Travel Photography
Travel photography isn’t just fun; it’s important. It’s one of those things where if you’re not doing it, someone else probably is, and you wish that you were! Whether you are a professional photographer or not, we all want to take beautiful travel photos.
Here are some of our best travel photography tips for amateur and professional travel photographers. I hope you find them useful!
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1. Make Travel Photography A Priority
Travel photography can be a challenge if you are traveling with other people or a group. Your travel photography goals may not match their travel priorities. You may be willing to wait for the perfect light, however, your group may want to keep moving.
If you want to get stunning images, you may have to go off on your own. Another solution is to travel with another travel photographer or a photography group that understands what it takes to get that perfect shot!
2. Research Where You Are Going Before You Travel
Before heading off on vacation, research local laws, and customs. Find out whether you need visas or vaccinations. Make sure you understand the language spoken in the country you visit. Check weather conditions and forecasted temperatures. And don’t forget to make copies of any documents you’ll be taking abroad.
3. Location Scouting
If you’re going somewhere new, location scouting will save you tons of money and frustration later down the road. If you don’t know where to go, ask locals about places worth visiting. Getting recommendations from local experts is the perfect way to find out about hidden gems not advertised in tour guides. But, do check travel guides also. They are filled with ideas from those that went before you.
4. Bring A Quality Camera
The most important thing when traveling is having a quality camera. Make sure you know the camera’s capabilities before you travel. The last thing you want to be doing is figuring out a basic setting when you are trying to get that perfect shot. Be sure to shoot with your smartphone too. It’s fun to have images that you can share quickly on your social media platforms with friends and family.
5. Learn How To Use Manual Settings
Manual mode gives you more control over exposure than automatic modes such as aperture priority/shutter speed priority, etc. It takes practice to get out of auto mode and learn basic settings to achieve specific effects, but it is well worth learning if you intend on shooting creatively.
6. Don’t Forget To Use Filters
Filters add color and contrast to photographs by changing their appearance. They come in many shapes and sizes and range from simple colored gels to complex polarizing filters. There are two main types: graduated neutral density filters and circular polarizers.
Graduated NDs allow you to adjust the amount of filter used depending on where in the image you place it. A circular polarizer blocks out unwanted reflections off surfaces like water and glass without affecting colors. These are often combined together to create unique looks.
7. Rule Of Thirds
The rule is that your subject should be placed in one-third of the frame on each side. This means if you’re photographing a landscape or architecture, for example, then you’d place your main subject at the top left-hand corner of the photo and another smaller object somewhere else within the same area. You can use this technique to make sure there are no empty areas in your photos. It also helps with the composition by ensuring everything looks like it belongs together.
8. Using Leading Lines In Your Travel Photography
Using leading lines will make your travel photographs more engaging. They give the illusion of depth and dimension and add visual impact to your images. When used properly they can evoke a mood, or even influence the way a viewer feels when looking at an image.
9. Experiment With Composition & Lighting
Travel photography requires creativity and experimentation. It takes practice and patience to get good at taking photos while traveling. But once you do master some basics, you’ll find yourself experimenting with all kinds of lighting and composition ideas.
Experimentation helps you develop your own photography style as a travel photographer. Try shooting portraits or closeups of interesting objects. Use natural light indoors or outdoors. Take advantage of any unique locations you come across.
10. Include People In Your Travel Images
People add to the story of the location you are shooting and can make an image more powerful. Adding a human element to your photos can add emotion to a scene.
This is especially true for travel photography. If there aren’t any humans involved, then all we see are buildings or other objects. But by adding a person into the picture, suddenly we start seeing something different. We begin thinking about the place as being populated.
11. Bring A Wide-Angle lens
Wide-angle lenses are ideal for travel photography because they are very versatile. They are usually the best option for landscape photography when you want a wide shot, environmental portraits, street photography, group photos, and architectural photography as well.
12. Use a Lightweight Travel Tripod When Possible
A tripod is an essential piece of equipment if you want to take good photos while traveling. You can use it in many ways: as camera support when shooting landscapes; as a way to steady yourself during long exposures; and even as a tool to help keep your camera level with uneven terrains like stairs or steps.
A tripod allows you to capture images without having to worry about shaking hands or feet. If you don’t own one yet, consider getting a lightweight travel tripod. They won’t break the bank either. A great one for travel is the Joby tripod because it is small and super portable.
13. Shoot RAW files
Shooting raw files enable you to recover details lost through compression. You can then edit photos later on if necessary. However, most DSLRs and Mirrorless cameras do an excellent job of compressing JPEG files already so you shouldn’t really notice much difference.
14. Don’t Forget About Video!
Most cameras now have video recording capabilities. So instead of only snapping stills, record short videos of your adventures. Upload them to YouTube or other sites. Share them with friends via email or social media networks.
Consider bringing along a drone. I carry the DJI mini 2 with me because it is so small. Just make sure to check the drone laws wherever you plan on traveling. Some countries do not allow you to bring them in and will confiscate them.
15. Take Plenty Of Memory Cards
Memory card capacity varies greatly. If you are shooting videos too, be sure you are using higher capacity cards. Make sure you always carry enough spare memory cards along with you so you never run out of storage, and just in case something happens to your primary ones.
16. Shoot Early and Late
The best light hours for capturing great shots vary by location, but generally speaking, early morning or late afternoon/evening are ideal times to shoot. The sun will have risen high enough above the horizon so that shadows aren’t casting harsh lines across your subject’s face. It also means less direct sunlight hitting your lens which reduces glare.
Shooting in the bright sunlight is anything but ideal. Aim for the warm glow of the golden hour or the cool twilight tones of the blue hour. They are the most magical times of day to shoot, so don’t miss the opportunity to get out at that time of day.
Don’t forget about night photography. Cities come alive at night and you can create amazing photos. Experiment with long exposures to capture car headlights and taillights, and create stunning light trails. Your cityscapes will pop to life.
Make a shot list of every tourist destination you would like to photograph so you don’t miss a photo opportunity.
17. Be Creative & Experiment
Don’t limit yourself to what everyone else shoots. Look for new places to explore and head off the beaten path. If you want your travel photography to be original looking, try shooting different angles, experiment with different styles and genres.
18. Be Patient Especially In Crowded Places
If you are shooting in a popular travel destination you may have to wait a while for the shot you have in mind. They are usually crowded, and people most likely are walking in and out of the area you want to photograph. This is when you have to be patient or move on until there is a better opportunity for grabbing the shot. Sometimes waiting for the perfect shot isn’t worth missing out on another one.
Try visiting tourist spots first thing in the morning, after lunchtime crowds disperse, and again late afternoon/early evening.
19. Take Lots Of Photos & Edit Later
When I travel, my goal isn’t just to snap away every single moment. Instead, I’m looking to create memories through photographs. That said, there’s no harm in taking lots of pictures. In fact, it’s encouraged. But once you’ve taken all those photos, make sure they get edited later.
Editing takes time, especially if you’re using Photoshop. So instead of trying to edit them right after each shot, save the post processing until you get home.
20. Backup Your Travel Photos
I recommend that you back up all of your digital files to an external hard so if anything happens to your main machine, you won’t lose everything. It may seem inconvenient at the time, however, it’s not worth losing all your travel photography.
Unfortunately, I learned the hard way! I left my memory card in the camera after a day of shooting. I was tired and figured I’d download everything the next day. However, when I tried to download the images to my laptop, I discovered the memory card was corrupt…Two days of shooting in Scotland were gone!
I have no idea what caused the issues with the memory card but had I downloaded the photos after the first day, I would have discovered the problem and not kept shooting on it.
I’ve since made it a habit to immediately download the images once I’m in the door no matter how tired I am!
21. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help
There may be some things you’ll need assistance with while abroad. Maybe you’d like someone to translate something into another language for you. Or maybe you simply want to know where certain sights are located. Whatever the case, ask around. People love helping others who are new to their city. Plus, asking questions often leads to finding answers.
22. Ask For Permission From Locals
If you are going to take photos of people, it’s best to ask them first if it is okay. You are after all intruding on their privacy. If you don’t ask, at least be respectful when taking pictures in public places like museums, parks, etc.
23. Don’t Take Pictures Of Children Without Parental Consent
Photographing children without permission from parents/guardians is never a good idea. Would you want some stranger photographing your child without permission? It’s also important to know where you can legally photograph on private property such as homes, businesses, churches, schools, hospitals, military bases, government buildings, etc.
24. Bring A Travel Journal
Journaling keeps memories fresh long after you return home. Write down details about each place visited during your journey. Keep track of where you went by writing notes about landmarks, attractions, restaurants, hotels, etc. What did you see? Who were the locals? How was the food? Did you meet anyone interesting? Record these thoughts so you can look back later and relive your adventures.
25. Travel Light & Pack Smart
You may already realize this, but there’s no reason to lug around heavy bags full of travel photography gear every time you go somewhere new. Instead, choose smaller bags that fit easily under your seat or inside overhead compartments. One of my favorite bags to travel with is a camera backpack. I managed to fit my camera, a couple of lenses, a small travel tripod, a travel journal, a smaller camera bag for day trips, and clothes for a 5 week trip to Ireland in my backpack!
26. Be Prepared For Anything
When I’m planning my trips, I always pack extra batteries, memory cards, chargers, cables, filters, cleaning supplies, and anything else I might need. Even though I know I probably won’t run out of things, having extras makes me feel better. Plus, packing too little could mean missing something important.
27. Protect Your Gear From Theft
Unfortunately, this is something you need to worry about. As you are getting ready to shoot the next amazing image, a thief could be eyeing you up as their next target. Be aware of your surroundings and the people in them at all times.
If your equipment isn’t insured, it should be. Your homeowner or renters policy may cover it. Check to be sure before you leave on your trip. I would advise against checking any photography gear when traveling on a plane. I always take mine in a carry-on backpack even if that means taking less gear.
28. Create An Online Album
Once you get home, upload your travel photos to a free site like Flickr. Add descriptive tags to identify locations, people, events, and activities. Include links to websites related to your trip. Once uploaded, share your albums with family members and friends using Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
29. Share Your Travel Experiences With Others
If you have a travel photography blog, consider writing a blog post about your travels. If not, start by sharing them through social media sites. Then ask others who read your posts what they think. This will give you feedback on how well you communicate your experiences.
30. Be Flexible
Don’t let yourself become overly attached to plans made months ago. Things change quickly while traveling. For example, maybe you want to stay longer than expected because you fell in love with a destination. Or perhaps you find yourself unexpectedly sick. Whatever happens, try to remain flexible. That way, you’ll still enjoy your adventure even if circumstances force changes upon you.
31. Enjoy the journey
Travel photography doesn’t have to be just about documenting exotic locations; it can simply mean exploring new areas near home. Whether you travel alone or with friends, enjoy the experience and share your adventures online.
32. Have Fun!
Remember why you started traveling in the first place? To relax and unwind, right? Well, having fun should definitely be included in that list. After all, who wants to spend hours editing photos when you could be enjoying the scenery instead?
One of the best parts of traveling isn’t just seeing places; it’s meeting other people. When you spend time together, you form lasting friendships. And when you’re having fun, nothing else matters.
Conclusion
The best way to become an experienced travel photographer is by taking lots of pictures, and to keep learning your craft! The more you shoot, the better your photography skills will become over time.
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