Tips for Travel Photography
Image by Bogdan Babanin
Edited with Quest 39 Driftwood
We all travel— whether for work, fun, with our families, or solo adventuring— and as photographers, we always reach for a camera wherever we go. Sometimes it’s a GoPro or a phone camera instead of our professional gear, sometimes we bust out a drone or our Big Camera on our travels, especially if we’re traveling to document or capture landscapes and cities.
If you’re not used to taking photos as you travel (or even if you are), your brain might blank on your trip as to what, exactly, you should be doing! We’ve gathered some tips to guide you in photographing your next adventure! Even if you only travel into town for groceries, use these tips the next time to capture your home with fresh eyes!
A Window on the World
Something that makes every photograph more interesting is framing. When you travel, look for interesting ways to frame and compose your images!
Some ideas are: windows of buildings or cars, foliage, archways, architectural features, between people… the possibilities are endless.
Image by Sam Morris
Edited with Quest 29 Altitude
Image by Kate Cullen
Edited with Quest 36 Botanica
Image by Bogdan Babanin
Edited with Quest 24 Floresce
Experiment with new ways of viewing the scenes you take in as you travel— clever framing and composition can add context to your images, tell a story, and give your work a unique point of view.
Use tried and true composition techniques like the rule of thirds and leading lines to make your photos more engaging. Look for unique angles or perspectives that show a fresh view of well-known landmarks.
Image by Bogdan Babanin
Edited with Quest 40 Del Mar
Create a sense of place by taking wide-angle photographs that include people, landscapes, and architecture to convey the feeling and atmosphere of your destination. Include iconic landmarks alongside everyday scenes to create a well-rounded story.
Image by Bogdan Babanin
Edited with Quest 40 Del Mar, Border from Quest 16 Riven
Capture the details of the places you visit to add texture to the tale of your travels. Don’t just focus on the big landmarks—zoom in on the small details that tell the story of the place, like street signs, local foods, or textures of the environment. These details add depth and authenticity to your travel collection.
People as well as Place
In addition to epic landscapes and beautiful architecture, focus on the local culture of the places you visit. Photograph people engaging in their daily routines, local markets, or cultural events to capture the essence of a place. Always ask for permission when taking portraits of people, and be respectful of local customs.
Image by Bogdan Babanin
Edited with Quest 36 Botanica
Capture candid moments of people and street scenes to tell a more natural and authentic story of your travels. Be patient and wait for those unscripted moments to unfold.
If you’re uncomfortable photographing people, capture the dwellings of the area, since those places tell just as much of a story as the people who live in them.
Image by Bjorn Snelders
Edited with Quest 29 Altitude
Research first! Learn about your destination’s landmarks, culture, and best photography spots ahead of time. This preparation will help you anticipate unique shots and avoid missing key moments.
Image by Mariah Arianna
Edited with Quest 36 Botanica
Include yourself in the story! Don’t forget to take self-portraits or photos that include your travel companions. These images will help personalize the experience and provide context for your adventures.
Image by Sam Morris
Edited with Quest 29 Altitude
Image by Vivid Symphony
Edited with Quest 39 Driftwood
Timing is (Almost) Everything
Image by Sam Morris
Edited with Quest 29 Altitude
If you can, photograph during golden hour. The soft, warm light in the hours before and during sunrise and sunset can dramatically enhance your travel photos. The light is perfect for landscapes, cityscapes, and portraits with flattering shadows and glowing warmth.
Take your time. Don’t rush from location to location. Spend time observing your surroundings and waiting for the right moment or lighting condition. Patience often leads to the best photos.
Image by Bjorn Snelders
Edited with Quest 22 Glacial
That said, take what you can get, weather-wise! Don’t be afraid of overcast days or bad weather—these conditions can create dramatic and interesting photos. Stormy skies, fog, or rain can add a moody or adventurous tone to your travel photography.
Image by Daniel Böswald
Edited with Quest 39 Driftwood
Rely on natural light as much as possible. Whether indoors or outdoors, understanding how light interacts with your scene is crucial. Avoid using flash, especially in low-light situations, to preserve the ambiance. If you’re photographing at night, increase your ISO to capture as much ambient light as possible, especially if you’re capturing a city scene with lots of streetlights or neon signage!
Let us know in the comments the next place you plan on traveling and if you’re bringing your camera!