Vivid memorable photos will help to prolong pleasant impressions after your vacation. Regardless of whether they were taken with a phone camera or professional optics.
In our guide, we have collected useful tips on how to take photos while traveling. Let’s tell you at what time of day the most interesting shots are obtained, let’s analyze the rules of composition. As a bonus, we have prepared illustrative examples and listed the basic retouching techniques in one of the photo editors to make your pictures sparkle even brighter.
Preparing for shooting
The success of a travel photographer begins even before leaving home. Proper planning of the process will save time and focus on creativity.
What to shoot on a trip: phone or camera
The main advantage of a smartphone with a camera is mobility. Using your phone, you can quickly capture the moment without attracting too much attention. In addition, modern models are equipped with several types of lenses: one allows you to make clear portraits on a blurred background, the second — detailed landscapes, the third — panoramas.
However, you may need additional accessories to take pictures with your smartphone in difficult conditions, such as in low light or for high magnification. In addition, even the flagship models lose to the mirrors in the size of the matrix. It determines the sensor’s ability to capture more light, which affects the image quality.
The source of fast and spectacular selfies is the high—resolution front camera. Source — ru.freepik.com
Professional optics gives you more options and flexible control over the photographing process. Camera modes allow you to change the background blur and adjust the detail in any light. Images taken with SLR and mirrorless equipment can be saved in the original RAW format. Such works contain the maximum amount of source data from the matrix, and this allows for deep and high-quality processing. The main difficulties when working with the camera include high weight and size, high demands on processing skills, and the need to buy protective cases and bags.
Errors in colors, exposure, and temperature are better corrected for photos taken with a full-fledged camera. Source — ru.freepik.com
The minimum set of equipment and accessories
For phone owners, an important addition to the trip will be an external battery — powerbank. It will help out if the walk has stretched for the whole day, and there is no possibility to recharge the device from the mains. The protective case will help you take colorful pictures underwater, and the compact monopod will take selfies for a large company.
If you take photos with a DSLR, stock up on an additional memory card and a second battery. Take a zoom lens: you can use it to take multi—genre pictures – portraits, landscapes, macro photos. The main thing is to select the desired mode. A universal tripod will help you avoid “wiggling”, make a photo report with a timer, and capture a picture at night. A waterproof case will help out in rainy weather, and protective filters for lenses will reduce the brightness of the midday sun and allow you to create photos without overexposure.
To “catch” the first star, you can’t do without a tripod. Source — ru.freepik.com
Basic settings before traveling
Set the necessary settings in advance so that you can spend more time on the plot and not be distracted by the device menu. Check the system settings on the device, namely the current date and time. This is important not only for future viewing and memories: images with the correct data will not be lost in the gallery or when exchanged with other media. Choose the highest quality image format, such as RAW for advanced color and exposure, or JPEG to save space.
Activate the grid on the viewfinder screen for precise composition and set the automatic HDR mode to expand the dynamic range in contrasting scenes.
How not to lose snapshots: backups and a memory card
In order to secure the photo archive, create a backup of the images in the cloud storage. To do this, periodically turn on the Internet Wi—Fi in the hotel, or at least mobile. If you are shooting with professional optics, download an application for wireless file transfer without a network on your smartphone or tablet that you take with you. An example of such a program is SnapBridge for Nikon: you can choose not only the images to transfer, but also the file size — original or 2 MB.
The application helps out perfectly in the case when the laptop does not have a place to insert a memory card
Before traveling, be sure to completely clear the memory card of old files directly on your phone, and not through your computer, to avoid file system errors. Check if you have enough volume and check if the media is working properly. To do this, take some test shots and view them on your PC or laptop.
Light and time of travel photography
How do I shoot while traveling to create a photo like the one on the cover? Choose the right time for natural lighting, connect additional sources, and come up with creative plots.
Golden Hour: morning and evening
The classic rule for high—quality photos without artificial light is to shoot in the “golden hour”. The time when you can get atmospheric pictures in warm colors is half an hour after dawn and forty minutes before sunset. The low sun creates long shadows, emphasizes the textures and relief of objects, and its rays color everything in golden shades. At these moments, the sky often turns into a picturesque canvas with smooth transitions of colors, which adds beauty and drama to the frame.
Source — ru.freepik.com
The “Blue Hour” is twilight time. Photographs taken during this period acquire cold shades. An hour of intense blue lasts only 20-40 minutes after sunset or shortly before dawn.
Source — ru.freepik.com
Natural light removes sharp contrasts from the frames and adds volume. The period of the “golden” and “blue” hours does not last long, so the location and settings of the device should be thought out in advance.
Harsh midday sun: shade, reflectors, location search
At lunchtime, when the sun is at its zenith, the images are contrasting. Black spots and overexposed areas appear in the pictures, and the colors turn out to be faded. Sharp nose shadows appear on a person’s face, and the skin looks shiny.
In clear weather, choose a location with shade. You can take selfies near tall buildings or trees. To diffuse the light and gently fill in the shadows, choose a white background, such as light walls or sand. Don’t forget to experiment: catch interesting angles near unusual architectural objects.
Source — ru.freepik.com
Source — ru.freepik.com
Shooting at night and at dusk without blurred frames
The main technical problem on the photo walk at dusk is the lack of light. To capture the beauty of the city and capture the light of the streetlights, adjust the shutter speed. Use values from 10 to 30 seconds. In this case, more light gets on the matrix, and the image will be detailed.
In addition to the shutter speed, you can try adjusting the lens’s aperture, for example, to open it slightly to f/1.8. The scene will look brighter if you increase the ISO. When adjusting this parameter, try not to set the maximum numbers to avoid digital noise. Be sure to bring a tripod with you — it will help you get clear scenes without blurred contours.
Source — ru.freepik.com
Subjects and composition on the road
Wow photos are based not only on the right technical settings, but also on catchy subjects. A thoughtful composition turns an ordinary picture into a harmonious frame. Below we will show you how to effectively convey the natural and urban landscape, which should be taken into account when photographing people.
Landscapes and views: depth, foreground
To add scale and volume to the landscape, create several plans in the image. In the foreground is an expressive object, such as a stone, flower, or tree. Follow the classic rule of thirds: position the horizon line inthe upper or lower third of the frame to focus on the sky or the ground.
Source — ru.freepik.com
Source — ru.freepik.com
Architecture and sights without stamped frames
Try to find an unobvious angle for a well-known building. Take a fragment of it, a reflection in a puddle or through a nearby building. Look for how an object interacts with light and shadow. This way you will emphasize its texture and volume. Be sure to include a passerby, a bird, or a passing vehicle in part of the frame. This will animate a static image and add dynamics to it.
Source — ru.freepik.com
Source — ru.freepik.com
People and the Street: how to film locals and fellow travelers
Street portraits can accurately convey the atmosphere of a place. For natural shots, use long-focus optics: it allows you to keep your distance and not invade the personal space of strangers. Always respect the feelings of others: if the hero of the picture notices you and the reaction is ambiguous, smile politely and clarify the permission to take photos with a gesture or a simple phrase. In case of refusal, simply thank and delete the picture. This is not only a matter of ethics, but also of your safety.
2-in-1 photos: Invite fellow travelers to capture them as they take selfies.
The details and minutiae that make up the story of the trip
Capture small but characteristic elements that convey the spirit of the location. It can be an antique sign, a tile pattern, a traditional dish, or a transport ticket. Shoot the little things close up so that the viewer can see every feature.
Practice shooting in real conditions
Next, we’ll tell you how to take photos in different settings and locations — in tourist spots, crowded establishments, and how to act in situations when traveling alone.
Shooting in a crowd of tourists and in popular places
If you need a “clean” picture without unauthorized persons, schedule a visit to the site in the early morning. But if you’re late, try experimenting with the composition. Try to find an unobvious point for photographing: lower the camera to the ground or find an elevation.
How to pose for yourself and ask others to take your picture
For staged selfies, activate the timer, and for live photos, set the burst mode. If you’re on vacation alone, reach out to a stranger. Set up the device in advance, show which button to press, and clearly formulate the desired composition. Try to relax: it’s better to make a few simple and natural movements than to freeze in one tense position.
How to shoot on the road: transport, market, cafe, beach
Often during the transfer process along the way you can see interesting scenes. To avoid shaking, press the technique against the glass and focus on distant objects. If you shoot at the market, show respect to the local vendors. Try to get non—verbal consent – a smile or a nod in agreement to shoot.
In the cafe, use the soft light from the window and include characteristic details in the frame: local dishes and decor, traditional dishes and seasonal drinks. On the beach, shoot in the shade of an umbrella or in HDR mode, and use reflections on wet sand to create unusual scenes.
Source — ru.freepik.com
How to take pictures of yourself when traveling alone
Going on a journey without company does not mean giving up spectacular shots. Modern technology and a few simple techniques will allow you to create an amazing gallery of memories.
How to take a picture when you’re not behind the camera
Use a stable mini tripod or find a surface to mount the camera. Use the timer or a special smartphone app for remote control. Make sure to take a few takes so that you can choose the best option later.
Source — ru.freepik.com
Frame ideas: not just selfies, but full-fledged portraits in space
To make the photos look natural, move. Look at the details of ancient architecture or turn away from the lens and look at the beautiful landscape.
Source — ru.freepik.com
Travel photo processing
When the vacation has come to an end, take the time to work with the material — select the best images and retouch them.
Selection: how to quickly disassemble hundreds of frames
First, take a quick look at the pictures, delete the unsuccessful ones. Then use the viewer, a program that detects similar images and removes low—quality images. Manually work through the archive again, but focus on the stories that convey the atmosphere and your impressions.
Basic correction: exposure, white balance, contrast, sharpness
Start by adjusting the brightness: try to correct the overexposure and “pull out” the details from the shadows. Adjust the temperature so that the colors in the images look natural. Add clarity and contrast to add volume to the illustration.
In the Photomaster program, you can process an unlimited number of images at once — perform color correction, adjust to a uniform size, and apply a single preset. The program allows you to remove digital noise and enhance the detail. Using hand tools, you can remove unnecessary objects and unauthorized people.
Photomaster program
Color and style
A photo gallery in a single color scheme looks holistic and harmonious. Choose a specific preset to convey the mood and atmosphere of the location, for example, a “Film Grain” for a walk through the narrow streets in an old European city.
Preparing photos for social media and print
To post on a social network or website, crop the images to the desired format and slightly increase the saturation. The size of the files should be reduced to download them quickly. If you plan to print images, then save them in the maximum resolution and CMYK color profile.
Frequent mistakes in travel photography
Even experienced travelers sometimes make mistakes that spoil the experience of viewing vacation photos. Most of the flaws are easily avoided if you follow the following simple rules.
Banal camera angles and “I’m centered on the background”
Try to avoid similar poses against the background of the sights. Look for original shooting points that show the subject from a new perspective. Place the camera on the ground ― this technique will visually increase the height of buildings. Or, on the contrary, find an elevation — stairs, hill, balcony — and shoot from a height to capture not only the object, but also the dynamics of movement against the background of the street perspective.
Overexposure, blocked horizon, blurring
Make sure that the bright sun does not turn important parts of the image into white spots. To avoid a blocked horizon, activate the grid command in your device’s menu. For sharp shots, use a tripod or shorten the shutter speed. If there is no monopod, find a support to prevent the camera from shaking.
Overkill with filters and aggressive processing
Excessive color saturation and contrast of details look artificial. Keep the shades of the surrounding objects and models realistic. Make sure that the skin is not yellow, and the sky remains blue. Use tools to enhance accents and delicately remove minor imperfections, and avoid “heavy” effects.
A short checklist before the trip and on the spot
Briefly about how to take photos on vacation:
- Think over the scenario and assemble a minimum set of equipment in advance.
- Pay attention to the basic settings of the equipment before departure.
- Plan photo shoots in the morning or evening to get the best lighting.
- Look for non-standard camera angles and include details in the frame.
- Use a timer and tripod to create self-portraits.
- Perform gentle treatment, avoid unnatural effects.
- Control the horizon and monitor the exposure right during the photo shoot.
- Combine the final images from the trip in a single style.
Following these points, you are guaranteed to bring back a series of vivid and memorable travel shots from your trip.
