Photography In Socotra

I was fortunate to visit Socotra with one of the worlds best landscape photographers - Daniel Kordan and we had a focus on documenting the island photographically during our stay. Many people who visit Socotra will have at least some interest in photography and if you dont, you likely will by the time you leave! The landscape is incredibly photogenic, especially with so many unique plants and trees. For the most part you will be able to get really creative with compositions and very few people will leave Socotra with the same photo! I travelled to Socotra with my full camera bag - wide angle landscape lenses and telephoto zoom lenses. Bring with you lens cleaner and sensor cleaner, as the conditions are really sandy. Think carefully about memory cards and batteries as the opportunity to charge electronics is pretty limited. Even with a phone camera you will have the opportunity to take some amazing images and video - my favourite image from Socotra is from my iPhone, taken hiking back down the Archer dunes with my entire camera bag on my back (ironic). Drones are an interesting one. The advice we received and everything we found online, suggested there was no issue with drones. However, others have said they had drones confiscated on arrival. If you are travelling from Dubai, I would suggest having your drone registered and having a license to operate your drone. Observe the rules that apply to drones in countries like the UAE/Saudi Arabia, especially avoid flying anywhere near military facilities or the airport. Below are my favourite photography places in Socotra and some suggestions if you are visiting for a photography.