Canggu is a picturesque corner of Bali where a photographer can create wonderful images.
But where do you have your photoshoot? Are there any rules regarding a couple’s photoshoot that you should know to avoid offending the locals? What about street photography? Is it OK to take photos of anyone?
Our quick guide to photography in Canggu will help you understand the local rules and create photos of real beauty from each session that you take part in.
Photography Rules In Canggu
There are a few rules you should know in Bali before you go out to shoot. In the main, Balinese people are very understanding and warm towards visitors but there are some things that might annoy them and they’re best avoided.
- You cannot offer professional services as a photographer anywhere in Bali. This is a protected occupation for locals only and it’s against the law. If you’re caught running a couple’s photoshoot for cash on the beach, you could be arrested and/or fined/ and/or deported. However, you’re unlikely to create any waves if you’re just taking photos (so landscape photographers, etc. are fine) but if it looks like you’re making money, you may face problems especially if a local photographer sees you doing it.
- You can take photos in any public place legally. If you want to shoot in the streets of Canggu or on the beach, you can and nobody can stop you from doing so. However, if somebody asks you to point your camera the other way – you might want to do so, we don’t recommend getting into any conflicts here in Canggu even if you’re legally entitled to do something.
- Private places can set their own rules. If you want to go to a beach club, you will find that most of the clubs in Canggu won’t let you in with your photographic equipment. You’ll need to store it at the front desk and the only camera you will be allowed is a smartphone. This is 100% legal and mirrors practice all over the world. If somebody owns the space, it’s not public and they set the rules.
- You don’t need a model release to use somebody’s image that you create in Canggu. The exception to this (as with nearly everywhere) is if you use the image in a corporate advertisement – then, the model is entitled to be paid and needs to sign a release.
- It’s OK to photograph women, children, etc. In fact, you may find that people are very happy when you do. Indonesians generally don’t have the same issues regarding privacy that Westerners do.
- You do not need to pay the subjects of street photos. Even if someone asks for money, you’re entirely free to refuse them.
- Your photos belong to you. That means nobody can force you to delete images that you’ve taken in Canggu. No matter how insistent they are. However, we’d advise deleting the images if the police or members of the local banjar (the Bali equivalent of the village council) ask you to even if the law says you don’t have to.
- Please don’t take photos in sensitive places. That means no military installations or places that are clearly out of bounds to the public. There aren’t many of these in Canggu, mind you, but it’s best to use common sense regarding this.
- Don’t use flash in temples. Canggu doesn’t have a lot of temples but those that it does offer are off-limits to flash photography.
- Never move things or climb on them to get better shots. This is especially true in Canggu temples, on the beach, etc. Other people will not be impressed and it could get you into trouble.
- Be considerate. There’s no law that requires you to take notice of other people’s feelings but it’s better to be ethical and make Canggu a nice place for everyone.
- Be careful about what you publish. Indonesia has some odd defamation laws that could see a photographer getting into trouble for publishing genuine images. While there are legal debates here as to whether these laws are right or just, it’s best to avoid publishing any contentious photos that could embarrass someone.
The Best Places For A Photographer To Make Stunning Images In Canggu
Canggu Beach – Where To Shoot
The black sand of Canggu Beach isn’t always people’s ideal holiday beach but it’s an amazing asset to the photographer.
That’s because as the sun sets, the water on the sand will add interesting warm reflections to the environment and the overall vibe is one of beauty and mystery.
If you want to shoot a couple’s session then a simple strong along the shore line, with the couple holding hands as the waves wash against the shore it will look fabulous.
The dark of the sand is also great for the fashion photographer seeking to showcase bright, bold clothing with a dark contrast to the sand.
The Canggu Beach area is also amazing for wedding and engagement shoots.
While you could head to Echo Beach, Berawa Beach or Batu Bolong Beach for your shoot, we’d head a little to the North of Canggu and aim for Mengening Beach or Nyanyi Beach.
Get there around sunset and you’ll find these beaches are relatively quiet and Mengeing Beach has a dramatic rock formation for use as a backdrop (and if you head to the end of the beach, there’s also a spectacular old temple similar to Tanah Lot but without the crowds of tourists).
When To Shoot
If you get here at sunrise, these beaches will be empty and while you won’t get the spectacular backdrop of sunset, you will get some lovely light to create amazing images in this part of Canggu.
Sunset has the best light and the Golden Hour in this part of Canggu is something to behold – you can get incredible silhouettes as the sun finally descends behind the horizon.
Just make sure to watch out for the weather as it’s a bit interchangeable.
If you are shooting a photoshoot with people (as opposed to just wandering around with a camera) you will need to pay for a permit at a cost of 300,000 IDR (that’s $20 USD or $30 AUD).
Canggu Rice Fields – Where To Shoot
The rice fields of Canggu may not be as famous as those in Tegallalang or Jatiluwih but that’s a big advantage for a keen photographer.
It means you can create photos with much less risk of other tourists blundering into your shots and leaving you to edit them out of the natural beauty of this area.
We’d head to the terrace on Jalan Raya Seseh/Jalan Raya Muggu near the Bajra Siddhi Palace.
That’s because it’s got a great contour that allows you to shoot the entire green field without visual distractions and it looks like the most famous rice terraces in Bali in your photos.
When To Shoot
Before you head to the rice fields, you need to check the current harvest season. There’s no point in visiting just after a harvest, the fields will be muddy brown.
You want to go as late into the season as possible prior to the harvest to get the best shoot. The harvest cycle is around 4 months.
The best time of day for light is either sunrise or sunset but given that this place is never all that busy, we’d go at sunsetor even a bit earlier and then head to the beach nearby to create some more amazing photos.
A Tip For What To Wear For A Photoshoot In The Rice Fields
Please don’t wear high heels on a rice field. Not only are you likely to hurt yourself if you try but you will also damage the field itself.
FAQs
Is Street Photography Legal In Canggu?
Yes! You can take street photos anywhere in Bali and it’s completely legal to do so. You should be polite and kind while you shoot.
Can I Have A Professional Photoshoot In Canggu?
Yes, but you will need to use the services of a local photographer and if you’re shooting on private land, you may need to pay for permission to do so from the landowners. You can use the images after the shoot in any way that you see fit.
Final Thoughts On Photography In Canggu
Canggu is a great place to create photos and make lasting memories of your holiday here.
If you want to capture the beauty of Canggu, make sure you follow the basic rules outlined above and you will have a perfect time of being a photographer here.
However, if you intend to carry out a couple’s photoshoot, we’d strongly recommend using the services of a local photographer rather than trying to use a friend or family member as the camera man as it could create problems with the law.
If you found this piece useful, you may also appreciate our recent piece on the history of Canggu. There’s a lot to learn about this part of the island.