When looking back at old travel photos, I cringe. Not because I don’t have fond memories, but rather because the way the photo looks. I am still by no means an expert regarding photography, but I would say that during my travels I have collected some knowledge on this topic. Whether you’re documenting your travels just for yourself or share it on Instagram, here are five travel photography tips for beginners.
The Camera
First things first, the equipment. As a beginner, you don’t need to buy a fancy camera with countless functions. I own an Olympus Pen Lite E-PL 7 and am very satisfied with my choice. It’s a light-weight camera (perfect for traveling!) that is easy to handle. Do your research before purchasing a camera and most importantly get to know it!
Tell a Story
Photos get much more interesting, if they tell a story. This is especially true for travel photography. Try to capture details, locals (ask for permission!), unique places and things that stick out. Be creative and try to switch up your photos. The possibilities are endless!
Good Light is Key
Good light is the key to good photography! Shooting during the so-called ‘golden hours’ creates a beautiful, gentle light with warm tones that will improve every photo. The ‘golden hours’ can be found right after sunrise and before sunset. So in terms of light, consider the time of the day.
The Rule of Thirds
The rule of thirds is a basic photography rule and all about composition. Imagine breaking down an image into a grid of nine equally squares. When taking the picture, place your point of interest along one third of the frame. This way, the photo will be viewed much more naturally.
Editing
Know how to do some basic editing. It can enhance your travel photos, if the lighting wasn’t on point or if you want to make the colors pop. On my Macbook I use the program Photo that already came with it and on my phone I always edit with the VSCO app and PS Express.
Do you have some travel photography tips? Share them in the comments below!