Jordan Travel Photography: 20 Stunning Photos to Inspire Your Trip

Let me be the first to tell you—Jordan is a dream for photographers. Traveling solo, I was completely surprised by how safe, photogenic, and welcoming this country was. From ancient cities carved into stone to the surreal landscapes of Wadi Rum, Jordan gave me magic at every turn.

Now I want you to find that same magic—camera in hand.

In this post, I’m sharing 20 of my favorite Jordan travel photos alongside tips for capturing your own. You’ll see why Jordan is one of the best destinations for photography in the Middle East—and how to protect your gear while exploring its deserts, ruins, and vibrant towns.

This photo essay includes:

• Inspiration for your own solo trip to Jordan
• Iconic sights like Petra, the Dead Sea, and Wadi Rum
• Hidden gems like Umm Qais and Dana Biosphere Reserve
• Practical photography gear and safety tips

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My Gear for Jordan Travel Photography

Most of these photos were shot with my Sony Alpha 7II paired with two lenses:

• Sony 24–70mm lens – versatile for landscapes, city shots, and food.
• Sony 55–210mm lens – perfect for zooming in on camels in Wadi Rum or details in Petra.

I also used my iPhone 12 Pro Max for quick captures—especially for low-light shots like the Milky Way at Wadi Rum (long exposure mode). Although, I’ll be honest with you I wish I had something a bit better.

Protecting Your Camera in Jordan’s Elements

Jordan is beautiful but tough on gear—think sand, heat, and sudden changes in light. A few tips that saved me:

• Use a UV or clear protective filter on your lens. It’s easier (and cheaper) to clean than to scratch glass.
• Bring a microfiber cloth—sand and dust cling to everything. I cleaned my lens almost daily.
• Zip-top bags are lifesavers when moving between dusty desert trails and air-conditioned rooms.
• Don’t forget a lens hood—the desert sun can cause harsh flares.
• Carry extra batteries—Petra hikes are long, and the heat drains power faster than you think.

If you’re combining solo travel with photography, light gear is key. I pared down to the essentials above and never regretted it.

1. Wadi Rum at Sunset – A Golden Desert Glow

📍 Wadi Rum
Our guide Firas, led us to a desert viewpoint where the sky shifted from gold to pink-purple. Photographing Jordan is more than capturing landscapes—it’s capturing emotion.

2. The Siq – Petra’s Dramatic Entrance

📍 Petra
Walking through the narrow Siq felt like stepping into another world. Every twist builds anticipation before the grand reveal of the Treasury.

3. The Monastery Viewpoint – Petra’s Best Kept Secret

📍 Petra
After 860 steps, I found one of the best spots for Petra photography. Many visitors miss it, but solo travelers seeking quiet views should not.

5. Starry Nights at Wadi Rum Camps

📍 Harb Eco Camp, Wadi Rum
The Milky Way overhead was unforgettable. Taken with my iPhone 12 Pro Max in long exposure mode.

6. Camels of Wadi Rum

📍 Wadi Rum
I didn’t ride them, but photographing these curious camels was a highlight.

7. Jerash – Roman Ruins in Jordan

📍 Jerash
An easy one-hour trip from Amman, Jerash is one of the most intact Roman cities outside Italy—a must for history and photography lovers.

8. Temple of Artemis

📍 Jerash
I had this temple almost to myself. Sometimes the best Jordan travel photography moments are the quietest ones.

9. Umm Qays – Ancient Ruins Overlooking Borders

📍 Umm Qays
This Greco-Roman site offers views across Jordan, Israel, and Syria. Quiet, powerful, and incredibly photogenic.

10. Hiking the Start of the Jordan Trail

📍 Umm Qays to Wadi Arab Dam
Our guide Farag led us on a hike along the Jordan Trail. The mix of landscapes and history made it unforgettable.

11. Dead Sea From Above

📍 Dead Sea Area
The mineral patterns and colors were surreal—one of my favorite drone-like shots (taken with zoom).

12. Pink Pools of the Dead Sea

📍 Dead Sea
These hidden pools can’t be geotagged, but they’re a reminder that Jordan still holds secrets.

13. The Women of Beit Khayrat Souf

📍 Souf
Cooking Maqluba with these women was an experience full of laughter and warmth.