Chile is a dream for photographers and videographers. With its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique culture, you’ll never run out of things to capture. The country’s dramatic scenery will keep your camera (or smartphone) busy wherever you go. From deserts in the north to glaciers in the south, there’s something for everyone. In this guide, I’ll give you practical tips on how to get the best shots in Chile.
Best Locations for Photography in Chile
Santiago
Santiago is Chile’s capital and offers a mix of modern architecture and old colonial charm. Head to Cerro San Cristóbal or Cerro Santa Lucía for sweeping city views, especially around sunset. In the morning, when the light is soft, take a walk through the historical center. You’ll find landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral and Plaza de Armas.
Valparaíso
Just a few hours from Santiago, this artistic port city is full of colorful houses, murals, and quirky streets. Wander through the hills and capture the unique street art that’s hidden around every corner. Don’t forget to ride the historic funiculars that give you excellent viewpoints of the vibrant city below.
Atacama Desert
It’s one of the driest places on Earth, but Atacama is full of life when it comes to star photography. The clear skies make it excellent for shooting the Milky Way. During the day, head to Valle de la Luna for otherworldly landscapes. The soft desert light during sunrise or sunset is perfect for capturing dramatic shadows.
Patagonia and Torres del Paine
If you’re looking for epic mountain ranges, glaciers, and endless adventure, Patagonia is where you should go. Torres del Paine National Park is a favorite among photographers. Be there early to catch the famous Torres at sunrise when they turn a glowing red. Hike up to the Grey Glacier and take your time framing the shot—your stamina will be rewarded.
The Lake District
This region is often skipped but is full of blue lakes, forests, and volcanoes. Frutillar is particularly photogenic with its German-style houses and Osorno Volcano in the background. You can capture reflections in the water early in the morning when it’s calm and the light is soft.
Easter Island
If it’s in your plans to visit Rapa Nui (Easter Island), don’t miss photographing the iconic Moai statues. The golden hour works wonders here, especially at sunrise when the statues stand silhouetted against the sky. Avoid using your GoPro here if you’re indoor as lighting might mess up clips or shoot certain angles, but outdoor shots should work.
Best Times to Shoot
Golden Hour (Sunrise and Sunset)
The best time to shoot outdoors is usually during the golden hour. It gives a warm, soft light that creates beautiful shadows and makes your photos pop. Whether you’re by the coast in Valparaíso or trekking in Patagonia, sunrise and sunset will always enhance the scene.
Midday
Midday can be tricky if you’re shooting in direct sunlight. The strong light can create harsh shadows. If you have to shoot around lunchtime, find shade or focus on indoor shots. You can also increase your exposure slightly to bring out finer details in the shadowed areas without overexposing the highlights.
Nighttime
For nighttime photography, especially in the Atacama Desert, bring a tripod. Longer exposures will allow you to capture stunning images of the night sky. If you’re in a city like Santiago, take advantage of the lights and play around with reflections and longer shutter speeds to capture the hustle and bustle without motion blur.
Cultural Considerations
While Chile is very welcoming, you need to be mindful of its people and culture when taking photos or videos. Here are a few things to remember:
Be Respectful of Local People
Always ask for permission before taking someone’s photo, especially in smaller villages and rural areas. Most people won’t mind, but it’s always best to ask. Don’t assume everyone is okay being in your travel shots.
Photographing in Indigenous Areas
In places like Easter Island or if you visit the Mapuche communities in the south, be extra cautious. Some indigenous people may find it disrespectful to photograph certain ceremonies or sacred sites. It’s best not to photograph if you’re unsure.
Be Aware of Private Property
If you spot a beautiful building or garden, make sure you’re not photographing private property without permission. In random rural areas or outside of cities, locals prefer conversations first, not having cameras swung towards them immediately.
Recommended Equipment
Camera Options
If you want high-quality photos, a mirrorless camera or a DSLR is still the best option. A simple Canon EOS Rebel series or a Nikon D3500 is excellent for beginners. If weight is an issue, mirrorless options like the Sony Alpha series offer great quality without the bulk.
Lenses
A versatile zoom lens like a 24-70mm will cover most needs. If you want to focus on landscapes, a wide-angle lens (around 16-35mm) will help you capture those wide-open spaces. For wildlife in Patagonia or Torres del Paine, a telephoto lens (70-200mm) is essential to get clear shots of animals from a distance.
Smartphones
If you’re traveling light, upgrading your smartphone is another solid option. Newer models like the iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy S21 have impressive cameras. For the best results, activate manual mode in your settings to control exposure and focus more accurately. Using gridlines can also help you balance your composition, so turn those on in your camera settings.
Tripod
If you plan to shoot long exposures, especially at night, don’t forget to pack a tripod. A lightweight option like the Manfrotto BeFree will easily fit into your backpack, making it easy to carry around.
Smartphone Photography Tips
Use HDR Mode
Most smartphones today have an HDR mode (High Dynamic Range). This helps balance out light in high-contrast scenes, like when you’re photographing the mountains or the coastline. Make sure to enable HDR mode to avoid blown-out highlights or dark shadows.
Work with Leading Lines
Chile’s natural landscapes provide lots of opportunities to use leading lines, like roads or rivers, to guide the viewer’s eye towards a specific point in the image. This trick makes your photos more dynamic, and it’s especially useful when capturing Patagonia’s mountains or Santiago’s modern buildings.
Focus on Details Too
Don’t just aim for wide landscapes. Zoom in on the smaller details too: the intricate textures of the Moai statues, the patterns in the sand in the Atacama Desert, or the cobblestones of Santiago’s streets. These can be just as powerful as grand vistas.
Use a Polarizing Filter
If your smartphone camera supports external lenses, consider getting a polarizing filter. It will reduce reflections on water and glass, making it easier to capture those crystal-clear lakes or colorful murals found in Valparaíso.
Editing Your Photos
Basic Editing Tips
Regardless of whether you use your phone or a DSLR, post-processing can make a huge difference. Apps like Lightroom (available for both mobile and desktop) are great for fine-tuning exposure, color, and contrast.
Keep Edits Natural
When editing, try not to overdo it. A light touch is often all you need. You want your images to look natural and true to what you saw. Increasing the shadows slightly and adjusting the contrast for a punchier look is usually enough.
Whether you’re packing a serious camera kit or just relying on your smartphone, there’s no shortage of opportunities to get stunning photos and videos in Chile. From sunrise in Patagonia to night skies in the Atacama Desert, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Just remember to be mindful of how you engage with the people and places you want to document. That way your photos really capture the spirit of the country without imposing on those who call it home.
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