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The funny thing about photography in the Maldives is that you really have to go out of the way to take a bad photo. There’s so much sensational beauty all around that no matter the camera you are using, the pictures will turn out awesome.
Then again, Maldives is a unique destination and by far among the best travel destinations for photography. The tropical archipelago is known for being different and providing its guests with the very elite in luxury accommodations, culture, and traditions. Your photos at the end of the trip should thus reflect the essence of the Maldives.
Now, in the excitement of being surrounded by mesmerizing human-made and natural prettiness, amateur photographers sometimes mess up their pictures. Or worse, they miss out on capturing the island nation’s true colors and virtue.
Our extensive photography guide for the Maldives will help you make the most of what is one of the best places for travel photography.
By the time you finish reading the guide, you’ll see the Maldives with a new set of eyes. After all, there is exquisiteness in every corner of the country, from the white-sand beaches to its lavish overwater bungalows. And, of course, there is tremendous grace in the people who call this paradise their home.
A tourist takes pictures of fish using a waterproof action camera
Cameras to take to the Maldives
Before we talk about the best places for photography in the Maldives or some of the precautions one needs to take, let’s focus on the equipment required.
Ideally, it would help if you took a few different cameras because the best places to do photography are both on the islands and under the waters surrounding them.
Mirrorless / DSLR
Ever since the introduction of mirrorless cameras in the market, there has been a lingering debate on which is better. In the end, everyone has their preference.
However, mirrorless cameras like Fujifilm X-S10, Sony A6000, and Nikon Z50 are excellent budget options for travel photography. Lighter than DSLRs, these cameras are slowly becoming the number one choice of travel vloggers and bloggers. In comparison, DSLRs promise excellent picture quality, with Nikon D3500 and Canon EOS Rebel T7 leading the group.
Why do you need a DSLR in the Maldives, though? Because “professional” cameras give you much more flexibility, making it easier to take memorable photos. You have manual control, can switch lenses as desired, and click thousands of pictures on one battery charge.
Action cameras
If there is one reason to buy an action camera, it is for a Maldives trip. The country is one of the best travel destinations for photography because of its vibrant marine life. Moreover, an action camera is perfect for filming all your water sports activities in the Maldives.
GoPro is the most preferred option when we talk about action cameras. Although the camera has picture and time-lapse settings, you’d want to keep it on video mode when snorkeling, parasailing, or riding on a jet ski. Remember to buy a waterproof casing for your action camera for better protection, even if it is somewhat waterproof.
Phone cameras
These days, most people make do with using a phone camera. Admittedly, phone cameras have several advantages over professional ones.
You can take selfies quickly and don’t have to spend time setting them up. Beginners like phone cameras because picture settings are automatically adjusted. Most importantly, with a phone camera, you can upload your images instantly on social media platforms.
Drones
There is no doubt that drones add a whole new component to photography. After all, some of the best places to do photography in the Maldives are right above your head.
The DJI Mavic series and the SwellPro Spry+ are ideal for taking overhead shots that highlight the gorgeousness of the islands from high up.
However, drone photography in the Maldives requires special permission from the government. Once you have the necessary approval, pick the best places for photography on the island, but remember not to fly your drone over 400 feet.
Additionally, when using a drone on a resort island, take consent from the management first. Lastly, honor the privacy of other guests and do not fly over neighboring villas.
A traveler adjusts her camera settings while shooting in the Maldives
Maldives photography guide
As one of the best places for travel photography, Maldives makes it straightforward for tourists to take unforgettable photos. However, keeping in mind a few pointers can take your pictures from being great to absolutely stunning.
Follow standard photography rules
One must follow two main rules when using a camera at any of the best travel destinations for photography in the world. Firstly, the “rule of thirds” states that you do not place your subject in the middle of the frame. Instead, put them just to the side. This way, you can capture the subject and the background, which in Maldives’ case is equally captivating.
Secondly, avoid facing the sun with the camera. As a rule, you should always have your back towards the big ball of fire. This will prevent your pictures from being too bright. Also, this results in an even light on the subject and no shadows.
Use a polarizing filter
Placing a polarizing filter over your lens is good practice irrespective of when and where you use the camera. The filter protects the lens from any dust or sand particles in the air or the beach. More importantly, it blocks any reflections on the water, resulting in smoother and natural photos.
Choose the best time
Standard rules apply when it comes to the best time for taking photographs in the Maldives. The golden hours – one hour after sunrise and the hour just before sunset – are perfect for profile photos and to capture the Maldives in soft light.
There is one exception to this. Usually, every professional photographer dreads taking pictures in the afternoon. In the Maldives, the time between 11:00 and 15:00 is ideal for photographing the sea’s actual colors. As the rays bounce off the seabed, the colors of the water get more vivid and come out splendidly in photographs.
Add elements to your photos
Travelers in the Maldives are blessed with uninterrupted sea views all around. But when it comes to taking phenomenal photos, one must add elements that give each image an exciting visual sub-focal point.
To tell a story with your photographs, include hints of different sceneries in the background. It can be a palm tree, the traditional Maldivian hammock called joali, or a line of overwater villas.
If taking photos inside the room, try and incorporate different space features, from a bathtub with a lovely view to the deck chairs placed next to your private infinity pool.
Dress up like a star
When writing down your packing list for the Maldives, try and include a few clothes primarily for photography.
Contrasting colors that stand out against the blues of the sea and the whiteness of the sand are ideal. Mix and match textures, but keep the material soft and light, so you can take flowing photographs that showcase a sense of carefreeness in your actions.
Besides colorful dresses, accessorize yourself with larger-than-life props. You can get hats, sunglasses, and visible jewelry to compliment your profile shots. There is also the possibility to pick up props from the resort, like giant inflatables, sports equipment, and snorkeling gear. Each one of these creates a holiday-like feel in your photographs.
It’s okay to ask for help
The Maldives is a top honeymoon destination of the world. Lately, it has attracted more and more families and even won the World’s Leading Destination award in 2020.
When on the islands with a loved one, clicking couple or group photos can be a problem. You either take awkward selfies or ask the staff to snap a photograph ever so often. Furthermore, not everyone is comfortable or capable of taking great photos all the time.
Luckily, there is the option of having professional photos taken across the Maldives. Because the islands host many weddings, resorts have photographers either on-site or can arrange for one on prior notice.
A huge benefit of hiring a professional photographer is that they know the best places for photography on the island. Furthermore, they bring their own equipment, including lights, might even have props, and guarantee outstanding pictures.
Always ask permission before taking photos of locals in the Maldives
Maldives photography tips and precautions
Sometimes, we get so lost in the magic of a destination that we forget to take necessary precautions to keep ourselves and our equipment safe.
The best places for photography in the Maldives are not dangerous. Nor should you worry about getting your camera stolen. Still, there are a few points to keep in mind before starting to photograph.
Whether you are on a luxury resort or an inhabited island, be respectful towards other people. Always check if you can take their photos before clicking away.
Safeguard your DSLRs when storing them inside your room. Since it is hot and humid in the Maldives, most people have air conditioners switched on during the day. If you take your camera out from the cold, it will fog up and leave spots on your sensor. Keep the camera in your luggage, the cupboard, or the bathroom so it remains at standard room temperature.
If using a DSLR without a waterproof casing, use a strap to hang it around your neck. It’s easy to topple on the beach, and you do not want sand or water going into your camera.
Carry a tripod. For amazing night photography, you need to keep your camera stable. Similarly, buy a small Gorillapod for your action camera. This way, you can take a time-lapse of the sunset on your GoPro from the comfort of your room.
Be careful of where you stand. A great way to take unique photographs is approaching your subject from different angles. Always be aware of where you are. Don’t fall off the boat or the plank when trying to take that perfect shot.
Take your time with the photos. Play around with the settings. Try and be artistic by snapping portfolios, seascapes, or silhouettes, using different lenses. Use the natural colors of the islands to your advantage, rather than relying on app filters later.
A seaplane is one of the best places to take photos in the Maldives
Best places for photography in the Maldives
The Maldives is among the best travel destinations for photography because it has distinct areas to click fantastic pictures.
Besides the commonly photographed spots like the beach and the interiors of a resort, photography enthusiasts can also take stunning photos from their overwater bungalows or inside underwater restaurants. For 360-degree views, nothing beats the advantageous location of the treetop restaurants in the Maldives.
Street photography on inhabited islands allows photographers to catch everyday life in the Maldives. Among the best places to do street-photography in Malé are the vegetable market and the harbor. Both these locations are bursting with interesting characters and colors that pop out naturally in photos.
When photographing in public, remember that the Maldives is a conservative nation. Therefore, always ask for permission from the locals before taking their photos on the beach or the streets.
To be considered among the best travel destinations for photography, a country must go beyond offering the usual. In the Maldives, due to virtually no air pollution, the night sky is a dreamy sight to behold. For photographers, night photography in the Maldives is an unmissable opportunity. Even amateur photos of the twinkling Maldivian sky are almost always stunning.
Two other quintessential photo options in the Maldives include underwater photos. A Maldivian souvenirs like no other, these images are fascinating reminders of all the aquatic life you will encounter during your vacation.
The other must-take photos are scenic shots of the Maldives from high above. For these, keep your camera ready while landing in Malé. Alternatively, you can book a seaplane ride and take breathtaking birdseye photos of the archipelago.
Maldivian golden hour is an amazing occasion for romantic photographs
A parting note
All said and done, don’t always get caught up in the nitty-gritty of clicking photos.
When spending a holiday in the Maldives with loved ones, it is essential to live in the moment and make new memories. It is okay sometimes to take photos with your eyes and save them in your brain’s hard drive.
However, if you do take digital pictures, don’t be in a rush to upload them on social media. Savor the islands first and share your memories once you are back home, already planning your next trip to the Maldives.
