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How to Capture the Best Photos and Videos While Visiting Suriname

Suriname is a small country with natural beauty, rich culture, and a relaxed atmosphere. For photographers and videographers, it offers endless opportunities. Whether you’re using a DSLR camera or just your phone, there’s a lot to capture.

But knowing where and when to shoot can be the difference between an average shot and a truly special one. Here’s everything you need to know to capture stunning photos and videos while visiting Suriname.

Best Locations for Photography and Videography in Suriname

Paramaribo’s Historic Inner City

If you’re in Paramaribo, head to the historic inner city. The old colonial buildings and wooden houses tell stories of the past. They are perfect for street photography and architectural shots. Try getting a wide shot of the Presidential Palace or close-ups of the ornate details in the St. Peter and Paul Cathedral.

The best time to shoot here is early in the morning when the streets are quieter. You’ll also have better lighting around sunrise, which will give your photos a soft, golden look.

Brownberg Nature Park

If nature is more your style, Brownberg Nature Park is a great spot. It’s a protected area full of dense jungle and towering trees. If you’re lucky, you might capture some wildlife too.

For scenic landscape photos, aim for dawn or dusk. The light filtering through the fog at these times can create a mystical atmosphere. Just remember to bring a good telephoto lens or zoom in properly on your phone to get clear pictures of distant subjects.

Suriname River

The Suriname River is another fantastic spot for photography. You can shoot locals fishing, wooden boats, and the surrounding wildlife. If you join one of the boat tours, you’ll have the opportunity to photograph the river from unique angles, and you’ll likely get a great sunset shot with the river in the foreground.

Golden hour (about an hour before sunset) is magic here. The soft light will reflect off the water and create vibrant colors.

Central Market in Paramaribo

The Central Market is the place to get candid street photos and colorful displays of local produce. The market is also bustling with life, showing you Suriname’s real cultural heart.

Go early when the market first opens to catch the vendors setting up their stalls. Try shooting with a wider lens or using your phone’s portrait mode to focus on individual sellers or spices.

Galibi Nature Reserve

Want to photograph sea turtles nesting? Galibi Nature Reserve is the spot for you. You can time your visit during the nesting season (around February to August) to capture these majestic creatures up close.

It’s best to contact a local guide who knows the right distances for you to remain respectful of the animals. A wide shot works great here, showing the turtles silhouetted against the rising or setting sun.

Best Times of Day to Capture Photos in Suriname

Early Morning (Sunrise)

Shooting early has many advantages. First, you’ll beat the crowds and get more intimate shots. Second, the lighting is naturally soft and golden, which looks great in both portraits and landscapes.

Anywhere outdoors is good in the morning light. The low angle of the sun creates long shadows and adds depth to your photos. Whether you’re in Paramaribo or deep in the forest, you can’t go wrong around sunrise.

Golden Hour (Before Sunset)

This is a universally great time for taking photos or videos. The light is warm, it doesn’t create harsh shadows, and it provides a dreamy, soft look that works well for both landscapes and subject photography.

Golden hour typically occurs about an hour before sunset. For places near the water, like the Suriname River or Galibi Reserve, golden hour will help create stunning reflections and silhouettes, leaving you with memorable shots.

Midday Shade

Though photographers usually avoid midday due to harsh lighting, you can still make use of it if you work in shaded areas. When the sun is high, focus on shaded streets or under the forest canopy to avoid blown-out highlights.

Midday is also great for shooting inside markets like the Central Market in Paramaribo. The diffused light within enclosed spaces helps create softer, more natural-looking photos of people.

Important Cultural Considerations When Taking Photos

Cultural sensitivity is key wherever you go, especially when photographing people and religious sites in Suriname.

Ask for Permission

If you’re photographing individuals at close range, ask for their permission first. It’s a common courtesy, and you’ll usually find that most people are friendly and open to being photographed if you approach them respectfully.

Religious Sites

Paramaribo’s religious sites are beautiful and worth photographing, but be mindful of their sacredness. Always check if photography is allowed inside mosques, temples, or churches, and don’t use flash if people are praying. When in doubt, ask a local to guide you.

It’s also good practice to dress modestly when visiting a religious site. You’ll blend in better and show respect for local traditions.

Documenting Indigenous Communities

Suriname is home to many Indigenous groups. If you’re visiting one of these communities, it’s important to remain respectful. Always ask before taking photos, as some individuals may not want their picture taken.

A local guide will often help you navigate these areas and can let you know what’s appropriate to photograph and what’s not. Never assume it’s okay to photograph someone without consent.

Equipment Recommendations for Capturing High-Quality Images

DSLR or Mirrorless Camera

If you’re a serious photographer, bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera. Something equipped with a wide-angle lens (16-35mm) is great for landscapes, while a 50mm or 85mm prime lens works well for portraits.

If photographing wildlife is your plan, pack a telephoto lens with at least 200mm focal length to capture close-ups from a distance. This is useful in places like Galibi Nature Reserve or Brownberg Nature Park, where animals may be far off.

Smartphone Photography Tips

Smartphones can take fantastic photos if you know how to use them! Use gridlines to follow the rule of thirds, which helps frame your subject better. Also, enable HDR mode for higher quality and more details in tricky lighting situations.

Many phones now have a portrait mode too. Use this when capturing individual people or objects to create sharp subjects and blurred backgrounds, making the photo more professional-looking.

Don’t Forget a Tripod

If you’re shooting video or want steady shots during long exposures at sunrise or sunset, bring a tripod. They make a big difference in stabilizing your footage and helping avoid blurry images in low light.

A lightweight portable tripod that collapses should fit nicely in your gear bag without adding too much weight.

Final Tips for Great Photographs and Videos

Keep Your Camera Ready

Suriname is full of spontaneous moments waiting to be captured, so try to keep your camera or phone accessible at all times. You never know when you’ll stumble across a tropical bird or an interesting street scene.

Use Natural Light

Always take full advantage of natural light. Use it to your benefit by positioning your subjects where the light source illuminates their faces or backs with a soft glow. This will result in magical, professionally-lit images.

Always Be Respectful

And finally, respect the country, its people, and its culture as you document your journey. The goal is to capture memories, not disrupt anyone’s experience or privacy.

With these tips, you’ll leave Suriname with beautiful pictures and videos that perfectly capture the essence of what you’ve seen and felt. Happy shooting!

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