Sunset, Sand, Click!

Good to know

THE PERFECT ZANZIBAR SHOT

• Best Instagram beach:
• Mtende beach
• Overcast days perfect for portraits
• Black-and-white photography   does not mean just removing colour
• Ask for permission to photograph people
• Favourite motifs: architecture, people, culture

Island storyteller and artist shares his best tricks for anyone who can’t resist a sunset – including a simple formula for beating harsh beach glare.

If there were a world championship for sunset photos, Zanzibar would be a serious contender. Every evening, thousands of fingers hover over camera buttons as the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean — and almost nobody can resist snapping “just one more.” The only thing that varies wildly? The results.

To help you level up your holiday shots, we turned to one of the island’s most talented photographers, Robin Batista, 40. Born and raised in Zanzibar, he started his photography career in 2004. Here he shares his top tips for capturing Zanzibar at its best – without blown-out skies, ghostly faces or that dreaded white-sand glare.

Want to take home one of his professional prints? Visit his gallery Robin Batista on Gizenga Street in Stone Town.

What is the most “instagrammable” location of Zanzibar?

Robin Batista: Zanzibar offers endless Instagram-worthy locations. The entire island is naturally picturesque, from the rustic charm and winding alleys of Stone Town to the breathtaking turquoise waters and pristine sands of its beaches. But for me, Mtende Beach – also called the Secret Beach at the southern tip of the island- truly stands out as a must-visit destination.

Light is crucial of course: what is the best time to take photos?

It depends on your desired effect. The golden hour (just after sunrise and before sunset) offers soft, warm light ideal for most photos. The blue hour (just before sunrise and after sunset) provides cool, moody light for creative shots. Turquoise hour for great beach photos between

7 am to 9 am and 3 pm to 4pm. Midday light is harsh and often avoided, but can be used for dramatic effects. Even overcast days are not to be feared: in contrary, they provide soft light perfect for portraits.

Is there a technique for photographing on the beach?

To take great beach photos with your phone, manually adjust the exposure to be slightly under-exposed to get details of the white sand. Don’t forget to keep your lens clean from fingerprints, and follow the rule of thirds for composition – placing key elements along the 3×3 grid. Experiment with different angles, looking for reflections when possible.

And to catch the sunset?

The same applies – have the exposure slider a little under-exposed to avoid blown out sunsets.

A common mishap is to position yourself in front of a sunset, and end up with a dark photo…

Indeed. When photographing someone in front of a sunset, the person appears dark because the camera focuses on the bright sky. To make the person visible, tap to focus on them, use HDR mode, manually adjust the exposure, or use fill flash.

Is it okay to photograph people, for instance in Stone Town?

Always ask for permission especially for close-ups or portraits, ask parents when taking photos of children. In Swahili we ask “Naomba kupiga picha tafadhali”. Be sensitive to cultural and religious contexts, respect if someone says no. Be aware that some may expect a tip.

What about the artistic divers at the sea-front?

For the divers, action shots are usually fine.

You are selling fantastic black-and-white art photos in your gallery, some in XXL size – any tips for those?

Taking a great black and white photo involves focusing on mood, contrast, and composition rather than simply removing colour. Look for strong contrasts, shapes and lines. Use side lighting for depth and shadows, and to highlight textures. Choose subjects that convey emotion or drama.

What’s your favourite motive?

Capturing the authentic rhythms of daily life in Zanzibar, comes down to this formula:  blending the vibrant essence of its people with the timeless allure of historic architecture and the island’s rich cultural heritage.

Robin Batista Photo Gallery Zanzibar, 155 Gizenga St

• 9 am – 6 pm. Monday – Saturday.
• Number: +255 777 575664.
• Online shop: www.robinbatista.com
• IG: @zanzibarphotography
• FB: robinbatistazanzibar/