Dubai is one of the most difficult cities in the world to photograph — the bright sun, local customs and zealous security guards can stymie even the simplest shots. But American photographer Lauren Lancaster shows it's possible to make good pictures in the desert capital. For example, even though you can't take a close-up of the city's most recognizable icon, the Burj Al Arab Hotel, without being a guest of the hotel, you can get close enough by walking onto the beach of the neighboring hotel complex, the Madinat Jumeirah. Lancaster says this, too, is technically forbidden, but it's unlikely that anyone will stop you.

• 1. Burj Al Arab
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