Snapping photographs while travelling is both an easy and valuable way to document your trip experiences and relive memories. It also allows you to share (and brag about) those special moments with your family, friends, and followers.
That said, your travel photos should be doing your trips justice! You want these images to be as captivating as possible, so you can feel a sense of pride and delight whenever you look back on those special moments.
Are you currently planning a trip and looking to capture some stunning photographs of your adventures? If so, then you’ve come to the right place.
Here are nine easy tips for taking your best travel photos yet:
1. Plan ahead and do your research
Before heading out on your trip, research your destination and the landmarks you plan on visiting, along with the specific photos you’d like to take. Feel free to explore virtual tours using a geographical application like Google Maps to identify the most snapshot-worthy locations to visit.
With a better understanding of your location, from its scenic attributes to its unique culture and energy, you can get a sense of the best areas and times of day to photograph.
2. Pack the right camera gear
When packing for your trip, make sure that you have the right equipment for the types of photos you’d like to take. This might include a DSLR camera, a sturdy tripod, a wide-angle lens, and other accessories such as filters and extra batteries.
If you’ll simply be using your smartphone to snap photos (which, let’s face it, boast highly capable cameras in the newer models), consider looking into some helpful tips and tricks on how to make the most out of your device’s camera and features.
3. Get up early and use the natural light to your advantage
While this may not be the most appealing tip for travellers who are fond of their sleep, it’s absolutely worth it to capture the most breathtaking outdoor photographs. So, we say: just do it. Set that early alarm and bask in the photogenic beauty of the golden hour glow!
The light is often the most stunning during this brief period of time that takes place just after sunrise and just before sunset when the sun is situated low in the sky—casting a warm, golden glow over everything in its presence.
4. Experiment with different angles
Instead of just standing in one spot and taking your photos from eye level, try getting down low to snap a picture or climbing up high when it’s safe to capture a different perspective.
Experimenting with varying angles can help to challenge and stretch your creative abilities as a photographer, leading to more original and innovative travel photos.
5. Capture candid moments, and feature people in your photos
People can add a sense of scale, context, and storytelling to your travel photos. So, with that in mind, in addition to posed shots, try to capture candid moments and candid expressions of the people and places you encounter on your trip, as these often make for the most authentic and memorable photographs.
Of course, you should ask permission before photographing anyone with their face clearly visible in the shot.
6. Utilize the rule of thirds for the most aesthetically pleasing pics
The rule of thirds is an essential principle of photography that helps to ensure balance and visual interest are achieved in a photograph. Luckily, using the rule of thirds isn’t complicated. It simply involves dividing the frame into nine equal parts using two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines.
When taking your photo, position the subject along one of these lines, or at the intersection of two, to draw the viewer’s eye towards the main subject and help make the photograph more visually appealing overall.
Moreover, the rule of thirds can help tell a story about the place you’re visiting and achieve a sense of depth and perspective in the image. Thus, making it all the more engaging and interesting to look at.
7. Experiment with different exposures
By adjusting your camera's exposure, you can capture a wide range of tones and moods in your travel photos, while emphasizing or drawing the eye to different details in each scene.
For example, a longer exposure time can help capture movement and create a sense of motion in your photo. On the other hand, a shorter exposure time can freeze the action and create a more crisp, detailed image. Needless to say, this is a valuable feature that will allow you to get creative with your travel snapshots.
8. Use a travel tripod
A tripod is a critical tool for anyone wanting to capture great photographs, especially when travelling (and a compact, lightweight travel tripod makes it all the more convenient!). A tripod stabilizes the camera, which is especially important when shooting in low light or using a long focal length lens. This can help to prevent blurry or shaky images, which can ruin what would otherwise be a fantastic shot.
Furthermore, a tripod allows you to take your time composing the picture. This way, you can make any necessary adjustments, rather than rushing to get the shot before the moment passes. It also allows you to experiment with different angles and perspectives, as you can easily adjust the height and orientation of the camera.
9. Have fun and get creative!
Perhaps, the most essential travel photo-taking tip of all is to have fun and get creative as you want with your photography. Keeping the aforementioned tips in mind, experiment with different techniques and styles, and don’t be afraid to try something new.
The more you practice and play around with your camera, the better you’ll become at taking the most incredible travel photos to best capture the amazing memories made on your journey!
Students: Start Capturing Your Most Incredible Travel Photos Yet This 2023
To learn more helpful tips and tricks, visit our website and check out our blogs on student travel in Ontario. For information on our 2023 student travel programs, call Global Summers Academy at 1-844-357-2621 or contact us here.
