Laie Hawaii Temple

Sitting on manicured grounds in the small North Shore town of Laie, this white neoclassical temple is one of the most striking architectural subjects on Oahu, with clean lines, symmetrical facades, and a reflecting pool that doubles the structure beautifully. The front reflection pool is your primary compositional tool; shoot from low and close to the water's edge to maximize the mirror effect with the temple centered in the frame. Early morning gives you the softest light and the best chance of still water in the pool before any wind picks up, while golden hour in the late afternoon wraps the white exterior in warm tones. A standard 24-70mm lens handles most compositions well, and stepping back toward the entrance gates lets you use the formal garden pathways as leading lines. The grounds are open to the public and well maintained, making access straightforward. (Laie, Hawaii, United States)