Tips For Taking Travel Photos

[Karen Cole]

If you want your travel photos to stand out there are a number of tips that you should consider.  Not all of these tips will work for you, but it is best to know about them.

Do Things Differently

To make your travel pictures stand out you should try something different.  There are certain attractions where everyone does the same thing and you should push the boundaries.  When taking your pictures consider the lighting, other people, objects, composition and what you are looking to take away from the moment.  A lot of travel photographers have started to experiment with reflections in windows and water to take a unique travel picture that stands apart from all the others. 

Try Getting Lost

Sticking to the usual tourist destinations will result in you getting the usual tourist pictures.  Taking the time to walk around a city and take the roads less travelled is a great way to get some different travel pictures.  There are many hidden gems and streets just waiting for you to document them when you stumble across them.

Many photographers find that some of their best pictures come in situations they were not expecting.  Turning down a random road could lead you to the picture that truly captures the spirit of your trip.  Of course, you need to employ some common sense when doing this as you do not want to wander down an alley and get robbed at 2 in the morning because you were looking for a picture moment.

Interact With The Locals

Interacting with the locals of the city you visit is a great way to get a feel of the place.  If you want to take their portrait you should be confident when you ask them and not be discouraged if some of them turn you down.  When interacting you should have your gear ready so that you do not inconvenience them and take up too much of their time. 

When taking the portraits you should try incorporating objects they have with them and the environment.  This will help you tell their story better when people see the pictures.  If the person you can to photograph refuses you should simply thank them for their time and move on.

You Don’t Need Expensive Equipment

Using your smartphone to take pictures can work just as well as having a very expensive camera.  There are a number of apps you can use on your phone to edit your pictures and post them for people to see.  There are also a range of apps created to help you take the best pictures by helping you with composition and lighting. 

Having an expensive camera does not mean that the pictures you take will be amazing.  You need to learn how to make the most of your surroundings to get the images you want. 

Tell A Story

Telling a story with your pictures is a great way of engaging with your viewers particularly if you are sharing your adventures online.  Changing up the types of pictures that you take will enhance the story telling aspect of a series.  It is recommended that you use portraits, food pictures and landscapes to tell your travel story.  You should also focus on details that are intriguing but always keep an open mind when it comes to criticism. This will help you get more Instagram likes for your travel photos.

Research Before You Go

Balancing your preparation is important so you should research where you are going, but should not go overboard.  Before you travel somewhere, look at information like the cultural etiquette, the weather and the events that could be happening in the area.  You should try and prepare for the worst while still allowing yourself leeway to go with the flow. 

There are a number of situations that could arise without you planning for them from missing your plane to losing your luggage.  It is best that you approach your travel with an open mind and keep an eye out for any lesser known gems in the area.  Getting the classic pictures like an image of the Eiffel Tower is great, but you should also find a way to get something unique and have an enjoyable experience. 

Be Patient

Many of the best travel pictures out there are the result of the photographer having patience.  Waiting for the right moment is important as a single person walking through the landscape photo you want to take could make all the different.  It is not only waiting for certain things to happen, but there are also times of the day that offer the best pictures.

Many photographers find that the early and late afternoon light is the best for atmospheric pictures.  The harsh light of midday often washes out some of the smaller details you are trying to capture.  You have to wait for the moment to come before you take a picture and this requires patience.