Kiribati might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about photography, but this remote island country in the Pacific Ocean offers stunning landscapes, unique local life, and vibrant sunsets worth capturing. There are few places on earth where you can truly feel like you’ve discovered an untouched gem, and Kiribati is one of them.
1. Best Locations for Photography in Kiribati
Tarawa Atoll
The capital island of Kiribati, Tarawa, is full of rich history and natural beauty. You’ll find amazing views of turquoise lagoons, white sandy beaches, and World War II relics. Head to the Betio area for great shots of bunkers and rusted ships from the Battle of Tarawa.
For idyllic beach scenes, the stretch between South Tarawa and North Tarawa delivers. Early in the morning, you can capture still water, colorful fishing boats, and locals preparing for their day. Using a wide-angle lens or panoramic mode on your phone will help you get the sweeping views of the water and coastlines.
Kiritimati (Christmas Island)
Kiritimati is another notable spot for photography. It’s famous for its large saltwater lagoon and rich birdlife. If you love wildlife photography, bring a good zoom lens or take advantage of your smartphone’s zoom capabilities to get close-up shots of seabirds like frigates and terns.
The beaches here also offer great sunrise and sunset opportunities. Try silhouette shots with the birds or fishermen walking along the shore. The complete lack of commercial development in many areas means fewer distractions in your frame.
Outer Islands
If you make it out to the more remote islands, you’ll be rewarded with stunningly clear waters, towering palm trees, and traditional Kiribati villages. Look for elevated viewpoints if possible because aerial shots—especially during golden hour—look amazing.
The untouched nature and peaceful way of life provide plenty of opportunities to capture authentic moments. Respect the locals’ privacy, though. Ask for permission before photographing people, especially in the smaller, more conservative communities.
2. Best Times of Day to Get Shots
Golden Hour (Around Sunrise and Sunset)
The golden hour happens right after sunrise and just before sunset. During this time, the light is soft and warm, which will make your photos look more dramatic and vibrant. For beach shots, sunrise gives you pastel skies, and sunset brings out deep oranges and pinks. Make sure to arrive early so you can scout your location ahead of time.
If you want the perfect lagoon photo, shoot early in the morning while the waters are calm. You’ll be able to capture reflection shots that make the water look like glass.
Midday Shooting
Midday can be a tough time to take photos because the light is harsher, but if you’re out exploring during these hours, use the shadows to your advantage. Look for fun contrasts or try black-and-white photography to mute the intensity of the midday light. Using your phone’s HDR mode will also help balance out the brightness and shadows.
Evening and Nighttime
Kiribati’s remote islands are perfect for stargazing and night photography due to the lack of light pollution. If you have a DSLR or a mirrorless camera, use a tripod and a slow shutter speed to capture the Milky Way. If you don’t have a camera, some smartphones nowadays even have night shooting modes, so give that a try.
3. Cultural Considerations
Respecting Locals’ Privacy
While Kiribati locals are friendly, remember that certain cultural sensitivities may exist. Always ask for permission before taking someone’s photo, especially in rural villages. A simple hand gesture and a smile while holding up your camera should be enough—but a polite request in English should work too.
It is also important to be respectful around religious or sacred sites, like churches or traditional meeting houses called “maneaba”. Avoid taking photos during services or ceremonies unless you’ve been invited to do so.
Photographing Traditional Events
If you happen to witness or be invited to a traditional Kiribati dance or celebration, it’s a fantastic opportunity to capture authentic moments. Take photos of their colorful costumes and dramatic gestures, but stay respectful. Be mindful not to disrupt the event by getting too close or using a flash.
4. Recommended Equipment and Smartphone Tips
DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
If you own a DSLR or mirrorless camera, bring it along. These are great for capturing Kiribati’s wide landscapes and fast birdlife. A good zoom lens (70-200mm) works wonders for wildlife and details, while a wide-angle lens (18-35mm) helps capture broad scenes like lagoons or beach panoramas. A 50mm prime lens is fantastic for portraits if you’re taking shots of locals during your travels.
Smartphones
If you prefer traveling light, a modern smartphone can still capture stunning photos and videos. Many phones now come with AI-enhanced cameras that adjust settings based on lighting and focus. Here’s how to make sure you’re getting the best out of them:
- Use HDR mode to maintain a balance between bright skies and shadowy landscapes.
- For low-light or night photography, use the “night mode” setting on your phone to avoid grainy images.
- If your phone has multiple lenses (wide, ultrawide, zoom), experiment with them to find the best shot for each situation.
- Always clean your camera lens to avoid blurry or hazy images, especially after visiting the beach.
If you’re filming video, stabilize your phone by using two hands or resting it on a solid surface. If possible, try shooting in 1080p at 60fps for smoother footage.
Also, the key to good phone photography is simply getting closer to your subject. This lets the camera focus on the details and remove distractions from the background.
Drone Photography
If you like taking aerial photos, bring a drone—but make sure to check the local drone regulations. Some areas may not allow drones, especially close to populated areas or government buildings. However, where permitted, flying your drone over lagoons or outer atolls will give you breathtaking aerial perspectives of coral reefs and island formations.
Use your drone during early morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh shadows. Keep an eye on the wind, too. Kiribati can get breezy, which might make flying a drone tricky.
5. Final Tips for Capturing Kiribati’s Beauty
Always have spare memory cards and extra batteries, especially if you are visiting Kiribati’s outer islands where electricity may be limited. Bring a power bank if you plan to rely on your smartphone.
Consider bringing a polarizing filter for your camera if you’re dealing with intense reflections from the sun on the water. This will reduce glare and help with clearer shots of the lagoons.
Lastly, be sure to put your camera down sometimes and just soak in the beauty. Kiribati has a pace of life that encourages you to slow down and really experience your surroundings. It’s something you can’t always capture in a photo, but don’t forget to try!
Leave a reply