Top Photo Angles & Golden-Hour Times for The Points Guy’s 2026 '17 Places' List

Hook: Stop wasting time guessing where and when to shoot — and make every post count

Creators, commuters and outdoor adventurers: planning picture-perfect content for 2026 is overloaded with choices and time-suck research. You want exact locations, the best camera angles, the golden-hour windows to show up to, and caption prompts that actually get saves and shares. Using The Points Guy’s 2026 "17 Places" list as our blueprint, this guide gives you one clear, actionable plan per destination — exact photo spots, camera angles, best times of day (golden hour specifics), quick shot lists, Reel ideas and caption prompts engineered for virality in 2026.

Why this matters in 2026: trends that change how travel content performs

• Short-form dominance + authenticity: Reels and TikTok are still king; audiences favor one-cut, honest moments over overly staged shots (late 2025–early 2026 ad data confirms higher engagement for candid travel clips).
• AI editing tools speed production — but native composition and timing still decide virality. See developer-focused notes on CI/CD for generative video models to understand how editing pipelines are changing: CI/CD for generative video.
• Drone regulations tightened in many countries in 2025 — always check local rules before flying. Also factor in how local‑first 5G and venue automation are changing phone requirements for events and regulated airspace.
• Sustainable travel cues (community-first captions, respect for local spaces) boost reach with eco-conscious audiences in 2026; for planning around night markets and micro‑local hubs, see local SEO and night‑market strategies.

How to use this guide

For each destination below you’ll find:

1. Exact photo spot (address or GPS coords where possible)
2. Camera angle & composition— lens choice, height, and framing
3. Best time / golden hour window with local examples for peak months
4. Shot checklist (1–3 must-get images + short-form clip idea)
5. Caption prompts crafted for shares and saves

Quick gear & legal checklist

• Phone + 35–50mm equivalent lens, wide-angle (14–24mm) for landscapes, 50–85mm for portraits
• Portable tripod and small LED for fill on faces at dusk
• Neutral-density filter for long-exposure waterfalls or coastal shots
• Check 2026 drone rules for each country — many require registration and no-fly zones near heritage sites; phone and connectivity expectations are shifting with local‑first 5G.

17 Destinations from The Points Guy’s 2026 list — shot-by-shot

1. Lisbon, Portugal — Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (Graça)

Exact spot: Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (GPS: 38.7159, -9.1291). Small, elevated viewpoint above Alfama and the Tagus.

Camera angle & composition: Use 24–35mm to capture the tiled roofs and São Jorge Castle. Shoot low on the rail with subject turned toward city, skyline slightly off-center (rule of thirds). For dramatic frames, shoot portrait with 50mm to isolate a subject against the cityscape.

Best time / golden hour: Sunset golden hour in summer months (June): ~8:30–9:30 PM local time. For softer light and cooler streets, shoot sunrise golden hour (~6:00–7:00 AM).

• Shot checklist: 1) Wide skyline at golden hour (3 exposures for HDR). 2) Portrait with tiled rooftops behind (fill LED). 3) 15–20s twilight long exposure to smooth river reflections.
• Reel idea: 6-second push-in from cobblestone to skyline synced to a beat drop.
• Caption prompts: "Found the best view in Lisbon — can you spot São Jorge? #LisbonGoldenHour" or "Morning light + tile dreams. Save this Lisbon view. 📍"

2. Kyoto, Japan — Fushimi Inari Taisha (main torii path)

Exact spot: First tunnel of torii gates about 10 minutes up from the main shrine (GPS: 34.9671, 135.7727).

Camera angle & composition: Shoot portrait with a 35–50mm to accentuate repetition and leading lines. Place the subject slightly forward in frame and capture the leading pathway disappearing behind them. For a mood shot, position the camera at waist height looking up through the gates.

Best time / golden hour: Sunrise golden hour (~5:00–6:30 AM in spring) to avoid crowds and get warm side-light filtering through the gates.

• Shot checklist: 1) Clean portrait in the torii tunnel. 2) Over-the-shoulder leading-line shot. 3) 10–15s slow-walk clip (Reel) showing the gate sequence.
• Caption prompts: "Which gate leads to your next adventure? 🧭 #KyotoVibes" or "Beat the crowd — sunrise gates are unbeatable. Save this timing."

3. Cartagena, Colombia — Getsemaní Street Art & Plaza de la Trinidad

Exact spot: Calle de la Sierpe and Plaza de la Trinidad intersection for colorful murals and rooftop perspective (GPS: 10.4211, -75.5378).

Camera angle & composition: Use 24mm for street scenes, switch to 50mm for portraits against murals. Chase diagonal lines and bright, saturated backgrounds; include local life for authenticity.

Best time / golden hour: Late afternoon golden hour (~5:15–6:15 PM) gives warm color on the facades; sunrise is cooler but quiet (~5:30–6:30 AM).

• Shot checklist: 1) Candid on mural background. 2) Rooftop sunset silhouette over Caribbean roofs. 3) 10–20s food-to-street sequence for a Reel.
• Caption prompts: "Cartagena colors you’ll save for rainy days. 🌈 #ColombiaInColor" or "Street art + arepas = perfect afternoon. Save this block."

4. Oaxaca, Mexico — Santo Domingo Cathedral steps & Mercado 20 de Noviembre

Exact spot: Steps facing Santo Domingo and the adjacent mercados (GPS: 17.0653, -96.7236).

Camera angle & composition: Use 35–50mm for environmental portraits. Capture the cathedral’s ornate facade from a low angle, including foreground market vendors for context. Tight 85mm portraits of artisans against colorful textiles perform well on feed.

Best time / golden hour: Golden hour for facade: sunset (~6:00–7:00 PM, depending on season). Early morning (~7:00–8:30 AM) is best for market activity and fewer tourists.

• Shot checklist: 1) Wide cathedral with market hustle. 2) Artisan portrait with textiles. 3) Reel: quick cuts of mole being served to a close-up of hands.
• Caption prompts: "Oaxaca in three bites: color, craft, mole. Save for your food itinerary. 🌮"

5. São Miguel (Azores), Portugal — Sete Cidades viewpoint (Vista do Rei)

Exact spot: Miradouro da Vista do Rei over the twin lakes (GPS: 37.8591, -25.6763).

Camera angle & composition: Wide-angle (14–24mm) for dramatic lake panoramas. Use a 3:2 horizontal crop for feeds; try vertical crop with subject on clifftop for scale. Drone (if allowed): top-down over the lakes for a cinematic reveal.

Best time / golden hour: Sunrise golden hour (~6:00–7:00 AM in summer) often has low clouds and moody light; sunset works too but attracts crowds.

• Shot checklist: 1) Wide panoramic with natural framing. 2) Scale shot of subject on rock edge. 3) Drone (if allowed): top-down over the lakes for a cinematic reveal.
• Caption prompts: "This is why we chase views. 📍Sete Cidades — save it for later. #Azores2026"

6. Reykjavik / South Iceland — Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss

Exact spots: Seljalandsfoss (GPS: 63.6156, -19.9921) and Skógafoss (GPS: 63.5321, -19.5118).

Camera angle & composition: At Seljalandsfoss, go behind the falls for backlit portraits (24–35mm). At Skógafoss, use a telephoto to compress the waterfall against a subject, and try vertical long exposures (1–2s) to keep some water texture.

Best time / golden hour: Summer midnight sun golden hour (~11:00 PM–1:00 AM) gives ethereal light; late evening in June is prime. In shoulder seasons, aim for sunrise for softer crowds.

• Shot checklist: 1) Behind-the-falls silhouette (Seljalandsfoss). 2) Rainbow portrait at Skógafoss (watch for spray). 3) Short slow-motion Reel of water + wind.
• Caption prompts: "Walk behind a waterfall at midnight and call it magic. ✨ #IcelandMoments"

7. Cape Town, South Africa — Table Mountain (Cableway plateau) & Bo-Kaap

Exact spots: Table Mountain plateau (GPS: -33.9628, 18.4098) and Wale Street in Bo-Kaap (GPS: -33.9249, 18.4219).

Camera angle & composition: From Table Mountain take a panorama with 35mm; use a polarizer to deepen skies. In Bo-Kaap, shoot tighter 35–50mm portraits framed by colorful facades, tilt slightly for dynamic lines.

Best time / golden hour: Sunset golden hour (~6:50–7:50 PM in southern hemisphere summer months) lights up Table Mountain and casts long shadows in Bo-Kaap.

• Shot checklist: 1) Panoramic from Table Mountain at sunset. 2) Street portrait in Bo-Kaap with pastel walls. 3) Time-lapse of sunset to city lights turning on.
• Caption prompts: "South Africa in two frames: mountain + color. Which would you visit first? #Capetown"

8. Banff, Alberta — Moraine Lake Rockpile & Bow Lake

Exact spots: Moraine Lake Rockpile (GPS: 51.3214, -116.1862) and Bow Lake viewpoint (GPS: 51.6162, -116.4892).

Camera angle & composition: At Moraine, climb the rockpile for the classic valley shot with a 24–70mm; position subject on foreground rocks for scale. At Bow Lake, use a telephoto to compress mountain ranges and reflections.

Best time / golden hour: Early summer sunrise (~5:30–6:30 AM) produces calm water and pastel skies; late evening also works but is busier.

• Shot checklist: 1) Classic Moraine valley wide shot at sunrise. 2) Reflected peaks at Bow Lake. 3) Reel: approach from water’s edge to reveal the lake.
• Caption prompts: "The spot that makes every hike worth it. Save this Banff view for your bucket list. 🏔️"

9. Tulum, Mexico — Tulum Ruins Clifftop & Azulik Rooftop

Exact spots: Tulum Ruins clifftop overlooking the Caribbean (GPS: 20.2163, -87.4298) and Azulik rooftop for sunset shots (GPS: 20.2091, -87.4459).

Camera angle & composition: For ruins use 35mm to capture skyline and ocean; place subject on cliff edge, preferably silhouette at sunset. At Azulik, portrait vertical with warm backlight and texture from wood architecture.

Best time / golden hour: Sunset golden hour (~5:30–6:30 PM in summer) — ruins light is best 30 minutes before sunset. Early morning is quiet but less colorful.

• Shot checklist: 1) Clifftop silhouette at golden hour. 2) Boho portrait at Azulik rooftop with lanterns. 3) Short slow-zoom Reel to capture wind and waves.
• Caption prompts: "Tulum, but make it cinematic. Save this sunset clifftop. 🌅 #Tulum2026"

10. Copenhagen, Denmark — Nyhavn & Superkilen Park

Exact spots: Nyhavn canal (GPS: 55.6798, 12.5903) and Superkilen's red square (GPS: 55.6712, 12.5643).

Camera angle & composition: Nyhavn: 35–50mm from canal edge, include boats and colorful façades; shoot at water level for reflections. Superkilen: minimal, centered compositions emphasizing geometry and color.

Best time / golden hour: Early evening golden hour (~4:00–5:00 PM in winter; ~8:30–9:30 PM in height of summer) gives warm facades. Overcast days suit minimal park shots.

• Shot checklist: 1) Canal reflection at golden hour. 2) Minimal portrait in Superkilen. 3) Reel: 3-second pan of colorful architecture synced to a local song.
• Caption prompts: "Copenhagen color therapy. Save this for your next European hop. 🇩🇰"

11. Charleston, South Carolina — Rainbow Row & Battery Park

Exact spots: Rainbow Row along East Bay Street (GPS: 32.7818, -79.9308) and The Battery promenade (GPS: 32.7607, -79.9266).

Camera angle & composition: Rainbow Row: 35–50mm, shoot straight-on for the pastel façade alignment. Battery Park: golden-hour side light with 24–35mm to capture palms and waterfront paths.

Best time / golden hour: Early morning (7:00–8:30 AM) for soft light and empty streets; late afternoon golden hour (5:30–7:00 PM) for warm color.

• Shot checklist: 1) Straight-on Rainbow Row portrait. 2) Walk-and-talk Reel on The Battery with palms and harbor background. 3) Food close-up of a shrimp-and-grits plate in market lighting.
• Caption prompts: "Pastel homes + Southern charm = instant save. Where to next? #Charleston"

12. Queenstown, New Zealand — Lake Wakatipu & Bob's Peak (Gondola)

Exact spots: Queenstown Gardens foreshore (GPS: -45.0312, 168.6626) and Bob's Peak viewpoint at the top of the gondola (GPS: -45.0319, 168.6649).

Camera angle & composition: Wide-angle panoramas at dawn from the gondola platform; foreground interest from trees or rocks along the lake edge. For action, use a 50–70mm to capture adventure activities with compressed background.

Best time / golden hour: Sunrise golden hour (~6:00–7:00 AM in southern hemisphere summer) for lake reflections and soft peaks.

• Shot checklist: 1) Panoramic Lake Wakatipu at sunrise. 2) Adventure portrait (bungee/jetboat) with mountains behind. 3) Reel: gondola ascent reveal timed to music build.
• Caption prompts: "Adventure capital view. Save the gondola reveal for your feed. 🎢 #Queenstown"

13. Luang Prabang, Laos — Kuang Si Falls & Morning Alms

Exact spots: Kuang Si Falls viewpoint (GPS: 19.3485, 102.4930) and Sisavangvong Road for alms procession views (GPS: 19.8833, 102.1346).

Camera angle & composition: Falls: 24mm wide for tiered pools, try low-angle for layered foreground rocks. Alms: 50–85mm telephoto for respectful candid portraits; maintain distance and follow local photography etiquette.

Best time / golden hour: Alms: pre-dawn to early morning (~5:30–6:30 AM) for ritual light. Falls: mid-morning to avoid harsh backlight (~9:00–11:00 AM).

• Shot checklist: 1) Tiered waterfall wide shot. 2) Respectful, distant alms procession portrait (ask permission where required). 3) Waterfall Reel: slow pan across pools.
• Caption prompts: "One of the quietest mornings I’ve ever photographed. Respect and save this spot. #LuangPrabang"

14. Marrakech, Morocco — Jardin Majorelle & Jemaa el-Fnaa

Exact spots: Jardin Majorelle blue villa (GPS: 31.6361, -8.0003) and Jemaa el-Fnaa main square (GPS: 31.6258, -7.9890).

Camera angle & composition: Jardin Majorelle: 35mm for saturated color and botanical framing; use shallow depth (f/2.8–4) for portraits. Jemaa el-Fnaa: 24–35mm for busy market scenes and evening lantern light.

Best time / golden hour: Late afternoon into golden hour (~5:30–7:00 PM) as the marketplace lights up; early morning at Jardin Majorelle (~8:00–9:30 AM) avoids opening crowds.

• Shot checklist: 1) Blue villa portrait with palms. 2) Wide market scene with lantern glow. 3) Reel: pull-back reveal from close-up spice textures to full plaza.
• Caption prompts: "Blue, spice and light — save this Marrakech loop. ✨ #Marrakech2026"

15. The Dolomites, Italy — Tre Cime di Lavaredo viewpoint

Exact spot: Rifugio Auronzo parking to Tre Cime trail (GPS: 46.6121, 12.3154).

Camera angle & composition: Use a wide-angle (16–35mm) for peaks with foreground flowers or rocks. Low-angle with subject in foreground gives epic scale. Consider vertical frames for Instagram Stories/Reels.

Best time / golden hour: Sunrise golden hour (~5:30–7:00 AM in June) bathes peaks in pink (alpenglow). Late afternoon can be dramatic with cloud formations.

• Shot checklist: 1) Alpenglow panorama at sunrise. 2) Hiking portrait with peaks towering behind. 3) Reel: 10–12s sunrise time-lapse compressing light change.
• Caption prompts: "Alpenglow like this only happens a few minutes a day. Save the timing. #Dolomites"

16. Hvar, Croatia — St. Stephen’s Square & Fortica/Half-Day hike

Exact spots: St. Stephen’s Square, Hvar Town (GPS: 43.1724, 16.4417) and Fortica (Španjola Fortress) viewpoint (GPS: 43.1708, 16.4436).

Camera angle & composition: Square: 35mm for lively cafe scenes and pastel buildings. Fortica: telephoto to compress the harbor and Pakleni islands; portrait with subject in foreground works well at sunset.

Best time / golden hour: Late golden hour (~7:30–8:30 PM in summer) for harbor light; pre-dawn quieter for empty squares (~6:00–7:00 AM).

• Shot checklist: 1) Sunset harbor telephoto. 2) Street café portrait in St. Stephen’s Square. 3) Reel: 10-second island-hopping edit with speed ramping.
• Caption prompts: "Island days and golden hour harbors. Save Hvar for your summer list. 🏝️ #Hvar"

17. Marrakech’s Atlas foothills / Essaouira alternative — Imlil or Essaouira medina

Exact spots: If your TPG list points to Atlas foothills — Imlil valley trailhead (GPS: 31.0939, -7.9928). For Essaouira medina, the fishing port ramp (GPS: 31.5076, -9.7675).

Camera angle & composition: Imlil: 24–35mm valley panoramas and portrait shots on trails. Essaouira: 35mm for wind-swept blues and fishermen scenes; include nets and boats for foreground texture.

Best time / golden hour: Atlas: sunrise on mountain ridgelines (~6:00–7:30 AM). Essaouira: late-afternoon golden hour (~5:00–6:30 PM) with strong coastal light and wind.

• Shot checklist: 1) Valley panorama at sunrise (Imlil). 2) Fishing harbor portrait with nets (Essaouira). 3) Reel: wind + ocean textures for coastal mood loops.
• Caption prompts: "Mountains at daybreak or wind-swept medina — which vibe? Save both. #Morocco"

Pro tip: Always scout the exact GPS waypoint the day before; local light, crowd behavior and short-term weather in 2026 can change the single shot that goes viral.

Advanced strategies to turn these shots into viral posts (2026 edition)

• Start with a strong hook in your caption — ask a question, use an emoji and invite saves: e.g., "Want this view at sunrise? Save this and set your alarm. ⏰" See how creator-led live events amplify hooks in the creator-led microevents playbook.
• Make Reels vertical-first and cut to the beat at 0:03, 0:06 and 0:12. Use native sound or trending audio snippets — watch late-2025 trend reports for evergreen sounds that still perform in 2026. For commerce-first vertical strategy, check live commerce + pop‑ups.
• Use the 3-shot rule for posts: wide, medium, detail. Carve one Reel from the three to repurpose across platforms.
• Geo-credit and community-first captions — tag local businesses and mention cultural context; audiences and algorithm reward authenticity in 2026.
• Respect drone restrictions — many UNESCO sites banned drones in 2025; when in doubt, skip or get permits and always check connectivity and airspace rules that tie into changing phone and venue requirements.

Closing checklist before you go

• Check sunrise/sunset for your travel dates (use an app like PhotoPills or Sun Surveyor) and factor this into travel timing and bookings; see our notes on travel timing in the airport & travel scheduling playbook.
• Pack a small tripod, polarizer and an extra battery for long shooting days.
• Review local rules for photography at religious or cultural sites.
• Save GPS coordinates and directions offline in case of spotty service — pair that with portable tools from the portable edge kits & mobile creator gear review.

Final takeaways

2026 rewards creators who show up prepared: know the exact spot, arrive inside the golden-hour window, and craft a short, authentic story around each photo. Use the location-specific angles above to skip hours of scouting and double your chances of a viral post that grows followers — and translates into bookings, partnerships and real-world connections.

Call to action

Want these 17 destination shot lists as a printable planner (GPS waypoints + a one-page golden-hour calendar per location)? Download our free 2026 Creator Shoot Planner or subscribe for weekly creator-focused itineraries that pair The Points Guy’s best-place picks with content-first timing and captions. Hit the link below and start hitting your next golden hour with purpose: Download the 2026 Creator Shoot Planner.

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