
One of the things I love photographing the most when I travel is colours, be it subtle or vibrant. Colours have a unique way of setting the mood of a place like no other element. So when I heard that Travel Supermarket were holding a travel photo competition called Capture the Colour, it sounded like my kind of thing. The prizes also happen to be amazing. They are offering each five colour category winners an iPad 3 and the grand prize winner will receive £2,000 to spend on travel. There have been some amazing entries so far, so I know my chances are pretty slim but I might as well try. So here I am entering my first competition as a blogger (coz no one nominated me…cue sympathy from the judges…no? Ok.). So without further ado, here are my 5 travel photos that capture the colour of travel.
White – New Delhi, India
This man works at Purana Qila (also known as Old Fort) in New Delhi, India. He prides himself on his job and makes sure to keep the place spotless also ensuring that no tourists enter with their shoes on. I’m usually too shy to ask people for their portraits, but his face had so much character and history that I just went for it. I’m glad I did, I love this photo.
Yellow – San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

On a recent trip to San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, I was blown away by the towns beauty and old charm. This crumbling yellow wall and old wooden door particularly drew my attention. I have a slight obsession with taking photos of decaying painted walls and this photo had everything I love about them. I feel that the textures, character, history and colour of San Miguel are exemplified through this shot.
Red – Mompox, Colombia
Travel never stops educating us. While in Mompox, Colombia, a man told us ‘You cant know a towns people until you see how they bury their dead”. This is not meant in any way derogatory in light of the above picture but as a way of gaining insight into a culture and their current state. In fact it opened my eyes alot to the poverty that exists in some places. This cemetery was a beautiful and sad place all at once. The family members of this person have carved the name of their loved one into this cement wall, as they probably couldn’t afford a headstone. The dying red roses, tumbled over in their vase, gives the photo a bittersweet feel.
Green – Coffee Park, Colombia
They say that Ireland has 40 shades of green…well if thats the case, then Colombia has well over 100! This photo was taken in the colourful and famous National Coffee Park, Colombia. One of the things that stood out to me about this beautiful country was how lush and green it was. Before visiting Colombia, I don’t think I had ever touched the silky smooth surface of bamboo trees. I love how bamboo is covered in a rough brown casing as it grows. Eventually and gradually it breaks free, as the layers fall away and it emerges; perfect, bright and beautiful, much like the Colombian people today; breaking free of stereotypes, bad press and a troublesome past to show the world their true colours.
Blue – Kathmandu, Nepal
This is actually a fountain and not rain but I love how it looks almost like a monsoon shower. Here, a statue sits peacefully showered in the light drops of cool water. This photo has such a calming effect on me. It was taken just outside the Boudhanath Stupa, a Buddist Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal; a place of peace, worship and reflection. Like the water in this fountain, it is a place that is constantly moving, as worshippers circle the stupa multiple times in prayer.
As part of the entry, you have to nominate 5 other Travel Bloggers who you would like to see entries from. So my nominations are:
So there are my 5 photos that capture the colour of travel. I would love to hear your feedback in the comments below! Good luck to all the participants!
***UPDATE: This competition is now closed***
However, if you want to learn more about travel photography, I recommend you check out the fantastic Transcending Travel e-book from Digital Photography School.
If you buy this e-book, I will receive a small affiliate commission from the sale, at absolutely no extra cost to you, but you would be making a world of difference in helping me to continue living my dream! Thank you!
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
Fantastic photos Stephanie! I especially love the first one that has them all. 🙂
Thanks for the nomination too! Time to dig through my hard-drive…
Matthew Karsten recently posted..Travel Insurance 101: Worth It or Not?
Thanks so much Matt! 🙂 I look forward to seeing your entry, your photos are always amazing!
These pictures are amazing!!! I really think you may win!
Andres recently posted..5 Photos, 5 Colours – The Colour of Travel
You have to say that! 😛 Thank you for helping me with the geeky stuff! 🙂
Wow, these are all so beautiful Steph – I totally agree with Andres, I think you may win! Good luck 🙂
Hannah recently posted..The truth shall set you free
Aww thank you so much Hannah! It’s a fun post to do even without the competition! 🙂 Fingers crossed…but there are far more amazing entries out there!
WOW! Some of the most stunning photos I have seen for this meme. It’s a tie between white & yellow for my favorite 🙂
Annette | Bucket List Journey recently posted..Facing Pineapple Gluttony in Hali’imaile, Hawaii
Wow thanks so much Annette, you’ll make my head swell with comments like that! 😛 I think the white is one of my favourites too! 🙂
All the pictures were amazing! I love that you also had one with all five colors. 🙂 I think the blue one’s my favorite. What a great shot to capture.
Gina recently posted..Photo Tour Friday: Tomb Raider Temple at Angkor
Thank you Gina!! I like the 5 colours one too, wish I could have entered it! 🙂
Wow! That “blue photo” is incredible! I’m in love with it. It’d look so great printed.
Best of luck, such an awesome competition!
Thanks Izy! 🙂 Yeah I had overlooked that photo for ages, then rediscovered it when I was going through my photos for this competition! Glad I did! Best of luck to you too 🙂
Truly Beautiful, All the Best.
Thank you so much for your comment! 🙂
yellow in Mexico and blue in Nepal… perfect pictures. great photography guys.
Thank you so much! 🙂
So glad I saw this post. What a stunning group of photos, each special in its own way. The white and blue are my favorites.
Jenna recently posted..Old and New in São Paulo, Brazil — Photo of the Week
Wow thank you so much Jenna!! Thanks for stopping by and commenting! 🙂
Your blue pic is breathtaking. Love how you captured the motion of the water!
Diane recently posted..The virtue of patience: A trip to the post office in France is never quick
Aw thank you so much, appreciate that Diane!
Great examples of photography.
Michel recently posted..Capture The Colour and Win £2,000 to Spend on Travel
Thanks Michel! It took me so long to narrow it down to these ones!
Amazing photos thanks for sharing these.
Places to visit recently posted..Kuoni’s latest luxury holiday offers for August
My pleasure, it’s a really great competition! I spent ages trying to choose the right photos for it!
I just love all the featured photos but my most favorite is the ‘BLUE’ photo. The rain makes a dramatic effect on the statue as well as the color. Keep it up!
Jaslyn – Travel Top 10 List recently posted..Places to Discover this 2013
Thanks Jaslyn! Glad you like the photos 🙂