My first time to Dubrovnik was a couple years before Game of Thrones made it even more popular than it already was. I visited again many years later, and it was interesting to see how things had changed. But Dubrovnik always charmed me, and it never bothered me how touristy it was. It was such a joy to visit both times.

In 2009 I stayed in a cheap hotel just outside the old town’s entrance gate. The first day was miserable and rainy, so there weren’t many people out – it almost felt like a deserted town even. A good chance to take some black and white photos.

Even with rain, Dubrovnik will probably never see this kind of emptiness again. But that said, it helps most of the accommodation is outside the old town’s walls. Or should I say, King’s Landings walls?

Gear List

• Nikon D300
• Nikon AF-S 28-70mm f/2.8
• Tokina 12-24mm