Travel photography is an exciting and unique genre of photography that captures the essence of a place, its people, and its culture. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, capturing the beauty and magic of the places you visit is an incredibly rewarding experience. And for many of us a tremendous help remembering where we have been, hehe.
One of the best things about travel photography is that it can be done anywhere, at any time, in any style! From bustling cities to remote tropical islands, there’s always something new to discover and capture on camera. Whether you’re traveling for work or for pleasure, taking your camera with you is a great way to document your adventures and create lasting memories – or a side hustle.
But where do you start when it comes to taking great travel photos? Here are some tips to help you get started:
#1 Do Your Research
Before you leave for your trip, take some time to research the place you’ll be visiting. Find out what the must-see sights are, what the local customs and culture are like, and what kind of weather and lighting conditions you can expect. This will help you plan your shoots and be better prepared for the conditions you’ll encounter.
- Check Instagram, Locationscout, and simply google for spots that are known to be great to take photos. For Google, ‘YOUR PLACE photography’ usually works well for me! You can even check for Airbnb experiences to find ongoing activities that allow you to take photos!
- Consider checking how long it will take to go from point A to point B! A trip still has to be enjoyable, so running and gunning is less fun than it sounds. Rather, plan enough time to take breaks, go grocery shopping (or visit restaurants), and spend time with your companions, if any.
- Try to be at a great spot at sunset (or sunrise, if possible). If all fails, planning to be at a specific spot during sunset or sunrise will round up any day nicely – if the weather is in.
- Take the right equipment! If you are into street photography, a prime or zoom lens might serve you better than a wide-angle lens and you might not need a tripod, but if you are into star photography you need those things. Researching what is possible at a location allows you to pick the gear that makes it happen.
- Consider contacting local photographers and asking for a photo walk. Many photographers are suuuuuuuuper social and love company – especially if the other person is also into photography! You could check Instagram, find a photographer that does the style you do, and just hit them up to head out together!
Of course, using websites to find great spots means you won’t reinvent the wheel, but short of going to the Amazon, people have been to most places. Once you are at such spot, you can deviate from the path here and there to find hidden gems, but this way you’re at least sure to get a great motive that you know works!
#2 Get To Know Your Camera
If you’re new to photography, it’s important to familiarize yourself with your camera and how it works. This will help you take better photos (and faster!) and make the most of your travels. Experiment with different settings, lenses, and accessories, and learn how to make the most of your camera’s features. To get you started, here is a guide I wrote on getting to know your camera – check it out and learn everything about ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed, and Manual Mode.
#3 Look For Unique Perspectives
One of the biggest challenges of travel photography is finding ways to make your photos stand out. Instead of taking the same old shots that everyone else is taking, look for unique perspectives and angles that will make your photos truly unique. Try shooting from high up, or from down low, or even getting up close and personal with your subjects. Below are some examples where I think I managed to get creative with angles – have a look and look around next time you are standing in a group of 10 other photographers! You can find all of my images in my portfolio.
#4 Embrace The Unknown
One of the best things about travel photography is the sense of adventure that comes with it. Embrace the unknown and be open to new experiences. You never know what you’ll find or who you’ll meet along the way. And remember, some of the best photos come from unexpected moments, so be prepared to be flexible and spontaneous. This also goes back to point 1, research – make sure you have some time to allow for exploration, randomness, new people, etc!
#5 Have Fun
Above all, remember to have fun! Travel photography is about capturing the beauty and excitement of the places you visit, so enjoy yourself and let your creativity flow. Don’t be afraid to experiment, take risks, and try new things. You never know what you’ll create until you try!
Travel photography is a wonderful way to capture the memories of your travels and to share your experiences with others. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just someone who loves to take pictures, with a little practice and a lot of passion, you can create amazing photos that will last a lifetime. So pack your camera and start exploring the world today!
Catch you in the next article!
Phill
