25

Romantic Getaways
World destinations to inspire your photography
1
Introduction
Acknowledgments
Chris Woodman
Graphic Designer
My name is Chris Woodman. I
created, designed and co-wrote this
book in collaboration with the team
at Macphun. I want to thank Oksana
Medvedieva, who offered me the
opportunity to create this book.
Email: cswoodman@mac.com
Kevin La Rue
Vice President, Macphun
I want to give a huge shout out to
Kevin La Rue, Vice President of
Macphun, and thank him for his
amazing support and constant
communication. His casual and
genuine personality drove me to
create a book that I hope will inspire
and motivate many people to visit
these romantic destinations. Thanks
for giving me the opportunity to
work on this project. I enjoyed
making this book for Macphun.
Email: kevin@macphun.com
Susie Learey
Copy editor
I want to thank my friend, Susie
Learey, who was the copy editor for
this book. I knew from the start I
wanted to bring her on board to be
involved in this project. We mainly
communicate by email, but her
constant effort and many hours of
hard work have helped me write
clear and concise text that resonates
with readers. Thank you, Susie.
Email: slearey@gmail.com
2
About this book

Santorini ~ Cyclades Islands, Greece

Travel synopses
give you brief TRAVEL SYNOPSIS
Photo collages
Santorini is undoubtedly the most
descriptions of extraordinary island in the Aegean
showcase three
Sea. The whole complex of Santorini
each place and islands is still an active volcano and
beautiful photos
probably is the only volcano in the
reasons for world whose crater is in the sea. The
to give you a
islands offer sensational sunsets,
visiting. fascinating excavations and dazzling sense of the
white towns. It has become a
wedding destination for couples
from all over the world.
place’s romantic
atmosphere.
Photo tips PHOTO TIP
Take a boat between the islands of
provide you with Santorini and Thirassia to see the
caldera (a volcanic crater). It’s one of
advice on what to the world’s truly breathtaking sights:
a crescent of cliffs rising 1,100 feet,
photograph, with the white clusters of the towns
of Fira perched along the top.
including when,
where and why. 25

3
Let’s get started
SOMETIMES IT’S NECESSARY to take a break and unwind from the stresses of real life and spend
quality time with the person you love. Romantic getaways often mean candlelit dinners, walks on the
beach, proposals, honeymoons and luxury accommodations. Some destinations evoke their own
romance — like Paris, Venice and Rio de Janeiro. They give off vibes of energy, tranquility and affection.

These charming getaways are perfect for spending time with your significant other, but they
also offer remarkable sights for capturing stunning photos that have a true sense of romance.
Whether you’re experiencing a famous landmark, decorative architecture, a graceful landscape,
or an enchanting sunrise or sunset, these destinations will surely inspire your photography.

From the awe-inspiring mountain views of Montana, cherry blossom-lined streets of Kyoto, or the
relaxing overwater bungalows above turquoise-colored lagoons of Bora Bora — these places
convey and express passion. To help you plan the ideal lovers getaway, here’s a list of the top 25
most romantic places in the world (listed in alphabetical order).

4
2
25 romantic getaways
Arashiyama ~ Kyoto, Japan
TRAVEL SYNOPSIS
The pleasures of Arashiyama, the
westernmost part of Kyoto, include
the gentle foothills of the mountains,
covered with cherry and maple trees.
The sights are spaced apart,
connected by a pathway that
meanders along the hillside, through
fields and a peaceful bamboo grove.

PHOTO TIP
Visit during cherry blossom season
and seek to separate the vibrant
colors from the background with a
shallow depth of field. Shooting
during the “blue hour” will yield
gorgeous contrasting colors.

6
Bibury Village ~ Cotswold region, England
TRAVEL SYNOPSIS
Bibury is a charming village in the
Cotswold region with delightful
scenery including fine old cottages,
a river meadow, and the church of St.
Mary’s. It was described by famed
Arts and Crafts designer William
Morris as “The most beautiful
village in England.” The cottages of
Arlington Row are often referred to
as “The most photographed and
beautiful in the country.”

PHOTO TIP
The charming cottages and bridges
replete with green moss and
stonework make for a dreamy photo
opportunity reminiscent of days
past. Be sure to wake up early to
capture the warm golden-hour sun
or pack a 50mm prime lens for
superb detail shots in the village.

7
Bora Bora ~ Tahiti, French Polynesia
TRAVEL SYNOPSIS
Bora Bora is the island of romance.
It’s considered one of the most
desirable locations for couples in
love because of its dramatic scenery,
privacy and amenities. You can stay
in a secluded overwater bungalow
that sits above the turquoise
lagoons. And you might opt for a
special sailing tour for two around
Mount Otemanu on one of the most
beautiful lagoons on the planet.

PHOTO TIP
Sip champagne as you watch the
sun slowly sink below the horizon
before countless stars shine across
the night sky — perfect for
photographing that peaceful and
romantic moment.

8
Charleston ~ South Carolina, U.S.
TRAVEL SYNOPSIS
Wandering through the city of
Charleston, you’d swear you were on
a movie set. It’s defined by its
cobblestone streets, horse-drawn
carriages, centuries-old mansions
and town houses, and magnolia-filled
gardens overflowing with carefully
tended plants. Look closely and you’ll
see blocks of old structures have
been restored. Charleston is one of
the South’s best-preserved cities.

PHOTO TIP
Charleston offers a mixture of
architecture and landscape scenery.
Head out after sunrise or before
sunset and you’ll catch the warm
lighting hitting the houses and
greenery — excellent for capturing
landscape photos with beautiful
highlights and shadows.

9
Cinque Terre ~ Italian Riviera, Italy
TRAVEL SYNOPSIS
The charming and breathtaking
Cinque Terre (Five Lands) is a string
of centuries-old seaside villages on
the rugged Italian Riviera coastline.
In each of the five tiny villages,
colorful houses and vineyards cling
to steep terraces along a gorgeous
stretch of the Ligurian coast. The
Sentiero Azzurro cliffside hiking
trail links the villages and offers
sweeping sea vistas.

PHOTO TIP
To take photos of the unique views
of the city and landscape, backpack
along many of the footpaths on the
gorgeous coast. The paths provide
beautiful views of the rocky coast
tumbling into the sea, as well as
access to secluded beaches and
small picturesque caves.

10
Eiffel Tower ~ Paris, France
TRAVEL SYNOPSIS
The Eiffel Tower is a wrought iron
lattice tower named after the French
engineer Gustave Eiffel. It is the
ultimate civic emblem of Paris.
Whatever you do, don’t miss seeing
and photographing the tower at
night. The gold lighting highlights
the delicacy of the steelwork in a way
that is missed in daylight.

PHOTO TIP
The metallic skeleton and geometric
shapes of the tower make it ideal for
perspective shots. You’ll want to visit
late evening, as that’s the time when
the crowds disappear. With its 360°
view over Paris, the second floor is
perfect for taking a photographic
study of the city. On the third floor,
you can catch a glimpse of Gustave
Eiffel’s life through representations
of historical scenes.

11
French Quarter ~ New Orleans, Louisiana
TRAVEL SYNOPSIS
The French Quarter is the oldest
neighborhood in the city of New
Orleans. Even locals love to get lost
in the history and romance of the
French Quarter. Take a stroll
through the narrow side streets and
you’ll marvel at the neighborhood’s
historic architecture. Walk slowly to
catch the fabled wrought-iron
balcony railings or peer down
cobblestone corridors for a glimpse
of secret courtyard gardens.

PHOTO TIP
With French Quarter’s architectural
detail and romantic lighting, it’s the
perfect place for HDR photography,
morning, midday or night.

12
Glacier National Park ~ Montana, U.S.
TRAVEL SYNOPSIS
Glacier National Park, “The Crown
of the Continent,” is a dramatic
wilderness in Montana’s Rocky
Mountains. Its one million plus
acres are covered in glacier-carved
terrain, wild meadows, diverse
wildlife, glistening clear rivers,
stunning 400-foot waterfalls, and
striking rock faces. It’s truly unlike
any place on earth. One of the more
than 700 miles of hiking trails takes
you to the photogenic Hidden Lake.

PHOTO TIP
To catch a road-side shot where the
sun bounces off water and hits the
rock faces, make the drive down
Going-to-the-Sun Road in early
morning or late evening. It will take
you through the heart of the park
and is one of the most scenic drives
you’ll ever take.

13
Grand Canal ~ Venice, Italy
TRAVEL SYNOPSIS
The Grand Canal is the longest canal
or artificial river in the world and a
famous tourist destination. The canal
is an ancient waterway, lined with
about 170 buildings. The majority of
the city’s traffic cruises up and down
the canal via private boats, vaporetti
(water buses), water taxis or the
famous gondolas.

PHOTO TIP
Take a guided boat tour or vaporetto
ride later at night (around 11 p.m.) to
capture spectacular shots. You’ll
glide silently through the water so
you can appreciate the grand
palazzos with gorgeous ceilings,
Murano chandeliers and tapestries.
To elevate your experience, consider
a night cruise when the sights of the
Canal are illuminated at night.

14
Lake District ~ England, border of Scotland
TRAVEL SYNOPSIS
Lake District, also known as the
Lakes or Lakeland, is a mountainous
region in North-West England. A
popular holiday destination, it’s
famous for its lakes, forests, jagged
mountains, waterfalls, wooded
valleys, and stone-built villages.
Outdoor enthusiasts migrate to this
region for boating or hiking, while
literary types visit the homes of
famous writers.

PHOTO TIP
Lake District is a dream for
landscape photographers. You will
find majestic mountains with deeper
and bluer lakes, making it an ideal
location for wide scenery shots.

15
Lakes of Sete Cidades ~ Azores, Portugal
TRAVEL SYNOPSIS
One of the seven natural wonders of
Portugal, The Lakes of Sete Cidades
is a twin lake situated in the crater of
a dormant volcano on Sao Miguel
Island. According to legend, the lakes
were formed from the tears of a
shepherd and a princess who shared
a forbidden love. The view from
above is magnificent. Depending on
the sun’s location, one lake will
appear blue and the other green. It’s
a sight you won’t want to miss if you
travel to this incredible island.

PHOTO TIP
These lakes can be seen from the
Vista do Rei (King’s View) Lookout,
which is a 10-minute walk or 2-
minute drive. You get a magnificent
view of the huge, forested slopes of
the semi-circular crater.

16
Matterhorn ~ Zermatt, Switzerland
TRAVEL SYNOPSIS
The Matterhorn is a mountain of
mountains. It’s a mystical and
majestic mountain of the Alps that
gleams with magical light. It
straddles the main watershed and
border between Switzerland and Italy.
With its huge and near-symmetrical
pyramidal peak reaching high into
the sky, it has become an iconic
emblem of the Swiss Alps.

PHOTO TIP
Head outside Zermatt on the hiking
trail to Zmutt around 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
That’s when the sun illuminates the
meadows. Another spectacular view
is up the Gornergrat Bahn along the
trail to the Riffelsee, as you get a clear
view of the Matterhorn’s “shark
tooth” peak.

17
Nā Pali Coast ~ Kauai, Hawaii
TRAVEL SYNOPSIS
Nā Pali Coast is considered the jewel
of Kauai. Renowned for its lush
greenery, endless waterfalls, idyllic
beaches and colorful gardens with
tropical flowers, Kauai is a favorite
for those seeking romance and
seclusion. One of the most beautiful
places on the planet, the area offers
an awe-inspiring coastline with
beaches you can have all to
yourselves — there are no roads.

PHOTO TIP
Strolling along the beach affords an
almost sublime photo opportunity,
whether photographing the surf, the
jungle or your lover. Be sure to take
in the gorgeous sunsets and use
HDR techniques to ensure terrific
resulting images.

18
Napa Valley ~ California, U.S.
TRAVEL SYNOPSIS
Napa Valley is the definition of
romance. With sunshine, dreamy
landscapes, luxurious resorts,
heavenly climate, renowned food,
and world-class vineyards, it raises
the bar with five-star style. Napa
Valley will dazzle you with its
glamour. Strike perfect balance of
decadence, relaxation, and
romance, then raise your wine
glass to love.

PHOTO TIP
Take a wine tour (or two or three)
to truly capture the spirit of the
wine-loving lifestyle. Each vineyard
and their vintners will have a
distinct personality, perfect for
memorializing your visit.

19
Neuschwanstein Castle ~ Bavaria, Germany
TRAVEL SYNOPSIS
Neuschwanstein Castle, a
nineteenth-century Romanesque
Revival palace in southwest Bavaria,
Germany, served as the inspiration
for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty
Castle. The castle’s fairytale charm
comes through especially well in the
blissful setting of the Bavarian Alps,
where winter brings gorgeous views
of the snow-capped mountains
surrounding the palace grounds.

PHOTO TIP
You’ll want to consider visiting the
castle on day trips by train from
Munich or Frankfurt, as it’s an
experience that provides great
views of the surrounding scenery.

20
Niagara Falls ~ Ontario, Canada
TRAVEL SYNOPSIS
Niagara Falls is the natural wonder
of Ontario, Canada. With inspiring
scenery year-round, thrilling
attractions and miles of hiking trails,
Niagara Falls is always an
adventure-packed experience. Hop
aboard the Maid of the Mist to cruise
up close to the mesmerizing speed
and rumble of the frothy water.

PHOTO TIP
The riverbank features a promenade
and an observation deck atop 520-
ft.-high Skylon Tower. This will give
you a perspective to capture the
presence of the falls and its glazing
mist. If you’re lucky, you may even
get a glimpse of a rainbow or two.

21
Plaza de España ~ Seville, Spain
TRAVEL SYNOPSIS
The Plaza de España is located in the
Maria Luisa Park in Seville, Spain’s
most flamboyant city. It’s a landmark
example of the Regionalism
Architecture and styles of Spanish
architecture. Day or night, this city is
always bustling. Behind the palace
stretches the plaza’s most charming
area with Andalusian-style white
houses shaded by palms — a great
place to people-watch while lingering
over a savory meal during sunset.

PHOTO TIP
The broad expanse of the plaza is
perfect for wide-angle shots, with your
lover in the foreground in standard
“tourist repose.” Break away from the
crowds by seeking out the beautifully
designed “paradise” gardens, many of
which are designed with long ponds
set in a walled courtyard.

22
Rijksmuseum ~ Amsterdam, Netherlands
TRAVEL SYNOPSIS
The Rijksmuseum is a Dutch
national museum dedicated to arts
and history in Amsterdam. It has
existed for more than two hundred
years and is one of the most
breathtaking museums in the world.
Its many rooms exhibit paintings,
sculptures and objects from both
the West and Asia. After its
complete renovation, it’s one
attraction you should not miss
during your trip to the Netherlands.

PHOTO TIP
Blue hour photos of the
Rijksmuseum’s twin towers
reflecting in the foreground pond
are a must while visiting
Amsterdam.

23
Saint John ~ U.S. Virgin Islands
TRAVEL SYNOPSIS
Referred to as the “Beverly Hills of
the Caribbean,” St. John is known
as the place to travel in the U.S.
Virgin Islands. You’ll find gorgeous,
sun-baked beaches, a massive
national park, thriving coral reefs,
tranquil settings, and friendly
locals. Here you can truly escape
the pressures of modern life for a
day, a week — or perhaps longer.

PHOTO TIP
Surprisingly, the mid-day “siesta”
from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. turns out to be
the ideal time to capture the
amazing blue and green colors
which are reflected off the coral
reefs in the shallow bays. Pray for
calm seas though.

24
Santorini ~ Cyclades Islands, Greece
TRAVEL SYNOPSIS
Santorini is undoubtedly the most
extraordinary island in the Aegean
Sea. The whole complex of Santorini
islands is still an active volcano and
probably is the only volcano in the
world whose crater is in the sea. The
islands offer sensational sunsets,
fascinating excavations and dazzling
white towns. It has become a
wedding destination for couples
from all over the world.

PHOTO TIP
Take a boat between the islands of
Santorini and Thirassia to see the
caldera (a volcanic crater). It’s one of
the world’s truly breathtaking sights:
a crescent of cliffs rising 1,100 feet,
with the white clusters of the towns
of Fira perched along the top.

25
Sugarloaf Mountain ~ Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
TRAVEL SYNOPSIS
Sugarloaf Mountain is a peak
situated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at
the mouth of Guanabara Bay on a
peninsula that juts out into the
Atlantic Ocean. Rio’s iconic Cristo
Redentor (Christ the Redeemer)
statue stands arms outstretched
atop 2,300-foot-high Corcovado
mountain. It is known worldwide for
its cableway and mesmerizing
panoramic views of the city.

PHOTO TIP
The best time to visit Sugarloaf is
during sunset. Start early to avoid
the crowds, and you are sure to
capture an incredible picture.

26
Taj Mahal ~ Agra, India
TRAVEL SYNOPSIS
The Taj Mahal — the symbol of
true love — is considered to be one
of the most significant and
beautiful buildings in the world.
Standing majestically on the banks
of River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal is
synonymous with love and
romance. The purity of the white
marble, the exquisite
ornamentation, precious
gemstones and its picturesque
location make it a destination for
both lovers and photographers.

PHOTO TIP
Taj Mahal is open from sunrise to
sunset during normal operating
days. To avoid crowds and capture
night shots, visit after dark on the
night of a full moon.

27
The Forbidden City ~ Peking, China
TRAVEL SYNOPSIS
The Forbidden City is Beijing’s most
enduring emblem. Magnificent halls,
winding lanes and stately courtyards
await. At 180 acres, this is the world’s
largest palace complex. As you gaze
up at roofs you’ll see glazed-yellow
tiles — a symbol of royalty. It is open
to tourists from home and abroad.
The painted decoration and
magnificent treasures of this royal
architectural wonder will satisfy
tourists from around the world.

PHOTO TIP
Don’t miss the four beautiful turrets
on the corners of the Forbidden City,
with the best photo probably being
the Northwest corner during golden
hour. Rising high above the walls,
each turret has the walls of the City
running on either side with the
formidable moat in the foreground.

28
Varenna ~ Lake Como, Italy
TRAVEL SYNOPSIS
Varenna is an attractive village on
the eastern shore of Lake Como,
looking over the central part of the
lake towards Bellagio. Varenna’s
picturesque lanes and old
fishermen’s houses are
unpretentiously appealing. The
main tourist activities in Varenna
are relaxing by the lake and visiting
the gardens of two famous villas,
Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi.

PHOTO TIP
Right after sunset, the lights of the
village reflect off the lovely lake
water, while the fading light in the
skies above lend a relaxed charm to
the scene.

29
Yosemite National Park ~ California, U.S.
TRAVEL SYNOPSIS
Yosemite National Park is famed for
its giant, ancient sequoia trees and
for Tunnel View, the iconic vista of
towering Bridalveil Fall and the
granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half
Dome. Other points of interest are
Yosemite Falls, Sentinel Dome, and
Merced River — it’s all in Yosemite
Valley. You might see more natural
wonders in a minute than you
would in a full day anywhere else.
It’s truly a paradise for landscape
and wildlife photographers.

PHOTO TIP
You don’t have to worry about
crowds here. It’s wilderness all
around you 24/7. Morning,
afternoon, evening? Summer, Fall,
Winter? Doesn’t matter. Just point
and shoot. It’s hard not to get a
good shot here.

30
3
Enhance your photos
Aurora HDR 2017
Aurora HDR is a joint project developed by
Macphun and Trey Ratcliff, the world’s most
renowned HDR photographer. Aurora HDR
is the world’s most powerful HDR software made
exclusively for the Mac. This photo software brings you
everything other HDR editors are missing.

Aurora HDR combines everything the world knows

about high dynamic range photography and takes it
light years further. It is faster, more powerful and more
feature-rich than any other HDR software in the world.

Learn more > Videos >

I’m in love with Aurora!
“I really like how Aurora HDR Pro
creates a great HDR image. The best
HDR software for the Mac. Period.”
Awesome HDR for Mac!
“If you are interested in photography,
Aurora HDR is reason in itself to lay out big
bucks for an iMac and have Aurora HDR as
your only HDR software for your Mac.”
Replaced all other tools!
“I have used different HDR tools . . . But
they all look like toys in comparison to
Aurora HDR. Very fast and simple to use.”
32
Luminar
Sample Screenshot
Luminar is the world’s first photo editor
that adapts to your style and skill level.
With filters, layers, masks, color
controls, a RAW converter and other features,
Luminar is built to give your photos the
professional treatment they deserve. From basic
object removal, noise reduction, image
transformation to complex edits, Luminar is the
perfect app for all your photo-editing needs.

Learn more > Videos >

Adaptive UI RAW support Masking Color toning

Non-destructive Layers B&W processing Touch Bar support

Workspaces Photo filters Object removal Plug-ins and

33
Creative Kit
The Creative Kit is a photo creativity
bundle unlike any other. The kit includes a
collection of six best-selling photo apps
for the Mac that will elevate your photo-editing
experience and help you achieve fantastic results.

The kit includes over 500 powerful tools, presets and

photo filters. Run the kit as a plug-in for Photoshop
and Lightroom, as an extension for Apple Photos, or
as standalone apps.

Learn more > Videos > Download Kit >

Intensify Tonality Snapheal FX Photo Studio Focus Noiseless

Download > Download > Download > Download > Download > Download >

If you’re just a casual editor, you can download the standard versions of these apps
from the Mac App Store. Just type “macphun” into the search field to find the apps
developed by Macphun (left). The advantage of the professional versions (above) is the
ability to read RAW files, more layers, luminosity masks, and other advanced features. 34
Filters for Photos
Powerful Filters
Filters for Photos is a FREE Mac app that
makes beautiful photos and instantly shares
them to your favorite social networks. Filters
for Photos gives you the ability to add a variety of filters
to your photos in a single click. Vintage or black &
white? Color fantasy or cross process? Oil painting or
pen sketch? It includes dozens of creative filters to suit
every photo-hobbyist’s style. It’s a dream for filter
fanatics. It can be used as a standalone app or as an
Apple Photos extension. You can download it from
Macphun’s website or through the Mac App Store.

Learn more >

Ancient Canvas

Selective editing Photos extension Live preview

Powerful adjustments Export to Adobe Social media sharing

Mix and match filters Export to Macphun Share via email

35
4
Contact Macphun
24/7 customer support
Macphun is known for having the industry’s
best customer support. Ask them anything.
Let the Macphun team know if you have any
questions or feedback about Luminar, Aurora
HDR, or any of the Macphun products. They
do their best to resolve all questions or issues
within 24 hours or less. Their support team
speaks English and is always online.

For support: support@macphun.com >

For business: contact@macphun.com >
Ask on Facebook >
Ask on Twitter >

37