | Where: | 29.8712000 31.2163000 |
What: | Tomb | When: | Anytime |
Wik: |
Photographer: Daniel Mayer
Year: 2008.
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY-SA 4.
Addr: | Dahshur, Egypt, Africa | Where: | 29.80833 31.20583 |
What: | Pyramid | When: | Anytime |
AKA: | Sneferu | Wik: |
Photographer: Arian Zwegers
Source: Flickr
License: CC-BY 2.
Photographer: Chipdawes
Year: 2003.
Source: Wikipedia
License: Released by author into the public domain.
Photographer: Christopher Michel
Source: Flickr
License: CC-BY 2.
Photographer: Ivrienen
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY 3.
Photographer: Tekisch
Year: 2008.
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY-SA 3.
Black pyramid.
Addr: | Where: | 29.79167 31.22361 | |
What: | Pyramid | When: | Anytime |
AKA: | Amenemhat III | Wik: |
Photographer: Christopher Michel
Source: Flickr
License: CC-BY 2.
Addr: | Dahshur, Egypt | Where: | 29.79028 31.20917 |
What: | Pyramid | When: | Anytime |
AKA: | Sneferu | Wik: |
Photographer: Ivrienen
Year: 2007.
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY 3.
Photographer: Someone
Source: Wikipedia
License: Released by author into the public domain.
Photographer: Timsdad
Year: 2009.
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY-SA 3.
Photographer: Kristina
Year: 2007.
Source: Wikipedia
License: CC-BY 2.
Thank you to the many wonderful people and companies that made their work available to use in this guide.
Photo key: Tap the camera icon to see the photo. The two letters reference the distributor and license. Key for distributors: f:Flickr; s:Shutterstock; w:Wikipedia. Key for license: a:CC-BY-SA; b:CC-BY; h:Shutterstock standard; m:public domain; r:Free Art License.
Cover image by .AhlyMan ( wr); Alchemist-Hp ( fa); Arancid Amoeba ( wa); Aoswch ( fa); Jonah Bettio ( wm); Jon Bodsworth ( sh); Dan Breckwoldt ( wm); Charlesdrakew ( wa); Charlesjsharp ( wm); Chipdawes ( sh); Pichugin Dmitry ( sh); EFesenko ( sh); ADi G ( wa); Hamish2k ( wb); Ivrienen ( fa); Dennis Jarvis ( wa); Johnny 201 ( sh); Andre Klaassen ( sh); Kokhanchikov ( wb); Kristina ( wa); Kurohito ( wa); Ricardo Liberato ( sh); Mareandmare ( wa); Maveric149 ( wa); Daniel Mayer ( wa); Mgiganteus1 ( fb); Christopher Michel ( wa); Musikanimal ( wa); Neithsabes ( wa); Nina ( wm); Robster1983 ( sh); Sculpies ( wa); Shade ( wm); Someone ( wb); Olaf Tausch ( wa); Tekisch ( wa); Timsdad ( wa); Udimu ( wb); Berthold Werner ( wa); Chanel Wheeler ( sh); WitR ( sh); Burhan Bunardi Xie ( fb); Keith Yahl ( fb); Zolakoma ( fb); Arian Zwegers ( fb). Some text adapted from Wikipedia and its contributors where noted by the URL path in the “Wik” table field, used and modified under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike (CC-BY-SA) license. Map data from OpenStreetMap and its contributors, used under the Open Data Commons Open Database License (ODbL).