top of page

Love Valley

Why a Wonder: A sprawling valley filled with dozens of unique volcanic rock formations that were created millions of years ago – some reaching a height of more than 130 feet.



Where: Cappadocia, Turkey – at an altitude of more than 3,000 feet. While hiking at that altitude, it's easy to get out of breath, so take your time while exploring this area on foot.


When: Not in the summer, when I was there, and when it was unbearably hot. At all times, bring plenty of water and keep hydrated.


Photography: While hiking around the formations, you can make some nice photographs with a wide-angle zoom – like the Canon RF15-35mm zoom. Try to photograph in the early morning and late afternoon, when long shadows add a sense of depth, as well as drama, to a photograph.



For a unique view, take a sunrise or sunset hot-air balloon ride. Here, a 24-105mm zoom is the way to go. Take only one camera body with one lens, as your landing may be a bit bumpy – and you’ll want to hold on tight to your camera.



Book your hot-air balloon adventure well in advance, as Cappadocia is a very popular tourist destination for hot-air ballooning.



If you like to photograph patterns, look directly up from a hot-air balloon gondola and take a few shots, placing the center/top of the balloon in different areas of the frame. Usually, off center, as shown above, is more interesting than a "dead center" shot.



For a darker sky and whiter clouds in your photographs, use a polarizing filter like the ones offered by Breakthough Photography Filters.


If it’s a bit hazy, use the DeHaze feature in Camera Raw/Lightroom for sharper images.


More: Learn more about the formation of these “fairy chimneys," as some folks call them, in this post: Natural Wonders: Fairy Chimneys.


© Rick Sammon







144 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Get Weekly Wonders!

Thanks!

Explore Wonders on our interactive map

Screen Shot 2022-07-09 at 3.54.16 PM.png

Photo Masters

youtube-banner.png

Learn how to become a better photographer from top photo pros!

Photo Therapy

Screen Shot 2022-11-30 at 11.02_edited.jpg

Grow through the power of Photo Therapy.

300x250-TAMRON-APR SPRING SALE.jpg
Breakthrough Vector small icon.png
bottom of page