Photographer, Matthew Williams-Ellis, has travelled the world capturing extraordinary photographs of the places he visits and the people he meets. Matthew has shared with us his chosen shot of the week and the story behind it along with any insider tips on how to perfect your photography skills.

HACIENDA SAN AGUSTIN DE CALLO, COTOPAXI PROVINCE, ECUADOR

Ecuador

“San Agustin de Callo is like no other hotel I have ever had the pleasure to stay in or photograph. It is completely unique due to the fact that it was initially an Inca Palace. Much of the Inca stonework, such as the dark section seen on the right of this photo, still remains. In the 16th Century, after the downfall of the Inca Empire, it was used as a San Franciscan Monastery.

Photo tip: 45 minutes before sunrise, or 45 minutes after sunset is a great time to photograph your bedroom if you are willing to use a tripod as it is around this time, during the ‘blue hour’, that the lighting inside and outside of the room will be at a similar level. The blue in the window will also complement the warm lighting inside the bedroom making it feel even more cosy.”

Photographers Info: 2 seconds at f/10.0, ISO 50, 17mm, Tamron 17mm f/3.5

WHAT WE THINK…

Hacienda San Agustin is one of Ecuador’s most historic farms, hidden away in the southern Sierra beneath the peaks of the Avenue of Volcanoes, and its enviable views over Cotopaxi Volcano are truly mesmerising. We can arrange for our private, local guides to take guests hiking into the wilds of this incredible area, organising private picnics to enjoy distant views of the surrounding mountains and, on a clear day, from some of the highest points you can see all the way to Colombia. The Hacienda was built in circa 1440 and is one of our favourite places to stay in the southern Sierra, as it has a real sense of history and local tradition.

ABOUT MATTHEW WILLIAMS-ELLIS…Travel Photographer

Matthew is a freelance travel, documentary and landscape photographer. He is based in London but spends as much time as possible exploring the world, both on assignment, photographing personal projects and writing his blog. Matthew is passionate about the variety of photographic opportunities that travelling brings, whether it be heading to the top of a volcano for sunrise, or capturing the everyday lives of local people in a market.

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