Registan Square

Registan Square in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, is the signature photograph of the city: three madrasas facing across a wide plaza, covered in blue, turquoise and gold tile. The classic wide shot is taken from the centre of the plaza or the low steps in front of the Ulugh Beg Madrasa, with the Tilya-Kori dome centred and the Sher-Dor tiger mosaics on the right. Opening time, about 08:00, brings low, warm side light on the facades and few people in frame, and the last hour before closing gives a golden glow. After dark the facades are lit and a light projection is sometimes shown, so the square also works for night shots with a tripod, though tripods are often discouraged during busy hours. Inside, the courtyards offer symmetrical arches and craft stalls, and the gilded Tilya-Kori prayer hall is dim and needs a fast lens or higher ISO. A wide-angle lens of 16-35 mm is best for the plaza, and a 70-200 mm lens picks out tile detail on the portals. Spring and autumn offer clear skies. A ticket of about 65,000-100,000 UZS (~$5.40-8.30) is required, and drones are restricted without authorisation.