Photography and travel go hand in hand, whether you love posting on social media or want to capture core memories. Capturing amazing photos is an essential part of any trip. Great travel photos allow you to share your experiences with others, evoke precious memories and showcase your creativity. However, getting those perfect shots can be challenging, especially in an unfamiliar place. To help elevate your travel photos, here are some expert travel photography tips and tricks to keep in mind on your next adventure.
Learn Basic Photography Skills
Understanding basic travel photography tips and tricks can elevate tour travel photos. Online videos can allow you to learn for free from professionals. Some general picture advice to help you take your pictures to the next level include:
- Master composition techniques, such as the rule of thirds, leading lines and framing, to create more engaging and balanced images.
- Experiment with different perspectives, such as shooting from high or low angles, to add visual interest.
- Learn to properly expose your photos, considering factors like aperture, shutter speed and ISO.
- Learn how to use preset filters.
- Develop editing skills using dedicated software or mobile apps to enhance colors, contrast and impact.
Ensure You Have the Right Gear
Whether you have the latest digital camera, a professional camera or your trusted phone, proper gear will elevate your photographs and make it easy to move around as you take photos.
Pack a foldable tripod for stability when taking self-portraits, scenic shots or group photos. If you're capturing pictures for your professional social media, consider portable lenses that can handle various scenarios and can easily attach to your phone or camera.
Bring extra batteries and power banks to ensure you don't run out of power when you stumble upon an amazing scene. Also, ensure you have enough memory cards and cloud storage to keep every photo you take.
Remember to put away your gear and phone or camera when they're not in use to avoid damage, but keep them accessible enough to capture spontaneous moments.
Plan Your Shots in Advance
The easiest way to learn how to take amazing photos is to plan your shots the same way you plan your trip. Whether you're going on a cruise, a road trip, or flying, researching the places you'll visit allows you to plan out your pictures and make the most of your time on the ground without feeling overwhelmed.
Make a list of the most iconic sights and experiences at your destination. What famous landmarks, natural wonders or cultural events do you want to photograph? Look for inspiration on social media by searching location hashtags or scrolling through the accounts of popular travel influencers. Save any images that catch your eye in a folder on your phone so you can reference them easily during your trip.
It's also helpful to have an itinerary, even a rough one, noting where and when you plan to visit specific spots. Look up factors like opening hours, best times to avoid crowds and where the light will be at different times. While you want to leave room for spontaneous photo ops, having a plan maximizes your chances of being in the right place at the right time for those epic shots.
Chase the Good Light
Lighting is one of the most critical elements of photography, and this is especially true for travel photos. The right light can transform an ordinary scene into something extraordinary, while harsh or flat light can ruin the most fantastic view. The best times to take a photo are:
- Golden hour: As a general rule, aim to shoot during the "golden hours." The golden hour is the first and last hour of sunlight each day, during which the light is soft, warm and directional. This diffused light brings out colors and textures without creating harsh shadows. It's incredibly flattering for portraits and shots with people in them.
- Blue hour: The "blue hour" — just before sunrise or after sunset — is another fantastic time for travel photos. The cool blue tones in the sky create a peaceful, ethereal atmosphere that works well for cityscapes, seascapes and other wide scenic shots.
You may not always be able to shoot at these ideal times. If you photograph in the bright midday sun, look for ways to even out the light. Seek shade under a tree or archway, or use a diffuser to soften the light on your subject's face. Harsh light can add texture and dimension to landscapes and architecture. Backlight creates a dreamy halo effect that's excellent for artistic shots, but ensure your subject is properly exposed.
Capture a Sense of Place
One of the best trip photography tips is to learn how to convey a strong sense of place. When you look back through your photos, you want to relive how the destination looked and felt.
Photographing the local people and culture is the easiest way to capture a place. Details like candid shots of locals going about their daily lives, close-ups of traditional food and handicrafts, street art, and signage in the local language provide essential cultural context and a deeper immersion than scenic landscapes alone.
However, you should not skip the iconic sights entirely. When photographing famous landmarks and attractions, look for unique angles or unexpected juxtapositions to make your travel photos memorable.
Try shooting from a low or high vantage point, framing the scene through an archway or other structure, or zooming in on an interesting detail. Including a human detail, like a jumping shot or a quiet moment of reflection, adds storytelling and personality to your travel photos.
Tell a Story
One of the most memorable travel photo tips is to ensure your pictures tell a story and evoke emotion. As you're shooting, think about how each image fits into a larger narrative arc of your trip.
A good story has a beginning, middle and end, so aim to capture a mix of establishing, action and closing shots. Vast landscapes and cityscapes set the scene, while detail shots and portraits provide a closer look at the characters and plot points. Candid shots of yourself and your travel companions help convey the subjective experience and create a personal connection.
Embrace authenticity over perfection, taking photos that transport the viewer on your journey. Find ways to add visual variety and interest to your story, including:
- Mixing up your angles and focal lengths
- Shooting through objects in the foreground to create depth
- Playing with scale by including people in your landscapes
- Capturing a range of emotions
Take a Break
It's tempting to want to capture every second of your trip, especially if it is your first time visiting or you're going with people you love. However, putting down your phone or camera can help you take better photos.
Instead of getting overwhelmed trying to capture every moment and attraction, take a break and refocus. The conversations, music or atmosphere around you can help you get a better shot.
Sometimes, the story is not in the angles, landscapes or depth but in the energy you capture when you take the photo. Taking a break allows you to recharge, giving you the right perspective when you pick up your camera or phone again. It also opens up the opportunity for more spontaneous and organic photos.
Plan Your Next Picture-Perfect Getaway With AAA Central Penn
With these expert trip photography tips and a sense of adventure, you're ready to capture stunning photos on your next trip. Take your travel to the next level with help from AAA Central Penn's travel advisors. We'll help you craft a personalized itinerary around your travel photo goals, provide inside tips on the best spots and handle all the logistics. You can also enjoy exclusive perks and discounts with our preplanned travel packages.
Join AAA Central Penn today to start planning your picture-perfect getaway!
