8 Useful Tips to Improve Your Travel Photography
Ready to Step up Your Travel Photography?
Looking to improve your travel photography? I’ve spent 10-years shooting photos from destinations around the world.
Here are my 8 favorite travel photography tips for beginners.
Wake up Early (like, super early)
The early bird gets the worm. How does this apply to travel photography? The most fundamental element of great photography is light, and soft, warm morning light produces stunning photos.
Rule of Thirds
This is a general rule of thumb to follow - don't go crazy trying to make it exact or work for every shot. It is more like something that you practice and think about when shooting so it starts to come naturally.
The gist of it is this: Place your points of interest where the lines intersect. In the example above, I placed my tent (the main subject) directly on the bottom-left intersection. The horizon line lines up with the grid lines as well.
Turning on your camera's "grid" feature will display a grid directly on your LCD screen making it simple to compose using the Rule of Thirds. This works on your phone as well!
Use A Tripod for Travel Photography
Tripods allow you to shoot at much slower shutter speeds (waterfalls, low-light, stars, and so on) without having to worry about camera shake. For adventure and traveling, I use the Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod.
Use Some Human Element
A better sense of scale is also created by using a human element. You can get a better feel of how big those mountains are by placing your subject in the distance or using a wide-angle lens.
Use Leading Lines
Basically, you're trying to direct people further into your photo by using the land, objects, or other elements to take them to the main subjects. Roads, rivers, hiking paths, alleyways, and mountain ridges are all great examples of leading lines.
Ask the Locals
Don't be shy, but always be respectful and polite. Make friends with locals or do some research before your trip to seek out off-the-beaten path locations.
Mixing It Up
Always keep learning. Try different lenses, different poses, play with your composition or test ND filters. Maybe try to shoot an epic timelapse. Stay Fresh!
Travel Photography - Listen. Learn. Share
Take notes, take courses, make friends with people who are doing what you would like to be doing. Absorb what you can. Put yourself out there and just keep at it.
