Field Notes

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

Steep pastel streets and rooftops of Santa Teresa above Rio de Janeiro

Locations · August 8, 2026

Santa Teresa & Lapa: A Photographer's Guide to Bohemian Rio

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

 Sugarloaf Mountain and Guanabara Bay at golden hour, Rio de Janeiro

Locations · August 8, 2026

Best Viewpoints in Rio de Janeiro for Photos and When to Shoot Them

The best viewpoints in Rio de Janeiro for photography — Sugarloaf, Christ the Redeemer, Dona Marta and more, with the light and timing for each.

 Rio de Janeiro's skyline, beaches and granite peaks seen from a high viewpoint

Locations · August 7, 2026

Photographing Rio's Skyline From Above: Viewpoints & Drone Rules

How to shoot Rio de Janeiro's skyline from above: the best high viewpoints, Brazil's drone rules (ANAC and DECEA), and helicopter tours as a legal aerial option.

 The colourful mosaic tiles of the Escadaria Selarón staircase rising through Lapa, Rio de Janeiro

Locations · August 7, 2026

Photographing the Selarón Steps: A Complete Rio Photo Guide

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.

 Sugarloaf Mountain cable car silhouetted at sunset over Rio de Janeiro

Locations · August 7, 2026

Photographing Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio: Best Spots & Times

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

 Panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro's beaches and peaks from a Tijuca Forest overlook

Locations · August 5, 2026

Vista Chinesa & Tijuca Forest: A Rio Photography Guide

Vista Chinesa and the Tijuca Forest viewpoints: how to reach Rio's panoramic overlooks, the best light for photography, and gear for the humid forest trails.

 Rio de Janeiro panorama with Sugarloaf Mountain and Guanabara Bay

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.

 Rio de Janeiro skyline and granite peaks glowing at golden hour

Locations · August 3, 2026

Rio at Golden Hour: Best Viewpoints for Photographers

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.

 Rio de Janeiro coastline and granite peaks glowing above the beach at golden hour

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, street culture, gear and settings for Rio's beaches.

 Sugarloaf Mountain cable car silhouetted at sunset over Rio de Janeiro

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.

 Christ the Redeemer statue above Rio de Janeiro at first light

Locations · July 28, 2026

Photographing Christ the Redeemer: Timing, Light and Viewpoints

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.