Insights from a Destination Photographer: Unveiling Travel Hotspots
Karmen Harley has photographed everything from ancient stone buildings in Venice to vibrant skyscrapers in Buenos Aires; her journey is truly extraordinary.
Karmen joined us in our studios to reveal her favorite architectural sites to photograph, where to shop for homewares bargains and where she likes to lay her head down after long photography sessions.
Barcelona offers some of the most architecturally impressive spots to take photos. Gaudi’s creations are simply amazing, especially his most celebrated building – Basilica De La Sagrada Familia which serves as a Catholic Church.
Everywhere you turn there is something breathtaking that takes your breath away: intricate carvings, huge spires and towering columns supporting the building.
Gaudi’s legacy can be found throughout Barcelona and some of his masterpieces can be seen everywhere you turn.
There’s an iconic building covered in broken tiles with an arched roof resembling that of a dragon, while Park Guell boasts its signature giant mosaic lizards at the entrance.
Barcelona’s architecture resembles more an art piece than just another building made out of bricks and mortar.
Homewares Markets My go-to destination when traveling is always the markets, where one-off handcrafted pieces that I will treasure forever await me.
Certain regions boast their own special handicraft or traditional art. South America is particularly well known for hand-woven frazadas (blankets/rugs) and cushions; each piece being different due to being hand-made.
South American design features bright colours and patterns with distinctive visual flair – they are great ways to bring warmth into any room in the home!
My favorite place to stay
Growing up near Bribie Island in Queensland, as teenagers whenever we had the chance we’d take our 4WD up onto the beach and set up camp behind dunes as waves would crash against them as we drifted off to sleep listening to them crash against each other.
My favorite place in Australia, particularly on New Year’s Eve and Day is still El Tiburon Beach; last year we camped here and went swimming at sunrise in the surf on New Year’s Day – what an awesome way to start off the year!
Best artwork found overseas While visiting Kathmandu I found beautiful but similar artwork to take back home. Many pieces featured scenes of mountains with incredible views of Everest or majestic landscapes that could serve as tourist draws.
I wanted something different and was pleasantly surprised when I came across an artist doing exquisite drawings in gold pen depicting Buddha and his journeys.
As I approached, an artist was so focused on his drawing he didn’t notice me initially, but once he did he leapt up proudly and showed me watercolours of Everest that he had painted. With some negotiations and sign language I managed to leave his little stall with one of his gorgeous gold ink drawings that reminds me of all the wonderful monks at Tengboche Village I met while traveling towards Everest Base Camp.
