We all want to capture award-winning photographs; sometimes we have to settle for postcard- or Instagram-worthy pictures! Here’s 6 of my most effective travel photography tips!
Research your Destination
When you’re planning your trip, look for things you want to see or experience and photograph. Then search images of the sights (Google/ Instagram), there are probably hundreds if not thousands of pictures of it. Most of these pictures are very similar because the same thing is being captured – find ways of how to capture the same thing differently. Maybe a new angle or taking the photograph at sunset or sunrise will give a different effect to the same image!
More of this…
Less of this…
Talk to the Locals
Upon reaching your destination, chat to the locals – maybe you have a tour guide. They will know the best times to visit a place, the quiet, less busy times; when the lighting or sun give the best shot; and they may even provide a unique story to go with your photograph.
Be Patient
Sometimes, you may have to wait a while and take a hundred photos before you get the right shot. Wake up early and stay out late to beat the crowds. Once you get that postcard/Instagram worthy shot, it’ll be worth it!
Camera-Ready
Always, always keep your camera charged and with you at all times. Inspiration, scenes and memories that you’ll want to capture can and will come to you at any time and you best be prepared for them when they do.
Rule of Thirds
The rule of thirds is a “rule of thumb” or guideline which applies to the process of composing visual images such as designs, films, paintings, and photographs. The guideline proposes that an image should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines, and that important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections. Proponents of the technique claim that aligning a subject with these points creates more tension, energy and interest in the composition than simply centering the subject.
Human Aspect
People like to see photographs with other people in them – the curiosity wants them to be able to imagine themselves in the scene or identify with the person in the picture. Always ask permission when photographing other people (portraits). In instances when you can’t ask permission (like capturing a street or souk filled with people), try not to capture a full frontal view of anyone’s face. This can be tricky but capture a few and choose the one that is the least identifiable.
Rule of Thirds Info Source: Wikipedia
Great tips Yeshi and also great shots!
Thank you kindly Raj!
🙂
Great tips, thanks!
Great post!
These are awesome tips & awesome photos. I never really understood what the rule of thirds meant, but you explained it so well!
Thanks Mackenzie – it took me some time to understand as well!
This is such a great post, defo gave me some tips on how to improve my travel photography! You have some fabulous photos! I need to try and add people to my photos too. Thanks for posting,
Louise | http://www.loudoestravel.com
I believe that when you capture people going about their daily routine at a new destination for you, it gives you a feel and memory of the place!
Well, they do say patience is a virtue. Thanks for the tips Yeshi 🙂
Haha you’ve sometimes got to wait for the perfect picture!
Absolutely 👍🏼😊
Great tips Yeshi! Rule of thirds is definitely the most important, although sometimes it can be better to break the rule too
I definitely agree – sometimes using your own perspective on things will make for an amazing shot!
I’ve been wanting to enhance my photography skills and these are really helpful tips! Hopefully I can use these to become a better photographer and get better at editing my pictures as well.
I love this! Thanks so much for some really great tips. I need to learn to be more patient with my photos, so often I am disappointed because I didn’t wait long enough for the perfect shot.
I like to plan my itinerary so it allows me time to take a hundred pictures sometimes – just so I know the perfect one is somewhere in the lot!
Excellent tips! I don’t really include people in many of my shots, but I have made a mental note to change that in the future. Thanks for the advice.
Some amazing photos and great tips! Thank you for sharing.
Great tips about the rule of thirds guideline. I’ll keep that one in mind 🙂 Thanks for the informative post!
These are great tips Yeshi. I usually get annoyed with people causing visual clutter but maybe we can use that to our advantage
Try making that clutter your subject – it can make for a chaotically beautiful capture!
Good tips!! I’ve got to start researching!!
Well done! I have to remember the importance of the human element. Thanks for that tip!
Thanks for the great tips! You have some really cool photos here.
These tips are excellent! It seems to take lots of time and effort to be good at it but I am happy to do and study more about this. Thanks anyway.
Amazing tips!
Awesome!
Definitely will be using these for my travel adventures! Will make those blog posts even better
Ah, loved this so much! Your tips were immensely helpful. If you get a chance, I would appreciate it if you can visit my blog (www.dolcegal.com). Thanks 🙂
Great tips and blog post!
Blessings,
Ann Marie Ruby | http://www.annmarieruby.com
Awesome . Amazing tips. loved this so much.
I am striving to be a travel photographer, doing lots of research; so happy to come across this gem! 👌 Your pictures are stunning by the way! Looking foreword to reading more of your posts. 🙂