Some simple tips to improve your travel photography

Some simple tips to improve your travel photography

When we think of travel photography we often think of the famous landmarks, monuments and attractions  of the city or country we plan to visit. However for many people these famous sites are just the tip of the iceberg when visiting a new destination. To me travel photography is so much more than just landmarks. To me it is a sub genre of documentary and reportage photography that involves looking at landscapes, cultures, customs, people and their history.  It conveys  in an image a feeling that expresses the feeling of a particular time and place.  When we return from a holiday,we often don’t remember the big things like the Eiffel tower or the Brandenburg Gate. It can be the small things, the quirks of the trip that spring to mind, for example the small coffee shops, the local markets, the artisans that ply their trade on the roadside. The food and the art, are all the things that make a culture unique. When we go away what we are looking to find  is not what is similar to our own culture but what is different.  With that in mind here are a few simple tips on what to look for when photographing on your adventures and travels.

1. Plan Ahead

Think about what kind of shots you want and make a list. If it’s mostly scenic landscapes then pack a wide angle lens. If it’s people a 50mm fixed or if it’s a mix consider a zoom lens.

2. Research your location

Look at local postcards  or travel guide books to get an idea of scenic areas and monuments to shoot. These are often shot by local photographers who have scouted out the best locations. Replicate a well known image and put your own twist and flaire on it.

3. Colours & traditions

Countries by their very nature are defined by their culture and traditions. Think about what is unquie to the country you are visiting and try to photograph it.  Spain’s matadors, India’s holi festival and America’s fourh of July are to name but a few. Pay attention to colour.  Colours are one of the most important aspects of a culture and will have a massive impact on your image. They can be found everywhere from flags to food, so remember to keep your eyes open.

4. Get off the beaten track

Get off the main tourist trail and visit small shops, local bars, markets and cafes. Try to chat with locals. It’s amazing what tips you will pick up from them. Local knowledge is worth its weight in gold to a travel photographer.Remember that your safety is your first priority.

5. Bring a tripod or a tripod subsitute

A lot of the action takes place in the evening, especially in hotter climates where the heat of the day can be over whelming. Be prepared to photograph in low light and carry something portable you can use as a tripod, i.e. beanbag, tabletop tripod, or a gorilla pod.

6. People , People, People

Although a countries landscape can lookare stunning in photographs, it is the people that make up a culture. Try not to  get bogged down with only photogrphing landscapes. Photograph locals going about their business and daily chores. Look out for things that they do differently from what you are used to.

7. Respect

This is not just an “Aretha Franklin” song, but a huge part of being a good  photographer. Different cultures have different attitudes and laws to photography. Some cultures will not mind at all, while others will often be offended when you start snapping away. Do some research on this before you head away on your trip.

8. Food

Take pictures of local cusines and restaurants. Go further also and look into local markets, fruit stalls, wineries and breweries. Look for where the locals are eating and have a try. Instagram is handy for this if you don’t want to carry your camera gear around.

Remember that these are just simple tips and a quick guide, so feel free to experiment and try new things. Experiment with angles and compositions and most importantly have fun.  Don’t get so tied up in your photography that you forget what your holiday is about, exploring, relaxing and having fun.   

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Stewart Kenny is a photography trainer and guide with Dublin Photography School, Stewart teaches photography students of all levels in Dublin and surrounding counties as well as leading photography holidays in Ireland and Iceland. To see more about his Photography courses in Dublin see here or for more about Photography holidays in Ireland or Iceland see Travel Department.ie