Recently I seem to be followed by rainbows – it’s like they are everywhere all of a sudden. I’m not complaining, but I thought a nice roundup of pictures of rainbows might be kind of fun. Who knows – maybe it will inspire you for a new travel adventure to find that elusive pot of gold waiting for you.
Niagara Falls (Canada & USA)
Having just been in Niagara, I see why it’s so easy to find pictures of rainbows here – there is mist everywhere! That’s because these falls have such a strong volume of water; they’re not the tallest, or widest, or biggest falls in any measurement, but in terms of volume, wow – they pack a punch. Take the Maid of the Mist boat ride for tons of rainbow opportunities – they’ll surround you.
Ireland
Ireland is another place we often think of for pictures of rainbows, because of that pot of gold at the bottom. This urban legend or myth actually originates in Old Europe, but it’s the Irish who have latched onto the concept. Perhaps for tourism reasons – though Ireland is such a beautiful country it needs no embellishment.
In Flight
I’ve seen lots of these gorgeous arcs myself, but never seen any pictures of rainbows midair so prominent as this one. I want to say a lot of this effect is due to the perspective you have against the sun – after all, it’s just tricks of light that you’re seeing.
Kansas, Missouri USA
Remember the Wizard of Oz? Dorothy took her fateful ride from Kansas, and it was Somewhere over a Rainbow that got her back. And today, the pictures of rainbows in Kansas are stunning, no? I can see why the movie switched to Technicolor halway though.
Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva’s famous for its iconic fountain, the Jet D’eau, which marks the city from Lake Geneva. Large and especially tall fountains are great for getting those elusive pictures of rainbows, because of the large amount of spray and mist produced.
New Zealand
As we all know, New Zealand is one of my favourite countries. And because of the remote island’s weather patterns, which are heavily influenced by the maritime climate, my (digital) rolls of film are full of pictures of rainbows. Double bows, triple bows, and even these big fat enormous ones like you see here. Stunning.
Moonbows
Moonbows are where the light of the moon, instead of the sun, generate a rainbow. Niagara Falls used to be famous for this effect, but now it’s just too bright in the city to see it. This shot is from another famous spot for it, Victoria Falls. Cumberland Falls (Kentucky), Waimea (Hawaii), and several other spots worldwide are known for it (but it’s rarely visible in many places today due to light pollution).
Altai Mountains, Russia
It might be a long way to go, but the Altai Mountains in the Southwest of Russia are well documented as one of the best places to see rainbows. If you want to take pictures of rainbows, just go for a hike – during summer sightings are documented daily. This area has a lot of myths, legends, and history, so it is only fitting for the area to also be visually interesting.
Igazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina
Last but certainly not lease, we end our tour at the foot of Iguazu Falls, on the border of Brazil and Argentina. These falls are one of my favourites because how the falls cascade around you. The cascade means you get a good spray without that ‘boiling cauldron’ effect like at Niagara. Plus due to the width of these falls, you won’t just get some good pictures of rainbows – but of multiple arcs in one shot. Awesome!
What’s your favourite rainbow story or experience?
Photo Credits: ktylerconk, pdam2, philipc, kansas poetry, psd, jonathanzawada, Wikipedia Commons, lifthin, DAB3218
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I love rainbows, all you need know is the Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World song