Good travel photography can distinguish between a so-so vacation and an amazing one. But too often, we either don't take enough pictures, or we don't take good ones. Many photographers are frequently asked for tips on how to take better travel photos. And while there's no one-size-fits-all answer to that question, a few general guidelines can help you up your travel photography game, according to Hunter Hobson .
1. Plan ahead
Before you even start packing your bags, research your destination or destinations if you're traveling to multiple places). The more you know what to expect, the better prepared you'll be to take advantage of any potential photographic opportunities.
To help you plan, try using Google Street View and Google Earth to virtually explore your destination and get a feel for the lay of the land. In addition, remember to look up local festivals or events that might be taking place during your trip - these can make for great photo ops.
Planning will also allow you to research the best time of day to take certain types of photos. For example, if you want to capture the beautiful sunrise over a particular landmark, you'll need to know what time the sun rises and ensure you're in position well before then.
2. Be decisive
When you're behind the camera, it's easy to second-guess yourself. But the fact is, there's no such thing as the "perfect" photo - so don't waste time agonizing over whether or not to press the shutter button. If you see a scene that looks interesting, go for it. You can permanently delete it later if it doesn't turn out how you want it to.
Decisiveness will also help you capture spontaneous moments, which are often some of the best travel photos. If you see something happening that you want to photograph, don't hesitate - by the time you've made up your mind, the moment will be over.
3. Get close
One of the most common mistakes people make when taking photos is standing too far away from their subject. If your images look blurry or distant, try moving in closer until your subject fills the frame. Not only will this help you capture more detail, but it will also force you to think creatively about framing and composition.
Try different angles and perspectives, too - sometimes, the most exciting photos are taken from an unexpected angle. And if you're photographing people, don't be afraid to get close to them - candid shots are often more intriguing than posed ones.
4. Simplify your compositions
When traveling, it's easy to get caught up in trying to take photos of everything you see. But sometimes, less is more - so don't be afraid to focus on small details or single elements that catch your eye. by isolating your subject matter, you can create more impactful and evocative images.
To help simplify your compositions, try using a technique called "negative space." This involves leaving much space around your subject, which can help it stand out more. For example, if you're taking a person's photo, try positioning them off to one side with plenty of space in front of them.
5. Tell a story
A great photo isn't just about what you see - it's also about how you see it. When reviewing your travel photos, ask yourself: what is this image trying to say? Is there a narrative here that I can share with others? By infusing your pictures with meaning and context, you'll end up with photos that are much more than just pretty pictures.
To help you tell a story with your photos, try to think about how you can capture the feeling or atmosphere of a place. What details can I include that will give viewers a sense of what it's like to be here? And don't forget to ask people for permission before taking their photos - their stories can add a lot to your images.
With these guidelines in mind, you should be well on taking great travel photos. So get out there and start exploring - and don't forget to bring your camera with you!
Final thoughts
With these five tips in mind, explore the world - and document your travels through photography. With some planning and practice, you'll be able to capture stunning images that tell stories and evoke memories for years to come.
