If you're like me, you grew up studying the pages of National Geographic, amazed at the images from around the world. I began to carry a camera on family vacations and realized how fun travel photography can be. Whether you are on the other side of globe, or a day's travel from home, visiting a new place can be exciting and enlightening. The ability to bring back quality photos of your travels not only creates visual memories of your trip, but also will yield some highly artistic photos for your portfolio. Here are a few tips for capturing the better photos on your travels.
Get off of the beaten path
It may be tempting to set up your tripod in the same place as those beautiful postcards in all the stores, but it is much more rewarding to find your own view. There is nothing wrong with grabbing the "postcard" shots, but I would encourage you to explore the area and find a viewpoint that is less common. It might end up being your favorite shot!
I walked thirty minutes from the main beach here in Copacabana, Bolivia until I found this amazing old dock.
Scout locations and be ready to come back
When you find a location that you think would make a great photo, don't be afraid to visit it multiple times. Whether it's a sandy beach or local barbershop, come back again and again to photograph it in different light/scenarios. You will be able to really "work" the scene and walk away with three or four great images.
When I first visited this barbershop in Izamal, Mexico, it was empty. I came back a few hours later to find this unique scene.
Be friendly
Sometimes it can be intimidating to approach strangers to take their photograph. The best technique I have found is just to be friendly, start up a conversation (or whatever you can if you don’t speak the language) and then just ask if you could take their photo. Most people will be happy to oblige you.
Even though we spoke different languages I was able to communicate a little to these Cambodian monks and they offered to let me take their photo.
Stay late
If you are shooting architecture or cityscapes, the best light is twilight or dusk. Wait until the sun goes down and the lights come on. The combination of ambient light from the sky and the glow of city lights will create a very aesthetic image.
After the sun went down, the cliffside village of Oia, Santorini lit up!
Let your subject forget about the camera
When photographing people, especially those who aren't used to being photographed, be careful of forced smiles or nervous poses. Most people will let their guard down if you make small talk and wait a few minutes. When they relax and forget about the camera, that is when you will make great images.
At first, these Rwandan kids were captivated by my camera. After a few minutes, they lost interest and I was able to make this image.
Have fun!
Sometimes it can be frustrating to get great travel photos with all the variables involved, but just be patient and ready. If you are ready with your camera and always looking, eventually photographs will present themselves. Just have fun with it and the photos will start adding up. Remember, you're on vacation!
I waited by these cool doors in Yucatan Mexico until someone walked by and completed my photograph.
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