How to Take the Perfect Travel Photo

Taking the perfect travel snap can be tricky when you're trying to capture the moment; here are a few tips to help you make the most of that beautiful foreign scenery...

 

You’ve booked your holiday.  You’re going to experience exotic cultures, meet extraordinary people and see some of the most breath-taking sights known to man.  It’s an experience that you’ll want to stay with you forever… and why shouldn’t it?

With a travel photo you can relive your experience from the way the children smiled when you taught them their first English words to how the sea sparkled as the sun set on your last day.

Here’s our fool-proof guide to taking travel pictures that will knock your socks off!

Think about your photo

Travelling abroad is an overwhelming experience.  Whether you’re walking down the high street, or wandering through the wilderness, there’s little doubt that you’ll be constantly amazed and entertained.  It’s easy to believe that this astounding beauty will be captured in each and every shot you take, and to a certain extent it will, but you could turn a good picture into an amazing picture with a little careful planning.

Selecting your shot

Depending on the style you want, you may need to select your subject carefully. Digital cameras can make this less of an issue but a well shot picture is still more striking. You may be surrounded by beauty but you won’t be able to fit it all into your photo.  A simple picture can be infinitely more striking than a cluttered one.  If you’re taking a landscape shot make sure you point your lens at only the most scenic of views; an unsightly telephone cable can spoil an otherwise perfect shot.  Try experimenting with different angles; it’s amazing how a tiny movement can completely transform your picture.

Framing your shot

Framing your picture is important; it will draw the eye and capture the viewer’s attention.  Your picture should have a focal point.  This could be anything from a totem pole to a grizzled old tree - whatever takes your fancy.  Most people put this in the centre but it’ll be much more effective if you put it off to one side.  The same goes for horizon lines.  If the sky is particularly striking, place the horizon line in the lower third of the frame so it can dominate the shot.  This can be particularly effective at sunrise and sunset. 

Lighting your shot

Lighting is incredibly important if you want to take an amazing picture.  Try to use natural lighting when you can and make sure the sun is low in the sky.  Bright light can cause some particularly unattractive shadows so you’ll want to avoid it when you can.  This won’t always be possible so you’ll have to be resourceful.  If you don’t mind dragging yourself out of bed try to catch at least one sunrise.  The effect can be stunning and you’ll be left with an enchanting image to hang on your wall when you get back.

Practice makes perfect

Yes it’s simple, but it’s also extremely effective.  Technology is moving ever faster everyday and some cameras can be complicated to work. If you’ve bought one especially for your trip you’re going to need to get used to it!  If you have the time, test it out in a selection of locations and lighting conditions.  Play around with the manual settings and see what works best – this knowledge will be vital when you start taking your travel photos.  The trick here is to learn from your mistakes.  If something doesn’t work, try to work out why and avoid it in the future. 

Taking lots of photos

If you want an atmospheric shot then taking a few pictures might capture the moment more effectively than selecting a particular view. If you have a digital camera you can snap away to your heart's content before deciding what to keep and what to bin. Digital cameras also have the bonus of showing you your picture instantly, so if you do have any less picturesque elements you can take more pictures without unwanted people and planes spoiling the shot.

Photographing people

Different countries are home to different cultures, different ethnic groups and different peoples, and there’s no doubt that you’ll want to photograph some of them.  If you can’t take your photo without drawing attention make sure you ask permission. 

You don’t need to know the local lingo and pointing at the camera will probably be enough, but it never hurts to try. Locals will be a lot more appreciative of a few polite (even if badly spoken) words in their own language.   

Some people just won’t want to be photographed and you should respect their wishes.  Others might ask for payment, or perhaps a copy of the photo.  If you do agree to send them a copy make sure you do.  Broken promises often lead to unaccommodating locals and it’s not fair to make another budding travel photographer pay for your mistakes. 

Once you’ve secured your subject try to encourage them to look directly at the camera.  This will make your picture all the more powerful. An animated subject makes for a unique shot it’s a good idea to engage your subject, make them smile.  

Kids love silliness so don’t be afraid to make a fool of yourself.  Silly faces and strange noises will get you some of your most unique and entertaining photos.  Unfortunately, the same techniques aren’t always so effective with adults.  You might have to tone down your encouragements to avoid offending them – one carelessly poked out tongue could lose you your subject and your picture.

Photographing animals

Animals can be tricky subjects and you’ll need to stay alert if you want to get the perfect shot.  These delightful subjects are incredibly unpredictable so they could show up any time, any where!  You’ll need to be patient and you’ll have to be prepared.  Your camera will need to be turned on at all time and manual cameras will need to be wound on after every shot.  It’s probably best to use the automatic setting on your camera – if you take time out to change the settings you might well miss your chance. Taking pictures of far distant objects may not be the best idea unless you have a high intensity zoom.

When taking portrait shots of animals try to make them fill the frame.  Your subject will dominate the shot creating a forceful and captivating image.  It’s also important to include at least one unobstructed eye within the shot.  Our attention is drawn to the eye of an animal as it is to the eye of a person so this will help the viewer to connect with the image.

Restrictions and security

Some countries place restrictions on what you can and can’t take photos of.  These restrictions are usually associated with the military or government but they can cover bridges, airports or anything else that’s susceptible to sabotage.  Make sure you know what these are before you go else you may find yourself in a difficult situation.

If you have an expensive camera make sure you keep it safe. Don’t advertise it too much to thieves by leaving it lying around and make sure you avoid camera cases with large brand names or designer labels.

So what are you waiting for?  Get out there and start taking some pictures!

 

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