location-photo
camera
len
Canon EOS R
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L ll USM Lens
Shutter Speed
1/1600 sec
Aperture
f/2.8
Focal Length
33mm
ISO
100

Pigeon Tower in Katara Cultural Village

avatar
@parisverra
I fell in love with Katara Cultural Village. I spent hours here, which paid off because I was able to capture this perfect moment of the birds soaring in front of Pigeon Tower. Katara Cultural Village is bursting with things to see and do and all of the attractions are within walking distance of each other. There's great representation of local art, colorful architecture, and culture. (as of February 2022, the Pigeon Towers are being renovated)

Plan

Overview

Skill level

Easy
Accessbility
Public Location

Hours

Anytime

Fee

Free

Pack

  • Wide-angle lens (33mm)
  • Model (dressed in conservative clothing)
  • Tripod (optional)

How to get there

N25° 21' 33.2964"E51° 31' 29.9208"
This image was taken in front of Pigeon Tower in the Katara Cultural Village of Doha. I recommend driving to the area. Park in the main area at the Galeries Lafayette (25.360918, 51.522971) and then walk all the way through the center until you reach the Katara Opera House (25.359875, 51.524517). Continue right through the streets toward Pigeon Towers. Reference the GPS coordinates if you need any help locating the location.

Tips

When to go

Best season

All months

Best time

Morning, Mid-day, Late afternoon
The Pigeon Tower in Katara Cultural VIllage can be photographed during any month of the year. If you don't want to deal with hot temperatures, then avoid the summer months (June-September).
There are 360-degree views of Pigeon Tower, so feel free visit any time of the day! If you want similar lighting conditions, the morning, midday, and late afternoon on a clear, sunny day will be best. I went to this spot during the late afternoon, and although the light was a bit harsh, I didn't have much of an option. Instead, I made the most of it and it worked out as the sun began to set.

Field tips

Make sure yourself and your model are dressed modestly. Have your shoulders covered and make sure your legs are also covered.
Patience is key! I couldn't control the birds so I had to have patience and wait until they were flying behind me. The birds come and go, so even though it might take a minute, eventually you'll be able to capture the pigeons in your shot.
A wide-angle lens will help you to incorporate the full frame of the towers in an area that's actually a bit smaller than it appears in real life.
Incorporating a model with movement changes the entire feel of the photo! Just like the birds, it can look great if your model opens their arms and gracefully shows off their own wingspan.
A tripod could help assist the process of waiting for the birds to make sure the photographer is ready to take photos as soon as they start to fly.

Current weather

Doha
Clear
107o
F
Fri
112o
95o
Sat
112o
93o
Sun
111o
93o
Mon
110o
91o
Tue
113o
91o

Blue Hour

01:34
107o
Clear

Sunrise

01:59
107o
Clear

Golden Hour

14:51
107o
Clear

Sunset

15:23
107o
Clear

Do nearby

Galeries Lafayette is a department store that is filled with retail shops. Spend the day window shopping or head inside the stores to treat yourself to some new clothes.
If shopping isn't what you're looking for, I suggest walking over to one of the many cafes to grab a cup of coffee or a bite to eat. Some of the closest restaurants are Khan Farouk Tarab Cafe, Ard Canaan Restaurant and Chac'Late.

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