So my suggestion is a single server specifically for taking screenshots or just exploration. Mobs would be peaceful and there would be no combat/gathering/no anything. This way players could go anywhere in the world regardless of level to either just explore and see the world, as well as take screenshots anywhere. It would be a really cool place for the players who just want to take pretty screens all over the world, with it's monsters and creatures, and not have to fight them. Making the server have no way to gain anything other than screenshots would also keep the server from being used as a private gathering or lifeskill server so it wouldn't disrupt regular gameplay or ways of doing things.
don't you think it's a bit much asked to have an entire server for yourself just to make a few screenshots, while the rest is struggling with lags already?
..... And hey, wouldn't it be a better screenshot if there was some rabid fogan behind you photo-bombing things?
My thoughts exactly. Work with whatever you have. It's challenging, it can be fun and you can learn more. Having some action on them screenshots would make them more interesting.