Useful Amateur Photography Tips For Improving Your Travel Photos
You finally book a trip to your dream destination after waiting for more than two years.
Naturally, you are going to want to capture the best travel photos possible to share with your friends and family.
But the problem is you don’t have any idea how to get the look of what you see on social media.
Even I said from time to time I can do better.
I am still an amateur photographer, but over the years I learn a few tricks that I want to share with you so you can take better travel photos.
Today is the time to learn. Let’s begin.
*Tips for Beginners.
Let me talk about the “general” travel photography tips that are the most important, but also the most difficult to master. Developing an eye for photography takes time, and I still do. It would be best if you started learning to frame and compose a shot, the rest is easy.
*First Learn Your Camera
Whether you shoot on a DSLR, mirrorless or a smartphone the first travel photography tip is to get to know your camera equipment. Read the instructions for your camera, play with all the buttons and settings and practice, practice, practice. I still practice every weekend while walking in my neighborhood. When you pick up your camera after all the practice you will feel comfortable and know exactly what to do. Then getting better pictures will come easier for you.
*Keep your batteries warm in winter
Take your battery and any extras out of the camera & bag and put them in a pocket close to your body. You’ll want to make sure that you can easily access this pocket. Pop the battery into the camera when you think you’ll be shooting. When you’re done shooting for a while, take it back out of the camera and put it in your pocket.
At home do not open your camera or memory card, let them warmed up first.
Learning during winter here ,it is cold for the fingers
**Focus on the Golden and Blue Hours
Light is everything when it comes to travel photographs and photos, and there’s a good chance you’ve already heard about the golden and blue hours.
The Golden Hour is that time when the sun is low in the sky.
The Blue Hour is when the sun is below the horizon and the sky gives off a beautiful blue hue.
Think of the first hour after the sun rises in the morning or the last hour before the sun goes over the horizon at the end of the day.
If you want to see the beauty of the light, get used to waking up early and staying late to make the most of the day.
Taking photos in the middle of the day can still result in great shots, but in general, you’ll find the sky is too blue or hazed unless there are interesting clouds.
Instead, get street photography, an iron balcony, an interesting door design, a little street around the corner etc.
*Framing your shot
When you look through the viewfinder or screen, don’t just focus on the subject.
Make sure you’re not accidentally cutting off something important, like a head or half a body in the shot.
Think of looking out a window at the scenery or from a lake with a tree on each side.
These can all help make better travel photos.
*Learn About Composition
You’ve probably heard about how important it is to compose a shot the right way, and if you’ve ever read a photography manual you would have come across the “rule of thirds”
A good composition can be the difference between an average shot and your best photos.
The concept of the Rule of Thirds is you divide your image into 9 even squares (many cameras have this grid line feature built into their display options).
Then what you do is place the subjects and points of interest such as a human element along those lines and squares. An eye of a bird will also go on a crossline.
Remember that rules can be broken.
*Don,t stay in one spot, move around
This is one of the most important travel photography tips I can give you – move your feet, crunch down.
Look around the corner you never know what you might find. ( a little street, something unusual!!)
Don’t just take a shot of the place you’re standing, instead, take a few minutes to walk around and see if there is a better frame or composition.
Better yet, take multiple photos from a different angle and fill up your memory cards and when you get home see which is your favourite.
He /She was setting and waiting patiently.
Little Street around the corner
*Always Ask People for Permission
Travel photography isn’t all about capturing beautiful sunsets and architecture around the world.
Travel photography is also about the people you meet. But if you’re shy like me, how do you get those photos without feeling rude? Usually, I don’t!! Most of the time peoples in my shot are far away and not the subject.
If you have a zoom lens, use it. This way you can be on the other side of the street and still photograph the person.
Asking someone for permission to take their photo is polite and respectful.
A tripod is one of the best camera accessories you can have in your camera bag, and essential for travel photography.
You don’t always need a massive tripod to travel around with, especially if you want to travel light and are an amateur photographer.
Honestly, if you want to become a better travel photographer, you’ll need to invest in at least a small tripod.
I don’t travel with my big tripod, too bulky for me and heavy to lug around. If I need stabilization, I brace my elbow against a wall, or a tree or crouch down and use my legs to steady myself. If your body moves less, the camera will move less, and you’ll automatically cut down on camera shake.
Many lenses (especially Canon and Nikon) have a built-in option for image stabilization. Lenses with image stabilizers tend to be more expensive than those without, but the results are also more effective.
Finally, here’s another trick to steady yourself when shooting without a remote release or self-timer. Take a breath in, and then breathe out slowly, depressing the shutter button completely during the exhale.
*Find the Right Travel Photography Gear
You don’t need to go out and spend tens of thousands of dollars on new travel photography gear to get the best shots. Chances are you already have a perfect camera right next to you (your phone).
Things like filters, tripods, flashes, prime lenses, zoom lenses, etc will come in time. For now, all you need is a camera, and a memory card and have fun!!!
*Find Your niche as a Photographer
Travel photography is such a broad term that can cover just about anything. Just taking any travel photos will fit the description, whether it is landscape photography, wildlife photography, architecture, portraits, food or whatever.
I love taking pictures of an iron balcony, windows, and all kinds of architecture. I love Macro Photos also.
Just find the style you love the most, and focus on getting better at it.
If you like black-and-white photography, then start shooting in black and white!
*Practice, Practice, Practice
Just like anything, becoming a great travel photographer takes time and a lot of practice. The only way you can get better at it, get out there and take photos!
Lately, I am learning food photography. This is a good way to learn your camera.
We hope this general guide on travel photography tips for beginners has been helpful.
Have fun and good luck on your photographic journey.
My first try at Food Photography
Botanical Garden
I do agree that the pictures taken during golden and blue hour turn out to be magical. Good compilation of tips.
I don’t know why I’ve always had a hard time with the rule of thirds. Thanks for explaining it so simply!