Film Photography Guide to Granada's Generalife Gardens
Perched high above the city of Granada, the historic "Hill of the Sun," the gardens are a photographer's paradise.
To me, there’s nothing better than seeking out beautiful places to explore and capture with my camera. During my recent visit to Granada, Spain, we took two days to thoroughly visit the iconic Alhambra. First, we visited the historic Nasrid Palace and surrounding areas, and on the second day, we explored the stunning Generalife Gardens! You can see the photos I shot on my Rolleiflex below.
With endless plants, flowers, fountains, and sun-drenched architecture to photograph, this UNESCO site proved even more enchanting than I had imagined. Yet for film photographers, the gardens can present unique challenges – from harsh midday lighting to views crowded by tourists.
Whether using a medium format camera like a Rolleiflex 2.8F or a classic 35mm SLR, gardens offer endless inspiration for beginner and experienced film photographers. This blog post is a guide to help you make the most of your visit. I'll share the best times to visit the Alhambra and Generalife gardens, plus the best film stocks to use for soft morning light and composition techniques to help you create compelling images. Make the most of your visit and walk away with photographs that truly capture the essence of this green paradise. If you do visit, please let me know how it went!
History
The Generalife Gardens are a breathtaking blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty. Originally built in the 13th century as a summer retreat for sultans, these gardens represent the Islamic vision of paradise on Earth. With breathtaking views, this dreamy atmosphere is perfect for photographers. It offers endless opportunities to capture stunning compositions and over 700+ plant species, ranging from local flora to exotic imports.
When it comes to architecture, the Generalife Palace and Gardens represent the Andalucian region's mix of Islamic, Christian, and Renaissance influences. Key design features include intricate geometric layouts, shaded walkways, breezy pavilions, and serene water features. One architectural feature I loved was the delicate filigree carvings and scalloped arches, which frame panoramic views of Granada.
Natural Light Photography Tips
For optimal lighting and fewer crowds, visit the gardens early in the morning. The soft, golden light of sunrise enhances the lush greenery, architectural details, and water features. Photographers can take advantage of the quiet atmosphere to scout the best angles and experiment with compositions.
View of the Alhambra in morning light.
Recommended Medium Format Film Stocks
I shot two rolls of film (at box speed) during our visit and am really happy with the results, especially for botanical photographs. If I got the chance to visit again, I would try some black and white films (like Ilford HP5) to capture architectural details.
Kodak Gold 200: Ideal for the morning light, this film's forgiving exposure latitude captures rich greens and soft yellows. Its fine grain is perfect for details, making it well-suited for shaded areas like pergolas or tree canopies.
Kodak Ektar 100: Best for midday photography, Ektar 100 excels at rendering vibrant colors and sharp details. Its saturated tones highlight the vivid pigments of the flowers and the warm hues of the Alhambra's stones.
Photography Tips for Shooting Film in Natural Light
Scout the location: Explore the gardens first to understand the light direction and layout.
Arrive early: The soft, directional light captures the gardens' beauty without harsh shadows. Plus, you beat the crowds and have more quiet time to explore.
Leverage natural light: Position yourself east in the morning to capture the Alhambra's honey-colored stones bathed in warm light.
Experiment with different apertures: I usually stick to f/4-5.6 to create separation between foreground and background, especially when shooting through flowers or leaves. If there’s enough light, you could also use f/8 for sharper focus across the frame, which is ideal for landscapes or wide compositions.
Seek dynamic lighting: Look for dappled light filtering through trees or shadows that emphasize architectural details.
Find layered compositions: Placing flowers in the foreground with architectural features in the background creates depth in your shots.
Photography Composition Tips
Layer your elements: Combine flowers, water features, and architectural structures to add depth.
Frame your shots with flowers and architecture: Use arches, doorways, or hedges to frame your shots.
Experiment with double exposures: Blend the vibrant natural elements with intricate architectural designs for unique results.
Check out my video on YouTube for the full story and the entire series I shot in this garden.
Have you visited the Alhambra or Generalife Gardens? I'd love to hear about your experience and feel free to share more tips for future visitors in the comments or join the conversation on YouTube.
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.
