While there are plenty of articles out there highlighting the best photo spots and Instagram-worthy locations in Bali, this blog takes a different approach. Our focus (no pun intended) is on providing Bali photography tips you can use, regardless of whether you’re using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or even a smartphone.
1.Use google maps satellite view and discover Bali’s
Whether you’re exploring Ubud or other parts of Bali, Google Maps‘ satellite view can be a valuable tool for locating rice terraces and checking out nearby trekking trails while on the go.
2. Plan Around the Full Moon: capture the Magic of Balinese Ceremonies
Although offerings are taking place daily in the many temples scattered inside Ubud, there are bigger ceremonies that occur on the day of the full moon (or sometimes the day before) in temples. To check out the moon phase, you can use a dedicated app such as TRP, Photopills, or check timeanddate.
3. Do not get stuck in one location
Renting a motorbike is one of the most affordable ways to get around Bali, but it does require some driving experience. Alternatively, you can book a motorbike through Grab. Unfortunately, as of 2023, there are limited options for renting e-bikes in Ubud without joining a tour. For those who are physically fit, renting a mountain bike can provide access to less-traveled locations.
If you’re willing to spend more, you can rent a car with a driver for the day and customize your itinerary to include your preferred stops.
If you have more time or have visited Bali before, consider taking a short flight to a nearby island like Sumba for a culture shock.
4. Enhance Your Sunrise and Sunset Photography with Graduated ND Filters
When capturing high-contrast scenes, such as sunrises or sunsets, graduated neutral density filters are a must-have. These filters can also enhance your daytime shots of seascapes. A ND8 filter, for instance, can reduce light by 3 f-stops, allowing you to capture both lush green rice fields and a sky at sunset in a single shot.
5. Capture Dreamy Daylight Seascapes and Waterfalls with Long Exposures
If you are looking to capture dreamy-like seascapes or waterfall shots, you’ll need to use a long exposure time of 20-25 seconds. However, this can only be achieved on bright or cloudy days by using a powerful ND filter like the ND1000, which blocks 99% of light. To prevent camera shake, it’s essential to turn off any stabilization features and use a stable tripod. While a mini tripod may be more convenient for travel, it may restrict your composition options if you’re limited to shooting from ground level.
Long exposure modes can be found on Android smartphones. For instance, RedMi phones offer a “oil painting” long exposure mode that can be used. Note that you will need to use a tripod as well with your smarphone.
6. Lace up Your Hiking Shoes and Explore Bali’s Natural Beauty
To capture area shots in Bali, hiking some of its trails is one of the best ways, especially if you don’t have access to a drone. These trails offer great vantage points to capture the natural beauty of Bali, including seascapes and rice terraces, in a vintage style. Additionally, Bali is home to two famous trails that lead to Mount Batur (Gunung Batur), which stands at 1717 meters, and Mount Agung (Gunung Agung), which tops at 3,031 meters. From these spots you will be able to capture breathtaking shots of the sea of clouds at sunrise.
7. Don’t miss a shot: rent a lens in Bali
Renting a lens in Bali is a great way to take your photography to the next level. Few photo shops on the island offer this service, though it’s worth noting that foreigners may be asked to leave their passports as a deposit. If you prefer and cannot leave your passport, cash is an option for rental deposits, but be prepared to put down the full value of the lens. It’s also worth noting that using a credit card for deposit is usually not an option due to the high fees involved.
One lens rental shop we recommend is Pondok Lensa Bali, located in Kuta. They offer a wide range of lenses (Sony, Fuji, Canon) and professional equipment.
8.Look Up and Explore the Details: discover Bali’s Secrets:
Bali is a treasure trove of hidden details. One such example is the stunning array of gardian statues (bedogol) you’ll find throughout villages,, gracing the fronts of homes and temples alike.
