Some images come easy.
Others require hard work and a lot of patience to capture.
This is especially true when shooting landscapes or cityscapes. You need perfect conditions if you’re going to get that perfect shot.
Some places elevate the idea of having to wait for the perfect conditions to a whole new level
There are a few unique photo opportunities around the world that only present themselves for a few days every year.
And now there is a new way to discover when and where these events happen.
Rove.me not only helps you find out about these naturally occurring phenomena but also makes sure you never miss them again.
You can browse the Sunsets & Sunrises collection by date to find out about when these special once-a-year events happen.
So let’s get straight to it.
Here are 5 of the best once-a-year events from around the world to photograph
1) Chicagohenge
This spectacle occurs only twice a year. Around the spring and autumn equinoxes.
It’s when the sun is perfectly aligned between two buildings and sets between them, lighting up the cities’ streets that run from east to west in a spectacular way.
One of the best places in the city to see Chicagohenge is between Kinzie and Madison streets.
But you’ll be able to see it from many of the cities’ streets that run from east to west.
2) Manhattanhenge
If you would prefer to visit the big apple instead of Chicago to catch a glimpse of this modern day Stonehenge-like event, then something similar occurs in New York’s Manhattan at the same time of the year.
Since the sun will perfectly align itself in a westerly direction at sunset anywhere on Earth during the spring and autumn equinoxes, you don’t have to be in Chicago to watch it dip below the horizon between two buildings.
In Manhattan, the streets are organised into a grid with many of them running east to west. So find yourself an iconic New York City location (Times Square is a good one), set up the camera and wait for the sun to set.
3) Auke Bay Sunset
Auke Bay in Alaska is home to one of the most stunning, good old-fashioned, sunsets in North America.
During the winter months, nature-lovers and photographers flock to this small corner of wilderness to enjoy a show that flaunts every colour you could ever expect to see produced from the setting sun.
Watching the sky explode with colour whilst in the snow-covered, frosty setting of the Alaskan winter wilderness is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most.
One that shouldn’t be passed on if you ever get the chance.
4) Sunset at Keyhole Arch, Pfeiffer Beach
While there are no exact dates for when the sun can be seen punching through the small opening, the best time is mid-December to mid-January.
It’s also important to note the level of the tide as it can dramatically affect your composition by killing off any reflection if the tide is too high.
The angle of the light beam will change each day during the last half of December/first half of January and you’ll have only a few minutes each day to capture this awesome event.
Make sure you’re prepared so you don’t miss the precious few minutes you have to capture the moment.
Also, be prepared for some friendly competition with other photographers.
After all, such a special natural event that happens only rarely is bound to attract more than just one keen photographer.
5) Yosemite’s Firefall
The last place on this list is a special one.
During the second week of February, Horsetail Falls in Yosemite National Park becomes one of the most awe-inspiring natural phenomena the world has to offer.
When all of the right conditions come together the small waterfall begins to glow like it’s on fire. For a 10 minute period, it changes from waterfall to firefall.
The conditions have to all align and come together at the same time during the second week in February for this to work.
There needs to be clear skies and enough snowmelt so that the river feeding the falls is flowing.
If it doesn’t happen during that one-week window of opportunity, then you’ll have to wait another year to get your chance of photographing the Horsetail Firefall.
Which one of these 5 naturally occurring phenomena would you visit given the chance?
Don’t forget that there are plenty more unique places around the world to photograph that can only be captured once a year.
Make sure you check them out!
I’m a professional travel photographer, and I’ve been living the digital nomad lifestyle since 2016. I make money by working on client assignments, selling stock photography and helping other photographers by sharing my experiences on this website. I move around at my own pace (I hate fast-paced travel) and like to spend a few months getting to know each place I base myself in.
My writing and photos have been featured on industry leading websites such as Digital Photography School, Atlas Obscura and the world’s leading underwater photography resource The Underwater Photography Guide. I authored an eBook called “Breaking Into Travel Photography: The complete guide to carving out a career in travel photography” that has been published on Amazon. My stock images have also appeared in ads promoting destinations and companies that sometimes has been a surprise, even to me. But I guess that’s the nature of stock photography, you never know who will license them!
I’m always happy to connect, so feel free to reach out!