The most vivid photos of Astana are collected in our gallery.
Фотогалерея
Astana is a city of contrasts and ambitions, a modern metropolis striving to become the showcase of Kazakhstan. What does Astana look like? It is spread along the Ishim River, with embankments, wide boulevards, futuristic architecture, glass and metal facades and large public spaces. Along the waterfront are parks and alleys, bridges and water-side recreation areas. Landmarks include the Baiterek Tower, the Khan Shatyr Tent, the Palace of Peace and Concord, the National Museum and the spacious Nurzhol Boulevard.
There are no ancient neighborhoods here, but there is a mood of the "city of the future" - skyscrapers, glass domes and curved structures. Therefore, photos of Astana usually look very futuristic. In general, it is a city of wide horizons, large spaces and bright reflections in glass - an ideal place to take photos and catch architectural lines, light reflexes and lively urban motifs. Let us tell you where to take beautiful photos in Astana, in detail!
Astana photo cards: what must be photographed
Among the most common and famous locations for photo shoots in Astana, the Baiterek Tower is often mentioned. This structure has become a symbol of the city. It is a 105-meter tower with a spherical observation deck. Limitless possibilities for cool photos of Astana! And even if for some reason you can't or don't want to get inside, its silhouette is a great background for Astana pictures. And around there are green areas and fountains where you can experiment with reflections.
Another iconic place is the Khan Shatyr shopping and entertainment center. It is a giant transparent dome and the largest marquee in the world. Futurism lovers will just love it. In addition to stores, inside there is a beach area, walking spaces and attractions - plenty of corners for vacation snapshots. The exterior shape combined with spectacular lighting is especially good for evening photos from Astana.
The Pyramid or Palace of Peace and Concord is another steel and glass structure. It regularly shines among the pictures of Astana in tourist guides. It is one of the architectural gems of the city. As in the case of Khan Shatyr Center, we advise you to take a look at the pyramid in the evening illumination.
As this is the most popular place, it can get crowded during peak hours, so it's worth visiting early in the morning or later in the evening when the crowds are smaller. The golden hours - sunrise or sunset with soft light and long shadows - are the best time to take pictures. If possible, take wide-angle lenses to capture the scale of the structures.
Parks and water: the green side of Astana
There are no natural lakes or mountains in the city itself - Astana is located in the steppe zone. But there are green oases and some nice locations near water nearby. So in Astana with beautiful photos in nature will not be a problem either.
The Ishim River embankment is one of the key places for walks and photo sessions by the water. On the one hand - ramps, bridges and trees, on the other - reflections of modern facades. The place looks especially beautiful at dawn or in the evening, when the light plays on the surface of the water.
Along the embankment there are squares, lawns, alleys, green areas - they will be a great background for portraits or family photos. The same applies to green areas and flowerbeds near architectural sights and the same Baiterek Tower.
The Korean garden is a small gift to Kazakhstan from Korea as a sign of friendship between the states. If you want to combine beautiful photos of Astana and a bit of Asian style - you are here.
For lovers of nature photos we advise you to go out of town. For example, Borovoye (Burabai), Zerenda or the surrounding lakes. You can combine it with a walk in the fresh air or a vacation on the beach.
To photograph natural areas, it is recommended to use soft side lighting in the morning or evening, choose landscape angles, combine greenery and architecture in the frame and do not be afraid of deep focus or background blur. Use reflections near bodies of water.
Center and boulevards of Astana
One of the main places for photos in Astana is the center. Many squares and boulevards are concentrated here, and the architecture and urban layout create perspectives and interesting compositions.
Independence Square is the main square of the city. Here you can find the Cossack Ely stele, fountains and a lot of open space. This place is often used for official events and holiday parades.
Round Square is a two-level public square with fountains and pedestrian spaces.
The main boulevard and another star of Astana in the city photo is Nurzhol Boulevard. It is a pedestrian zone between the entertainment center Khan Shatyr and the Presidential Palace.
For shooting on squares it is recommended to use symmetry and center objects in the frame. It is better to shoot the boulevard lengthwise to get perspective. On pedestrian streets and promenades, work with depth. You can emphasize the grandeur of facades by shooting from the bottom up.
Architecture of Astana
Some of the most popular shots in Astana are photos of architecture. As already mentioned, it is primarily futurism, glass, metal, asymmetry and attempts to combine national motifs with modern forms.
In addition to the already mentioned objects we advise you to visit the EXPO-sphere, the concert hall "Kazakhstan", the monument to the defenders of the Fatherland. And also visit the mosques of Abu Nasyr al-Farabi and Khazret Sultan. Mosques decorate the photos of Astana not only as a background, but also as compositional centers. Especially in the evening, when the domes and minarets are illuminated.
City life: people, markets, stores
To get a taste of Astana's urban life, go to these places:
Art space under the Arkhar Bridge - a space with graffiti and geometric elements where creative street shots are created.
Demalys Promenade along Mambetov Street from Abay to Kenesary - there are strolling areas and a stage for performances.
Any modern business center can provide an interesting background due to the abundance of glass windows and innovative architectural solutions.
The main way to convey the spirit of Astana in the photos of tourists is to walk more often to catch the movement of people and transportation, and pay attention to the little things - facades, signs, doors, interesting angles.
Night and seasons
Backlit objects are best suited for night photography - Baiterek, Khan Shatyr, fountains on Nurzhol Boulevard, glass facades of the Palace of Peace and Accord, street windows. And the Karaotkel Bridge is sometimes illuminated with rainbow, creating a beautiful backdrop for romantic shots.
For night shots, use a tripod or steady support for long shutter speeds. And try shutter speeds of different lengths. Use a medium aperture to balance sharpness and light. Adjust the white balance, especially if the backlighting is multi-colored. Take shots with reflections - wet pavement, puddles, and storefronts can help. And use streetlights and facade lighting as a side accent on the model.
As for seasonality, the best time for outdoor photo shoots is summer. Parks, flowerbeds and the waterfront await you. In spring and early fall, there are comfortable temperatures and soft light for beautiful portraits. And fall leaves add romance to your shots and create warm accents. In winter - bright and spectacular contrasts, if you're lucky with snow and a frozen river. But be aware that it's very cold at this time, so dress warmly, protect your lens from condensation and take spare batteries.
