Visit The Alhambra: A Film Photographer's Guide
As a curious traveler, writer and photographer, I'm always seeking out beautiful places to experience and capture on film. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the Alhambra in Granada, Spain – and it was just as incredible as I had imagined!
This stunning 13th-century Moorish palace is a paradise for photographers. Together with my Rolleiflex and a roll of Fuji Pro 400H film, I spent a quiet morning exploring this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site. You can see more in my latest YouTube video.
There are already plenty of resources covering Alhambra’s history and architecture, so in this post, I'll share some practical tips for planning your visit and my personal advice for photographing this historic space.
PLAN AHEAD & START EARLY
It’s probably no surprise when I say that the key to a quiet experience at the Alhambra is an early start. We booked our Nasrid Palace tickets for the 8:30 AM entrance, and it was absolutely worth the early wake-up call. The Alhambra is a crown jewel of Granada and the entire Andalucia region so there are plenty of sites to buy tickets but I strongly recommend booking via the official Alhambra website to avoid a potential scam.
If you’re passionate about history or architecture consider doing some research in advance because there aren’t many signs around with information on site. But they do offer an audio guide or you can download the app. The entire site is 26 acres so, there’s a lot to see and planning ahead can give you an idea of what to prioritize for your visit. I’ll share some highlights and practical tips the end of this post.
We visited in mid-September, and despite an overcast day, we got to see a little sunrise on the way up the hill. Our peaceful morning in the palace, shared with just a handful of other visitors, was magical. I was able to relax and simply enjoy being in awe of the architecture. Within an hour, the Palace of the Lions was buzzing with tourists, which is to be expected in a site like this!
Images shot with my Rolleiflex 2.8F and Fuji Pro 400H
TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY
The Alhambra presents some interesting technical challenges for photographers. For me, the biggest challenge was trying not to take pictures of everything! In this case, shooting film was a great challenge because it forced me to be really considerate with each frame. Of course, I had more than one roll of film on hand, but in principle, I like shooting with intention, especially when using medium-format film. Looking back, I wish I had perhaps shot another roll but the scarcity factor makes what I shot even more special and I like that.
Whether you're shooting film or digital, remember that the best photos come from taking time to truly see and connect with your subject. I keep repeating that this was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! I found myself lost in the details, absorbing the beauty and history of this remarkable place.
Remember, the true art of photography isn't just about the final images – it's about the process of observation, feeling, and connecting with a place to create lasting memories.
FILM PHOTOGRAPHY AT THE ALHAMBRA
Consider the right film stock for your needs. If you’re visiting during the peak afternoon sun, you can get away with low-speed films like Gold 200 or Ektar 100 because you’ll have tons of light.
We visited on an overcast morning and started inside the palace, so I chose 400-speed film for its versatility in handling both bright courtyards and dim interiors. I went for Fuji Pro 400H because it has amazing green tones which paired well with the lush gardens.
The Rolleiflex's leaf shutter was perfect for shooting handheld at slower speeds (1/60 or even 1/30). I usually shot around f4 or f5.6 to balance focus and depth.
For composition, I leaned into the Alhambra’s extensive use of geometry, using arches to create natural frames.
When shooting with a TLR, remember to leave extra headroom at the top of your frame.
Look up! Some of the most spectacular details are above you like the muqarnas (honeycomb vaulted ceilings).
TAKE YOUR TIME
I often notice other visitors rushing through, quickly snapping photos without really connecting to their surroundings. The whole point of traveling and visiting somewhere as iconic as the Alhambra is to make your own unique memory there. I can’t emphasize this enough!
In today’s hyper-speed, social media-driven culture, many people get caught up in trying to share their experiences with everyone else at the moment. But traveling that way is not only annoying for everyone else around. It’s also going to take away from your unique once-in-a-lifetime experience.
I recommend d slowing down to observe and connect. This is not only a more pleasant way to explore your surroundings but also the key to more meaningful storytelling. Slowing down allows you to tune into the space, learn, listen, and seek a unique perspective instead of aiming for the exact same shot. Check out my YouTube video to learn more about how mindfulness can boost your creativity.
Images shot with Fuji XT5
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR VISITING THE ALHAMBRA
Book tickets in advance, especially for the Nasrid Palace
Bring your ID (yes, they really checked our passports for the Nasird Palace)
Wear comfortable shoes & pack light —you'll be doing lots of walking the space is massive
Your ticket allows one entry to each site, so plan your route carefully
If you only have one day, prioritize the Nasrid Palace, Alcazaba, and Generalife Gardens
If possible, consider spreading your visit across multiple days. The light changes dramatically throughout the day, and there's so much to explore that you'll appreciate having extra time to work with different conditions.
Have you visited the Alhambra? I'd love to hear about your experience or additional tips for future visitors. Let me know the comments below or join the conversation on Instagram.
