Capturing high-quality photos and videos during a trip is a must for every traveler today. Eritrea, with its unique landscapes and vibrant cities, offers plenty of opportunities for great shots. Whether you’re using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or just your smartphone, these tips will help you take your photography skills up a notch and ensure you’re respecting local culture along the way.
Best Locations for Photography in Eritrea
Asmara
Asmara, the capital, is a photographer’s dream. Known for its Art Deco architecture, the buildings are full of character and colors. The Fiat Tagliero is a perfect place to start. The airplane-shaped building looks stunning in golden morning light or during the blue hour at dusk. Asmara Café or Cinema Impero also make for great shots, highlighting local life and urban charm.
Massawa
For coastal views, Massawa is the place to go. The old town, with its Ottoman architecture and narrow streets, creates a unique blend of history and seaside beauty. If you’re a fan of ports, the view of fishermen and boats at the harbor during sunset is spectacular.
Dahlak Archipelago
If you’re after island vibes, head to the Dahlak Archipelago. The crystal-clear waters and serene beaches offer some of the best nature shots. The underwater life here is incredible too, so if you’ve got a waterproof camera or GoPro, take it along for some crystal-blue water footage.
Qohaito Ruins
For ancient history lovers, check out the Qohaito ruins. This spot is perfect for a mix of landscape and historical shots, with striking mountains in the background. The early mornings provide soft light that enhances the textures of the ruins.
Keren
If you’re visiting in April, don’t miss Keren. The Sunday market is vibrant and full of energy, making it a perfect setting for capturing candid portraits. The Anseba River Valley and surrounding hills also offer sweeping views of Eritrea’s countryside.
Best Times of Day for Photography
Golden Hour (Morning and Evening)
The Golden Hour—shortly after sunrise or just before sunset—is ideal for capturing warm, soft tones in landscapes and urban scenes. Early mornings around 6-8 AM are especially serene because there are fewer people around.
Blue Hour (Late Afternoon to Dusk)
If you want to shoot stunning dusk urban shots in Asmara or Massawa, try the blue hour. This is when the sky turns a deep blue just as the sun dips below the horizon. Street scenes and buildings come alive with a mix of natural and artificial light.
Midday for Underwater Photography
If you’re heading to the Dahlak Islands for underwater photography, try shooting around midday. The sunlight will penetrate the clear waters, bringing out the colors of fish and coral. Just beware of the stark midday heat—protect your gear and yourself!
Photography Etiquette in Eritrea
Ask for Permission Before Taking Photos of People
Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in markets or rural areas. People in Eritrea are generally friendly, but it’s respectful to seek their consent first. Use hand gestures if needed. A polite smile goes a long way!
Avoid Photography Near Military Zones
Eritrea has several military areas, especially near borders. Avoid taking photos in these areas to steer clear of trouble. You might accidentally photograph something sensitive and give the wrong impression to local security.
Be Mindful in Religious Sites
If you’re visiting places like the Debre Bizen Monastery, avoid using flash and keep a respectful distance from people practicing their faith. Some monasteries might have restrictions on photography, especially inside places of worship, so make sure to check before snapping any shots.
Respect Local Customs
In rural areas, particularly in regions like Keren and the Qohaito Plateau, be aware of local attire and customs. Don’t photograph women without asking. These regions still follow traditional practices, so boundaries are important to respect.
Recommended Photography Equipment
DSLR or Mirrorless Cameras
If you’re serious about your photography, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a range of lenses is essential. A wide-angle lens will be great for capturing landscapes and architecture, while a portrait lens (like a 50mm) is perfect for close-ups of people.
Smartphones for On-the-Go Shots
Smartphones today have excellent cameras, making them perfect for quick, high-quality shots. iPhones, Samsungs, and Google Pixels produce sharp images with minimal effort. Use some apps like Lightroom or Snapseed for editing on the go.
Portable Tripod
A portable tripod is a game changer. Whether you’re capturing long exposure shots in Massawa or steady video of a sunset over Dahlak, a compact tripod provides stability without adding much weight to your pack.
Extra Batteries and Memory Cards
Carry extra batteries and memory cards, especially if you’re heading out to remote areas like Qohaito or the Dahlak islands. There may be no charging points or places to buy memory cards if you run out of space.
Smartphone Tips for Taking High-Quality Photos
Use HDR for Balanced Shots
Most smartphones now have an HDR mode that helps balance light. Use this feature when photographing scenes where there’s a big difference between bright and dark areas, like during sunrise or sunset.
Adjust Focus and Exposure
Tapping on the screen to set focus is important for getting sharp images. Don’t forget to adjust exposure by swiping up or down after focusing. This is especially useful for dark or overly bright scenes.
Use Pro Mode for Manual Adjustments
If your phone has a Pro mode, give it a try. It allows you to manually adjust settings like ISO, shutter speed, and white balance. This comes in handy when you want to have total control over your shot, especially in tricky lighting situations.
Use a Lens Kit
If you want to take your smartphone photography up a level, consider getting a mobile lens kit. You can attach fisheye, macro, or wide-angle lenses to expand the range of your phone’s capabilities, whether you’re shooting cityscapes in Asmara or coral reefs at Dahlak.
Tips for Video Recording
Record in 4K if Possible
If your camera or smartphone supports 4K video, use it. Recording in 4K will give you more detail, which you can crop or downscale in editing. Just be mindful of the larger file sizes and battery drain.
Keep Your Footage Stable
Shaky footage can easily ruin a video. Use a gimbal for smooth footage, especially when filming while walking or moving. If you don’t have a gimbal, try using a tripod or stabilizing your camera against something solid.
Capture B-roll
Good travel videos are not just about main shots but also the details—get close-up shots of traditional foods, crafts, and nature. These clips (known as B-roll) will make your video more engaging and immersive.
Plan Your Shots
Before you start recording, plan which shots you want. Whether it’s a wide landscape shot or a close-up of street life, having a quick plan will make it easier to connect the different parts of your video later.
Editing and Posting Your Photos
Use Editing Apps
Once you capture your images, you can refine them using apps like Lightroom, VSCO, or even the built-in photo editor on your phone. Just be careful not to over-edit—keeping things natural will make your photos stand out more.
Post at the Right Time
If you’re sharing your photos or videos on social media, post during times when your audience is most active. This could vary depending on your timezone or the platform you’re using, but aim for afternoon or early evening posts for the highest engagement.
With these tips, you’re ready to capture the best photos and videos on your trip to Eritrea. Remember—photography is not just about getting the perfect shot; it’s about enjoying the journey and telling a story. Have fun and respect the wonderful culture around you as you document your adventure!
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