Field Notes

Where and when to shoot Rio — spots, light and timing.

A visitor at a Tijuca Forest overlook above the Rio de Janeiro coastline

Locations · August 10, 2026

Vista Chinesa Viewpoint: How to Visit and Shoot It

Vista Chinesa, Rio's Chinese-pavilion viewpoint in Tijuca Forest: how to get there, when to go, gate times, safety, and the best light for photos.

 The pastel hillside houses and red rooftops of Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro

Locations · August 10, 2026

Santa Teresa and Lapa: A Photographer's Guide

How to photograph Santa Teresa and Lapa in Rio: the Bondinho tram, the Arcos da Lapa, the bohemian streets, Parque das Ruínas, gear and safety.

 Sugarloaf Mountain and Guanabara Bay seen from a Rio de Janeiro viewpoint

Locations · August 10, 2026

Best Viewpoints in Rio de Janeiro for Photos

The best viewpoints in Rio: Dona Marta, Sugarloaf, Corcovado, Arpoador and Vista Chinesa, with how to reach each and the light to shoot it in.

 Aerial view of the Rio de Janeiro skyline, beaches and granite peaks

Locations · August 7, 2026

The Rio de Janeiro Skyline From Above

The Rio skyline explained: the best high viewpoints to see it from, Brazil's drone rules from ANAC and DECEA, and helicopter tours as a legal option.

 The colourful mosaic tiles of the Escadaria Selaron steps in Lapa, Rio de Janeiro

Locations · August 7, 2026

Photographing the Selarón Steps in Rio

How to photograph the Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón) in Rio — the best light and times, composition and gear, and how to handle the constant crowds.

 The Sugarloaf Mountain cable car rising above the Rio de Janeiro coast

Locations · August 7, 2026

Photographing Sugarloaf Mountain: Spots and Times

How to photograph Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio: the best vantage points, golden-hour timing, and camera settings for the high-contrast tropical light.

 Panorama of Rio de Janeiro's hills and coastline

Planning · August 5, 2026

A 3-Day Rio de Janeiro Photography Itinerary

A 72-hour Rio photography itinerary: Sugarloaf and Corcovado at sunrise, Santa Teresa and Lapa, the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, and the Porto Maravilha.

 Christ the Redeemer silhouetted above Rio de Janeiro at golden hour

Locations · August 3, 2026

Rio at Golden Hour: Best Viewpoints to Shoot

Rio de Janeiro at golden hour: where the light falls, which viewpoints work at sunrise and sunset, and how to plan a shoot around the city's steep terrain.

 Aerial view of Copacabana beach and the Rio de Janeiro coastline

Locations · August 3, 2026

Copacabana & Ipanema Beach Photography Guide

How to photograph Copacabana and Ipanema: the Arpoador sunset, Posto 9's energy, the Burle Marx promenade, gear and settings for Rio's beaches.

 Rio de Janeiro at golden hour — the bay and granite peaks glowing at sunset

Locations · July 29, 2026

Best Time to Photograph Rio: Light, Seasons & Views

When to photograph Rio de Janeiro: how summer and winter light differ, the best sunrise and sunset windows, and the key viewpoints for iconic shots.

 The Christ the Redeemer statue above Rio de Janeiro against a blue sky

Locations · July 28, 2026

Photographing Christ the Redeemer: Timing and Light

How to photograph Christ the Redeemer in Rio: when the light works, why mornings beat afternoons, and the Dona Marta viewpoint that frames the whole city.