3 Best Travel Photography Tips for Beginners

Many people, also those who loves travel photography, have been negatively affected by the limitations of staying indoors throughout the pandemic, especially travelers who are yearning to explore new places.

Fortunately, countries are slowly easing lockdown restrictions and opening borders to visitors again. In fact, the European Union Commission proposed a gradual lifting of restrictions as they introduced the EU Digital COVID Certificate that will help people move safely and freely.

With more people getting vaccinated and nations slowly regaining confidence in tourism, travelers can resume exploring and documenting experiences through photography.

If you are a professional or amateur photographer looking into trying out this kind of photography, then here are some tips to help you capture the best photos on your upcoming trips:

For best Travel Photography research Locations Beforehand

Coming prepared is always a must when traveling, and doing plenty of research beforehand can mean the difference between captivating and lackluster photographs.

Before booking your travel arrangements, find out more about your destination so you can maximize your photography opportunities. Perhaps plan your visit when there’s an exciting festival or cultural celebration or when the weather makes the place look otherworldly.

Whether you’re aiming for documentary-style shots or are focusing on portraiture, doing your homework before booking a flight can result in great travel photography.

When weighing your options on locations to visit, it’s always best to target destinations with unique architecture, historical sites, and natural wonders. Then it’s up to you to create stunning photographs showcasing these places in the best way possible.

Travel Light

As a budding travel photographer, you may be tempted to buy all kinds of gear without realizing that these can weigh you down as you explore. Instead, invest in a few key pieces that you can really maximize.

It’s also crucial to look into gear specifically designed for travel photography, as these tend to be more compact and lightweight thanks to new improvements that give cameras and lenses more functions without sacrificing portability.

Printed circuit board (PCB) technology is one ever-evolving component impacting the way cameras and their accessories are made. Today, there are complex pad shapes that designers can take advantage of to fit more PCB components into smaller spaces.

For camera bodies, this means being able to include powerful image processors, crystal clear displays, and more into a compact piece of equipment. Lenses also benefit from these stackable and flexible PCBs, as manufacturers can improve autofocus mechanisms for more efficiency.

If you prefer a single-lens camera for easy portability, then consider something like the Leica Q2 for a full-frame sensor and a top-notch Summilux prime lens. Travelers who enjoy experimenting with different focal lengths can opt for the Nikon Z7 to switch up lenses on the go.

Ask Locals for Portraits

Part of the travel experience is interacting with locals, and a great way to do this while documenting your travels is through your photography. Practicing the basic techniques of portraiture before starting your trip will help you take better pictures of strangers.

As much as possible, take portraits in natural light. You can also use built-in or external flash accessories to fill in shadows if you have to shoot in dark indoor spaces.

However, even the best photographers lack the confidence to ask strangers for their photos, which can be lost potential for great portraits that tell stories. Get into the mindset that the worst possible outcome is receiving a simple “no.” As long as you remember to be polite when asking to take people’s photos, you might just be surprised at how many will actually agree!

Putting time and effort into your travel photography is the best way to tell stories, not just of your own experiences but also the lives of people you meet along the way. Creating this visual tale doesn’t end with taking the picture; editing your photos is just as important in getting your images exactly the way you want them. By aiming for consistency and using tools like color swatches in post-processing, you can produce memorable travel photographs with a look that is uniquely yours.