CameraClix Travel Updates: August Forecast
Whether you're itching for one last winter escape or planning a spontaneous spring adventure, August and September offer some of the year's most rewarding opportunities for travel photography. Across the globe, seasonal shifts, vibrant festivals, and playful moments unfold — all waiting to be captured through the lens.
And with World Photography Day (August 19) falling right in the middle, there’s no better excuse to chase new light, explore somewhere unexpected, or simply reconnect with the joy of shooting. This guide spotlights a few standout events and destinations ideal for Australian travellers with a creative itch and a carry-on ready to go.
Events
International Cat & Dog Day – Istanbul, Turkey & Queenstown, New Zealand
August 8 (Cat Day) & August 26 (Dog Day)
To celebrate two of the most photogenic creatures on the planet, we’re spotlighting a pair of destinations where cats and dogs are part of the landscape — not just pets, but local characters that help define the place.
In Istanbul, thousands of street cats roam freely and are lovingly cared for by the community — you’ll find them sunbathing on café chairs, wandering ancient alleys, or perched in windowsills across districts like Balat and Kadıköy. A fast prime lens (f/1.8 or wider) is perfect for candid portraits in narrow lanes or low light. For Dog Day, Queenstown’s dramatic alpine scenery and adventure culture make it a paradise for action-packed dog photos. Think mountain trails, lakeside zoomies, or snow play — shoot early or late with a mid-telephoto lens to get crisp, joyful moments against stunning backdrops.
La Tomatina – Buñol, Spain – August 27
This chaotic tomato-throwing festival is as wild as it gets — tens of thousands turn the streets into a red river for one hour of total mayhem. A waterproof camera or full rain housing is essential; use a wide-angle lens to get right in the action. Get there early to photograph the build-up and the greased pole event (palo jabón), which kicks off the tomato fight. Stay mobile, wear goggles, and keep your gear strapped — the mess is worth it for unforgettable, colour-splashed frames.
Oktoberfest – Munich, Germany – Starts September 21
Oktoberfest is a treasure trove of candid portraits, costume details, and glowing night scenes. For a unique angle, climb St. Paul’s Church across from the Theresienwiese — it offers a panoramic view of the entire fairground (open to the public during the festival). Go early in the day to photograph quiet beer tents before the crowds roll in, then stay for twilight to capture carnival lights. A 24–70mm lens will let you shoot both wide festival scenes and tight moments like beer steins clinking or waitstaff rushing through crowds.
Seasons
Tuscany, Umbria, and Beyond – Italy – September–October
Autumn in Italy means golden light, fewer tourists, and the vendemmia (grape harvest). Vineyards in Tuscany and Umbria are at their peak for landscape photography — rolling hills, hay bales, and sun-dappled rows of vines. Bring a polariser to make skies punchy and colours pop. Local festivals like Impruneta’s Festa dell’Uva offer street scenes rich with tradition and character. Sunrise and sunset are ideal for soft lighting over iconic cypress-lined roads or medieval townscapes.
Northern Highlands & Hội An – Vietnam – September–December
September is Vietnam’s golden season in the north — terraces in Mu Cang Chai and Sapa turn vivid yellow as rice ripens. A wide-angle lens helps show the sweeping curves of the landscape, while a telephoto brings out layers and detail. Around the Mid-Autumn Festival (late Sept), lanterns flood the streets of Hội An — perfect for night photography with fast primes or long exposure setups. Hire a local guide for access to authentic hill tribe scenes and respectful portrait opportunities.
Fairbanks & Interior – Alaska – Late August–September
Aurora season kicks off in late August around Fairbanks, with cooler nights and clear skies returning. It’s less crowded than winter, and still warm enough to shoot comfortably outdoors. Use a tripod and a wide, fast lens (f/2.8 or better) for 10–20 second exposures — auroras often appear between 10 PM and 2 AM. Lakes and rivers provide ideal reflections, while cabins or forests give foreground depth. Apps like Aurora Forecast or My Aurora Forecast help track geomagnetic activity.
Conclusion
This guide isn’t about chasing the most obscure places — it’s about finding the ones that are genuinely great to photograph right now. Some are well known, others a little less so, but all of them offer something special at this time of year, especially when you’re travelling with your camera in mind.
We’ve included practical gear tips so you know what to bring, when to go, and what kind of shots you can expect. Whether it’s bright chaos at La Tomatina, quiet mornings in Tuscany, or just a good photo of your dog at the lake, it’s all about getting out, using your gear, and enjoying the process.
If you do head off on one of these trips — or just find a great moment closer to home — tag us @CameraClix. We’d love to see what you capture.
