Photography in Oman was an exciting experience for us. We had seen so many stunning photos from Oman before our trip. So when we arrived, we felt both the excitement as the pressure. Would we manage to take pictures that capture the beauty of the country or would we fail to snap that perfect shot? And would our gear survive the harsh conditions: the sand of the Wahiba desert, the dusty roads or the splashing wadi waters?
Looking back now, we are still very satisfied with our pictures. Every photo takes us back to that specific moment we spend in Oman. But Oman did not only challenge us as photographers, it also renewed our love for photography and travel in general. Trust us, whether you’re taking pictures with a simple smartphone camera or whether you are a fully-equipped photographer, Oman’s landscapes, architecture and culture will be a feast to photograph!
In this post, we’ll show you the different types of pictures you can take in Oman and we’ll give you some examples of the best Oman photography spots for each type of picture. We’ll also share some practical photography tips: from camera gear suggestions to our personal shoot preparation process.
Ready to fall in love with Oman through the lens? Then keep reading!
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Table of Contents
What to expect from photography in Oman?
Capturing the Oman landscapes
If you are a landscape photographer, then Oman is your dream destination. There is such a natural diversity, from deserts to wadis, from coastlines to canyons. All can be combined in one single trip. One thing we quickly learned about photography in Oman is that light is very important. Sunrise and sunset are the best moments to capture Oman. So rise early!
Also keep in mind that the landscapes are spacious, and to best capture its scale is to place some objects in the foreground. Things like a camel in the desert or a hiker on the mountain will give a better idea on the expansiveness of Oman’s nature. We also like to take some detailed shots from time to time, to accompany our landscape photos.
Our favourite spots for landscape photography in Oman
The Wahiba Sands
Standing in the middle of the sand dunes in the Wahiba Sands was one of the highlights of our trip in Oman. And the Wahiba Sands offers great opportunities for some great pictures. But keep in mind that it can be very windy in this sand desert. And as you might know, wind and sand don’t mix very well with camera gear. That’s why we suggest to keep your camera safe, for example by putting it in a closed dry-bag when you’re not shooting.
If there is really too much wind, then we suggest to use a GoPro or your smartphone. That way, you avoid dust getting on the sensor of your camera. We had some dust spots on our sensor after our visit to the Wahiba Sands, so be warned!
Read more: Want to know more about the Wahiba Sands? Read our blogpost
The Wahiba Sands also has some stunning desert camps. We stayed at the Starry Domes Desert Camp, which not only gave us an incredible experience but it also offered some great photography opportunities.
Jebel Shams: Oman’s Grand Canyon
If there is a place in Oman that truly took our breath away, it was Jebel Shams! It is often referred to as Oman’s Grand Canyon. Jebel Shams is a good example of the expansiveness of the landscapes in Oman. And it offers plenty of opportunities to capture some great shots.
One of the best ways to explore Jebel Shams is by hiking the Balcony Walk, a trail along the edge of the canyon. We promise you breathtaking views at every turn.
Capturing the architecture in Oman
Oman has plenty of amazing buildings, like old forts and stunning mosques. The architecture in Oman therefore is a great photo opportunity. Again, light is here an important factor. We arrived very early at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and we were very glad we did. A lot of this building is built in white sandstone and as soon as the light of the sun was too intense, our photos became overexposed.
Our favourite places for architectural photography in Oman
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat
This is definitely one of the most photogenic spots in Muscat, and we spent hours here. Every aspect of this mosque is begging for a photo. We were very grateful that we were allowed to enter the building to see its beauty. As mentioned above, the early mornings are the best moment, with soft light and fewer crowds.
Nizwa Fort
Nizwa Fort is one of Oman’s most iconic landmarks and a must-visit if you are passionate about architectural photography. Inside, the fort offers endless photographic opportunities. Every corner shows both the simplicity as the grandeur of this fort built in clay. One of our personal goals during our visit was to capture a shot of the stunning mosque next to the fort.
At first, we struggled to find the perfect angle, but eventually, we discovered the ideal spot. The result? A photo that truly captured the harmony between the fort and mosque. As you can see on the smile on Mieke’s face, the search was totally worth it!
Capturing Oman’s vibrant culture
Oman’s culture is as rich and varied as its landscapes. From the lively souks to traditional clothing, Oman’s culture is full of life and colour and is a photographer’s dream.
Our favourite places for cultural photography in Oman
Traditional souks
We couldn’t resist snapping photos at Nizwa Souk and Mutrah Souk, where locals trade silver, pottery, jewelry, fresh dates, and colorful textiles. The energy and the colors always make great photos. A tip? Always ask politely if you are allowed to take a picture from a store or person.
Fish market and Corniche in Muscat
At the fish market, you’ll find fishermen display their catch of the day. The colors of the fish and the beautiful light make for perfect pictures. Just a short walk away, the Corniche in Muscat offers a different vibe. This lovely promenade makes for beautiful compositions.
Capture adventure activities in Oman
Oman is also a paradise for adventure enthusiasts. The wadis, stunning valleys and mountains are perfect for capturing the great outdoors. There is definitely no shortage on scenery to photograph. The interplay of light and shadow and the blues of the water make perfect shots waiting to happen.
Our favourite places for adventure photography in Oman
The wadis
The wadis of Oman were definitely our favourite spot. They are like oases, hidden in between the rocky landscape. They are however not easy to photograph, because of the water. Keep in mind that to access the different pools of the wadi, you’ll have to swim. Before we went off to Oman, we decided last-minute to buy a GoPro, and luckily we did. That way, we could shoot video and photos without having to worry about water getting into our camera.
Hiking at Misfat Al Abriyeen
A short hike at Misfat Al Abriyeen was one of the most memorable experiences for us in Oman, and we were able to snap some great pictures here. This ancient village in the Al Hajar Mountains with stone pathways, terraced fields, and traditional mud-brick houses create the perfect setting for us. And we were there at the perfect time as the sun was setting and the landscapes became even more breathtaking.
Snorkeling at the Daymaniyat Islands
The Daymaniyat Islands, located off coast near Muscat, are a hidden gem for adventure photographers. The crystal-clear waters and the colorful coral make it a perfect spot for some underwater photography. We were surrounded by colorful fish, sea turtles, and even some reef sharks. The visibility is excellent so it has the perfect conditions to capture the wonderful underwater landscapes.
Some practical tips for photography in Oman
- Time your shots: Golden and blue hour are your best friends, for photography in general, but especially in Oman. Early mornings and late afternoons are perfect for soft, golden light. During mid-day, the light can be harsh, so make sure to plan your shots.
- Bring the right gear: Bring a wide-angle lens for landscapes, a zoom for wildlife, and a lightweight tripod for long-exposure shots when there is low light. Keep in mind that there can be a lot of sand and water, so bring gear that can withstand these harsh conditions. Keep your gear safe from nature elements, for example by putting it in a dry-bag.
- Respect the privacy of locals: Omanis are sometimes shy about being photographed. Always ask permission and be mindful!
- Shoot in RAW: Shooting in RAW format gives you maximum flexibility when editing your photos afterwards. It will allow you to recover more details in shadows and highlights when post-processing.
- Carry extra batteries and memory cards: Make sure to bring extra batteries and memory cards, as you’ll probably will shoot a lot of pictures in this amazing country.
Read more tips on photography and how to take advantage of the golden hour here.
How do we prepare our shoots?
Before we even pack our bags, we spend a lot of time preparing our photography shoots. Luckily, Oman is a place where the landscapes and culture are already well-documented and we could find a lot of inspiration online. During our travels, we also learned that sometimes, it’s not about reinventing the wheel if it comes to photography. Sometimes it is just about finding inspiration and putting our own view on it.
One of the first things we do, is create a moodboard. This isn’t just a collection of pictures of the places we’ll be visiting. It’s a document filled with photos that we like and how we want to approach shooting that specific location. These shots give us a starting point, and we use them to guide our own photos when we’re making photographs.
Once we’re at the location, we pull up our moodboard again and try to replicate some of the shots that inspired us. This really helps taking the pressure off. We can focus on getting the basics right and it’s a great way to take our first photos. After we’ve taken some of these ‘iconic’ shots, we feel more free to experiment with different angles, perspectives and compositions.
Another thing we consider before we head out, are the colors. Oman’s landscapes and architecture feature earthy tones, bright whites, and deep blues. We try to think before we leave Belgium about how our outfits can complement the places we’ll be photographing. By choosing clothing that blends well with the surroundings, we avoid clashing with the natural colors of the buildings and landscapes. In the end, it’s all about creating harmony in the shot—nothing too flashy, but something that feels connected to the scene.
With these preparations, we approach our photography with more confidence and creativity, hoping we’re ready to capture the beauty of Oman while adding our own personal touch to each picture.
That’s it! You now have all the info to understand why Oman is a photographer’s dream. Don’t hesitate to use our pictures in your moodboard when traveling to Oman. We’re here to inspire you and are happy to help. If you have any questions or recommendations, do not hesitate to leave us a comment on our social media.
Happy travels!
Matthias and Mieke
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