Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum

The Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, is photogenic for its ribbed turquoise dome and tall portal. The exterior is best shot from the entrance courtyard in late afternoon, when warm sunlight falls on the dome and the turquoise tile glows against a deep blue sky. A wide-angle lens helps capture the portal and dome together, and a longer lens isolates the ribs of the dome. The courtyard garden offers framing with trees. Inside, the main chamber is lit by modest windows and gilded walls; a fast lens or high ISO is needed, and flash and tripods are not welcome. Show respect, as it is a tomb. Tickets of about 40,000-75,000 UZS (~$3.30-6.25) are required. The adjoining Rukhabad and Ak-Saray mausoleums are smaller subjects and are lightly visited. The best seasons are spring and autumn, when the sky is clear and the light is soft. Tour groups arrive at midday, so early or late visits provide cleaner frames.