4 TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
Travel photography is a wonderful way to capture memories, tell stories, and share experiences from your journeys. But for beginners, the idea of getting that “perfect shot” can feel overwhelming, especially when technical terms like ISO, aperture, and shutter speed get thrown around. The good news is you don’t need to be a photography expert or have a professional camera to start taking great travel photos. Here are four simple tips to help improve your travel photography—no technical jargon required!
Focus on the Subject
One of the most important aspects of a great photo is a clear, strong subject. Your subject could be anything from a local market scene to a beautiful sunset. When photographing, focus on one main element that you want to stand out. If the scene feels too busy or cluttered, try to simplify it. Get closer to your subject or zoom in to remove distractions in the background.
Example: Imagine you’re at a bustling market in Morocco. Rather than trying to capture the entire busy scene, focus on a single vendor’s colorful spices or the texture of woven baskets. By isolating your subject, you create a stronger, more focused image that draws attention.
Use Natural Light
Lighting plays a huge role in photography, but you don’t need to dive deep into the science of it to improve your photos. The best light for outdoor travel photography is usually during the “golden hour”—shortly after sunrise or just before sunset. During these times, the light is softer, warmer, and creates beautiful shadows and highlights.
Example: If you’re visiting a famous landmark like the Eiffel Tower, try shooting it at sunrise or sunset rather than midday when the sun is harsh and directly overhead. The softer light will make the landmark glow and give your photo a dreamy feel.
Open shade of a building or large tree–Cities with tall buildings can be great for this because there is often shade on the streets throughout the day. I also love traveling in Latin America because there are lots of covered patios (or outdoor hallways) in schools, restaurants, or other buildings. These create great shade, even shooting in the strong tropical sun in the middle of the day!
Under an umbrella at a restaurant–If you want appealing photos of your food, opt to eat outside under an umbrella or awning so you get soft, natural light.
Cloudy day–Medium to heavy cloud cover is fantastic for photographers because it’s like a giant diffuser over the sun.
Inside a room that has LOTS of big windows (and no lights turned on)–There is lots of daylight coming in but it’s indirect.
The “Golden Hour”–The first couple hours after sunrise and the last couple hours before sunset are ideal times to shoot landscapes, cityscapes, portraits, and just about anything. (And the morning golden hour will usually help you avoid the crowds!)
Experiment with Different Angles
Many people take photos from eye level, but changing your perspective can make a huge difference in your travel photos. Try shooting from high above, crouching down low, or tilting your camera for a unique angle. This adds variety and can reveal details or patterns that aren’t obvious at first glance.
If you’re in a crowded market, shoot from a low angle to capture the feet of passersby, which shows how crowded it is. Or, shoot from just above everyone’s heads–a sea of heads and faces helps convey how busy and noisy things are. Shoot from directly above something. Get eye level with kids. Shoot from below a flower to make it look giant.
If you’re photographing a temple or old building, instead of taking a straight-on shot, crouch down and shoot upward to capture the grandeur of the architecture. Or, if you’re on a hike, find a higher vantage point for a bird’s-eye view of the landscape.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! You’ll learn what works and get some really interesting shots when you think outside the box. Using different angles creates something unique for people who see your photo–it catches their attention and makes them pause when they see your image.
Tell a Story with Your Photos
A good travel photo should evoke emotion or tell a story. Rather than just snapping a random picture, think about the story you want to tell. Is it the peacefulness of a deserted beach, the excitement of a street festival, or the daily life of locals? Look for moments that convey emotion or reveal something about the place you’re visiting.
If you’re in a small fishing village, try capturing a shot of a fisherman repairing his net or a boat gently bobbing on the water. These types of images give your audience a sense of place and make your photos more engaging.
Final Thoughts
Travel photography doesn’t have to be complicated. With these simple tips—focusing on your subject, using natural light, experimenting with angles, and telling a story—you can dramatically improve your photos without needing a deep understanding of technical settings. So grab your camera or smartphone, and start experimenting. Remember, the best way to get better at photography is to practice, and the world is full of incredible places waiting to be captured!
I hope these simple travel photography tips inspire you, even if you try just one on your next trip! I've learned so much through trial and error, and I’m excited to share more practical tips and resources with you soon. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out—I genuinely enjoy hearing from you and am always happy to help!
