Travel photography is a great way to capture memories, share new places, and look back on the adventures you’ve had. When I first started snapping photos on trips, I realized that getting beautiful shots while you’re on the go can be a bit trickier than shooting at home. It takes some know-how, a little practice, and a creative eye. Here I’m sharing travel photography tips that helped me go from random vacation snapshots to images I truly love and want to show off.
Top Travel Photography Tips for Beginners
Kicking off your travel photography adventure is exciting and totally worth the effort. Super important basics, like knowing how to spot good light or frame a scene quickly, can make a big difference. Whether you’re using a camera or your phone, just a few tweaks to your approach help you get better, more eye-catching pictures.
With more people traveling than ever (nearly 1.5 billion international tourist arrivals in 2019, according to the UNWTO), travel photography is a trending hobby on social media and blogs. And there’s no fancy gear required to start, just some patience, curiosity, and these beginner-friendly ideas.
Travel photography covers a lot: landscapes, street scenes, food, architecture, or even quirky little details that make a destination unique. The best photos tell a story and bring viewers into the moment, almost like a mini escape.
How to Get Started with Travel Photography
Getting started isn’t about loading up on expensive gear. The main thing is learning to see like a photographer. Here are tips I found super useful during my own early trips:
- Pack light: Carrying extra heavy equipment all day gets old fast. Choose a camera or smartphone that’s easy to handle, and stick with just your favorite lens or accessory if you use a DSLR or mirrorless camera.
- Know your tools: Get comfortable with your camera or smartphone before your trip. Play around with its settings, learn how to quickly adjust exposure, focus, and even how to clean the lens for sharper images.
- Scout locations: I like searching for popular photo spots online or browsing Instagram for inspiration. Sometimes just a short walk in a new city reveals cool streets or unique perspectives that aren’t on any must-see list.
- Keep essentials handy: Bring spare batteries, memory cards, a cleaning cloth, and maybe a small tripod or minigorilla pod if you want steady low light or group shots.
Travel Photography Ideas for Beginners
It’s easy to get stuck only taking photos of famous landmarks. I try adding variety by looking for:
- Street scenes: Everyday life tells a city’s story. Markets, street performers, local shops, and bustling cafes make for really dynamic, authentic shots.
- Details: Close-ups of patterns, textures, and colors help break up the usual wide shots. Think tiled floors, woven baskets, or ornate doors.
- Landscapes and cityscapes: Sunrise or sunset often gives the best light, warm, soft, and easy to work with. Early morning tends to be quieter for city photos too.
- Food: Snapping local dishes at a street food stall or in a cozy café is a good way to document both culture and your experience.
- People: Always ask permission if you want a portrait or a photo that makes someone a clear subject. Candids are great, but be respectful.
For more creative shots, consider capturing transportation scenes, such as boats on a river or vibrant bicycles lined up on a city block. Document local festivals or rituals if you stumble upon them—these often bring together the most colorful and vibrant personalities of a place. And don’t forget to shoot after dark; city nights with glowing lights, lit fountains, or lanterns can be especially eye-catching. Experiment with reflections in puddles or mirrors for more visual interest.
How to Take Good Travel Photos With Your Phone
Smartphones are totally capable of impressive travel photos. Some of my favorite images are from my phone, mostly because it’s always in my pocket and quick to use. Here’s how I get my phone photos looking sharp:
- Tap to focus: Tapping the screen before snapping helps keep your main subject crisp. If the background is too light or dark, tapping also sometimes adjusts exposure.
- Use grid lines: Most phones let you add a rule of thirds grid, which helps with more balanced compositions.
- Clean your lens: Seriously, wiping the lens with a cloth or shirt can make a night and day difference, since pockets attract lint and smudges.
- Edit afterwards: Built-in editing tools can do a lot, but apps like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile are great for subtle tweaks to brightness, contrast, and cropping.
- Go wide (or close): Use your phone’s wideangle for big scenes, or get close for details. Avoid digital zoom, which can make your photos grainy.
Also, shoot in HDR mode if your phone supports it. This option balances the highlights and shadows, which is especially useful for landscapes with a big range in brightness. Take advantage of burst mode to capture action moments, such as street dancers or wildlife. Always keep an eye out for fun moments; with a phone, you’re ready to snap them instantly.
Common Challenges and What to Expect
Travel isn’t always smooth, and photography can add some curveballs. A couple of things I learned by experience:
- Weather surprises: Rain or harsh sun means tricky lighting. Overcast days are actually awesome for portraits and colorful markets, while strong sun is better for striking shadows or backlit scenes.
- Busy spots: Iconic places are packed at midday. Early morning or late afternoon is quieter and gives warmer photos. Sometimes I just lean into the crowds and make them part of the shot, like a colorful market bustling with shoppers.
- Cultural sensitivity: Some places have religious or cultural restrictions on photography. Respect signs or requests, and when in doubt, ask before shooting.
- Security: Keep your camera or phone close, and be aware of your surroundings. I like a wrist strap for my phone and only take my camera out when I feel comfortable doing so.
Lighting Challenges
Most travel situations have wild lighting, like midday sun, dim interiors, or eye-catching sunsets. Try not to use builtin flash, which flattens the scene. Spend some time learning the basics of natural light, such as shooting during golden hour or making use of shade for even, flattering images. If you’re stuck inside or it’s night, try resting your camera or phone on a table or steady surface to reduce blur in low light, or capture creative light trails from passing cars.
Composition on the Go
It’s sometimes tricky to frame shots quickly. I like to look for leading lines such as roads, fences, or even the edge of a table, that guide the eye into the scene. Changing your height, shooting low or finding a staircase, adds a fresh angle. Don’t forget to look behind you; sometimes the shot is behind your back, not straight ahead!
Use framing elements such as windows, arches, or tree branches to give context and depth to your subject. Don’t be afraid to experiment—a tilted angle or an off-center subject might be just what your album needs. Try including people for scale in landscape shots, or catch their reactions for a more candid vibe.
Travel Gear for Beginners
You don’t need loads of gear to get results, but here’s what I consider pretty handy:
- Versatile lens (if you use a camera): A light zoom like 18-55mm is fine for most things.
- Extra batteries and memory cards: Photos eat up power and space quickly on trips.
- Compact tripod: Super light and can help steady shots in low light or do group/family pictures.
- Protective bag or pouch: Dust, sand, and even humidity can mess with your equipment.
Also, I recommend a simple lens cloth and some basic weather protection like a ziptop bag or rain cover for unexpected conditions. For phone shooters, a portable power bank is worth carrying—it’s a bummer to run out of charge at a perfect moment. Consider bringing a small notebook for photo ideas or location notes as well.
Travel Photography Courses and Resources
If you want to take things a step further, plenty of beginner-friendly online courses can help you deepen your skills:
- Skillshare: Offers travel photography classes that run through composition, editing, and even how to tell better stories with your photos. Teachers include experienced travelers, so you’re getting real world advice.
- Udemy: Courses cover technical stuff like exposure and editing, but also how to get unique shots with limited gear.
- Local workshops: Major cities often have short photography walking tours, which I found fun for meeting others and getting hands-on practice.
- YouTube: Free tutorials are everywhere, including favorites like Mango Street, The Creative Travel Guide, and Nomadic Matt.
Investing some time in courses or tutorials helped me learn editing tricks and give a boost to my confidence. If you like a specific photographer’s style, check out their portfolio or blog for step by step guides and gear recommendations. Also, online photography communities are great for sharing shots, getting feedback, and connecting with fellow travelers for tips and inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Photography
Here are answers to common beginner questions:
How do I make my travel photos more interesting?
Get closer to your subject, play with different angles, and try not to center everything in the frame. Tell a story by including local signs, people, and context.
Do I need an expensive camera for travel photography?
Not at all! Many smartphones shoot high quality photos. If you have a camera, start with what you own and upgrade only if you feel limited.
Is it safe to take photos everywhere?
Be aware of your surroundings and respectful of local customs or laws. Some religious or government sites may prohibit photography, so watch for signs.
Bringing It All Together
Travel photography, even at a beginner level, is more about creative seeing than about gear. A little planning, care with composition, and an openness to the unexpected help you make the most of your travels. Whether you’re using a camera or just your phone, keep practicing; the world is full of cool stories waiting for you to capture them.
If you want more advice, I often check resources like National Geographic’s travel photo tips or browse top travel blogs for new ideas. Happy shooting!