How to Capture the Best Photos and Videos While Visiting Syria

Syria is home to stunning landscapes and historic sites. From the ancient ruins to vibrant markets, it offers endless opportunities for capturing amazing photos and videos.

Let me guide you through some top tips, locations, and cultural considerations to make the most out of your visit.

Best Locations for Photography in Syria

The Ancient City of Palmyra

Palmyra is one of the most iconic sites in Syria. You’ll find well-preserved ruins and an impressive Roman theater here. The best time to take photos is early in the morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and golden.

The Umayyad Mosque

This mosque in Damascus is one of the largest and oldest in the world. You’re allowed to take photos, but remember to be respectful, especially inside. Take advantage of natural light in the prayer halls during midday.

Crac des Chevaliers

This medieval castle offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape. It’s perfect for wide-angle shots. Sunset here is magical. Try to get some panoramic shots at that time.

Al Azem Palace, Damascus

If you enjoy capturing beautiful architecture, head to Al Azem Palace. The courtyards and fountains make for incredible photo ops. The soft light in the morning brings out the details of the traditional Syrian architecture.

Old Souq of Aleppo

For street photography, Aleppo’s old souq is perfect. You can capture the bustling market atmosphere, filled with vibrant colors and historic details. Make sure to visit during the afternoon when the market comes alive.

Best Times of Day for Shooting

Light can make or break your photos. In Syria, the lighting conditions can change quickly, depending on where you are.

Golden Hour

The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset provide the best lighting. The angle of the sun creates soft shadows, perfect for landscapes and portraits.

Midday

When shooting in areas like old mosques or markets, interior spaces tend to have dim lighting. Midday is best for getting the most natural light indoors. Try to avoid shooting outside under direct sunlight when possible.

Night Photography

In some cities like Damascus, the streets and landmarks are beautifully lit at night. Bring a tripod, as you’ll need longer exposures for night shots. Look out for the illuminated mosques and ancient streets.

Cultural Considerations When Taking Photos

When shooting photos in Syria, you’ll need to be mindful of local customs and rules.

Get Permission Before Taking Photos of People

Many Syrians are private and may not want their photograph taken. Always ask permission first, especially in rural areas. You can usually communicate through hand gestures if you’re not fluent in Arabic.

Avoid Sensitive Areas

Military zones and government buildings are off-limits. Don’t risk taking photos near these places, as it could lead to problems with the authorities.

Be Respectful in Religious Sites

While some mosques allow photos, it’s good practice to ask before taking any. Avoid photographing people in prayer and be mindful of your surroundings. Dress modestly, cover your knees and shoulders, and take off your shoes when entering mosques.

Recommended Equipment for Capturing Great Shots

The right gear can make a difference in how your photos turn out.

DSLR or Mirrorless Camera

A DSLR or mirrorless camera will give you the flexibility and image quality you need for Syria’s diverse scenes. Bring a zoom lens (like 24-70mm) for versatility.

Smartphone

Smartphones can take great pictures if you know how to use them. Use an app like Lightroom Mobile to control your camera settings manually. Don’t just rely on the automatic mode.

Tripod

A small, portable tripod can help you capture sharper images, especially in low-light conditions or for nighttime photography. It’s also great for long-exposure shots of landscapes or city lights.

ND and Polarizing Filters

If you’ve got access to filters, try using Neutral-Density (ND) filters for long-exposure shots, especially during the day. Polarizing filters will reduce glare and enhance the colors in the sky or water.

Drone (If Legal)

Drones can offer some incredible aerial shots. However, you must check the local regulations before flying a drone in Syria. Certain areas could be restricted.

Smartphone Photography Tips

You don’t need to carry a bulky camera to get good shots. Here’s how you can make the most out of your smartphone.

Shoot in RAW, If You Can

Some smartphones let you shoot in RAW format. RAW files retain much more detail, making it easier to edit your photos later on.

Use Gridlines

Turn on the “gridlines” in your camera settings to follow the rule of thirds. This will help you create more balanced and interesting photos.

Focus and Exposure Lock

Tap the screen to focus on a specific object, and hold it to lock the exposure and focus. This is especially useful if the light is changing or if you want more control over where your camera focuses.

Keep Your Lens Clean

Your phone’s lens can collect dust and fingerprints. Wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth before taking photos. This simple step can make a big difference in the sharpness of your images.

Use Pro Mode

Many smartphones come with a “Pro Mode.” This allows you to adjust settings manually, like ISO, shutter speed, and white balance. It’ll improve your shots drastically, especially in low-light situations.

Shoot Videos in 4K

If your phone supports 4K video, use it. The additional resolution lets you crop or zoom into the footage later without losing too much quality. Make sure you have enough storage, as 4K videos take up a lot of space.

How to Edit Your Photos and Videos

Whether you’re shooting with a camera or smartphone, don’t skip editing.

Using Lightroom or Snapseed

Adobe Lightroom (mobile or desktop) and Snapseed (free) are both excellent for editing without too much hassle. Increase the clarity and contrast for landscape photos; for people, soften the shadows and boost the highlights.

VSCO or Afterlight

You can use VSCO for creative filters that give your photos a more unique feel. Afterlight offers similar capabilities but with even more control over each filter.

For Videos: Adobe Premiere Rush

Adobe Premiere Rush is a mobile-friendly app, easy to use for quick video edits. It offers a bunch of presets to color grade your footage, and you can adjust your clips’ speed or trim them down.

Final Thoughts

Traveling through Syria is an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, historical sites, or street life, knowing how to take the right photos and videos will help you preserve your memories and share them with others.

Remember to be respectful when capturing people or religious spaces. And don’t forget that great shots sometimes come when you least expect them.

Enjoy your trip! Trust your instincts, keep your gear ready, and always keep an eye out for that next perfect shot.