Another trip to Budapest, but planned
Last weekend, I couldn't resist the siren call of yet another concert, so I packed my bags for a mini vacation. This time, I decided to get serious about my travel photography. Armed with my trusty Fujifilm X-T4 and a couple of zoom lenses that could double as weights at the gym, I was ready to capture every moment. The lenses might have been heavier than my luggage, but hey, no pain, no gain, right? The concert was a blast, and the perfect excuse to snap some epic travel photos while pretending I was on a professional photography mission.
Arriving late on a Friday night, the options were pretty limited: check in, grab some dinner, and head out for a quick evening stroll. Despite the long day and feeling a bit knackered, I decided to take my camera along and see if I could snap any decent photos. Who knows, maybe my tired eyes would find some accidental artistic genius!
Fortunately, the photography gods sprinkled their magic, transforming the sky into a golden hour wonderland! This divine lighting made for a picturesque stroll along the banks of the Danube, perfect for snapping those Instagram-worthy shots. As if the day couldn't get better, the ramen I devoured for dinner was out-of-this-world delicious. And guess what? I stumbled upon an adorable little film photography shop that's now officially on my list of wallet-draining hotspots.
Saturday would actually be the day when I would transform into a shutter-happy wanderer, give into my photography obsession and, at least attempt, to capture some epic shots.
Saturday kicked off with a caffeine boost and a trip to Budapest’s iconic Central Market Hall, just a stone's throw from Liberty Bridge. We had our expectations sky-high, envisioning a market brimming with exotic produce and delectable meats. But, alas, our foodie dreams were swiftly dashed by a sea of traditional fare. However, the photography prospects? Oh, they were as legendary as Instagram and YouTube promised!
From the outside, the market hall might seem like your typical 19th-century structure, but step inside and you’re in for a visual treat! Imagine large, bright windows casting a glow on intricate steel and iron arches, all under a stunning copper-colored ceiling that radiates a warm orange hue. It's a photographer’s paradise, a feast for the eyes that demands to be captured.
Whether you’re an amateur shutterbug or a seasoned pro, this place will make your camera’s heart sing. The architecture alone is worth the trip, and the lighting is just perfect for those insta-worthy shots. Trust me, it's a location that will lure me back for more photographic escapades.
Next on our photo journey was the majestic Buda Castle. My plan? Wander through the streets, snapping shots along the way, in search of those perfect sunset and blue hour scenes. And hey, night photography might even be on the cards! Armed with my longest lens, even though I often feel that I’m attaching the camera to it rather than the other way around, I aimed to snag unique angles and perspectives. Little did I know that the 150-500 lens would sometimes be a little too long…
As the day glided towards sunset, painting the sky from golden hues to a dreamy pink, it was prime time to whip out the tripod and scout for those perfect compositions, ideal for both stunning travel snapshots and mesmerizing long exposures. As luck would have it, we strolled along the opposite bank of the Hungarian Parliament building, only to stumble upon a delightful surprise: an impromptu fireworks spectacle right near this iconic landmark!
Sunday, the ultimate day of our adventure, unfolded with lavish brunches, endless queues under the blazing sun, and a mind-blowing concert. However, I regret to report zero photographic evidence of these epic moments. Why? Well, let's just say we snoozed through our alarm and the idea of lugging my camera around felt as appealing as sunburn. I mean, sure, smartphones have cameras now (who knew?), and I do use mine, but between worrying about battery drain and not getting lost on our way back to base camp, I totally spaced on whipping it out. Classic me! 😅
What a trip! Budapest totally confirmed what I suspected last time—it’s like Vienna’s bohemian cousin, but way more chill. It's officially in my top 5 weekend getaway spots. Now, all I need are more weekends to capture more awesome shots!