i've always wanted to be a travel photographer

10 great travel photography tips from a professional photographer

Want to be a travel photographer? We asked a pro photographer about the tips and secrets behind taking great travel shots

i've always wanted to be a travel photographer

Getting paid to travel the world and capture incredible images of people, animals and landscapes is many people’s dream job, but it’s also one of the most competitive and challenging.

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Professional travel photographer Graeme Green gives his practical advice and insider knowledge for improving your photos and getting ahead.

1. Go the extra mile

Life as a travel photographer often means getting out of bed (if there is a bed) when it’s dark and cold. I’ve gone out taking photos while wiped out by illness or after getting no sleep on the wooden floor of a hut. There have been long trudges through snow, sand and swamp, and exhausting journeys on dusty tracks. The unexpected or disastrous often happens. Life on the road is hard to predict, but you still have to get the photos you need.

A big part of the lifestyle’s appeal is getting to travel to remote, often wild and fascinating locations, meeting new people and having experiences you just can’t get at home – but it takes effort and time. Early starts, tough journeys, and long, hard days in difficult environments are all part of the job. There might be times when you don’t feel like taking photos, when you just want to rest, but missed opportunities always come back to haunt you. You never know what you might miss.

2. Make a plan

One of my favourite ways to photograph is just to walk, to explore a city or a location without an idea of what I’m looking for or where I’m heading to. You never know what scenes wait just around the next corner for spontaneous photographs.

But sometimes it really pays to plan, especially if you need to get specific shots for an assignment. Think about what you’re trying to achieve, whether it's a close-up or a wider picture of a whole scene. If you’re photographing a festival or event, you need to take into account what time it will all kick off. If you have one, ask your guide or fixer for details on where exactly things will happen, then plan ahead to make sure you’re in the best possible location.

It’s especially worth looking around at where the light is coming from. It’d be frustrating to be present at a dramatic moment only to realise you should be on the other side of the room.

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3. Always be ready

Whether photographing people or wildlife, great photographic moments often pass by once and then they’re gone. You need to always be ready and alert to the action. That particularly means spending time getting to know your camera, experimenting with elements such as shutter speed.

With some photos, you’ll want what you’re photographing to be sharp and clear, whereas others might look good with a blurry suggestion of movement. Also consider focal points and depth of field; what you want to draw the eye to, and whether you want a person or animal to stand out or to be part of it’s environment.

You want to get familiar enough with your camera so that you can make changes quickly, almost instinctively. The last thing you want to be doing when something unmissable happens is struggling to find the right settings.

I usually test my camera in a location ahead of time, while there’s nothing happening, to make sure I have something close to the right settings if and when something does occur.

4. Take your time

Time and patience are often the key elements that make the difference between a good photo and a great one.

You can come across a building that’s going to look brilliant in few hours, when the light hits it right, or you might find a composition you like but it takes a while for all the key features, including people, to line up in just the right way. As tempting as it can be to take the photo as it is and move on, it pays not to accept compromise and to wait for the best possible picture.

Working in Morocco, I found plenty of compositions that I liked a lot, but it sometimes took an hour or more of waiting to get the photos I was really happy with, with people passing by at just the right moment.

5. Get in the thick of the action

Great photographs really give the viewer a sense of a place or people. They trigger their curiosity and make them want to know more.

With adventure travel photography, you need to capture the action and take people there. Whether it’s biking in Vietnam, snowshoeing in Japan or trekking in Mexico, people looking at your pictures have to feel that sense of adventure and excitement. You need to get in the thick of it.

If you’re spending time with local cultures, you need to communicate a sense of local character, how people live and the surrounding environment. If photographing a sombre religious event or a chaotic carnival, your photos need to capture that atmosphere.

6. Let people see the real world

For me, it’s a real turn-off when I see photos online that bear almost no relation to the real world. I don’t, of course, see anything wrong with post-production work to bring out the best in a photo, but I see pictures everyday in which photographers have clearly got carried away with Photoshop or Lightroom ’s settings.

Our eyes are pretty clever and detect when something doesn't add up. An over-manipulated photo instantly loses credibility, whether that’s intensely oversaturated colours, a lack of shadows, or oddly manipulated pictures with dark, cloudy skies but scenery bathed in sunlight. Pictures like that might get Likes on Instagram but they're likely to be rejected by newspapers and magazine editors.

For me, it’s more satisfying to capture something real. There are so many remarkable sights in the world without sprinkling digital magic all over them.

7. Think about the impact of your pictures

Wherever you go, always treat people with respect. I’ve been shocked by tourists swarming locals with cameras and iPads, treating them like an exotic curiosity, not a person. Whether I’m working with a person or a group for several days or just photographing someone I see on a street, I always check first. Quickly pointing at the camera and asking “OK?” usually does the trick.

You should also always stop and consider what you’re photographing from an ethical position. Photos can do a lot of good, communicating important stories, but they can also have a negative impact, especially if you become part of cruel or harmful practices. In parts of Asia, some tribal women wear heavy metal chains to give them unnaturally long necks, causing painful physical deformities. What was once a local tradition is now more about someone extracting money from tourists who come to take photos.

The same goes for wildlife too, whether it's drugged tigers, dancing bears or performing elephants. I don’t want pictures on my memory cards that helped cause any kind of suffering.

8. Think outside the box

It’s possible to get so focused on photographing one thing, the main event, that you miss what else is happening, including other details that tell a story or make for interesting photos. Remember to look away from the viewfinder; often, it’s small details that others might miss or walk by, rather than the obvious main attraction, that bring a story to life.

Looking around, you can often find interesting juxtapositions between the person or animal you’re photographing and features of the landscape, or perhaps a tower or tree, or even the moon. For one of my favourite wildlife photos from the Falklands, instead of coming in tight on a group of penguins, I zoomed out to show a tiny little cluster of the birds facing an approaching storm, which gave a completely different, and, in my view, more interesting result.

A travel story often requires variety, which means looking around at smaller details, and not just the big, key elements (people, landscapes, animals, buildings, and so on). Details, such as a funny street sign or a unique statue, can add layers to a set of photos and give a fuller idea of a place.

9. Challenge yourself to find new approaches

Photography should always be exciting. You never want to get stuck in a rut, repeating the kind of pictures you’ve taken before, or to be satisfied with pictures that are less than your best.

The more time you spend taking photos, the more rewarding it is to be creative and find your own way of doing things. Working for other people, especially demanding editors, is one way to push yourself further. But you should always be challenging yourself to produce photographs that excite you to look at. Study what other photographers do, including what you like and what you don’t like about their work.

Most of all, study and critique your work. How could it be improved? Try to push your photography in new directions, whether framing things differently, seeking out interesting light, or just getting yourself into more interesting situations.

10. Get paid

Given the sheer volume of photos produced each day, there’s a culture in the media of asking photographers to give away their photos for free. At some point, unless your landlord and local supermarket accept payment in smiles, you need to get paid for your work.

Getting a job or freelancing for newspapers, magazines and websites means competing against many other would-be professional photographers, so you need to work hard and your photos need to stand out. Build up a portfolio, improve your photography, and work for smaller publications, all of which puts you nearer the front of the line. Having a good social media following and a reputation for being enthusiastic, hardworking and reliable helps.

You can also work for advertising companies, or sell your pictures via online galleries such as Alamy and Flickr. Many photographers sell prints, give talks, teach photography classes, or lead photography tours and workshops.

You need to put a value on your work and your time. In every situation, ask: what am I getting out of this? Is it worth my time and expertise? Travel photography is a tough business but an incredibly rewarding one if you can navigate your way.

Read more: The 10 best travel cameras you can buy right now Best travel tripods in 2019 10 ultimate locations for wildlife photographers How to prepare for a safari or wildlife photography trip

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Photo Tips, Creative Photography + Travel Guides - The Wandering Lens

How to Become a Professional Travel Photographer
Career Tips
By Lisa Michele Burns

Travel Photography: A Guide to Getting Started as a Travel Photographer

The title of ‘Travel Photographer’ is the pinnacle for many creatives with that ever enduring sense of wanderlust.

You would think all you need is a camera and a plane ticket to become a travel photographer, right?

In theory, yes. But in practice, you’re competing with a world filled of talented creatives all vying for the opportunity to be a full time travel photographer.

That said, there is so much room in the industry for skilled photographers as the need for quality content is at an all time high.

Social media and online publications are soaking up visual content like a sponge. The urge to publish engaging and unique imagery, viral videos and inspiring posts means photographers are in demand right now!

Are you ready to get involved?

I’m writing this guide from over 17+yrs in the industry as a travel photographer, you’ll find my personal portfolio here at lisamicheleburns.com – there’s so much space in the industry if you can create photographs with a refreshing view of the world, and I hope this guide will help you discover how you can work as a travel photographer and join me in this exciting industry!

Read below to find information on the following steps to starting a career as a travel photographer:

– Setting Goals – Learn Photography – Create a Niche Style – Build a Portfolio – Create a Website – Finding Clients – Getting Published – Build Your Social Media Presence – Master the Art of Self Promotion

How to start a Career in Travel Photography

1. set goals.

Before you even look at your camera or think about the amazing places you’ll visit take a step back and look inside.

Write down exactly why you want to be a travel photographer. Is it to get your photo on the cover of National Geographic? To travel for free? To visit far away places and document them as a photojournalist? Or is it simply because you love taking photos and seeing new places?

Setting goals and thinking about the reason you want to be a travel photographer sounds like a pretty easy step to skip but believe me, you want those goals to look back at one day. When you’ve had a bad few months without work, when you’re knee deep in mud because you took the term ‘getting the shot’ a bit too far…you want to be reminded of why you’re doing it.

Writing a set of achievable goals will also give you a path to follow. Travel photography has no real set career path so be sure to write some short term goals and long term goals to work towards.

2. Learn Photography

So this step may seem obvious but you’ll be surprise how many fail to take it seriously. If you are really keen work in the travel photography industry and become a full-time travel photographer you need to know your camera inside out.

Having 500 people ‘like’ your photo on Instagram doesn’t cut it in the world of media and publishing if that photo doesn’t print sharp above 1000 pixels wide.

Knowing the right settings, image quality standards and having the eye to see and capture the world creatively will put you ahead of the pack.

I’m not a big believer in getting a formal education for a creative skill (different for everyone!) but if you prefer to learn from books there are a number of courses online that will help you out. There are various ways to learn photography and depending on your learning style, it’s usually best to find the method that suits you best as we’re all different! Take a peek at this quick guide I wrote about learning styles + 8 ways to learn photography.

Another way to learn photography is to take your camera out and use it until you know how it operates in various lighting conditions, landscapes, indoors, outdoors, upside down, underwater, looking up, looking down. You probably get my drift here.

Knowing how to use your camera is essential to success as a travel photographer because more often than not, it’s those spur of the moment shots that generate the goods. If you can quickly adapt to the surroundings and know what settings to change in a split-second in order to capture a moment, you’re in with a pretty good shot of becoming a professional photographer.

Practice taking photos of friends, pets, your local surroundings, basically anything and everything in order to expand your knowledge of photography.

LEARN MORE WITH THE WANDERING LENS

Creative Courses + Resources for Photographers: If you’re interested in discovering your creative vision and building a portfolio with the aim of finding work as a photographer, The Wandering Lens now offers self-study courses , eBooks and Workbook Bundles. The online courses and downloadable workbooks can be accessed at any time, from anywhere in the world – it’s about creating accessible resources to help you in your photography career. The bring together over 17+years of experience and lessons from working in the industry. I want to see others share their talents and get published, sell prints, find clients – to have the confidence to achieve whatever it is you want to within the field of photography.

Want to work as a travel photographer yourself?

To learn more about becoming a travel photographer, join me for an 8-week online course called The Freelance Travel Photographer Course , where I share anything and everything you need to know to succeed in the industry, based on my 17+yrs as a professional travel photographer. Alternatively, you can register to receive my free email series focused on travel photography as a career. Register for the free travel photography email series here.

Travel Photography Tips –

Some articles from my site that might help you out…all can be found in the Photo Tips section but here are some more specific posts – How To Creatively Compose Travel Images Landscape Photography: Tips for Wide Angle Landscape Photos Learn How to Take Underwater Split-Level Photographs

To develop a consistent style once you’ve got the hang of your camera, then you need to learn some editing skills to give your images a professional edge. Programs like Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop ( sign up for a free trial here ) work wonders in giving your images a little oomph. You can download my personal collection of presets here that allows you to do quick edits at the touch of a button.

I’m still learning 12 years after my first professional travel photography gig and that’s all part of the fun! Staying eager to learn means photography won’t ever get boring!

3. Create a Niche Style as a Travel Photographer

With the world of social media creating a never ending sea of content, standing out as a travel photographer is essential.

It’s not about risking your life in order to be the only one doing it, it’s about creating a consistent quality within your portfolio.

You want people to see a shot and say ‘I know who photographed that’, or at the very least to view your portfolio be wowed by your unique perspective of the world.

Creating a niche style is about developing a vision that portrays your view of the surroundings. Some people specialise in drone aerials, others underwater photography or travel portraits. Whatever your niche is, stick with it and find a way to stand out within the arena.

Putting together a list of things your interested in, then brainstorming a way to creatively capture them will kick things off. You’ll soon notice the way to capture them might blur together and become very similar, your niche style will then take on a mind of it’s own.

Developing a niche is a matter of trial and error. You want to be passionate about your niche and have a real desire to continue with it. The more effort you put into creating, the more results you’ll see appearing professionally.

Read more – ‘My current creative obsession’

4. Build a Portfolio

I’ve read before that it takes at least 10,000 photos before you can really start to call yourself a photographer. I don’t agree.

Building a professional portfolio is about compiling a collection of your best work, whether that was your first shot or 6,428th shot.

A portfolio is your go to link for sharing your work. You want it to highlight what you do and how good you do it.

It can be in the form of a PDF booklet that’s ready to email clients or publishers, an online gallery or you can use sites like Flickr or 500px.com

A few tips on creating a great portfolio: – Keep a folder of your best shots and curate regularly – Be your own worst critic – Sort images based on destination, colour or style

Having a folder of your best shots for each destination will allow you to quickly access them when you need to grab them for a client.

Personally I have a PDF booklet that contains just 20 of my best shots that I believe represents my style of photography. I find it’s quick for people to browse through and it gives them a good feel for what I shoot and what the results can be if we were to work together.

Online portfolios are also great as they can be nice and easy to link to in forums, social media and emails giving people fast access to your work. Just be sure to curate your online portfolio as much as possible, quality over quantity!

No matter how much we’d like to believe people get stuck spending hours gazing in awe through our portfolio, the reality is it takes a few seconds for someone to make a judgement. Make those few seconds count and wow them from the beginning.

Oh and don’t forget a logo.

Having an identifiable logo will help visitors to your portfolio relate with your work whenever that see the logo. Have you seen professional photographers sign the bottom of their printed images? Well to me that’s the perfect logo for a photographer and there’s a website that provides you with exactly that.

Photologo is a service that creates handwritten logos for photographers, meaning if your handwriting isn’t super fancy and calligraphic (is that a word!?), they’ll do the hard work for you and provide you with a set of files to use throughout your portfolio or to print on images!

You’ll find a gallery of sample logos on their website – Photologo

5. Creating a Website or Blog

Separate to having a portfolio, publishing your own content on a website or blog is a fantastic way to showcase your abilities.

By creating your own space online you can publish your content in the way you want it to be seen. Fancy becoming a photojournalist? Publish articles in that style on your own site!Having a collection of published articles, whether they are self published or not, is a great way to show editors and clients what you are capable of.

Even if you can’t write and only want to be a travel photographer, put together a photo feature article showcasing a particular destination or experience. Keep the words to a minimum and all eyes will be focused on your images.

With your own blog or website you have the ability to promote your unique photography style and perspectives to anyone, anywhere in the world. Tools like Google Analytics allow you to see who is checking out your site and where, giving you a great insight into how your photography is getting seen and what the most popular content is on your site!

To create your own website it’s simply a matter of registering a domain name, finding a host, signing up to a free site such as WordPress.org , deciding on a template and uploading your work. It sounds like a lot but you can get it going within a few hours.

Not a huge fan of fiddly code and want to create your portfolio NOW? Websites like wix.com or Squarespace.com actually do all the hard work for you and all you’ve got to do is supply the photos and select a layout style. I created my personal portfolio site using the Wix Premium plan which helps you obtain a domain name and they’re serves look after your site so you don’t have to pay and look after numerous subscriptions, it’s all in one. You can create a site with any layout style you like and Wix also has easy to use SEO, eCommerce and Blogging help so your site will be gracing the pages of Google in no time.

Squarespace is perhaps a little more artistic than Wix when it comes to layouts and available themes. I love the clean look of Squarespace and use it for my pri nt store , if it wasn’t so much work I’d probably transfer my entire site across to Squarespace! I currently use the Commerce plan which allows me to receive print orders and list products for sale but there are lower cost plans if you’re simply after a blog or portfolio site.

The sites I use and recommend are listed below if you’re keen to get started quickly –

All-in-One Web Design – Wix.com or Squarespace.com

Domain Registration – Crazy Domains (look for .com domains to rank better) Web Host – Bluehost (hosting from $3.95 per month) Wordpress Templates – Themeforest (look for themes with changeable features)

*Please note some links used are affiliate links to products I personally use and as such I will receive a small fee should you opt to use their services also. I’ll only ever share affiliate links to products I use for my own business and that I know work.

6. Finding Clients as a Travel Photographer

Once you’ve developed your photographic skills to the point where you believe it will benefit clients, it’s time to begin the approach.

Most travel photographers work on a freelance basis meaning they’ll have a variety of clients ranging from print media and stock libraries to local tour operators and businesses. There really is no limit to who your client can be because everyone needs images for visual marketing!

Think of all the hotel photos you browse through when choosing somewhere to stay. Someone has to take them and most of the time hotels are looking to update their image library, the same goes for tour operators and local tourism boards.

Approaching a new client can be a lot easier if you happen to be visiting that region, or if it’s where you are based. Start local and contact businesses who you regularly use or that have less than desirable images on their website…put together a proposal and they’ll more than likely say yes if it benefits them! If they’re just starting out on social media you can offer to create a library of social media images they can use over a 3-6month period to generate interest in their product/region.

Once you’ve got a client, be sure to over deliver and get creative in finding ways you can work together on an ongoing basis.

Travel Photography Jobs and Working as a Photographer in 2021

Travel Photography Stock Libraries

One way to generate a regular income as a photographer is via stock libraries. To be straight up, not all stock libraries will benefit you and are worth your time. Some pay out a teeny tiny 10cents per sale however others follow industry standards with professional pricing guidelines.

As an approved photographer on stock libraries, you can possibly get access to client briefs where you can submit your work direct to the client, meaning they’ll consider you for the project and see your profile. Otherwise there’s usually a marketplace type system for you to upload your images and have them added to collections based on themes, destinations and seasons.

Some stock libraries to check out include Getty Images , Adobe Stock , Shutterstock , Alamy and istockphoto, I haven’t had any person experience with these so can’t offer too much judgement on these.

7. Getting Published as a Travel Photographer

Now lets talk about the fun stuff. The part where you call your family and tell them to rush to the newsagent and buy every copy of the magazine because your photo is inside!

Having your photography published is one of the biggest achievements as a professional travel photographer. I think it’s a key sign that firstly, your work is worthy of publishing and secondly that you are being seen as a working professional.

Getting published isn’t actually as daunting or elusive as it sounds. It can be a matter of contacting an editor with a great story idea, self-publishing on sites like BoredPanda.com and having editors contact you to republish the article or you might find gigs on sites like freelancer.com.

Ever since I started out as a journalist 12years ago (yikes, old!), I dreamt of having my images published in Lonely Planet guidebooks. That was my goal and I was pretty narrow minded about it. I was so focused that I entered every competition, submitted author applications, photographer applications and compiled folders of my Lonely Planetesque images ready just incase they called me one day. Just to note, social media wasn’t around then…now you can totally just tag them or use a hashtag to get noticed, ha!

It took one competition entry to change my life one year after starting out as a journalist, a series of my photographs from Marrakech were published on lonelyplanet.com and the rest as they say is history. If I can do it, anyone can!

To start out, put together a list of the publications you want your work in. Take a note of the style of photography they publish, the amount of images per editorial and even go as far as checking out the photographers who get published in those magazines.

Most photographers who are published in travel magazines are regulars, they will have built up a reputation with the editor or a journalist and are someone they can call on for great shots. You want to be one of those people they call!

Contacting editors via email can be the best way to have your work seen. Be sure to know the publication before you approach them, and then send through an email with a story/photo feature idea that you believe will fit their publication perfectly. Make sure your pitch is relevant, straight to the point and time sensitive; most print publications will have issues ready months in advance so it’s worth checking their advertising cut-off dates in order to work out what type of content they’ll be after at what time of year. Pitching a summer photo feature when they’re working on winter destinations won’t get you very far!

I really can’t stress enough the importance of researching a publication BEFORE contacting them. You don’t want to be seen as unprofessional in your first email, you want to wow them and make them wonder why they’ve never heard of you before.

If you want to build a portfolio of published work before contacting the bigger publications, look at sites like Matador Network that allow you to submit stories or respond to requested articles. Or as noted above, create your own website and self-publish.

8. Build your Social Media Presence as a Travel Photographer

When I first started out in photography and journalism, social media didn’t exist. I know, crazy.

Now though, social media is actually an essential element to becoming a travel photographer and having your work seen.

It can be as simple as creating an Instagram account, sharing your work and tagging a tourism board so they can see what you’ve been photographing in the region. Simple little social media techniques will lead to future work and if you do it right, you might even find the work comes to you.

Social Media Tips:

– Curate your work, don’t publish every single photo ( read my guide to curating your own work here ) – Research destination relevant hashtags (#seeaustralia, #NZMustDo, #TravelFrance, #inspiredbyiceland) – Tag relevant brands, tourism boards or tour operators – Focus on building relationships with destinations or brands you want to work with (comment, like and share their content) – Build your social following by engaging with your audience. Ask questions in the caption, reply to every single comment you receive, follow other photographers!

Social Media Don’ts:

– Don’t obsessively tag brands and tourism boards if your work isn’t up to scratch yet. Wait until your content is professional enough to wow them. – Don’t ask for freebies if you don’t have an audience to benefit the brand, always think of how you can add value – Don’t get cocky because people start following, be humble, grateful and professional 🙂

Take a look at my post The Best 6 Social Platforms for Photographers , here you’ll find links to social platforms that work best to showcase your work.

Personally, Instagram and Steller are my favourites because they are all about the visuals and you’ll find a great community of creatives.

9. Master the Art of Self Promotion

This little section may be the most important part of all. It’s something I never realised was necessary when I had dreams of being a travel photographer and I wish someone had told me this so I’m sharing it with you all now…

You need to sell yourself.

I’m not talking about being a sell out, I mean you need to be confident in sharing your work, getting it seen and knowing who to show it to. No one is going to do it for you (unless you pay an agent!), mastering the art of self promotion will shape your career.

By using social media, your website, your portfolio, connections you meet, people you know through your mothers friend’s daughter…being confident to promote your work to anyone you meet is essential. You can even get crafty and make promotional products or postcards via sites like moo.com which allows you to print packs with multiple designs, perfect for sending out your portfolio in a fun and unique way!

A little tough love…if you aren’t confident that your work is good, why should anyone else be?

Own it. Be proud of the work you are creating and it will shine through.

Throughout your career you’ll find some people don’t take a liking to your work, and that’s totally fine. Photography is a subjective medium so not everyone is going to love every photo you take and I’m pretty sure you don’t like every photo you see on your Instagram feed either!

Knowing how to sell yourself and your photography portfolio is about finding how YOU can create the best content for a brand. How YOU can photograph the best shot of a hotel room. Whatever job you’re applying for, own your style and be confident in showing the client why they should hire you, try not to compare yourself to others too much.

Side note – I still get those anxious butterflies before a meeting, I still stumble my words when meeting a client for the first time and I still have doubts that maybe my work isn’t good enough. But masking those doubts has become easier over time and I can now put on a professional outside appearance, even if on the inside I’m shaking like a polaroid picture.

Read more – Self Promotion and Marketing for Photographers

Travel Photographer.

Just putting those two words out there so they’re really etched in your thoughts. You can do it!

So there you have it. If you’re serious about becoming a travel photographer I really think there’s nothing stopping you.

Set your goals, get studying on how to use your camera then begin creating your online portfolio to showcase your photography to the world!

While 1 in 1million may get catapulted to instant globe trotting glory, the road to becoming a full time travel photographer is long and at times frustrating. Success isn’t determined by how many likes you get or your follower count, it’s in whether or not you achieve your individual goals as a photographer.

Celebrating the small things will go a long way to creating happiness and the feeling of success in a creative industry!

Keen to learn more with The Wandering Lens?

If you’re eager to improve your photography, explore your creative talents and even perhaps work in the industry, you’ll find self-study courses and a library of eBooks and Workbooks via The Wandering Lens Store . I’ve developed online resources for photographers, creatives, dreamers, adventurers, travellers and freelancers. If that sounds like you, maybe we should connect and chat about your photography goals! These creative courses and resources bring together my 17+years of experience and lessons from working in the industry. I want to see others share their talents and get published, sell prints, find clients – to have the confidence to achieve whatever it is you want to within the field of photography. Get in touch via [email protected] if you’d like to chat about your photography!

JOIN THE FREE MINI COURSE VIA EMAIL – 3 DAYS X 3 EMAILS

Get Involved + Share Your Work!

Because social media is one of the important steps listed above, be sure to share your work using the hashtag #thewanderinglens so I can follow along on your journey! Join The Wandering Lens Facebook Group and share ideas, your work or ask questions amongst like-minded photographers! You’re welcome to leave a link in the comments section below to share your photography story and include a link to your portfolio…

– Please note there are Affiliate Links to my preferred websites/brands/editing programs in the above article. All links are for programs and sites I personally use and recommend!

Hello! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens. With 17+yrs experience as a professional travel and landscape photographer, all advice found on this site is from my personal experience on the road. I hope it’s useful for your own travels and would love to hear in the comments about your trips and experiences around the world.

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Blog comments.

November 30, 2016 at 11:14 pm

Thank you for sharing this, I have a wordpress site already but maybe this will help make me actually do something with it! Love your site by the way 🙂

thewanderinglens

December 1, 2016 at 11:28 am

So lovely to hear Lindsay, definitely keep going with the WordPress site, once the hard work is done it’s so easy to add content and make your work visible!

December 1, 2016 at 12:44 am

This is a great resource! It’s packed with so much info. Thanks for sharing!!!!

December 1, 2016 at 11:27 am

Great to hear Jess! Good luck with your photography 🙂

Thekiwifrog

December 1, 2016 at 4:58 am

Great article Lisa. Super informative and with a great progression.

Just a note on the side. There is a tiny typo for steller that you spelt stellar. I wouldn’t mention it normally but in that case people might get confused if they look for it.

Let me know if you are still around the South Island. We could go for a shoot or coffee.

Cheers Nico

December 1, 2016 at 11:24 am

Thanks Nico, just fixed that up…I always confuse myself into thinking it’s with an ‘a’ 🙂 I won’t be back in NZ until later in 2017, I’ll definitely let you know once I’m heading that way though, can’t go a year without photographing the beautiful South Island! Cheers, Lisa

December 8, 2016 at 8:28 pm

Wow, thanks for the Tips! These are incredibly useful to know and I have already started some of these!

After spending the last 6 years fiddling and learning photography, my wife and I are about to move to Cambridge, UK from Melbourne. We are planning to post and write about our European trips in a capacity that is more than just telling our family what we are doing with the goal of allowing our work to eventually pay for our travel. Our first real post will be up soon, looking at our short weekend trip into the Wimmera/Mallee to visit the new Silo Art in the region. My Wife is a much better writer than I am and is currently editing!

I guess the hardest thing is getting a consistent style in your photos but we’ll just keep at it!

Thanks again for the advice and the inspiration

Nick Zupancich

January 14, 2017 at 7:06 pm

Nice write-up! I’m in the middle of this journey myself. It has had it’s fair share of bumps in the road and every day is an adventure. You were spot on when you mentioned that there is no predetermined set path to follow in becoming a travel photographer. Maybe that’s why this career choice is so interesting 🙂

My work can be found on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/nazpicture/ and also here: NAZpicture.com

January 14, 2017 at 7:18 pm

Hi Nick, thanks for sharing, I absolutely agree, it’s definitely what makes it so interesting! Great to hear you’re on the same path, I just had a peek at your work and love the landscapes! Where are you based? Also…Mikko is adorable!!

January 15, 2017 at 10:47 am

Thank you! I’m currently based out of Colorado but will be moving into a custom sprinter van with my girlfriend in July. We will be living nomadically throughout the US and Canada after that! Should be a very exciting transition. Glad you love MIkko too! We just can’t get enough of him.

Jan Miřacký

February 24, 2017 at 9:14 pm

Another useful and very good content. This self-publishing on websites like Bored Panda is my greatest take-away from your article. Can you perhaps share how to manage your social media / business sites (like imagebrief.com) on a daily and weekly basis? What you do every day, what you check just let’s say once a week, etc. If you use any automation tools like Buffer or Later… That would be a great read without any doubts 😉

Cheers, Jan

March 1, 2017 at 3:57 am

Hi Jan, so happy to hear this article was useful. I’ll be sharing more on how I manage my photography business over the coming weeks in various articles…typically for Instagram I try to post once daily and for ImageBrief I simply respond to relevant briefs that suit images I already have on file. Keep an eye out for new posts weekly and hopefully I’ll cover something of interest to you 🙂

May 3, 2017 at 1:31 am

Hi, thanks for all the good information. For us beginners in social media, you fail to mention that it is not possible to upload photos from one’s computer to Instagram. That would be good information to know. I generally do not store my good images on my phone. Perhaps I should re-think the process.

May 3, 2017 at 1:56 am

Hi Claire, thanks for your message. That’s correct, it’s not possible to upload photos from your computer to Instagram however it’s quite popular to get around this by emailing the photos to yourself, then opening the email on your phone and storing the attached image in your phone’s library. This then allows you to post to Instagram. Alternatively there are a number of apps or plugins that allow you to upload to Instagram, most however will require payment. This is one I suggest looking at ‘ LR/Instagram ‘ but I can’t promise anything as I don’t personally use this method.

July 13, 2017 at 5:06 am

Hi Lisa, Great summary! It shows you that we travel photographers actually have to be jacks of all trades: sales agents, web designers, marketing and PR people, … and besides that we should find time to be photographers 😉 But in my opinion, this is what makes it so fun and interesting. Everyday is full of new challenges, and life doesn’t get boring. Keep up your great work, and maybe you are interested in following me along on my journey around the world as well: http://www.michaelaurban.com (you can find links to my facebook and instagram account in the top left corner of my homepage – can’t post them here as it’s considered spam 😉 ) Cheers, Michaela

July 19, 2017 at 6:40 am

Hi Michaela, Thanks for your comment! Photographers definitely have to be a jack of all trades, so much goes into each shoot before it’s even time to click the shutter! Your work is absolutely beautiful, I just had a peek at your website and Instagram. Really impressive! Where are you travelling to next?

July 24, 2017 at 8:03 am

I read in the comments that you will be on the south island of NZ later this year? I live in Alaska and will be moving there in just a couple months! Are you conducting any workshops while there? I am trying to take the next step in photography and currently enjoy shooting landscapes. It would be wonderful if our paths crossed! Cheers 🙂

Shirley Chio

June 17, 2018 at 6:49 pm

I am still learning photography using my phone camera. I am literally a beginner. Any tips for phone camera tricks?

Lisa Michele Burns

June 21, 2018 at 1:30 pm

Hi Shirley, if you’re starting out using your phone I’d definitely recommend thinking about creative composition instead of settings. Learning to see different angles and perspectives is a great way to take a step toward improving your photography.

Erin Douglas

February 6, 2018 at 3:41 am

This is a wonderful write-up. My wheels are turning and although you’ve told me just where to start, I feel overewhelmed already. I’ve been shooting for a while now, self taught, but have realzed the several areas I need to streghten, from techincal, to the business side of things. I have so many questions. Ultimately, i feel in love with travel photography when I took my first international and solo trip to the Philippines about 5 years ago. I love to just capture whats happening around me, the people, the culture, the food. And I absolutely love to talk to people about travel, inspire them to try it themselves. I just started taking myself seriously as a photographer 3 years ago. However, I feel lost on how to get the type of clients I want and the type of work I want. In the mean time I just shoot for me. who to reach out to, how to find them, what to say. And putting together that PDF portfolio. Are my best my best? and so on. This one page has already helped and Ill be reaching out to you via email. in the meantime here are some links to my work.

@aphotochick (IG): https://www.instagram.com/aphotochick/

http://www.erin-sha.com

Thanks again

David C. Hintz

February 10, 2018 at 2:11 pm

You have provided a great deal of information on a subject I am really interested in. I will be researching the websites on this list. I have started my own website at http://www.davidhintzphotography.com , I have sold some of my photos on microstock websites and now looking to sell directly from my own website. Thanks for all your work on this topic. I would be interested in your comments on my site if you had the time to look at it.

June 17, 2018 at 2:36 pm

This is a brilliant article on how to become a travel photographer and probably the most complete guide out there. I have read a lot of guides on how to take better pictures but there are very few that actually teach you how to go beyond that.

To be honest, I do not think I will ever make it as a travel photographer. I love travelling and I love capturing my adventures in pictures. And I know that I have some decent ones, but selling them seems like a daunting task. I think I might be better off as a travel journalist, to be honest, if only because that’s an area where I am more confident (and in a way, this article applies to becoming a travel journalist as well). I have, however, tried selling pictures through microstock sites. Getty Images, Shutterstock and Adobe Stock are the ones I have uploaded the highest number of images to. From my experience, these websites require you to spend a long time creating hashtags and correctly labeling your photos for very little reward. It is great because once the work is done, you can earn money forever. But chances are high that you will only get a few cents, if any at all. I think if you are serious about being a photographer, this one is not an option to consider.

June 26, 2018 at 2:24 pm

I am grateful to have the tips from Wanderinglens, the guide really helpful and give me lots of inspiration to get started become a travel photographer

Balamurugan.M.G

November 8, 2018 at 6:30 pm

Iam really impressed with the knowledge that you shared through your experience. Your guidance is awesome. Thanks a lot for your valuable information.

Michael Wahl

December 1, 2018 at 10:30 am

Love your site! How do you go about not needing work visas to do photography for tourism boards, hotels etc? I see a lot of travel photography in foreign places, but in most countries its illegal to work there and next to impossible to get a work visa as a photographer. Any advice on reaching out to brands/hotels/tourism boards etc overseas without finding myself being deported for working in their country?

Andrea Prunty

January 30, 2019 at 5:20 pm

After reading your article, it gotten me even more inspired to take up photograph again and back to actually using my degree for once (digital arts) and become a traveling photographer. Thanks, for getting me motivated and remember why I’ve became a art major in the first place.

January 30, 2019 at 5:21 pm

Oh my gosh Andrea this is the most amazing comment! I’m so happy my article inspired you back into the world of photography. Best of luck with your adventures, if you’re on Instagram or have a portfolio, feel free to leave a link so people can follow along! x

September 26, 2019 at 7:51 am

Hello Lisa,I’m so thankful for the break down on becoming a travel photographer.Your insight touch my soul.I will follow all steps on becoming the best photographer within meI’ll ,follow your daily blogs and FaceBook groups.I sometimes get caught in photo-block(something like a writer get when writing a book).I just created my first ever webpage,please stop by and leave a feedback.

Marco Joe Fazio

October 21, 2019 at 9:42 pm

I love photography and I captured lots of pictures while traveling in my life. You can also check my work by clicking on the link.

January 14, 2020 at 1:08 am

This is amazing blog, I learnt a lot about how to click mesmerizing pics while on travel.

Sara Sangalli

February 7, 2020 at 4:52 am

Thanks for the valuable informations, as a travel photographer wannabe myself I’ll try my best to use those suggestions in my path to “become a travel photographer”. Great article, thanks!

Emet Martinez

February 18, 2020 at 4:04 pm

Just wanted to thank you for this very informative guide and the inspiring images you’ve created. I’ve been following you in IG for about 2 yrs now. Wishing you all the best and hope to bump into you in Kyoto one of these days. Cheers!

March 26, 2020 at 11:37 am

Hi Emet, thanks so much for your lovely comment! Apologies for only seeing it just now, do you live in Kyoto? If so, you’re very lucky, it’s one of my favourite cities!

Talia shakespeare

April 24, 2020 at 11:07 pm

I’m 16 and i am trying to figure out what to do in college in September, i honestly love photography and travelling so i was doing research on if i could do both and this was the first and best website i came across. i hope i can become a successful photographer. I’m so proud that you have been able to inspire loads of people to follow their dreams.

Ranjay Mitra

May 26, 2020 at 12:33 pm

Very nicely written. It has to be a passion to keep doing, Ive seen many people who take up “travel photography” have this idea that once you get a camera, you have people flooding you with money to travel and get caught up in the dreams of becoming popular overnight. Selecting the right project, imho, is very essential to succeed in travel photography.

photographer

July 5, 2020 at 10:58 pm

Have been struggling to start my travel photography journey. I made a plan recently but with the COVID-19 situation all that planning is of no use anymore. What are your tips for travel photographers post the pandemic? How do you think this will affect them

July 6, 2020 at 7:32 pm

Thanks for your comment, Covid-19 has definitely made it difficult for those of us working in the tourism industry whether it’s in photography or hospitality. Now is definitely a time to assess your skills and try to create a plan for diversifying your income as a photographer. Who knows when travel will be possible again like it was before so it’s important to work on new ways of not only fulfilling your potential but for developing creative ideas and planning for the future. I definitely don’t think it’s all doom and gloom, challenges will always present themselves and it’s those who can adapt who will succeed. I wouldn’t throw that plan away just yet 🙂

Traveltourists

January 27, 2021 at 5:24 pm

That’s exactly what I was looking for, saving me a few hours of research, Thanks for sharing this for travelers.

Love Photography

June 26, 2021 at 9:51 pm

Very nice post and well explained, the main reason why i became a photographer is because i love it. i enjoy every single day at work, polishing my skills and learning about human nature

A Sincere Guide on How to Be a Travel Photographer

By Nicholas Tinelli
July 14, 2020
Last Updated: May 19, 2023

How to Be a Travel Photographer and live off your passion?

This idea fascinated me since I was young, when I dreamt among the pages of National Geographic with the images and stories that led me to live exciting imaginary adventures in faraway places.

I’m sure that, If you’re reading this article, you probably feel the same emotions and want to develop your passion and go one step further as a Professional Travel Photographer .

I’ll tell you a secret: it’s not as simple as many people think, but it’s not impossible either. It is absolutely worth it and in this guide I will explain step by step how to get results and improve over time , with dedication and patience.

My photography journey began a long time ago, first as an amateur, in my spare time, and now as a professional.

It is a process of personal discovery, still in progress, that keeps generating emotions and changing my life, allowing me to combine my greatest passions.

After this brief introduction, we are ready to dive into the first part of this guide on How to Be a Travel Photographer . If you are not interested in reading the entire guide, use the table of contents below to move between topics.

What is Travel Photography?

Travel Photography is a very broad genre, including landscapes, portraits, wildlife,culture, food, architecture, documentary/reportage, events, and advertising related to the tourism industry.

From a more human point of view, we can consider it as a means to share moments, stories that tell the essence of a place , of a culture , that transmit emotions and take us on an imaginary journey.

Can you make a living from Travel Photography?

Of course, even if competence is higher than in the past and there are already many images in circulation, there is always a need for new material and creative people in the world.

The possibilities are two:

Work for someone (for example a magazine or an agency);
Start as a freelancer, independently.

In my case, I decided to opt for the second choice and build my own space.

For some time now I have been dedicating myself to travel stock photography, as a contributor for AWL Images , obtaining good results and publications.

I also began to propose myself with Photoshoot Buenos Aires , a portrait service for travelers, and started teaching through courses and tailor-made experiences in the capital with Photo Tours in Buenos Aires .

In addition, I offer Editorial & Commercial Photography services for hotels, resorts, personalities and tourism institutions.

All this with the warm support of my students and people close to me, which is fundamental on a mental plane and important to receive constructive feedback and continue to improve.

The key to growing your business and become a Professional Travel Photographer is first of all to diversify your services (staying in the same niche), without expecting everything to work at the beginning and setting yourself short term goals .

Slowly you will understand what works best and what doesn’t. The important thing is that what you do reflects you and your personality.

At first it is never easy, there is a lot to learn and some expenses to take into account, but if you stick to the guidelines that I will show you next, result of my personal experience, you can live this change with more awareness.

How much does a Travel Photographer make?

It is not easy to define the Travel Photographer’s salary in numbers. It really depends on the type of service you offer, the connections you manage to generate, how you promote your work, and who supports what you do.

If a great name like National Geographic sponsors your work, the results are guaranteed.

The Characteristics of a Travel Photographer

Usually, a Travel Photographer has certain characteristics that serve to deal with situations that can be very different from those in which one is accustomed to the everyday environment and help to relate to others.

Respect and Humility

The journey often involves meeting with situations of extreme poverty and people willing to offer us the few things they have to show hospitality.

As well as cultures and societies that live differently from us, with aspects that we may not agree.

The Travel Photographer must be able to approach these realities with humility and respect , not only because it is the right way to relate to others, but also because this attitude will open up many more possibilities.

It is a sign of great nobility and you will get the gratitude of the people you meet along the way.

Mental and Physical Strength

The Travel Photographer must get used to moving for hours and hours with different means of transport, on planes, trains, or a nice Tuk Tuk!

You will often have to complete the work in a limited time, without being able to take any breaks. In addition, you will have to deal with long queues, temperature changes, language barriers, health problems, etc..

All of which can be stressful in the long run.

For this reason you need a good physical and mental preparation , which will help you to live your profession with serenity.

Good Language Skills

A minimum knowledge of languages helps you move around better.

For sure, You could always rely on a translator, but many times the budget doesn’t allow it, so it’s convenient to be able to ” arrange ” in some other way.

Already with English, Spanish and French you will cover a good part of the world and on occasion you can rely on a local guide, which in any case, especially when it comes to ethnic photography, is always an ideal choice to approach another culture.

Step 1 - Ask Yourself Some Questions

What do I like? What kind of Travel Photographer do I want to be?

To understand How to Be a Travel Photographer and answer to these key questions it is important to move towards a choice that is a result of your personality, of what you really like.

Maybe you want to work as a Humanitarian Photographer or Photojournalist and cover events in difficult areas of the planet to tell a story.

Or maybe you want to photograph for large hotel chains or tourism-related businesses, be a Wedding Destination Photographer or even just share your passion with others.

There is an important difference between one case and the other, and you will have to take it into account from the beginning.

Step 2 - The Travel Photographer Gear

The weight of the equipment is a key element for the travel photographer. Less weight, less effort, and easier mobility when travelling.

The difficulty lies in maintaining a good balance between weight and quality, since in general, especially in optics, “weight” is also a synonym for quality .

Where do we store the equipment? What is the ideal bag for a Travel Photographer?

In my case, I’ve been traveling for a long time with a “Think Thank” photo trolley, custom-designed to be carried as hand luggage and indispensable to transport all the equipment I need.

Once at destination I choose only part of the necessary gear according to the type of activity I am going to do , placing everything in a Lowepro backpack, well-padded and with rain protection.

The type of equipment clearly depends on what photos you want to do.

If you’re into documentary photography, for example, you might want to go for a Mirrorless camera with a short focal length lens (like 50mm), a combination that’s not invasive when approaching people.

If you’re focused on landscapes and sell prints instead, you’ll probably need a camera with a large sensor to maintain high quality, a carbon tripod, solid and lightweight for travel, at least a wide-angle lens and a good set of ND filters.

Study your equipment and get to know it well to get the most out of it on journey.

If you’ve just dived into the world of travel photography, check the article below about the essential equipment to get started .

Step 3 - Learn Travel Photography

This point is often overlooked. The truth is that you never stop learning and even the best photographers always need to study and update in order to remain active in an ever-changing market.

Personally, I started training myself with photography manuals, on my own, by reading. Then, over time, I realized courses with other photographers, even those not related to travel photography, to have a wider vision of the topic.

I especially like to imagine, looking at a picture, what the photographer did to get it and I don’t give up until I understand it.

To date I continue to study, learn and teach through my courses, to try to convey my personal experience . From travel photography, to color theory, post-production, composition, portrait, the study of light. etc.

Study takes time, but it is fundamental, as well as practice . If you can’t travel that much, start photographing locally , maybe some festivals, portraits and landscapes around home.

You will be able to put what you have learned into practice and get to know your equipment better.

TIP : Taking part in a Travel Photography Workshop will exponentially increase your skills, with the practice, experience and support of a professional photographer. An amazing experience to learn photography.

Step 4 - Get Inspired By Other Travel Photographers

See also: 8 travel photography books to get inspired.

This will also help you realize what kind of travel photography you are looking for.

The Travel Photographer Job requires commitment and sacrifice, but first of all passion and inspiration for what you do.

The photos will speak for you!

Step 5 - Develop Your Own Style

To learn How to Become a Travel Photographer you will first have to understand what you like. That’s why it is important to study the work of other professionals.

Gradually decide how you want to show yourself to your audience : through the use of color or black & white, or maybe you want to make your portraits known only through the use of natural light, or on the contrary, with studio lights.

Whatever the case, this choice will help others to recognize your photos more easily, thanks to a Unique and Particular Style .

Step 6 - Produce Content, Build An Effective Portfolio

To generate interest in a client and start earning money you will first have to produce content related to what you want to do and then organize it into a portfolio .

Consider it your business card. You will often need it and it will demonstrate, at least at first glance, your experience and professionalism as a photographer.

The portfolio represents the best of your work , choose a few images, but powerful. Try to be critical and improve it over time. Personally, I decided to divide it into themed galleries , but you can present it in different forms, depending on your style.

Nowadays it should be enough for you to present your portfolio in digital format, through a website or Instagram . If necessary, in any case, you can always create a physical copy, printed on paper.

In order to be able to improve your travel photography portfolio over time, try to keep your photos organized , as the number of images has increased considerably with digital photography and you may find it difficult to retrieve what you need when you need it.

TIP: when travelling, take a wide selection of your portfolio with you on an external drive or in the cloud.

It’s possible that a client will get in touch with you and need a quick response, and it’s convenient to have more material with you to show them before they look for another photographer.

Step 8 - Create a Logo

A beautiful logo identifies your business , has an impact on the public and helps to show your professionalism .

Try to be creative and if you can’t design it yourself, rely on an experienced freelancer and not on a generic logo design service.

Step 9 - Build a Website

A simple and clear website, not only improves your presence as a professional , but is also the ideal way to show your portfolio .

Try to take care of the aesthetics, says a lot about you as a photographer .

Depending on the commitment you want to put into it and your interest in getting results, you will be faced with important choices:

What system do I use to build it?

Personally I chose WordPress (the .org version, be careful! wordpress.com is not the same thing), a development ecosystem that allows me a good dose of freedom .

I can do most of the “routine” work on my own and rely on a developer if I need to do something more complex.

Other platforms, like Wix , Squarespace or Weebly allow, through a “drag and drop” system, to build a website easily, but in reality the limitations are many and at a certain point you find yourself forced to a change.

Perhaps with the need to implement a function that is not yet available or continuous problems with the layout.

The third option is to rely on a web developer to build it directly in code and possibly a designer , two fundamental figures if you decide to take this path.

It may be a bit more expansive, but you will certainly get a completely customized job.

Where do I buy the domain?

Choosing the hosting for your website

Think about SEO

SEO (“Search Engine Optimization”) is an important factor if you want your customers to find you in organic form by entering keywords related to your business on Google or other search engines.

The choice of platform you use to build your site will also affect SEO. The advantage of WordPress.org is that you can optimize your OnPage SEO easily using plugins like Yoast or RankMath .

TIP: Search “Travel Photographer Website” on Google to find inspiration from the work of other professionals in your own niche.

Step 10 - Improve Your SEO

Now that you’ve got yourself in the game with a website, you’ll have to think about improving your SEO .

You can do this for example by creating valuable content for your blog or developing your social networks .

There’s a lot to learn on the subject and you’ll find interesting articles to start with in Yoast and RankMath’s blog.

Step 11 - Develop your presence in Social Media

Never before have social networks been so important. Don’t exaggerate trying to run many social profiles .

I recommend you to invest your efforts on Instagram and YouTube as a professional photographer. They’re two channels that can give you more results.

Remember that achieving success on social media is not easy, but it’s worth a try.

Instagram Tips:

Don’t rely on services that promise paid followers, it’s an unfair and useless technique that doesn’t produce results. Instead, try to get them to follow you for who you are. You’ll have fewer followers, but obtained organically, of greater value .
Search among your “Competitors” and find relevant “Hashtags” with your niche that can better position you with the Instagram algorithm.
Reply to comments and engage with people related to your niche to build relationships.
Tag travel and photography brands , as well as tourism agencies.
Use the “Geo-Tag” in posts and stories.
In addition to images, using quality video content in the feed and stories can increase your chances of success.
Take care of your “Feed” style and optimize your “Bio” and “Highlight Stories”.

Don’t get obsessed!

Social Media requires great effort, just try to do your best and, if you really want to do things properly seek the advice of an experienced freelancer who can give you useful tips to organize your social strategy .

Step 12 - Promote Yourself, Search for New Clients

Now that you have everything in order and can present yourself professionally, it’s time to make yourself even more known and go looking for new customers.

Try to promote your work first among family and friends, and then with small local businesses.

Especially these days, with social networks, everyone is looking for a better way to introduce themselves to their audience and the need to renew their image.

Have a look at my commercial service for companies and individuals to get an idea.

Tip: Get a certification on Google My Business (you can do it even without having a physical direction).

Optimize your account properly to improve your local SEO , allowing more customers to discover your business. In addition to this, you can also register in some photographers’ directories.

Work on your website, SEO and social networks should already give you results and visibility.

If in any case you feel that this is not enough, you can promote your business through advertising on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube or Google Ads .

Tip: At least at the beginning you should rely on the advice of an expert in Digital Marketing . This way you will avoid throwing money away.

Optimizing a campaign without the necessary knowledge is not easy.

Step 13 - Enter a Travel Photography Contest

It takes time and concentration, but participating and achieving results in a travel photography contest can increase your visibility exponentially , with all the benefits that follow.

Photo Contest Insider is a source where you can stay up to date with the latest news from the competition front.

Tip: Read the rules well and make sure that the contest organizers respect the rights of the photographer and that by giving your consent you do not allow a perpetual and free use of your images.

Step 14 - Get Your Work Published

I remember the first time one of my pictures was published in National Geographic . As soon as I heard about it, I exploded with happiness.

As a photographer, there is no better recognition and it means that your work is considered professional .

Getting a publication is a great achievement and possibly the first of many.

Unless you work directly for a magazine or an agency, as a freelancer you will have two paths to follow to increase your chances of being published :

1. Contribute to Stock Agencies

Participating actively with your images in stock agencies will take up your time, you’ll need to make sure you offer quality images and “tag” them correctly.

Over time you will get important publications that will help you promote your business .

There are many image stock libraries on the market.

Generally divided into:

Premium Stock

2. Pitch a Story to a Magazine

This is another effective method to obtain publications, although it takes a lot of time and preparation. In this case you will need to create a direct contact with a journalist or editor . So try to be prepared, friendly and professional.

Also keep in mind that a publisher receives a lot of emails a day and yours may get lost for some reason. Insist without exaggeration, let some time pass in the case and send it again. If at the second chance you don’t get a reply, forget it.

You’ll have to put together a sellable story , that includes text and photos. If writing is not your strong point, get help from a professional copywriter , you’ll find plenty on Fiverr.

Tip: Do an accurate research . This means reading other articles published by the magazine carefully, analyzing its style and the audience it addresses.

Take a look at Wanderlust Magazine’s guidelines to better understand how to move and create important and lasting working relationships.

Step 15 - Sell Prints

There’s nothing like seeing your artwork printed . Selling prints can help you earn more money and make your work more popular.

You can do it in different ways. Start by offering this service to family and friends, and then you can do it through your website and social networks. Have a look at my Fine Art prints page to get an idea.

Another option is to offer your work to local galleries , it will help you to create an important space as a photographer and artist .

Step 16 - Teach and Organize Travel Photography Workshops

Once you have reached maturity as a Travel Photographer , you will also be ready to pass on your knowledge and passion to others.

You will be able to teach and organize courses in person and online, and form a group that will grow over time.

You can also provide Photography Workshops.

I personally offer Travel Photography Workshops in Argentina . This allows me to travel even more, produce more content and give a unique experience to other enthusiasts like me.

TIP: There are already many groups of photographers who organize this kind of activity on the market, try to propose yourself showing them your solid experience , they might be interested in expanding their proposal.

How to Be a Travel Photographer - Final Notes

Finally, I must say that I enjoyed writing this guide on How to Be a Travel Photographer , which I hope you found useful.

The references to external sites and photographers have no commercial purpose, they are the result of my personal experience and if I have included them is because I believe they are really valuable .

The Travel Photographer’s career is very attractive but certainly not easy to pursue. Think of it this way: you’re following your passion and it’s not a waste of time .

Don’t be in a hurry, try to understand what you want, put into practice the points I have described gradually and above all: Have fun on the way!

On my side, I will continue to keep this guide updated over time, so that I can always share relevant information and hopefully add a few more travel photography tips.

If you have any comments I’d love to read them.

Stay up to date with the latest articles and news from the blog.

guide , travel , travel photographer , travel photography

Nicholas Tinelli

2 thoughts on “a sincere guide on how to be a travel photographer”.

I’ve been following your blog content with interest for a while. Until now, I have always been photographing as an amateur, but I would like to be able to pursue a professional career. Thank you for providing this guide and your experience. I was wondering, what camera and lenses do you use?

Thank you, Thomas, for taking the time to read it and leaving a comment. I really hope the guide will be helpful. Actually, I’m photographing with a Canon 5DSR, a great camera body. As for the lenses, I don’t separate myself from the 24-70 mm and the 70-200 mm, two optics that I always carry with me on travel.

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Welcome to my travel photography blog.

I’m Nicholas, a Travel and Portrait Photographer with a passion for writing.

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Home » Blog » Tips for Making a Living as a Travel Photographer with Pro Laura Grier

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Tips for Making a Living as a Travel Photographer with Pro Laura Grier

Laura Grier monks walking under color flags

Laura Grier has spent the past 22 years working as a photojournalist on all seven continents and made a life out of exploring the world, capturing and writing about her experiences. We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with this inspiring photographer and long-time Zenfolio Ambassador to discuss her tips for how to get started in travel photography. From researching the most interesting destinations to gear to how to find paid work, Laura held nothing back.

Laura: Thank you. I’m an adventure travel photojournalist. I shoot for the National Geographic Artisan Catalog. I also started a hat company working with the same artisans I’ve been photographing for the last 20 years. Now we’re in business and partnership with each other, exporting artisan goods.

I’ve had lots of different experiences through working with National Geographic . And also I do a lot of travel tourism. I’ll shoot for hotels or cruise lines tourism boards, which are essentially the PR companies of every state and country.

Another part of my business is providing supplementary photography for different writers that I work with a lot. I also still shoot weddings and events.

How can someone who doesn’t have any experience get into travel photography?

There are a couple things I would suggest. I did an internship with National Geographic in DC when I was in college, and I think internships are a great way to begin. There’s a lot of different travel publications and blogs, such as Thrillist or Matador Network . They’re constantly looking for contributors, and a lot of their contributors are writers so they’re not really good at photography. You can always partner up with existing writers that you find and say, “Hey, I’d love to supplement your articles with my imagery.”

Another way is to build up an online portfolio and have your own blog. It is really helpful because a lot of travel photography involves writing as well. A lot of publications want you to be able to do both and be an actual photojournalist. So I think showing and self-publishing your work with a story attached is really helpful. If you already have a library of imagery on your website or blog , you can market that to tourism boards and say “Hey, I shot amazing images from Mexico (or here or there.) Would you like to use them?”

There’s a website I recommend called TravMedia , where you can create a profile as a journalist or a photographer. They also have a show every year. The biggest one is called International Media Marketplace , and it’s in January, usually in New York. That’s a great marketplace to go to because it’s all editors; all the tourism boards go there, and journalists and writers. It’s a great way to network. Basically it’s speed dating between travel media people and editors, because everyone gets their budget in January for the year.

Based on the people you meet and network with, you can either be invited on a trip with their budget, or you can just go out and shoot the locations you want to visit and submit it to them. For me, that event was a really helpful place to meet other travel media people.

I still feel like I’m learning as I go and I’ve been doing it for years. If you’re not a writer, remember that writers get invited on trips, and the tourism board doesn’t always think about photographers. My boyfriend is a travel writer and I’ve provided photography for a lot of his articles. I’ve pitched to the PR people or the tourism boards being like, “Hey, could I come as the photographer on your trip, and I could stay in my boyfriend’s room. It wouldn’t cost you an extra hotel room.” And a lot of times they reply “Oh yeah, we didn’t even think about that.”

Then they’ll bring you on a trip or hire you. A lot of times, even just partnering with a writer and supplementing them can turn into a lot of jobs, too. Even though I’ve been doing it for a long time, I’m still pitching ideas. Nat Geo hires me five or six times a year, but they’re not my main form of income. There is still a bit of a hustle involved.

Basically, the best advice is to either partner up with a writer or reach out to tourism boards and seriously, everyone should join TRAVMedia. It’s a great travel media resource.

Laura Grier female artisan drying dyed wool on a clothesline

At this point in your career, are you choosing destinations yourself or are you being sent by publications to go places?

I’m mostly choosing them. So for instance, at the show I was just talking about, I went and said “I really want to go to Japan. I really want to go to this region of the world, over to Uzbekistan.” I chose regions I either hadn’t been to or that I’m very interested in going to. And then a few regions that I’m very familiar with, like California. I spend a lot of time in California and sometimes I forget about my own backyard.

I was very specific about who I talked to and who I reached out to. It doesn’t have to be a giant net that you throw out there hoping to get something. I think everyone can be a little bit more intentional about where they want to shoot and what they want to do. It doesn’t make sense to go somewhere that you don’t really feel connected to or you’re not familiar with, unless you really want to go there.

I also feel that way about wedding photography and really any type of photography. I go to hotels that I really want to work with for a wedding, and I make meetings with their marketing director or specifically do a styled shoot there. This way I would have images from the location to blog with and promote so I could attract weddings from there.

I think we can all cast a smaller net and be very specific about where we want to be.

How do you plan and research so you know where the best places are and opportunities for photography are, especially if you’ve never been there before?

This is another reason why reaching out to the tourism board is really important. You can find a lot of the tourism boards through Instagram, or Google it; tourism board of Australia , or whatever location. There’s probably 15 different ones for different regions, but they will work for you for free, almost like a fixer, because their job is to get beautiful stories and imagery and people to come to their locations.

So if you reach out to the tourism board and say “Hey, I’m a photographer. I’d really like to do a styled shoot here. I’ve been dying to go here, and I’d like to write a story about what adventures there are to do in South Australia.” They will be more than happy to help; These are the restaurants you should go to, these are the hotels, this is where you should stay, this is our person that can help you organize this and that.

I use them as a fixer because their job is to show their location in the best light. So they go out of their way to help any journalist or photographer with any type of questions like that, at least in my experience. So even if you’re not getting hired by them to go somewhere, they are still a really good resource to help you or to answer questions. You can also research online for the best weather times to visit, and whether there are any festivals.

You can do a lot of your own research, but I like asking the tourism board because they always know what most people don’t know and can’t find online yet. They’ll know the new things that are about to open, the best spots to visit.

What about your stylized shoots in places that most people have never been before? How do you find those places?

My stylized shoots, for instance Sri Lanka; I did a workshop in Sri Lanka, I had 12 women and we wanted to go to iconic places all across Sri Lanka.

I had a Sri Lankan coordinator that helped me a little bit, but I also did a lot of the research finding insta-famous places and famous images that people have shot for National Geographic and Sri Lanka for inspiration. Then I found out how to get to those places.

Once we were there, I would talk to local people to find out what was the best time of day, and how should we do this? It was crazy because a lot of these places that were insta-famous, the Instagrammer went to the parking lot or the entrance way of a place, but never actually hiked it or explored it.

Our whole vibe was to debunk the Insta-famous places and show you what it really takes to get there and what it’s really like. I found that these places were even more beautiful and cool than Instagram let on. Usually the place that becomes famous in the image is not the coolest part about that location.

I found this one image from National Geographic of the stilt fishermen in Sri Lanka . The men stand on these stilts in the ocean and they fish. I asked locals for help with that; sometimes you’re showing a picture and asking “How do I find this place?” A lot of times an entire trip I’ve done, or a workshop has been planned around and inspired by one image I saw somewhere.

Is communicating with the locals and getting to know the culture a big part of your photography?

In the beginning when I first was traveling in my twenties and shooting pictures, I would just kind of walk around and think “Oh, that’s cool, the woman with really wrinkled skin, I want to photograph her.” I would shoot everything with a long lens and I felt almost like I was stealing images here and there of whatever I was attracted to.

I also found that style of shooting didn’t really help me later on when I was trying to write an article or to do any type of travel writing because the images didn’t really go together. They didn’t tell a story, they were just sort of disjointed images of random people that I didn’t really get permission to photograph.

In order to get images sold or published, you have to have a release and get their permission. Some of the best pictures come from when you actually spent the day with somebody and they know you’re there. They’ve invited you into their house and you’ve had a meal with their family and you’re shooting with a 50 millimeter lens, right near their face.

There’s a really easy app, it’s literally called easy release app , on your cell phone that you can download and have anybody sign a photography release; model release, location release, things like that. Whenever I’m traveling, I don’t need to have a piece of paper or pen, you can just have someone do it on your cell phone. That’s super handy.

How do you get the confidence to go up to someone that you don’t know, especially in another culture or a language that you don’t speak, to make that connection?

My work with National Geographic helped me a lot with that, because we would already have the relationships with a lot of these artisans and have the permission to go into their villages and photograph them and meet them. I’ve been able to call upon them a lot of times saying “Hey, I’m going to Thailand, I’d love to meet these kind of artisans. Could you help me find a person?” I find that you can’t just walk into a random village and start photographing; a lot of villages don’t even accept tourists.

Beside Nat Geo, there’s always local tour guides or companies that work with villages and artisans. Let’s say that you want to meet artisans that work in Guatemala; you could reach out to a clothing company or someone that’s maybe working with those artisans and ask them if they will help get you permission to visit for the day.

One example is Intrepid Travel . They have trips to go meet up with artisans and stuff all over, so you can get that experience, and have a translator with you and permission.

Who do you bring with you to assist on a trip, and what is your essential gear?

A lot of times I’m doing things by myself, which is crazy. Then I’m finding people that help me on the ground, on location. I think the most I’ve ever traveled with was three other photographers or assistants.

I have to keep it pretty minimal. Not only is it kind of just a lot to bring a lot of people in gear and I think, you know, even just my own gear, I keep very minimal. So everything I have has to be portable and carried.

I carry all my own stuff. All my photo gear is always my carry-on when I’m traveling. If it doesn’t fit in the carry-on, I’m not bringing it. I have a tiny drone, my Mavic Pro Air . I have a tiny portable Lowel softbox . I use my Canon external flashes with a little slave on top of the Canon, so I can just put the little flash in the portable softbox and create a studio, all battery powered.

I always have extra batteries and a charger for my phone. I use my cell phone and a little DJI Osmo gimbal for video. I only really use the main video in my camera if I have a tripod and I’m already sitting there doing something on the tripod. I also bring maybe three lenses, a couple camera backs, and my laptop; it all fits in my backpack.

I use a Peak Design backpack , which I think is the greatest photo backpack ever. This thing has gone through hell and back and it’s still in perfect condition and it just holds so much. It’s a smaller backpack, but it holds everything; my laptop, my lenses, this and that. Then I’ll have a side side second bag, either a roller bag or backpack, depending on where I’m going, with all my other gear in it.

So I just have a backpack and a smaller bag. And that’s all my photo gear that I bring, because there’s things like, hiking Kilimanjaro or hiking to some of the villages I’ve had to go to, where there are no power outlets. There’s no way to roll anything. You just have to carry everything.

You just have to figure it out and be portable; that’s my best advice on that.

Do you have a recommendation for a good travel tripod?

There was one that I bought years ago and I now don’t have it, but for years it would go everywhere with me. I think I got it at WPPI and it was one of the best little portable travel tripods; it was only a couple pounds.

I have a little one that folds up really small from Manfrotto , but it’s a full tripod. If I was shooting with a 7,200 lens on it, I wouldn’t want to just leave it by itself. I feel like that would be a little topheavy. But other than that it’s been pretty stable.

Cheryl: I have done quite a bit of photography while hiking, and settled on one from 3 Legged Thing . They’re out of the UK and they have some really great tripods and heads; good for video and still photography. So that’s another one to check out.

What three lenses are your go-to for travel photography?

My favorite three to go on assignment are my 50 prime, f 1.2, my 16 to 35 wide angle, and my 70 to 200. I love my 24 -70 as well; that would be my next choice. Honestly, you have to have a telephoto, you have to have a wide lens, and then you have to have a very, very fast portrait lens.

A lot of times you’re in super low light situations and you just want to have that super low depth of field. Or out in a landscape, you want a high depth of field. So I would say those are my go-to lenses, but I can’t tell you how much I use my 16 to 35. There’s something about, for all my landscape stuff, to get those epic clouds and that sort of distortion and everything. It’s just a magical lens.

What other useful gear would we find in your camera bag on a trip?

Portable chargers for everything that you can actually plug into your regular outlet, as well as USB’s for using with the computer. I think my biggest thing is having power, especially since my drone has to be flown using my cell phone? I use my cell phone as my video. I use it for social media. I also use it as my navigation and everything. So it’s constantly draining. Having a portable charging device is really, really important.

Also having the little mini LED panels that are portable that you don’t need to plug in have been really helpful, whether you’re interviewing somebody on camera or you just need an extra pop of light in a dark place. That’s been really great when you don’t want to use on camera flash for portraits and things like that.

Honestly, having a little mini steady cam/gimbal for my cell phone has been a game changer. You can shoot so much cinematic stuff with that; I use it all the time, and it’s tiny. They range from around $200 down; you can find cheaper ones. The Osmo is the one that I love.

Lastly, having my GoPro and being able to shoot underwater; it has been really easy to use. I just went canyoning the other day in Dominica Island and I wanted to bring my big camera, but you’re jumping off cliffs into the water. I don’t want to do all that with my big waterproof casing, so having a waterproof underwater camera is really helpful.

What is the most invaluable but inexpensive piece of gear you bring on a trip?

My universal adapter; I get so geeked out over having power.

The cheapest, tiny little thing that’s in my bag; zip ties, bare bands, the little carabiners. Having the little plastic sleeve for your cell phone, the waterproof thing that you can put around your neck. Those things have come in handy so many times.

Free Download: Laura’s Gear Checklist

Download Laura’s travel photography equipment checklist to make sure you’re prepared for your next photography adventure.

How do you take care of your gear while you’re traveling? You go places where there’s water, sand, and humidity.

I have to get my stuff overhauled and cleaned a lot. When I come back, I go to Canon, I’m a Canon Pro Service (CPS) member. You can ship your camera off and within two days they have it back to you. In general, I calibrate and clean my stuff once in a while cause it gets banged up.

I photographed a wedding this past year at Burning Man : Let me talk to you about destroying your photo equipment. You do everything, tape it, do all the things; it doesn’t matter. That dust gets everywhere. That experience was crazy.

I’m really good about keeping my lens caps on; and the other thing that just sounds like a no-brainer, but I always turn my camera off before switching my lenses. While it is turned on, your camera is an electromagnetic vacuum and if you take your lens off, it just sucks in everything. So you get a lot of dust spots and stuff in your camera if you don’t turn your camera off when you switch lenses.

I’m also really good about having clear filters on all my lenses to protect the glass while shooting.

Do you ever use other lens filters?

I do it all in post. I used to have filters. I think it’s such a pain to be switching filters all the time, and then you’re getting stuff trapped in them. I’d rather keep one filter on that protects the lens and then do everything in post production for polarizing and stuff like that.

Have you ever thought about creating your own line of camera straps?

That’s really funny that you should say that. We just asked our artisans if they could make guitar straps and things like that. And I guess it would be intention straps, because you can choose which one. So the answer is yes. It’s going to happen soon.

What’s your current favorite camera strap or harness?

I’m not a multi-camera carrier; I’m not a harness person. I don’t like things being strapped to me all the time, so I’m definitely a one camera, maybe I’ll have a side bag with some lenses kind of person. I like the freedom of being able to move around and through places quickly, and I don’t like having a lot of stuff on me.

I did get a new camera strap from Custom SLR , it has the two straps where it splits so it’s better on your shoulder. It’s not just all the weight on one, it separates it into two, because I get really tight neck and shoulders all the time. So there is a camera strap that can be easier on your neck and shoulders.

Do you still enjoy your trips or do they feel like work?

I always enjoy everything. There is no separation for me between work and play, and even when I’m sitting here spending time with my family in Virginia, I’m ironing hats for a hat show, and then I’m doing a photo shoot tomorrow. Everything blends all together all the time.

I use my photography all the time in my hat business and met the artisans through my photography and these artisans also are helping me with a nonprofit I’m forming. You never know what your connections are going to be, but I love what I do. I really, really love shooting photos. I think the only time where I’m not having a good time is when I’m not sleeping enough.

In general, if I plan my life well enough and I can get rest, I’m enjoying all the things I’m doing and all the travel I’m doing. I think it is important to make sure that there is rest built in. Even now with certain clients I’ve had, I make sure they fly me in a day early and I make sure that I have time to edit and downtime because it’s really important to build that in. It’s going to make you a happier, better photographer.

I finally realized that you have to have a level of self care, whether it’s yoga or some sort of massage, that needs to happen. I build that in, it’s included in the pricing of my packages because it’s part of the deal, and it’s not that much.

I do enjoy all of it. I wish I could clone myself and have more hours in a day.

Do you also travel just for fun, without your camera?

Sometimes I’m going to new, beautiful places I haven’t been, and then those images I can license to my stock agency. If I didn’t have my camera, I would want my camera. So even as a tourist, I would have my camera. I don’t consider that work, but I could never just travel without my camera, you know?

Especially if I’m going somewhere new, because I would want to document it and it could be something that could make money later on. It’s still fun, but I’m always thinking of ways I can repurpose things and multitask .

It’s also my gift that I give to a lot of my friends and family, this photography. Or I’ll [be traveling and] will want to do a styled shoot somewhere. I’m always blending it. Even with the hats, I’ll wear a hat and I’m going on a trip and of course I’m going to want to shoot pictures of me in a cool place wearing the hat for the hat company.

There’s always things that I’m thinking about when I’m on a trip, even if it’s just a vacation that ends up being kind of a blend of work. And same thing with work; when I’m on a work trip, I’ll extend it a few days and make it a vacation, too. It’s all blended together.

How can photographers learn from you in person?

We had a couple trips that were planned earlier and we had to push them just for various reasons. But in the fall there are going to be a few trips. One is to Iceland. It’s going to be a goddess session trip; a women’s trip where we’re going to be shooting Fashion Goddess portraits along the way in epic locations, similar to the Kilimanjaro series . It’s going to be an amazing journey. We’re going to be going to places in Iceland I’ve never even been to, either.

As for teaching, a lot of my trips I’m there to help you out with your own thing. In some ways, a lot of it is adventure and I’m just a tour leader. Then we set up photo shoots along the way. For the Iceland trip, I’ll facilitate setting up the photo shoots and help people with their settings. Each person’s going to be modeling and having their own pictures taken during that time. It’s a fun, empowering trip that involves photography; I won’t be teaching every day about the basics of photography, but I’ll be there to help with any type of need.

Another trip that we’ll be doing is a visit to our artisans for the hat company ; the next one is in November 2023 centered around Cusco and the Sacred Valley. This is one of our origin trips, where everybody on the trip gets a hat and you get to meet all the indigenous artisans and learn about their cultural practices. We will have permission to go into the villages; we’ll do portraits with them.

All of my trips create amazing opportunities to come back with an incredible portfolio from [the location]. It’s not hardcore where every day there’s photo instruction. We’ll usually do photo shoots during the day, then at night we can have a discussion over dinner, cover questions people have or exchange thoughts.

I’ll usually do one evening where I’m talking about editing tips and things like that. It’s very relaxed: It’s like going on an epic trip during the day where you’re taking incredible images and having an adventure, then at night having a fireside chat about photography.

Do you require participants in your trips to have a certain level of photography experience or type of equipment?

I always tell people, bring your professional camera or bring your iPhone.

We can teach on anything; I don’t want people to feel like they’re not good enough, or don’t have good enough equipment to come. I think you can do amazing imagery on any camera that you have, and I want people to be able to enjoy it no matter what level they are.

How many people do you allow each trip?

The most I ever bring on these trips are 12. It’s usually eight to 12, they’re pretty small.

I will be doing more trips to Africa next year. Our Madagascar trip will probably be in the spring of 2024.

Then there is a potential North Pole adventure; Greenland and Northern Arctic Adventure. That will be later in the year, probably wintertime. It seems counterintuitive to go in the winter, but that’s actually the best time to go. We don’t have the dates on it yet, they are TBD, but we have the actual trip planned. That will be on a cruise ship that makes different stops, and we will Zodiac boat to different places.

The upcoming ones will be fall; Guatemala, Peru, and then Iceland will be also probably October, November. Madagascar would most likely be February or March of 2024.

When we post the dates, everything will be found on lauragrier.com . You can follow me on Instagram or join the newsletter on the site. We’ll be announcing them and posting them on the trip section as soon as we have all the dates.

Are there any places still on your bucket list?

My bucket list: I swear it keeps getting longer and longer as I’ve gone places, because you hear about new places you’ve never been. Papua New Guinea is high on my list. Believe it or not, I have not been to Turkey. I’ve flown through the airport, but I haven’t spent a lot of time in Turkey, so I really, really want to head over there.

My main thing is to do an Eastern European road trip. There’s 15 countries I could visit in one road trip, and a lot of them I just don’t know that much about: Albania, Estonia, and Moldova. There’s so many different places out there.

I’m at 88 countries right now, so I’m like, “Hmm, I could probably hit a hundred if I did an Eastern European road trip,” but that isn’t the main reason why I want to do it. I think it would be so cool to just explore on a road trip, learn a lot on the ground and understand the geography because I’m driving. That’s something I’ve always wanted to do.

My jam is going to places where there’s vanishing cultures and indigenous people. I would love to see the Eagle Festival in Mongolia or Siberia and visit the tribes in Papua New Guinea.

I’m also an advanced diver, so I’m trying to hit as many reefs as I can before some of those disappear. I just went and swam with the sperm whales in Dominica Island, it was amazing. I want to go to Tonga, there’s Raja Ampat in the Indonesian islands that’s supposed to be the most spectacular reef on the planet, and it’s really hard to get to.

Find Laura’s top tips for composition and editing in part two of this blog series, and visit her Facebook , Instagram feed , and website to see what exciting things she’ll do next.

Watch our full interview with Laura Grier for more of her professional tips on travel photography.

Contributors

Laura Grier of Beautiful Day Photography has spent the past 22 years working as a photojournalist on all 7 continents and has made a life out of exploring the world, capturing, and writing about her experiences. She has been a platform speaker for WPPI, WIPA, Canon, Zenfolio, Step Up Women’s Network, and the Wedding MBA Conference. Presently, she is a Los Angeles and Miami based Photojournalist, Travel Writer, and owner of both Beautiful Day Photography (specializing in Destination Weddings) and Laura Grier Travel, featuring her Fine Art Prints, travel workshops, and behind-the-scenes of her jet setting around the world. Laura’s ability to combine her love of travel, adventure, weddings, and art into a chic, colorful perspective, has made her a renowned International photographer. (Author Profile)

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Cheryl is the Director of Content Strategy at Zenfolio and the Owner/Photographer at Portraits by Cheryl and Seniors by Cheryl in Raleigh, NC. Cheryl has mentored countless new photographers looking to build successful photography businesses.

Amanda is the Content Marketing Specialist at Zenfolio and the Owner/Photographer of Wild Orchard Studios photography. A BFA graduate from Maine College of Art and Design and professional Portrait, Family, and Branding photographer for nearly 20 years, she thoroughly enjoys drawing from her experiences to guide new photographers as they are starting out. Amanda lives in the wilds of Maine with her husband and two imaginative daughters. If there’s such a thing as too much dark chocolate, she hasn’t heard about it.

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The Masterclasses 2023: 10 practical tips to help you succeed as a travel photographer

From packing the right kit to picking the right guide, the autumn series of The Masterclasses saw our panellists reveal their top tips for making it as a professional travel photographer.

Photographer with tripod taking a photo in a cold climate.

In September 2023, The Masterclasses by National Geographic Traveller (UK) returned with a brand-new series of expert-led online sessions for aspiring travel writers and travel photographers.

Each hour-long session saw an expert panel of National Geographic Traveller contributors focus on a different aspect of the modern travel photographer’s toolkit, with the likes of Teagen Cunnife, Matt Dutile and Holly-Marie Cato sharing practical advice on everything from picking the right gear to photographing animals in their natural habitats.

These 10 pieces of advice can help you improve your travel photography, from building your portfolio to using your gear optimally and connecting with your subjects.

1. Plan ahead

“Do your research and get familiar with your own equipment before you travel…Get ahead of the game, pre-visualise and make a plan. When I go to a place that I’m not familiar with, I can start recycling and adapting those ideas to suit the environment.” — Renato Granieri, The art of wildlife photography in travel

2. Maximise your time on a shoot

“There’s never ever enough time on a shoot. Mostly, though, we only have a day or two, or sometimes just a few hours, to capture animals for a story. Regardless of the weather conditions, I’ll head out and see what surprises me. Getting out and seeing what’s happening around you is the only way to guarantee you’re going to get images. Don’t talk yourself out of shooting just because the weather isn’t perfect.” — Teagen Cunnife, The art of wildlife photography in travel

3. Use local guides to your advantage

“Choose experienced safari guards — they know where the animals will be and can predict behaviour. When you’re choosing a safari operator, pay specific attention to what’s written about the guides on the websites and look for places that have mentioned that their guides are highly awarded or extensively trained. There’s a really big difference between a guide and a guide with photographic knowledge; communicating to a guide who understands composition and lighting is so much easier.” — Teagen Cunnife, The art of wildlife photography in travel

Side view of a photographer with a camera.

4. Use kit to connect with your subjects

“I bring a little Fuji Instax camera with me. And that’s for when I’m going into more remote regions so that I can not only ask for a photo but give one back as well. For me, I’ve found that this opens doors to getting people to sit for portraits. Because, if you’re always just showing up and you’re this guy with this big camera coming up in front of them, there’s a little bit of shyness and reticence. But if you can sit with them and open up a little bit of a dialogue, even if you can’t exchange in the same language, that’s a really great way to get them involved.” — Matt Dutile, Picking the perfect kit for your assignment

5. Stay safe as a lone traveller

"I always dress to blend in. For example, what I’m wearing to photograph a high-end restaurant and what I’m wearing to go and photograph agave fields is going to be different. I want to blend in so that I feel comfortable and so that the people around me feel comfortable. There are certain places that you’re going to stand out, but just try to be aware of what’s going on around you.” — Lindsay Lauckner Gundlock, Picking the perfect kit for your assignment

6. Stay inspired

"I’ve been doing this for 15 years now, but every week I seem to discover a new photographer that I’ve never heard of. As long as someone’s out there creating amazing images, I’ll always be inspired by that. Another part is looking at art, or a place itself. We are storytellers, so I think you can be inspired by the story of a place, a people, an idea, all on its own.” — Matt Dutile, Picking the perfect kit for your assignment

7. Use social media to find contacts

"Go on social media. Often, when people get hired, they might thank the person who gave them the job. So, follow other photographers and look in their captions and actually read who’s hiring them, who did they work with, and then follow those commissioners.” — Holly-Marie Cato, How to go professional

8. Present your work to photo editors

“Something that I’ve always done is to create a PDF or something that sort of has a layout that looks like the [finished] article so that the photo editor can kind of get an idea of what your story is. When you do that, you might realise that you don’t have the right photos for a story — and that really teaches you what storytelling is.” — Nori Jemil, How to go professional

9. Know your destination

I think if you’re especially interested in [photographing] some region of world, it really helps to be there. Spend time there and get to know the local traditions, the language or local culture. That can definitely help when presenting a story.” — Ulf Svane, How to go professional

10. Shoot with passion

"I’m really strong on finding your niche and making sure you’re passionate about it. I could say “build a portfolio”, but often, and I think especially with Instagram, you could build a portfolio of work that you don’t even like. If you want your work to last, if you want to be able to sell that work and really make people believe in it, then be passionate about what you photograph.” — H olly-Marie Cato, How to go professional

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Graeme Green | 07 November 2017

10 tips to help you take better travel photos.

From looking for 'stories' and respecting your subjects to going that extra mile for a special shot, Graeme Green reveals the 'tricks of the trade' that set great travel photographers apart

1: What's the story?

Snowshoeing in Hokkaido's Daisetsuzan NP, Japan (Graeme Green)

A great photo opens up the world to people. With adventure travel photography, you need to capture the action and take people there. Whether it’s paragliding in Nepal or snowshoeing across Japan’s frozen north, people looking at your pictures have to feel that sense of adventure.

If you’re spending time with local cultures, you need to communicate a sense of character and how people live.

Whatever it is you’re looking at, you need to figure out what the story is and who the main characters (and supporting cast) are – whether that’s people, wildlife, buildings, food… What aspects of a place do you need to capture to bring this particular story to life?

2: Give a little respect

Rang-sri Prasopturm of the Red Lahu tribe in northern Thailand (Graeme Green)

I’ve seen shocking examples around the world of tourists treating local people like any other curiosity, including a group in Bhutan crowding around a girl at a monastery who was too shy, polite or scared to push away the iPads and cameras in her face.

I sometimes take candid photos of people from a distance, using a zoom lens – an unobtrusive way to get an authentic sense of local cultures, without any posing.

More often, I’ll ask someone if they mind me taking a photo (if language is a barrier, just pointing at the camera and asking “ok?” is usually enough). People around the world are friendly and, certain cultures aside, surprisingly open to having their photo taken – even up for a bit of direction, moving into positions or reproducing an action to help you get the photo you want.

When possible, I like to spend a day or several days with a person or a group, checking they’re happy to be photographed, then just asking them to “pretend I’m not here”, so I can take authentic, natural shots as we go about our time together.

3: Be a decent human being

Ashaninka in Amazonian Peru, threatened with loss of land (Graeme Green)

It’s worth thinking about what you’re photographing from an ethical position, especially if money is changing hands in order to get a picture.

Travelling in Burma, I heard that the heavy layers of metal chains worn around the neck by women in remote tribes painfully deform the women – not so much a local tradition anymore, but a way to collect money from tourists who come to take their picture. Likewise, it’s reported that using cormorants for fishing in China actually chokes the birds – again, less a tradition, more a pose for photographers. Neither are photos I need on my memory card. The same goes for drugged tigers, de-toothed snakes or chained monkeys

Photos tell stories, good or bad, and even have an impact on the outcome of those stories, from violence and human rights to wildlife conservation. Taking pictures that continue any kind of suffering to humans, animals or the environment isn’t something I want to be involved in.

4: Show something real

Maasai warrior and ranger in Olmoti volcano, Tanzania (Graeme Green)

There’s nothing wrong with a bit of post-production to bring out the best in a photo. I see pictures online everyday, though, where photographers have obviously got carried away with Photoshop's settings, editing their pictures to the point where they bear no relation to what they saw or to scenes that are even physically possible.

The eyes are pretty clever, and detect when something doesn't add up. Photos with intensely oversaturated colours, or weirdly manipulated pictures where skies are dark and stormy but, somehow, magically, the rest of the scene is bathed in warm, colourful sunlight might get Likes on Instagram but they're likely to be rejected by editors at newspapers and magazines.

Instead, capture something real. There are plenty of incredible sights in the real world, without adding magic effects.

5: Have a little patience

Cyclist passing entrance to Ben Youssef Madrasa in Marrakech, Morocco (Graeme Green)

The difference between an ok shot and a great shot is often time. It’s hard to be patient when there’s often so much to see and do – especially when you’re on assignment, with places to be, people to meet, things to photograph.

Often, you can see a building is going to look fantastic in half an hour or later in the day, when the light hits it right. Waiting, or leaving and returning later, is better than a sub-standard photo.

At Ben Youssef Madrasa in Morocco, I found a shot of the entrance that looked pretty good as it was, with just the ornate doorway and the street outside. But the picture I wanted was someone walking or cycling by. I waited, perhaps for half an hour, taking various photos of people speeding by, until I got the one I wanted.

6: Look around

Local woman crossing fields near Colca Canyon, Peru (Graeme Green)

To take great pictures, you need to keep your eyes peeled. Often, it’s small details that others might miss or walk by, rather than the obvious main attraction, that’s the detail that brings your story to life. Sometimes, it's the spectators at an event, rather than the event itself, that make the standout photo.

When I’m on assignment, I’m always looking around. It pays to take your eye away from the viewfinder and away from the main focus. Working in Peru, my focus was the condors of Colca Canyon. Looking around, though, I spotted a woman in colourful skirts walking through the surrounding fields, a picture that gave a sense of local life and the scale of the landscape. Those kind of photos, easily missed, help make a story.

7: Think big, think small

Vodou-influenced artworks in Port-au-Prince, Haiti (Graeme Green)

A series of epic landscape photos, one after another, doesn’t really sum up a place – and nor does a collection of portraits. What a story often requires is variety, not just the big, key elements (people, landscapes, animals, buildings…) but also smaller details.

Piles of colourful fruit or shining fish in local markets can give a real flavour of a place. Road signs or shop signs often show the local sense of humour. I like to keep an eye out for artworks, statues, murals and other details that add an extra dimension and say something about a place.

8: Go the distance

Sunset on the remote Ton Le Sap Lake, Cambodia (Graeme Green)

The ‘glamourous’ life of a travel photographer often means getting out of bed (if there is a bed) when it’s still dark. I’ve completed assignments while wiped out by illness. There have been tough journeys on jarring dirt tracks, long trudges through thick snow or desert heat, and endless waits in dawn’s early light with nothing happening. You need to deal with disappointment, the unexpected, the impossible-to-predict and the failed-to-appear.

Early starts, sleepless nights, long days blurring into each other, dodgy vehicles and difficult journeys are all part of life as a travel photographer. There might be times when you don’t feel like taking photos, but missed opportunities always come back to haunt you. Few people know regret like a photographer who didn’t get their shot.

9: Be original

Burmese girl applying Thanakha in motorbike wing mirror (Graeme Green)

With billions of images online and in newspapers, magazines and books, it takes something original to stand out and make people look.

The world probably doesn’t need another photo of the Holi paint festival or sunrise over Angkor Wat. I prefer to seek out subjects that I haven’t already seen elsewhere 1,000 times. If you are going to photograph a well-covered subject, you need to find your own fresh take.

10: Seek out interesting places and situations

Silver miner walking through Mexico's Copper Canyon (Graeme Green)

One of the great pleasures of travel photography is the travel itself. It’s a job that can take you around the world, meeting people you’d rarely meet in any other walk of life, witnessing scenes and having adventures that are unforgettable.

It pays to go to unfamiliar and remote places, even if that means difficult journeys. The extra effort is usually rewarded with fascinating cultures, wildlife, buildings and other new sights. Keep an ear out for local festivals or find out about local practices, from religion to art, farming to celebrations, all of which can make for original pictures.

Exploring and finding something unique that you’re interested in - as a person, a traveller and a photographer - is the big motivation for many travel photographers.

Graeme Green is an award-winning travel photographer and journalist, whose work has appeared in The Sunday Times, Wanderlust, National Geographic, The Guardian and others. For more on Graeme's photography, see graeme-green.com .

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25 Brilliant Tips For Travel Photography

Let me guess: you love travel, but while you want to enjoy your holidays and make the most of the beautiful destination , you’re also a keen photographer and want to capture stunning images that you can look back on and share with your family and friends.

Contents (click to view)

That’s why you’re looking for tips for travel photography. But travel photography is hard! What gear should you take? How do you know where to go and when to go there? What about the weather? Photographing strangers is scary! Places are often crowded! There are so many questions and challenges that it can be quite intimidating to even start.

But as they say, a journey of 1000 miles starts with a single step. And you’ve taken that first step by coming here to read my easy travel photography tips for beginners. Hopefully all this advice will help inspire you to get your camera out and start improving your travel photography so you can create beautiful images of your holidays to enjoy for years to come.

Pin this for later: Travel Photography Tips for Beginners

Tips for Travel Photography: Planning

1/ do your research.

The best travel photography starts before you even leave home. To make the most of every destination , you first need to do your research. Look up the places you’re going to on Pinterest, Instagram, or your favourite travel blogs, find out where are the best places to go and the best time of day to go there, and get helpful advice on what gear to take. You can also search for images that inspire you and make a list of the sorts of themes and angles you’d like to get. That way, when you’re at the location, you won’t be wasting your precious holiday time searching for the right spot.

2/ Know your camera

Another thing you need to make sure you do before leaving home is getting to know your camera. I rarely read instruction manuals, but when I buy a new camera, reading the manual is the first thing I do. Modern cameras are packed with amazing functions to help you take stunning images, so if you just stick yours on auto and hope for the best, you’re missing a great opportunity to get the most out of it.

If you’re a beginner travel photographer you don’t necessarily need to start learning all the manual settings, but even taking advantage of some of the different modes your camera offers – such as sports, nighttime or portrait – will really help take your travel photography to the next level.

Travel photography tips for beginners: Batwa tribeswoman, Uganda

Read more: The Rewards Of Visiting Uganda’s Batwa Tribe

3/ Travel as light as you possibly can

Don’t weigh yourself down with endless lenses, bodies, tripods and other paraphernalia. Yes it’s great to have lots of gear to choose from, but especially when you’re a beginner the key to great travel photography is freedom and flexibility. If you’re lugging a heavy backpack full of stuff, chances are most of it will end up staying in the bag, or by the time you’ve rummaged through it to find the thing you want the moment will have been lost.

This image was taken on Day 5 of climbing Kilimanjaro with a little Fuji X100T compact I bought specifically so I wouldn’t have to lug a DSLR up the mountain. I’m sure I got more and better shots with this because I could have it in my hand so it was ready to go every time I saw something interesting.

Travel photography tips for beginners: Karanga Camp on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

Read more: Climbing The 8 Days Lemosho Route On Kilimanjaro

4/ Bring the camera you have, and always have it with you

The old tip, ‘the best camera is the one you have with you’ is absolutely true. There’s no point splurging on a fancy camera if it’s so heavy you end up leaving it in the hotel. I love my Canon 5D Mark IV , but I have to admit it’s very bulky and heavy and there are lots of occasions when it’s not sensible or appropriate to bring it.

I can’t count the number of times I’ve ended up just using my phone because it’s quick and convenient – and you can take great travel photos with a smartphone! As a beginner, the number one best way you can improve your travel photography is by always having your camera close to hand so that when you spot that perfect moment, you’re ready to grab it.

Travel photography tips for beginners: you can take great travel photos with a smartphone.

Read more: An Unhelpful Guide To… Aztec Ruins In Mexico

Travel Photography Tips for Beginners: On Location

5/ prioritise your photography.

You may get lucky and spot a golden opportunity for the perfect photo, but if you’re really keen on taking the best travel images you can, you’re going to need to carve out time in your trip for photography. That’s what’s going to make the difference between a nice holiday snap and a professional-quality travel photograph.

When I’m travelling, I often plan mornings or afternoons just to explore a place with my camera; for me it’s a great way to really get to the heart of an area and spot things I’d never normally notice if I was just walking round as a tourist.

Travel photography tips for beginners: traffic in Havana, Cuba

Read more: Stunning Photography on the Streets of Cuba

6/ Get up early and stay out late

The best times to prioritise for travel photography are around sunrise and sunset. Not only will you get the nicest light – the hours just before and just after dawn and dusk (known as blue hour and golden hour) will give you the prettiest light and the most interesting skies, but you’ll also avoid the crowds and be more likely to get those gloriously empty images of your destination that you see on all the travel websites. Yes, it can be tough to drag yourself out of bed that early, but I promise you it’s worth it!

I took this image of our campsite in the Sahara Desert, Morocco , at blue hour, just after sunset, while the rest of my tour group were drinking wine round the campfire. I don’t regret it for a second, and of course I joined them as soon as I was done!

Travel photography tips for beginners: shoot your images at blue hour and golden hour.

7/ React to the moment

While it’s great to have a plan, sometimes it’s even better to just chuck that plan out of the window and go with the flow. So you’ve arrived somewhere and it’s really crowded? The weather is bad? That famous landmark you came to see is covered with scaffolding? Then you’ll need to adapt.

Travel photography is all about seeing what’s in front of you and capturing the spirit of the place, and if that spirit isn’t what you were expecting, just roll with it. When I was in India I found everywhere was really crowded, so instead of trying to take photos of landmarks (arguably quite boring anyway), I decided to capture the other people taking selfies and came back with some much more characterful travel images as a result.

Travel photography tips for beginners: go with the flow and shoot what you see

Read more: India: a Nation of Selfie-Lovers

8/ Set yourself a challenge

It can be all too easy to wander aimlessly with your camera, taking pot shots at random things and not really getting anything good. At times like these I find it’s really helpful to set myself a project. It might be to get ten really great photos of traders in a market, or to focus on doors, street dogs, or graffiti.

You could force yourself to shoot everything without using your zoom or set yourself a travel photography scavenger hunt with a list of 10 or 20 different things you want to capture that sum up the destination for you. Doing this will really force you to think about your photography and help you bring back much better images than if you just fire off your shutter at whatever happens to be in front of you.

In Trinidad, Cuba I spent about three hours wandering around just taking photos of people in doorways; this is one of my favourites.

Travel photography tip for beginners: a main painting a colourful doorway in Trinidad, Cuba

9/ Abandon your tour group…

If you’re taking a tour or travelling with a group, travel photography can be extra challenging. Getting stunning images takes time and patience, and if you’re always being told to keep up, or you’re worried about getting lost, that can really limit what you can achieve.

So wherever possible, I find the best solution to this is to ditch the group and do my own thing. If you plan to do this, make sure you tell the guide so they’re not looking for you, get their number in case you do get lost, agree a time and place to meet later, and if you can, grab a friend for company and safety. I also always try to be one of the last back on the bus – not late, of course, so I’m delaying everyone, but not early either, so I’m not sitting in a half empty bus when I could still be out exploring.

In Chefchaouen, Morocco , I left the group and wandered off by myself to find interesting corners like this one.

Travel photography tip for beginners: don't be afraid to explore by yourself

10/ … but mine your guide for information

Taking a tour – even if it’s just a day trip or a guided visit to a site – does offer up one huge advantage for travel photography: local knowledge! Your guide should know all the best places to go, the key things to photograph, and the best times to go there. I always let the guide know that travel photography is my passion, and they will often give great advice and sometimes even adjust the itinerary to make sure I get extra opportunities to take amazing photos of the destination.

In Inle Lake, Myanmar we had a free day, and by chatting with the guide I learned it was possible to hire a private boat and go out on the lake before sunrise, which is how I got images like this one.

Travel photography tip for beginners: ask locals for advice on the best places to go and things to see

Read more: The Beautiful Leg-Rowing Inle Lake Fishermen, Myanmar

11/ Get lost on purpose

Sometimes the best images I’ve taken have been the unexpected ones, when you wander down a side street and discover a slice of local life that the guidebooks would never know about. If you stick to the beaten paths and follow the usual tourist trails, mostly what you will see is other tourists and the country’s polished public face.

It’s only when you dip a little behind the scenes that you find the really interesting stuff, the bits that haven’t already been photographed a million times. So be bold. Wander curiously and see where it takes you – and when you’ve had enough just ask for directions or let Google maps guide you back.

Travel photography tip for beginners: get lost on purpose. Local street, Trinidad, Cuba

Tips for Travel Photography: Composition

12 / use the rule of thirds.

If you’re a beginner travel photographer you may already be familiar with this concept. The rule of thirds states that if you imagine your image divided up into thirds horizontally and vertically, the most visually-pleasing composition is one where the subject of the image sits on one of the third lines. This draws the eye in and makes for a much more satisfying image than if you put the subject dead centre or too far off to one edge. It really works and it’s one of the easiest ways to make a huge difference to your photography in a single step.

In the image below, you can see the horizon sits nicely on the bottom third line, and the church tower and window are on the left third line.

Of course the rule of thirds is really a guideline more than a rule. Feel free to break it if you want to! If you scroll through the images in this post you’ll notice that the majority of them do follow the rule – but not all of them!

Travel photography tip for beginners: use the rule of thirds. Church by fjord at night, Norway

13/ Include people

While you probably want to avoid massive crowds of tourists, it’s a really great idea to try to capture individuals in your travel photos. Including a person can add a sense of scale to a beautiful landscape or give a focal point to wide shot of a landmark.

A street with a few traditionally-dressed locals walking through will always capture the essence of a destination more completely than an empty road, while a charming portrait of a local character always makes for an engaging image. So rather than waiting for people to walk OUT of your shots, why not think about waiting for them to walk IN?

Read more: 25 Spectacular Places To Visit For Travel Photography

Travel photography tip for beginners: include people in your images.

14/ Be patient

The best travel photographs rarely happen in an instant. Yes, it only takes a fraction of a second to click the shutter, but to get to that point you need not only planning, but also patience. Quite often I find I can see the potential shot, but the reality is not quite right. The sun needs to come out from behind a cloud, or I need the right sort of person to walk through the shot, or I want the market trader to hand over the money or the tourist to get out of the way.

Often I can be waiting for ages for the thing to happen; sometimes I lose patience and give up, but other times the farmer I’ve got my camera trained on looks up and laughs and it’s totally worth the wait.

Travel photography tip for beginners: be patient and wait for the perfect moment.

Read more: Taking Portraits in Myanmar (Burma)

15/ Think about what’s in the background

A common mistake that many beginner travel photographers make is that they’re so focussed on the subject of their image that they fail to notice what’s going on in the background. Is there a tree growing out of your subject’s head? Did a tourist just wander into the back of the shot? Is there a parked car or pile of rubbish spoiling the view?

When composing your image, ask yourself, ‘what is this photo actually OF?’ and then try to exclude anything that distracts from that, either by reframing, moving your position, moving the subject (if you can!) or waiting until the annoying person in the back of shot has moved away.

In this image of the Falkland Islands I chose to include the people as I wanted to show the juxtaposition of the group and the albatross colony, but if I’d wanted this to just be a photo of the colony I’d have needed to move or zoom in.

Travel photography tip for beginners: think carefully about what you want to include and what to leave out.

16/ Move your feet

Most modern cameras have huge zooms which allow you to get a variety of different shot sizes from a single standing point. But if you stay stuck in one place, you may be missing out on a better view of your subject just to one side. So don’t get too attached to one spot: get closer, get further away, find a vantage point… you might just stumble across something unexpected. And as an added bonus: photography is great for your daily step count!

While the rest of my group were all standing together over to the left, I explored a bit further round to the side and was able to get a much better angle on this chimpanzee.

Read more: Chimpanzee Trekking In Uganda: A Breathtaking Wildlife Adventure

17/ Don’t copy Instagram

While it’s great to use Instagram for background research, once you’ve seen what’s out there try to think outside the box and do your own thing. No travel photographer ever won an award by taking the exact same picture as everyone else, and no one wants to look at hundreds of identical photos of the same place.

How many photos have you seen of a girl in a big hat with her back to the camera looking at a view? It’s so unoriginal! See what everyone else is doing, sure, but then use it as inspiration and move forward.

Street food market in Marrakech, Morocco

18/ Take the obvious shot, then take a better one

Each time you take a picture, instead of just taking one, take two. First, the standard one from the conventional viewpoint, and then do something different. Zoom in, crouch down, move closer, walk round the side, wait for someone to walk into the frame, look for a different vantage point, find some way to make your image a little bit less ordinary. This will set you apart from the masses and give you unique, more eye-catching images.

This first photo of the Duomo in Orvieto, Italy , is perfectly nice, but don’t you think the second one is far more interesting?

The standard shot of the Duomo in Orvieto, Italy

Read more: 30 Beautiful Pictures Of Guatemala And The Stories Behind Them

Traveller Photography: Best Practice

19/ be culturally aware.

There are many places in the world where photography is frowned upon. Some sites ban it, in other places local people just don’t like being constantly papped by passing tourists. Sadly with the rise of social media this is becoming more and more common, and it’s certainly something I’ve found frustrating in the past, but as a responsible traveller it’s your job to respect the locals and their customs.

So if you find yourself in a place where it’s not permitted or appropriate to take photos, don’t do it. Simply enjoy being in the moment and focus on making memories instead.

Read more: Ethical Travel Photography: How To Capture With A Conscience

Friendly local man at the market in Arusha, Tanzania

20/ Ask permission

It’s not necessary (and it would be impossible) to ask permission from every man or woman in the street before you take a photo, but if you want to take a close up of an individual it’s a good idea to get their consent first. Doing this shows respect and gives that person the chance to decide whether they want to be photographed or not. Don’t worry if you don’t speak the language, a simple smile and a gesture towards your camera is universally understood.

Sometimes, however, you may not want to interrupt the moment as this can often cause the person to stop what they were doing and ruin the shot. In this case you’ll need to make a decision. If you’re far enough away and can quickly take the photo without offending them, do that. If you want to get closer, the best strategy is to ask permission, take one or two photos, walk away a little and wait for them to forget about you and go back to what they were doing, then come back and get the shot you originally wanted.

Fishmonger at the Catania fish market, Catania, Sicily

21/ Be safe

Of course it should go without saying that while following all of these tips, it’s important to be sensible. Don’t go off alone if you’re not sure you’ll be able to find your way back. Don’t wander into a dodgy part of town with a big expensive camera hanging round your neck.

Make sure your money is secure and your backpack pockets are properly zipped and your passport is in the safe in your hotel so that someone can’t pickpocket you while you’re busy focussing on other things.

Watch where you’re putting your feet so you don’t fall off a cliff or step in front of a car. If possible, have someone with you so you can keep an eye on each other. Photography is enormous fun, but that fun will come to a swift end if you get robbed or worse, and no image is worth putting yourself in danger for.

Travel photography tips for beginners: be safe. Photographing in the Peak District, UK

Travel Photography Tips for Beginners: Technicalities

22/ bring enough memory and batteries.

You’ve spent all that money to go all that way, so the last thing you want is to miss out on bringing home some fantastic images just because you didn’t bring enough memory! Make sure you’ve got your charger, at least one spare battery and a big enough memory card or two. Imagine how annoyed you’d be if you spotted something astonishing and then couldn’t capture it because your card was full or your battery died!

25 Brilliant Tips For Travel Photography

23/ Backup backup

Whether you can do this depends on where you’re going and how light you plan to travel, but I never go away for more than a few days without taking a laptop and hard drives with me. At the end of every day I download the photos and back them up on two drives which I store separately, so that if ever my camera or a drive gets lost or broken, I won’t lose all my images.

This image of a penguin colony in Antarctica was just one of several thousand that I took. Losing them all would have been a disaster so I backed up my photos every day.

Gentoo penguin colony, Neko Harbour, Antarctica

24/ Learn some basic photo editing

If you really want to take your travel photography to the next level, you need to learn a little photo editing . No professional travel photograph you will ever see has come straight out of the camera; they have all been tweaked at least a bit.

I’m not talking about hours of colour correcting and photoshopping here, and if you’re a beginner I’m not suggesting you pay for pro editing software (at least for now, though you may want to later on), but there are plenty of free tools out there (including the one that probably came with your camera) that will allow you to make a few simple improvements. Things like cropping, levelling a wonky horizon, or adjusting white balance or exposure, are just small corrections that can really help to make each image just that little bit better.

25/ Practise at home

And finally – yes, it’s all about practice. No one ever got good at anything overnight, but if you’re passionate and you want to learn, you WILL get better! Why not try taking your camera out round your local area, for example? Practice street photography in your own town or shoot landscapes in your nearest bit of countryside. That way when you’ve splurged your savings on that trip of a lifetime, you won’t mess it up!

Improve your travel photography: practise at home

Further travel photography reading

Looking for more tips for travel photography? Why not try some of these:

19 Wildlife Photography Tips for Beginners
13 Top Tips For Photographing Markets
How To Take Great Photos Of The Northern Lights

70+ Stunning South Georgia Photography Tips

Photography on the streets of Cuba

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Bella is a multi-award-winning travel writer, wildlife photographer and science and history documentary director from London. Among many awards and nominations she won Blogger of the Year at the British Guild of Travel Writers’ Awards 2023 and Best Photography at the Travel Media Awards 2020. Her work has been published by National Geographic, Wanderlust, and BBC Travel among others. Her films have been shown around the world including on the BBC, Discovery and PBS.

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How To Improve Your Travel Photography: Tips From a Pro

Forrest Mankins is a commercial and outdoor lifestyle photographer living in Durango, Colorado. Since 2011 he’s shot all over the world, and as a former touring band member, he’s well-accustomed to life on the go. We were able to sit down with him to find out what inspires him—and get tips for becoming a travel photography pro.

When did you first become interested in photography?

Growing up my mom had—and she still has—bags and bags of undeveloped film. She was constantly shooting—and always on a Canon. By the time I was 6 or 7 years old, I was taking her T50 to the field behind our house, trying to photograph deer and other little wildlife shots. I watched her take countless photos of us and later on, looking back at those photos refreshed that desire to learn how do it.

How did travel become such an integral part of your life?

I’ve always been an outdoors person. Growing up my pops had a backpacking/canoeing shop, so my parents really encouraged us to get outside. When they had my two older sisters and I, they didn’t really slow down. They just brought us along whatever they were doing. From an early age we were going down the San Juan River in a dory boat or going to the Boundary Waters in Canada. So that’s kind of always been a thing for me. Then later I was touring in a band. I wasn’t doing photography so much then, but through the act of touring I got back into travel.

How did you become a travel photographer?

I’d always been interested in photography, and after touring for a couple of years I was getting kinda burned out on the project. I thought I should probably do something about that. In 2011, I bought a Canon AE-1 Program and started teaching myself the settings, exposure, etc., all before I ever got my first camera, which was a Canon 60D . Everything I’ve ever had has been Canon.

In between touring I would go off on these trips out West—just me in my truck, sleeping in the back of the truck. I didn’t really know what I was doing photography-wise or trip-wise, but I just started sharing those photos and tried to consume everything I could to learn as much as I could. I think it was 2013 when I was approached for my first photography commission. After doing music, it felt so amazing—like, “Wow, I can actually get paid doing something I like.” That was pretty eye-opening for me.

Once I started doing that, I would put the money I earned back into traveling. I’ve been in that mode for awhile now, full time since 2015. Just getting busier and busier—I’m still completely obsessed with photos. It’s been wonderful.

How does travel inspire your work?

On a recent road trip in Montana, I looked into the side view mirror of my Land Cruiser and just saw this scene—it was honestly just the last light of the day as the sun went down mixed with the glow of headlights on the highway behind me—and I shot it in the reflection of the mirror—I never do things like that at home. It made me cognizant of the fact that I was out of my element somewhere new, so instead of just being on autopilot, I was actually experiencing the place, looking and feeling and wondering and trying to bottle that up and bring it back home into everyday life. Travel is a tool to appreciate everything in life more, even the seemingly mundane, day-to-day things. It’s an exercise in noticing things.

Do you have a favorite travel photo?

In 2014 I drove the Land Cruiser out to Homer, Alaska. Homer is the terminus of the United States Highway System. It’s literally the end of the road, and through that project I was able to fly my dad up to Alaska for the first time in his life. It’s somewhere he’d always wanted to go. He was the reason that I was there and had wanted to go there, and I took a photo of him sitting on the back of the Land Cruiser in Alaska. And that is by far my favorite photo.

What types of Canon cameras do you use and why? What features of that camera do you find particularly helpful in capturing beautiful shots while traveling?

I’m currently using the 1DX Mark II and a 5D Mark IV with the Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L III, Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II, Canon 50mm 1.2L, and Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lenses. My 24-70 on the 1DX II is my go to setup for everything—I probably get 75% of my work done with this setup. I love that I can cover almost everything, landscapes, portraits, action, you name it. I do a lot of commercial shoots for travel bureaus as well, so having everything covered from wide to tele is super important to me. The image quality I get with Canon cameras and lenses is absolutely amazing, I’m continually blown away with how well they handle so many harsh situations and conditions. On both the 1DX II and 5D Mark IV I’ve been shocked at how fast and accurate the autofocus is. I shoot a lot in low light, and when I shoot people they’re usually in motion, and the amount of keepers I get out of a shoot now is really cool.

I also started shooting with the T7i over the fall and I’ve been loving it, having professional image quality in a super lightweight and portable form factor with awesome features like the articulating screen and great battery life is crazy! I have always been happy with my cameras, but seeing how far they’ve progressed is really astounding.

What recommendations would you give an amateur photographer looking to improve their travel photography?

Start with YouTube. There are so many how-to videos. You can find a how-to video just to learn about exposure for any camera model you own. One of the things that is great about digital photography is that you can actually see in real-time what your adjustments are doing for the camera right there. So take an hour or two just messing around on YouTube, and then after that you can start concentrating on the images you actually want to make. It’s just like learning an instrument—you can learn endless scales and have this rote knowledge, but that doesn’t really help the way learning your favorite song does. So get the technical practice and experience by actually trying to create something that expresses you—I think that is the best way to learn and make progress and stay motivated and excited about it.

Of course, we don’t want to copy other people, but everything we do in any field is informed by other people. For example, say you’re headed to Smoky Mountain National Park over the weekend and you just got a camera, and you don’t really know what to do. You should go online and look at some photos of Smoky Mountain to find some benchmarks—then try to take a couple of those shots. This is practice. If you ever take a photography class, you’re going to be asked to copy something exactly like this for the sake of learning. So I say early on, start copying things to help you figure it out. Find a shot that you really love and ask yourself why you really love it. What is it about the photo? Is it the lighting? Is it the place? Is it some movement? How can you recreate that?

What’s the biggest difference you can tell between an amateur and a pro photographer?

The biggest thing for landscape is lighting—actually, for everything it’s lighting. But other than that, when you see a photo from someone that’s more advanced, usually the thing that you feel is the feeling they were trying to portray to you. You probably immediately get the mood and you’re probably looking at exactly what that photographer wanted you to look at.

A lot of times when you see beginners shooting, whether it is landscape or portraits or anything, you see a lot of extra things in the frame. But just like when you watch a movie, if you see a car going by far off in the distance, you will probably infer that that car is going to show up because in a movie there’s nothing random.

It’s the exact same way for photography. You are in control of the things that go in the frame and that is the only thing that’s going to transfer that emotion or message to the viewer. Because they don’t know your train of thought—they weren’t there. So you have to work as hard as you can to distill it down and make it really digestible for people. And that’s, I think, the hardest thing when you’re starting out. Besides the subject in your story, everything else is just taking away from your photo. Sometimes you can just be so excited to be making something that you love and you think, “Oh, I could fix that later on the computer,” and often that doesn’t work out right.

What does your editing process look like? How do you balance capturing all your beautiful content with getting it ready to be shared?

So if I have it my way I come back to my office and do it. But honestly this is how it normally looks: I am out on location and it could be the end of the day. I’m on my old MacBook Pro with a bad screen. Wherever I am, I import everything and I immediately back it up. Then I take those photos into a program called Photo Mechanic, which is just a way to quickly look through the photos and pick my favorites.

After that I import photos into Lightroom and because I previously had the photos in Photo Mechanic, my “favorites” will show up with a star rating immediately, which saves a lot of time. Some shoots you might shoot a couple hundred photos in the day, some shoots you might shoot 4000. So to be able to get through a lot of photos quickly and efficiently without having to make a lot of decisions is paramount. After that, if it’s a first shoot, I create an overall look for the photos—pick the lighting, the look, and kind of tweak as I go—and I turn that into a preset that applies to all of the photos for that shoot. Then I export everything into Dropbox, so that it’s saved on a hard drive and also backed up one more time on the Cloud. Backup is something that is often overlooked. It’s not thought about it until you either a) run out of storage or b) have lost a hard drive.

Why do you choose to shoot with Canon?

My mom shot Canon when I was growing up, so learning on cameras like her t50 and my first AE-1 Program just felt natural. These are cameras that had been on the market for years (even decades) by the time I came across them, and they still felt like, and were, these incredible tools. They got even better with age. Canon was the logical choice for me, my father always says to buy the best or buy twice, so I started with Canon and that’s what I’ve been shooting professionally for almost 6 years now. I’ve had a lot of bodies over the years, the 5D Marks I-IV, 60D, T7i, 6D, 1DX II—I won’t even get started on the lenses, and I’ve never once been let down. Time and again I’ve put these tools through the toughest conditions while expecting the utmost in quality and I’ve never been let down. Running my own business and shooting for a living, I have a lot of things I can worry about, and my gear isn’t one of them.

Want to learn more? We’ll be in conversation with Mankins at the Canon Portals this December to get all the ins-and-outs of travel photography. RSVP here .

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How to Take Professional Travel Photos

Stunning travel photo of a Dubai roundabout at night

Travel photography is not something I’ve very good at. I take all my pictures on an iPhone, and if they aren’t used on the blog, they mostly just sit on my hard drive. I’ve never taken the time to really improve my skills. Like learning a language, improving your photography takes time.

Luckily, just like learning a language, anyone can do it!

Travel photographs are memories. You look at a picture, and it conjures up thoughts, feelings, and smells that take you back to a long-forgotten place. I think it’s important we all spend a little time improving our photography.

Today, professional photographer Laurence Norah of Finding the Universe begins a five-part series on how to take better travel photos and become a better photographer in general. He’s going to share his top tips to help you improve your skills and take awesome photos.

Enter Laurence…

In 2009, I gave up my job in IT and set off to travel the world. My first destination was Australia , a stunning country where I desperately wanted to capture my adventures. I’d been taking photos since I was 13, but it was only on this trip that I started to focus on learning the art of photography and realized that this was something I could be truly passionate about.

I quickly learned the reality that photography is a skill that takes time, effort, and practice to master.

It’s also not a question of gear — great travel photography is very much about the photographer.

In this post, I’ll give you the eight simple travel photography tips you need to take better pictures right away. If you follow these rules, you won’t go wrong!

Table of Contents

Composition
The Rule of Thirds
Leading Lines
Foreground, Midground, and Background
Focal Points
Use of Color
Storytelling

1. Composition: Taking Pictures People REALLY Want

Patterns — the human brain is a sucker for them. We’re always looking for patterns, be they shapes in the clouds, symmetry in buildings, or colors that compliment each other. There’s just something about a pattern that our brains love.

Understanding these patterns and what pleases the human brain is a nifty shortcut to taking better photos. And that’s what composition in photography is all about. Learn and apply the rules below, and you’ll start taking more photos that people will enjoy.

Before launching into them, though, some important basics. First, ensure that your camera is level. You don’t want wonky horizons. Your brain generally doesn’t like them; they’re the visual equivalent of nails on a chalkboard.

Next — stop moving. You want to be as still as possible when shooting to avoid blurry images. Hold your camera with both hands and be steady, or use a tripod.

2. The Rule of Thirds

One of the most important rules of composition is known as the rule of thirds.

I learned recently that this is based on how babies learn to identify their mothers’ faces, which can be split up into three parts: the eyes, nose, and mouth.

The rule of thirds requires you to break an image into three equal parts either vertically, horizontally, or both. The goal is to place key compositional elements into those thirds.

On your device, find the setting to enable a grid over the preview screen. Four lines will appear, two vertical and two horizontal.

Photo of surreal art sculpture park in the Australian Outback

Take a look at my shot above of a surreal sculpture park deep in the Australian outback , over which I have overlaid a grid to demonstrate the horizontal and vertical thirds.

With the grid, you can see how I have composed the image: one-third land and two-thirds sky, while the plane on the left is on the left-hand grid line, close to the intersection of two lines.

Placing subjects on the intersecting points will naturally draw the viewer’s eye to them, as these points are usually where we focus first in an image, and doing so is a great starting point for a good composition.

Another of my favorite subjects to shoot is a sunset. I love how they are always different and how wonderful the light is at that time of day.

To get a great sunset shot, you can easily apply the rule of thirds — composing the shot with two-thirds sky, and one-third land or sea. You want to avoid splitting the image half and half, as it won’t look as good. The shot below of a sunset in Santa Cruz illustrates this and also has an interesting subject in the left third of the image.

Photo of a beautiful, golden sunset over the ocean in Santa Cruz, California

3. Leading Lines

When composing a photograph, you want to make it as easy as possible for the person looking at it to figure out the subject and focus of the image.

One way to do this is with leading lines — the use of natural geography or other features that the viewer will naturally look at first and that will lead their eyes to the main subject.

Roads are excellent as leading lines, particularly in big landscape shots. When I was traveling in New Zealand , I wanted to create a photographic story of the hike up Mount Taranaki, one of my favorite New Zealand hikes . Near the start, the walking trail itself gave me a perfect leading line to illustrate the journey ahead, drawing the viewer’s eye into the frame and up to the mountain.

Photo of the walking trail up Mount Taranaki in New Zealand

Another good illustration of a leading line is this shot of me walking on railway tracks in Italy. (Obviously, it’s only advisable on either disused or somewhat infrequently used tracks!)

Black and white self-portrait of Laurence walking on railway tracks

The goal for this image was a self-portrait that evoked my life of travel. The parallel tracks, which appear to converge, were perfect for leading the viewer’s eye to the subject — me. I felt I captured the image of wanderlust that I was looking for by using them.

4. Foreground, Midground, and Background

Have you ever taken a picture of a mountain or city skyline and then looked at it later and wondered why it doesn’t manage to convey the majesty of what you were looking at?

This is likely because your photograph is a two-dimensional image, and you have lost the sense of scale that is apparent when you are present and in the moment.

When composing a shot — and this is particularly true for landscape photography — think about the different elements in the foreground, midground, and background of the shot.

For example, here’s an example of a sunset in Glencoe, Scotland , easily the most stunning place I’ve photographed in 2015.

Breath-taking sunset photo over a frozen lake in Glencoe, Scotland

I used the rock in this frozen lake to provide something interesting in the foreground, helping to provide scale and balance to the overall image. The viewer’s eye is drawn to the rock, and then likely to the mountain and sunset, before heading into the distance of the valley.

When you are out and about in the world, think about everything around you. If you see a far-off mountain you want to shoot, look around and see if you can find something interesting in the foreground or midground to incorporate into the shot. If you’re near a river, maybe that could be a canoe. Elsewhere it could be a house. Or a group of sheep. Or a car starting to scale a winding road.

If you’re shooting a city scene, look at what is happening all around you. Street vendors, different modes of transport, and signs and storefronts can all be incorporated as foreground to provide context and scale for your city skyline or that interestingly shaped building.

If you can’t find something, be creative. Find someone to stand in your shot to provide that scale. If you’re traveling with a tripod, do what I did in that railway shot and use yourself as the subject.

Thinking beyond the big background parts of the image and focusing on the smaller elements will help you create more balanced, pleasing images.

Just remember not to confuse your viewer too much with too many compositional elements, and keep it clear what the photo is of.

Photo of the sunsetting behind mountains in Glencoe, Scotland with a house in the midground

Here’s another shot from Glencoe. Here the house provides that midground scale, while the river works both as an interesting foreground subject and as a leading line to draw you into the photograph.

This compositional technique isn’t about hanging a picture in a frame; it’s about using what’s around you to “frame” the subject you are trying to capture, illustrating to the viewer what the shot is of and drawing their eyes into the scene.

Photo of old bridges in the Medieval town of Besalú, Spain

In this shot of the bridge into the medieval town of Besalú in Spain , I used the old bridge and its reflection as a natural frame for the newer bridge.

When you have found your subject, look around to see if there’s a way you can frame it creatively. Some good options for framing include vegetation, like tree branches and trees, as well as doors and windows.

Take a look at this shot of a temple in Ayutthaya, Thailand , to see what I mean. I wanted to capture the beauty of this temple scene while drawing the viewer into the wat in the center.

Photo of beautiful, old temple in Ayutthaya, Thailand

The frame in this case is much larger than the subject, but it is never unclear what the shot is of. This is a really easy photography technique, but it might require you to scout around, or step back from your subject, to find a good way to frame it. Don’t be afraid to stand further away and use the zoom on your lens to get the frame you want.

As another example, using trees to frame a waterfall, here’s a shot of Lower Yosemite Falls in Yosemite National Park.

Photo of Lower Yosemite Falls between the trees in Yosemite National Park

I felt that the trees added much more to the shot with the waterfall between them. There was a pleasing symmetry to the shot, given the two parallel trees.

There are many more options for framing. Experiment and see what works!

6. Focal Points

One way to be sure that people look at the part of the image you want them to look at is to have only that part sharp and in focus and the rest blurry.

This is particularly effective for isolating people or animals in shots — take a look at wedding or sports photos of people, and you’ll see how often the subject of the shot is the only thing in focus.

I love shooting events with friends and family, and I find that this technique works really well at isolating the subject from a crowd and making it obvious who the photo is of.

Photo of a woman having at a party with friends

To start with, you can achieve this effect with the “portrait” or “people” mode on your camera.

7. Use of Color

Color is really important in photography, particularly how different colors work well together. For example, blue works well with yellow (sunflowers in a field), and red works well with green (Christmas!).

To figure out which colors work well together, take a look at this color wheel .

Generally, colors opposite each other on the wheel will complement each other. These colors don’t need to be evenly balanced in a shot — often images work best with a small percentage of one and a greater percentage of another.

Photo of houses reflecting on the Nyhavn Harbor in Copenhagen, Denmark

Take a look at the shot above, from the gorgeous Nyhavn Harbor in Copenhagen . You can see all sorts of colors, but in particular, the blue of the sky and water is the predominant color, with the houses’ reds and yellows (yellow is opposite blue on the color wheel) offering a counterpoint.

When you are on your travels, keep an eye out for contrasting and complementary colors that you can incorporate into your shots. Spice markets, old European cities , rural meadows, and old colorful barns in green fields are a great place to start.

8. Storytelling

Remember that when you are taking a picture, you have all the background and surrounding knowledge of your trip in your mind. When you look at the image later, all of that will come back to you.

No one else has that advantage. To them, that shot of a waterfall is just that — a shot of a waterfall. The story of the five-hour hike there through a leech-infested jungle? Lost. The feeling of how refreshing it was on your skin when you took the plunge to cool off? Also gone. It’s just a two-dimensional image on a screen, likely quickly flicked by to be replaced by the next image in the stream.

It’s your job to bring all that lost context to life.

We’re often told that a photograph is worth a thousand words. As a photographer, it’s your job to convey those words. Figure out how to tell that story with your image. Get the shots that pull your viewers into your stories. Use emotion, find and freeze moments, and incorporate the human element so your shots resonate with your viewers.

Take this monkey in Rio de Janeiro . These guys were being really cheeky with tourists, trying to get food from them and generally playing around as much as possible. I wanted to try and capture some of that, and I managed to get this monkey sticking its tongue out at me.

Photo of cheeky Monkey in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

I’d advise spending time thinking about the shot you are trying to create, the moment you are trying to capture, and the story you are trying to tell your viewer. Put yourself into their shoes, imagine you are going to be looking at the shot with no other context, and try to build the shot from there.

This is probably one of the harder parts of photography, and — like the shot of the monkeys above — will likely require some time, patience, and luck. You will make errors. But with research and practice, you will be able to master it!

Practice makes perfect – and travel photography is no different in this regard! The more photos you take, the more you will learn how to compose and capture great shots. While reading some travel photography tips will definitely help, the key is to actually go out in the world and practice them. The more you practice, the faster this will all become second nature. It won’t happen overnight, but over time your skills will improve — I promise!

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

Laurence started his journey in June 2009 after quitting the corporate life and looking for a change of scenery. His blog, Finding the Universe , catalogs his experiences and is a wonderful resource for photography advice! You can also find him on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter .

Travel Photography: Continue the Series

For more helpful travel photography tips, be sure to check out the rest of Laurence’s series:

Part 1 – How to Take Professional Travel Photos
Part 2 – How to Shoot the Perfect Travel Photograph
Part 3 – The Best Camera Gear to Get
Part 4 – How to Take the Perfect Photo: Advanced Techniques
Part 5 – 7 Editing Tips to Improve Your Travel Photographs

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

SafetyWing (best for everyone)
Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

7 Editing Tips to Improve Your Travel Photographs

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What Skills Do You Need to be a Travel Photographer?

Table of Contents

Ever thought your holiday snaps could rival those glossy spreads in travel mags? Well, hold the phone folks! It’s not all sunsets and sangrias. If you’ve been wondering “What skills do you need to be a travel photographer?”, read on because we’re going to answer that question!

Becoming a top-notch travel photographer requires more than just snapping pretty places. You need some serious photography skills under your belt.

Creativity and originality?

Cultural sensitivity?

Double-check!

And let’s not forget about that uncanny ability to adapt faster than a chameleon on a rainbow!

So, if you’re thinking of trading your 9-to-5 grind for an adventurous life behind the lens, better check out this post to know what key skills you’ll need in your camera bag .

Selecting and Mastering Your Equipment

Photography, especially travel photography, is about more than just pointing and shooting. It’s about picking the right gear and mastering it.

Choosing the Right Camera Gear

Choosing the right camera gear for travel photography is like selecting your best buddy for a road trip. You want something reliable, versatile, and able to handle whatever comes its way.

DSLR cameras are popular because they offer a variety of lenses.
Mirrorless cameras are lighter and more compact but equally powerful.
Action cameras such as GoPros are great for adventure shots.

Remember, the best camera is the one you have with you!

Advanced Camera Settings

Getting familiar with advanced camera settings can seem like learning a new language. But trust me, once you get the hang of it, it’s all gravy!

Learn about ISO: This controls how sensitive your camera is to light.
Understand shutter speed: This affects how motion is captured in your photos.
Get a grip on aperture: This determines how much light gets into your lens.

a phographer adjusting his camera settings

When you master these travel photography basics and use these five photography techniques , you’ll be snapping killer shots in no time!

Lightweight Yet Effective Equipment

When traveling, packing light is key. But that doesn’t mean skimping on quality.

Choose equipment that’s lightweight yet effective:

A sturdy tripod that won’t weigh down your backpack
Compact flash units for low-light situations
Filters to enhance colors or reduce glare

Don’t forget extra batteries or portable chargers – running out of juice in the middle of nowhere ain’t fun!

Mastery in Post Processing Software

Post-processing software like Adobe Lightroom can turn good photos into jaw-dropping masterpieces.

Become an expert at using these tools:

Adjust exposure levels to brighten or darken images
Tweak colors to make them pop or create mood
Crop images for better composition
Remove unwanted elements with cloning or healing tools

You don’t have to be a wizard to use these tools, just practice and patience!

Planning and Time Management in Journeys

Ever wondered what skills you need to become a travel photographer ? Well, let’s dive right into it.

a man choosing a camera to use for photography

Researching Destinations for Best Photo Opportunities

First off, you gotta do your homework. Choosing the right destination is like picking out the perfect outfit for a party. You want to stand out but still fit in, right? So, start by researching places with breathtaking views or unique cultures. Look for spots that aren’t too crowded so you can have some peace while working your magic with the camera.

For instance, if you’re planning a trip to Rome, don’t just focus on famous landmarks like the Colosseum or Trevi Fountain. Dig deeper and find lesser-known gems that will give your portfolio an edge over others.

Scheduling Shoots Around Optimal Lighting Conditions

Next up is timing. In photography, lighting is everything! The same location can look entirely different at sunrise compared to sunset. Hence, planning your shoots around optimal lighting conditions is crucial.

Consider this: If you’re shooting landscapes , golden hours (that’s sunrise and sunset) are your best bet as they offer soft light and dramatic shadows. On the other hand, if it’s street photography you’re after, midday might work better when streets are bustling with activity.

Balancing Travel Rest and Work Time Effectively

Now let’s talk about balance – not the kind you need on a tightrope – but balancing travel time with rest and work time effectively.

Remember folks; it ain’t no vacation! It’s hard work disguised as fun! You must plan your days carefully – sightseeing, shooting photos, editing them back at your hotel room – all while making sure you get enough shut-eye!

A typical day could look something like this:

Wake up early.
Spend morning hours exploring new locations.
Afternoon dedicated to photo shoots.
Evening for rest, meal times, and editing photos .
Early bedtime to recharge for the next day.

Preparing Backup Plans for Unforeseen Circumstances

Lastly, always have a Plan B! Weather can be unpredictable, gear might fail, or you could fall sick – touch wood!

So how do you prepare? Keep spare batteries and memory cards handy. Have backup locations in case your chosen spot is unavailable or overcrowded. And don’t forget travel insurance – it’s your safety net when things go south!

Identifying Your Niche in Travel Photography

Unique perspectives matter.

Travel photography is a vast field, overflowing with talent. To stand out from the crowd, you need to find your own unique perspective. This isn’t about just snapping pretty pictures of landmarks and sunsets. It’s about capturing moments and scenes that tell a story; your story.

A great example of this is Ansel Adams , who was known for his black-and-white landscape photographs of the American West. He didn’t just take photos; he created art.

So, how do you find your unique perspective? Start by exploring different genres within travel photography. Test the waters and see what resonates with you.

Choose Your Genre Wisely

There are many genres within travel photography to choose from: landscapes, wildlife, culture – the list goes on. Each genre requires its own set of skills and equipment. For instance, if you’re into wildlife photography, you’ll need telephoto lenses to capture animals from a safe distance.

Remember though: it’s not about having fancy gear but knowing how to use it effectively. Ansel Adams didn’t have half the equipment we have today but still managed to create iconic images.

Choose a genre that suits your style and interests best. You might be more inclined towards capturing vibrant city life or maybe serene landscapes speak to your soul more.

Build A Solid Portfolio

Once you’ve identified your niche in travel photography, it’s time to build up a portfolio showcasing your work in that genre. A well-curated portfolio can open doors for opportunities like collaborations with brands or even publishing deals!

Your portfolio should reflect both your technical abilities as well as artistic vision – essentially what makes you stand out as a photographer.

Don’t rush this process though! Building a solid portfolio takes time and patience but trust me, it’ll be worth it!

Evolve Within Your Niche

The world of travel photography is ever-evolving. To stay relevant, you need to evolve with it. This doesn’t mean changing your niche every other day but rather expanding your skills and knowledge within your chosen genre.

Stay updated on latest trends in travel photography, attend workshops or webinars, connect with fellow photographers – there are countless ways to keep growing as a travel photographer.

Remember: The key is not to become complacent. There’s always something new to learn, some technique to master. As they say, the only constant in life is change!

Building and Engaging Client Base

In travel photography, it’s vital to establish a strong client base. You’ve got to network, communicate regularly with existing clients, offer exclusive content or services, and gather feedback.

Networking with Potential Clients

Networking is crucial in the business of travel photography . It opens doors to opportunities you might not know existed. Events are excellent places for networking. Here, you can meet potential clients and showcase your portfolio.

Attend industry events like photography expos.
Take part in local community activities related to photography.
Use online platforms such as LinkedIn to connect with businesses that may need your services.

Remember, your travel photography career is just beginning; every professional connection could lead to a commission down the line.

Regular Communication with Clients

Regular communication strengthens your relationship with existing clients. This isn’t just about sending them your latest work; it’s about keeping them engaged and interested in what you do.

Send regular newsletters showcasing new photos or destinations.
Share behind-the-scenes stories from your travels.
Inform them about upcoming exhibitions or events where they can see your work first-hand.

Your aim should be to keep yourself at the forefront of their minds whenever they think of travel photography.

Offering Exclusive Content

Offering exclusive content is an effective way of rewarding loyal customers. This could be anything from early access to new photos, discounts on prints, or even personal photo sessions.

Create a loyalty program offering perks for regular purchases.
Offer limited edition prints exclusively for long-time clients.
Provide personalized photo books showcasing their favorite destinations from your portfolio.

The idea here is simple: make them feel special and appreciated so they continue doing business with you.

Gathering Client Feedback

Finally, always strive for improvement by gathering client feedback. Their insights can help you improve both technically and professionally in this field.

Conduct regular surveys asking for their opinion on recent work.
Ask for constructive criticism during personal interactions.
Use social media platforms to engage with them and gather feedback.

Remember, the market is always evolving. What worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. So, stay open to learning and improving.

Monetizing Skills: Selling Travel Images

Let’s dive into the money-making skills that every travel photographer needs. It’s all about understanding the market, using stock image websites, working with brands, and licensing your images.

Understanding Market Trends

So, you’ve snapped some killer shots. Now what? You gotta know how to price ’em right. The photography market is like a wild roller coaster ride. One minute landscapes are hot, next minute it’s all about those candid street shots.

Stay in the loop with market trends. Read up on photography blogs and magazines. Keep an eye on popular stock photo sites to see what sells.

Remember folks, knowledge is power!

Stock Image Websites

Alrighty then! Let’s talk about making money with stock photography while you sleep (sounds dreamy, huh?). That’s where stock photo websites come in handy.

Sites like Shutterstock or Getty Images can be a goldmine for passive income streams. Just upload your photos and wait for the dough to roll in.

But hold your horses there! Don’t forget to tag your images correctly; SEO ain’t just for blog posts ya know!

Collaborating With Brands

Ever thought of teaming up with brands or tourism boards? Well, why not? They’re always on the lookout for fresh content and unique perspectives.

Imagine this: You’re exploring some exotic location (all expenses paid!) snapping away stunning visuals for their next big campaign… Sounds pretty sweet if you ask me!

Just remember to keep it professional and deliver top-notch work every time. Your reputation is everything as a freelance photographer .

Licensing Images

Here’s another cool way to rake in some extra bucks – licensing your images for commercial use.

Think billboards, brochures or even book covers…your photo could be on any of these! Companies pay good money for high-quality images that capture their brand essence perfectly.

But be sure to read the fine print before signing any licensing agreement. You wouldn’t want to sell your soul for a quick buck, would ya?

Establish a Strong Online Presence

If you’re aiming to be a top-notch travel photographer, your online presence is crucial. It’s about showcasing your work and connecting with people worldwide.

Leverage Social Media Platforms

Social media is like the new-age art gallery. It’s where you get to display your masterpieces. You can use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest to show off your best shots. Just remember:

Post regularly
Use catchy captions
Engage with and grow your followers through comments and messages

Remember, social media isn’t just for showing off; it’s also about building relationships.

Update Your Website Regularly

Your website is your digital home base. It’s where potential clients come to see what you’re all about. So make sure it reflects who you are as a photographer:

Keep it updated with fresh content
Make use of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) techniques

SEO helps your website rank higher in search engine results, making it easier for people to find you.

Host Interactive Sessions on Social Media

Live sessions on social media are a great way to connect with followers directly. You could host Q&A sessions, share behind-the-scenes footage from shoots or even offer mini photography tutorials.

Here are some tips:

Choose a suitable platform.
Plan ahead and promote the session.
Be interactive during the session.

The more engaging these sessions are, the more likely people will tune in next time!

Utilize Email Marketing

Email marketing might seem old school compared to social media, but don’t underestimate its power! It’s still one of the most effective ways to reach out directly to potential clients or followers.

Consider sending out newsletters featuring:

New blog posts or photo collections
Updates on upcoming trips or projects
Exclusive offers for subscribers

Remember that email marketing isn’t about spamming people with promotions; it should provide value and foster a connection with your audience.

Path to Successful Travel Photography

So there you have it, folks! You’ve trudged through the trenches of mastering your gear and planning your travels. You’ve found your niche, built a client base, and even learned how to turn those pretty pictures into some cold hard cash. Not to mention, you’re now an internet sensation with followers begging for more of your stunning visuals.

But hey, don’t just sit there basking in the glow of your screen! Get out there and keep shooting. The world is waiting for your next frame-worthy masterpiece. And remember: the only bad photo is the one you didn’t take…or was that about pizza? Either way, get snappin’!

Frequently Asked Questions

You don’t necessarily need a high-end camera to start travel photography. A good quality DSLR or mirrorless camera should serve you well.

Finding a niche involves exploring different aspects of travel photography like landscapes, wildlife, portraits etc., and identifying what you enjoy shooting the most.

Building a client base might involve networking with other photographers, sharing your work on social media platforms and offering services like prints or digital copies of your photographs.

You can monetize your travel photographs by selling them online on stock image websites or directly to clients who require them for various purposes like advertising or blogging.

Having an online presence is crucial as it allows potential clients to view your work easily. It also helps in building credibility and reaching out to wider audience.

I’m a professional travel photographer, and I’ve been living the digital nomad lifestyle since 2016. I make money by working on client assignments, selling stock photography and helping other photographers by sharing my experiences on this website. I move around at my own pace (I hate fast-paced travel) and like to spend a few months getting to know each place I base myself in.

My writing and photos have been featured on industry leading websites such as Digital Photography School , Atlas Obscura and the world’s leading underwater photography resource The Underwater Photography Guide . I authored an eBook called “ Breaking Into Travel Photography: The complete guide to carving out a career in travel photography ” that has been published on Amazon. My stock images have also appeared in ads promoting destinations and companies that sometimes has been a surprise, even to me. But I guess that’s the nature of stock photography, you never know who will license them!

I’m always happy to connect, so feel free to reach out!

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How to Take Travel Photos: A Complete Guide

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Travel photography is one of the most exciting types of photography you can pursue. Combining two of life’s great pleasures—exploring new lands and taking photographs—is a thrill any photographer would enjoy.

While travel photography is open to anyone with the drive to get up and hit the road, there are a few things you need to learn. That’s why we’ve compiled this in-depth article containing everything you need to know about travel photography. We cover everything from camera settings to the best travel gear, so keep reading to find out more.

Great pyramid at Chichen Itza, Yucatan Mexico

What Is Travel Photography

Travel photography is simply taking pictures of different places around the world. But good travel photos are not mere holiday snaps. Travel images should show a location in a new light so they’re interesting even for people who have already been there.

Travel photography involves many different styles and techniques. You can incorporate landscapes and portraits into your travel photography. You can even use more advanced techniques like time-lapse and long exposures.

A travel photographer needs to show more than the obvious. They need to explore each location at a deeper level and look for elements that make that place unique and interesting. It isn’t enough to take pictures of the famous landmarks. A travel photographer needs to look deeper and go beyond.

Far-flung exotic locations often hold the most romance for travelers, but you don’t have to go far to practice travel photography. Venturing to new locations is always exciting, but you can also photograph places you’re familiar with. Using your familiarity to your advantage, you can give viewers a deeper view of these locations.

Anyone can shoot travel photography. The first thing you need is a desire to explore the world, which is something you probably already have. But continue reading for everything else you need to know about travel photography, from techniques to gear.

Mastering Travel Photography

While travel photography is open to anyone with an adventurous spirit, mastering the art does require practice, knowledge, and skill.

Firstly, you need to understand your camera and its settings. You might be tempted to take the easy road and shoot on auto mode. But you’ll get far better results and more interesting and unique images when shooting with semi or fully manual settings.

You should also experiment with composition, and you can try both color and black-and-white photography. These are stylistic choices that’ll give your travel photography a personal touch. You also have to consider specific types of travel photography so you’re ready for anything when you’re on the move.

The following sections covers mastering the art of travel photography. Click the links in the text if you want more information on each topic covered.

Camera Settings

When it comes to camera settings for travel photography, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, make sure your camera is set to the right aperture and shutter speed for the type of photo you want to take. You’ll also need to adjust your white balance and ISO as you move through different locations.

Always pack extra batteries and memory cards. You don’t want to miss a great shot because your camera died or you ran out of space. To learn more about camera settings for travel photography, check out camera settings for travel photography .

A travel photography shot list helps you plan and capture the best photos on your trip. Research the location thoroughly, including famous sights, experiences, geography, and lighting conditions. Look at existing travel photos for inspiration, but aim to create something unique.

Use a spreadsheet to organize your shots by day and time, considering factors like sunrise, sunset, and harsh midday light. Include a mix of portraits, environmental portraits, cityscapes, daily life moments, religious sites, festivals, food, transportation, landscapes, close-ups, architecture, night scenes, and wildlife.

Remember to be adaptable and respectful of local customs. With careful planning and a detailed shot list, you’ll be well-prepared to capture stunning travel photos that transport viewers to your destination. To learn more about creating a travel photography shot list , check out this in-depth guide.

Composition

Good travel photography composition captures the beauty and essence of a destination. Use the rule of thirds by placing important parts of your photo on the intersecting points of a 3×3 grid. Take advantage of symmetry by centering the axis of symmetry in one direction, like a reflection placed off-center.

Direct attention with leading lines, using elements like paths or fences to guide the viewer’s eye to your subject. Frame spectacular views with windows or arches to provide context. Or you can use bold colors to lead the eyes or balance the composition.

Change your perspective by moving around, kneeling, or shooting from a rooftop. Get close to fill the frame with your subject or step back to include surrounding context. Play with scale by including familiar elements like people to convey the impressive size of large spaces.

To learn more about travel photography composition , check out this in-depth guide.

Black & White

Black and white travel photography can be a powerful way to capture the essence of a place. By removing color, you can focus on the light, shapes, and textures that make a scene unique.

Pay attention to contrast and tone in your black and white photos. Look for strong shadows and highlights that create depth and drama. Texture is also important in black and white photography, so seek out interesting surfaces like rough stone or smooth water.

Most importantly, use black and white photography to connect with your subject and tell a story. Whether it’s a portrait of a local person or a landscape that captures the mood of a place, aim to convey emotion in your images.

By developing your own style and vision, you can create compelling black and white travel photos that stand out. To learn more about black and white travel photography , check out this in-depth guide.

Unique Perspectives

Taking unique photos of famous places can be challenging, but with some creativity and planning, you can capture stunning images. Start by researching the location and scouting out potential spots for your shots. Arrive early to avoid crowds and take advantage of the soft, golden light.

Look for elevated views or unusual angles to create a different perspective. Use composition techniques like the rule of thirds to emphasize the landmark in an interesting way. Including people in your shots can add a sense of atmosphere and tell a story.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques like light trails or time-lapse photography . If you encounter photography restrictions, think outside the box and find creative solutions. To learn more about capturing unique photos of famous places, check out this in-depth guide.

Documentary Photography

Documentary photography captures real-life events as they happen. It’s a form of visual storytelling that depicts the world around us. Documentary photographers often work on long-term projects to tell new stories through their images.

You don’t need to travel far to find good documentary photography ideas. Look for interesting subjects in your family or community. Focus on the people involved to help viewers connect with the story. You can also tackle big topics by photographing small, local stories related to them.

Visit and scout your locations before the shoot. Get comfortable with the basics of photography, like camera settings and composition. Keep your story personal and critique your work as you go.

If you want to learn more about documentary photography ideas , we have a detailed guide to help you get started.

Train Photography

Train photography offers a diverse range of subjects, from historic steam engines to modern bullet trains. To capture excellent locomotive photos, research train routes and schedules to find the best locations and times. Use natural light to your advantage, with side or backlighting to highlight steam and texture.

Longer focal lengths can compress the scene and show the train in its surroundings. At stations, photograph details like wheels and logos to create atmosphere. Adjust shutter speed for sharp images or creative motion blur, and slightly overexpose for more detail.

Composition is key – avoid modern elements, and try front, side, and overhead angles. Including human elements like drivers and platform staff adds interest.

For more insights on capturing stunning train photography, train photography provides in-depth tips and techniques.

Backing Up Photos

Backing up photos while traveling is important. Using an external hard drive is a great option. They are compact, durable, and have large storage capacities.

Smartphones and tablets can also be used to manage photos on the go. With the right accessories, they can connect to external storage devices. This allows you to backup and edit your photos without a laptop.

For the best results, use multiple backup methods. This could include an external hard drive, USB thumb drive, and cloud storage. By having multiple copies of your photos, you reduce the risk of losing them. If you want to learn more about the way to backup photos , there are many helpful resources available online.

Making Money from Travel Photography

Becoming a travel photographer takes hard work and dedication. You need to learn a wide range of photography skills, from landscapes to portraits. Building a strong portfolio of your best travel images is key to attracting clients.

To get your name out there, create a travel website or blog to showcase your work. You can also sell your images on digital platforms like stock photography websites. Selling physical prints of your photos is another option.

As you travel, look for photography work with local businesses, such as hostels or tourism boards. Capture great travel content and consider offering tours or workshops for extra income.

To learn more about how to become a travel photographer , check out this in-depth guide.

Travel Photography Jobs

Travel photography jobs can be an exciting and rewarding career path for those with a passion for photography and adventure. However, it’s important to understand the challenges that come with the job. You’ll need to have exceptional photography skills, business savvy, and the ability to handle tough physical conditions.

To succeed, you’ll need a strong online presence, including a professional website and active social media accounts. You’ll also need reliable gear that can withstand the demands of travel.

There are many ways to make money as a travel photographer, such as selling prints, licensing stock photos, writing for publications, and teaching. The key is to diversify your income streams and constantly look for new opportunities. With hard work and creativity, a career in travel photography jobs can be both fulfilling and profitable.

Get Paid to Travel

Getting paid to travel and take photos is a dream for many photographers. There are several ways to make this a reality. Selling prints of your travel photos through print-on-demand websites is one option. You can also upload your best images to stock photography agencies and earn passive income from sales.

Entering travel photography competitions is another way to earn money and gain prestige. Winning contests can help you promote your work and attract potential clients.

Building relationships with travel magazine editors can lead to regular paid assignments. Learn what they want and deliver high-quality photos to make their jobs easier. To further your success, get paid to travel and take photos by marketing your photography services to people who have the budget to hire you.

Sell Travel Photos

Selling your travel photos can be a great way to make money with your photography. To get started, make sure you have high-quality images that are well-lit and properly composed. They should also be free of technical errors like chromatic aberration and noise.

There are many ways to sell your travel photos, such as through stock photography agencies, directly to clients, or as prints. Each option has its own requirements and markets, so consider your goals before deciding which path to take.

Actively promoting your work is key to maximizing sales. Use social media, email lists, and other marketing strategies to reach potential buyers. If you’re working with a stock agency, ask them what types of images are in demand so you can plan your shoots accordingly.

Learning how to sell travel photos takes time and effort, but with persistence and a willingness to adapt, you can turn your passion into a profitable venture.

Gear for Travel Photography

When packing for a travel photography trip, it’s important to bring the right gear. A lightweight and compact camera body is essential, along with one or two versatile lenses like a wide-angle and a superzoom.

Don’t forget a sturdy tripod that fits in your luggage for sharp shots in low light. Filters like a circular polarizer and strong neutral density are small but open up creative options when traveling.

Cleaning supplies, extra batteries, memory cards, and rain protection round out the must-haves. With the right travel photography gear , you’ll be ready to capture amazing images anywhere your adventures take you.

Traveling with Camera Gear

Traveling with camera gear can be challenging, but there are ways to make it easier and safer. Use padded cases to protect your equipment from bumps and knocks. A shoulder bag is a good option for keeping your camera close and secure while walking through busy areas.

Always carry your gear in your hand luggage when flying. Most airlines understand the importance of this and are lenient about the weight of your bag. To deter thieves, hide or remove any camera branding using black duct tape.

Insuring your gear is crucial in case of theft or damage. Take down all the serial numbers and make sure your equipment is fully covered. By following these tips for traveling with camera gear , you can have peace of mind and focus on capturing great photos during your travels.

External Hard Drives

An external hard drive is an essential accessory for travel photographers. Memory cards fill up fast when you’re traveling, and you don’t want to carry hundreds of them around with you. It’s best to take an external hard drive to keep all your photo files in one place.

You’ll need something durable yet compact, which is why we recommend the LaCie Rugged Mini for travelers. It’s an easy fit for any travel camera bag. You have storage options up to 5 TB, and it’s the most durable external hard drive on the market.

See more of the best external hard drives in our full article on the subject.

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Cameras for Travel Photography

The Canon EOS RP is a great mirrorless camera for travel photography. It’s lightweight, easy to handle, and has a 26 MP full-frame sensor that captures high-quality images in any situation.

The camera’s autofocus system is fast and accurate, even in low light. It also offers eye-detection AF for portraits. The EOS RP can shoot 4K video and has convenient Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

This camera is ideal for most travel photography needs. If you want to learn more about the best travel cameras , check out our detailed guide.

Mirrorless Cameras

The best mirrorless cameras for travel are compact and lightweight, but still capture stunning photos and videos. Our top pick is the Nikon Z50 . It has a compact body that fits easily in any camera bag. The 20.9 MP sensor produces bright, vibrant images with excellent low-light performance.

The Z50 is also great for travel vlogging. It records 4K video at 30 fps and has a flip-down screen for easy self-recording. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make it simple to share your adventures with friends and family back home.

If you want to learn more about the best mirrorless cameras for travel , check out our in-depth guide. We cover a range of cameras for every type of traveler, from beginners to professionals.

Compact Cameras

The Sony ZV-1 II is a pocket-sized camera packed with features for modern travelers. It has a high-resolution 20 MP sensor and a versatile 18-50mm zoom lens. The f/1.8-4 aperture provides solid low-light performance.

Vloggers love the ZV-1 II’s 4K video at 30 fps and the special Cinematic Vlog Setting. A built-in mic and wind muffler make capturing audio easy. Real-time AF with face and eye detection keeps subjects sharp.

The Sony ZV-1 II is the ideal compact camera for travel vlogging. It’s a worthwhile investment for creating exciting content abroad. But we have more options in the link above.

Lenses for Travel Photography

The best travel lenses give you a wide focal range in a compact size. Zoom lenses like the Nikon AF-S DX 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 are very popular. It has vibration reduction to reduce camera shake and improve low-light performance.

Prime lenses are another good option. They are usually smaller and lighter than zooms. The Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM is a great example. This pancake lens is ultra-compact but still gives you a versatile focal length.

When choosing the best travel lens , think about the size, weight, and focal length. You want a lens that is easy to carry but still gives you plenty of options. The lenses on this list are all fantastic choices for your next adventure.

Canon Lenses

The best Canon lenses for travel photography are lightweight, versatile, and capture stunning images. Our top picks are the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM and Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM . These nifty-fifty lenses are compact, affordable, and great in low light.

Other top choices include the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM for its wide zoom range and the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM for landscapes. The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is a popular all-in-one zoom for DSLR users. It has a constant f/4 aperture and weather sealing.

No matter your camera type, there’s a perfect travel lens for you. Look for a lens that’s light, has a useful focal range, and fits your budget. Canon lenses for travel photography help you capture amazing images around the world.

Nikon Lenses

The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S and Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G are the best Nikon lenses for travel photography. The Z 50mm f/1.8 S offers sharp images and a durable build. It’s great for low light with its f/1.8 aperture.

The AF-S 50mm f/1.8G is compact and lightweight. It also performs well in low light. The 50mm focal length is perfect for street scenes and portraits.

Both lenses are very popular with travel photographers. If you want to learn more about Nikon lenses for travel photography , we have a detailed guide that covers the best options for Nikon mirrorless and DSLR cameras.

Sony Lenses

When choosing the best Sony lenses for travel photography, consider weight, versatility, and image quality. Our top pick is the Sony E 18-105mm f/4 G OSS PZ , offering a wide zoom range, constant f/4 aperture, and effective optical stabilization in a compact design.

For APS-C cameras, the Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS is a great low-light prime lens. Its wide f/1.8 aperture and built-in stabilization help capture sharp images in dim settings. The Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is an affordable and versatile prime for full-frame cameras, ideal for portraits and everyday shots.

Other notable lenses include the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS for its all-in-one zoom capabilities and the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | C for its fast aperture and compact size. To learn more about the best Sony lenses for travel photography , check out our in-depth guide.

Travel Tripods

A travel tripod is a must-have for any photographer on the go. The best travel tripods are lightweight, compact, and easy to set up. They also need to be sturdy enough to support your camera gear.

Our top pick is the K&F Concept Lightweight Travel Tripod . It weighs only 2.4 lb but can hold up to 17.6 lb of gear. The aluminum ball head gives you great flexibility for positioning your camera. And the included carry case makes it easy to take with you anywhere.

If you want to learn more about choosing the right travel tripod , check out our detailed guide. It covers everything from key features to look for to our top recommendations in different price ranges.

Travel Camera Backpacks

When choosing a camera backpack for travel, protection and comfort are key. The best bags are well-designed, roomy, and easy to carry.

Our top pick is the Manfrotto PRO Light Multiloader Backpack. It’s sturdy, spacious, and very adaptable. You can use it as a backpack, duffel, or sling. It has access from the front and both sides.

The Wandrd Duo Daypack is another great option. It’s made from quality materials that protect your gear from the weather. It has ample storage and the main zipper allows quick access to your camera.

If you want to learn more about the best camera backpack for travel , check out our detailed reviews. We’ll help you find the perfect bag for your next adventure.

Manfrotto PRO Light Multiloader

The Manfrotto PRO Light Multiloader Camera Backpack is a top choice for photographers. It has a sturdy design and plenty of space for your gear.

The backpack is comfortable to wear, even when fully loaded. You can easily adjust it to fit your body.

This bag is perfect for any photography adventure. It’s a worthwhile investment for serious photographers looking for a reliable way to carry their equipment. To learn more about the manfrotto pro light multiloader, check out the full review .

Think Tank Airport Essentials

The Think Tank Airport Essentials is a camera backpack made for air travel. It has a smart design, useful features, and fits as carry-on luggage.

This backpack offers secure storage with an efficient use of space and a special lock. The lifetime warranty makes it a one-time investment for years of use.

While it lacks some versatility, the Airport Essentials excels at storage capacity, protection, and style. Photographers who want a Think Tank Airport Essentials for their travels will find this bag a great choice.

Weatherproof Backpacks

Protecting your camera gear from the elements is essential. Weatherproof camera bags offer peace of mind when shooting in unpredictable conditions. They feature robust materials and coatings that keep water out, even in sudden downpours.

Our top picks, the Wandrd Prvke , Wandrd Duo , and Lowepro Freeline , have impressive exterior materials that don’t need a separate rain cover. The Prvke’s roll-top design is commonly used in waterproof bags, while the Duo and Freeline include waterproof zippers to secure even the weakest points.

When choosing a weatherproof camera bag , consider not only its water-resistant abilities but also its functionality for your photography style. Look for features like easy access points, ample storage, and comfortable carrying options that suit your needs.

A camera hard case is the best way to protect your photography gear while traveling. The Pelican Air 1525 is our top choice, with its tough exterior and foam-padded interior that keeps your equipment safe and secure. It’s spacious enough for your camera and accessories without being too bulky.

The Vanguard Supreme 46F is another excellent option, especially for adventure travel. It’s waterproof down to 16.5 ft (5 m) and can withstand temperatures as low as -40°C. The customizable Pick ‘n’ Pluck foam interior ensures a snug fit for each item.

For convenience, the Nanuk 935 is hard to beat. Its retractable handle and wheels make transportation a breeze, while the padded dividers keep your gear organized and protected. If you’re looking for a camera hard case that combines durability and ease of use, the Nanuk 935 is a great choice.

Travel Apps

Travel apps can make your photography adventures easier and more enjoyable. Snapseed is a powerful photo editor with a wide range of tools, from basic adjustments to creative effects. It’s free and available on both iOS and Android.

VSCO is another popular editing app that offers a simple, streamlined experience. Its presets are based on real film stocks, giving your photos an authentic vintage look. You can also use sliders to fine-tune the exposure and add fade or grain effects.

When you’re ready to share your travel photos, consider using Spot. This app helps you find picturesque locations and share your own discoveries with other photographers. With detailed maps and tips, it’s a great way to explore new travel photography destinations .

Editing Travel Photos

Editing your travel photos can take them to the next level. There are many techniques you can use to improve your images, from simple adjustments to more advanced processes.

Cropping is a quick way to remove unwanted elements or zoom in on important parts of the photo. Sharpening will make details pop, while noise reduction can clean up high ISO shots. Straightening the horizon line is also important for a polished look.

Other useful techniques include adding a vignette to draw the eye, adjusting saturation and contrast, balancing highlights and shadows, and using digital blending for challenging lighting. For an extra level of refinement, you can even remove unwanted objects.

With practice, you’ll learn which editing steps work best for your travel images. If you’d like to dive deeper into editing travel photos , there are many great resources available.

Location Guides

Whenever you’re heading off somewhere new, it’s always best to do some research before you go. Your preparations will be more thorough and more specialized when you have a better idea of what to expect. That means you can hit the ground running when you arrive, and you’ll get better results.

We have a collection of location guides for some travel photography hot spots. These posts give you a head start when taking pictures in these locations, helping you get unique shots in popular places.

Let’s drop in on a few of the hottest locations in Europe, Asia, and the US.

European Cities

Europe is a photographer’s dream, with its stunning architecture, charming villages, and beautiful countryside. From the centuries-old buildings to the cobblestone streets, there’s no shortage of photo opportunities.

Some of the best European cities for photography include Amalfi, Italy, with its medieval stories and dainty houses; Venice, Italy, known for its canals and seafood; and Dubrovnik, Croatia, a seaside location with picturesque houses and Game of Thrones filming locations.

Other notable cities include Prague, Czech Republic, with its historic buildings and Gothic churches; Oia, Greece, with its stunning white buildings and sunsets; and Amsterdam, Netherlands, full of incredible art and historical monuments.

Whether you’re interested in architecture, landscapes, or street photography, these European cities offer endless inspiration. To learn more about the European cities for photography , check out this in-depth guide.

Paris is a photographer’s dream, offering countless opportunities to capture stunning images. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the charming streets of Montmartre, there’s no shortage of beautiful subjects to photograph.

One of the best spots for photography in Paris is the Trocadero, which offers a perfect view of the Eiffel Tower. The Champs Elysee and Arc de Triomphe are also must-see locations, with the latter providing a great vantage point for capturing the city’s skyline.

Other notable photo locations include the Louvre, with its striking glass pyramid, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, which offers both interior and exterior photo opportunities. It’s still striking even after the fire damage.

For a taste of modern Paris, head to La Defense, the city’s business district filled with skyscrapers and unique architecture.

To learn more about Paris photography , check out this in-depth guide that covers the best locations, tips, and techniques for capturing the city’s beauty.

London offers plenty of photography opportunities, from cityscapes to street photography and architecture. Some of the best locations include the Palace of Westminster, where you can capture iconic photos from Westminster Bridge or the south bank of the Thames. Tower Bridge is another well-known site, offering great angles for traffic light trails and sunrise photos.

The London Eye is a newer addition to the skyline, perfect for creative shots like zoom bursts or portraits inside the capsules. Don’t miss the photogenic wrought iron roof at Borough Market, or the beautiful exterior of St Paul’s Cathedral.

For stunning views, head to The Shard, the highest skyscraper in the European Union. Buckingham Palace is a must-see, especially during the Changing of the Guard ceremony. If you’re interested in photography in London , these locations are sure to inspire you.

Rome is a photographer’s dream, with stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture around every corner. From the iconic Colosseum to the beautiful Trevi Fountain, there are countless opportunities to capture breathtaking images.

Don’t miss the Vatican Museum, where you can photograph the famous spiral staircase. The Pantheon’s exterior and interior are equally impressive, especially during the blue hour. St. Peter’s Basilica offers great views of the city and a chance to capture the Pope if you’re lucky.

The Tiber River provides picturesque views, particularly from Ponte Sant’Angelo towards St. Peter’s Basilica. Piazza Navona and Piazza del Popolo are perfect for street photography and capturing traditional Roman scenes. To learn more about the best spots for Rome photography , check out this in-depth guide.

Venice is a photographer’s dream, offering endless opportunities to capture its unique beauty. The best time to avoid crowds and oppressive heat is during the low season or early morning. Sunrise at Academia Bridge provides a stunning view of the Grand Canal, while Piazza San Marco is best photographed before tourists arrive.

Don’t miss the iconic gondolas along the waterfront near Piazza San Marco, especially during sunset and blue hour. For a different perspective, head to San Giorgio Maggiore island to photograph the church and Venice’s skyline at golden hour.

Explore the backstreets of San Polo and Dorsoduro districts for charming piazzas, decaying architecture, and canal scenes. Murano and Burano islands offer colorful buildings and glassmaking demonstrations perfect for photography. To learn more about Venice photography , check out this in-depth guide.

Budapest is another fantastic city for photographers, offering endless opportunities to capture stunning images. From the grand architecture of the Hungarian Parliament Building to the thermal baths of Széchenyi, there’s no shortage of photogenic spots in this beautiful city.

One of the best places to start is the Fisherman’s Bastion, a neo-Gothic terrace with breathtaking views of the Danube River and the Pest side of the city. Nearby, you’ll find Matthias Church, a stunning example of Neo-Gothic architecture that’s perfect for capturing intricate details and beautiful stained glass windows.

For panoramic views of the city, head to Gellért Hill, where you can capture the entire skyline from the Citadella fortress. And don’t miss the iconic Chain Bridge, which looks particularly stunning at night when it’s lit up against the dark sky. To learn more about the best spots for Budapest photography , check out this in-depth guide.

Japan is a brilliant destination for a photography trip. From stunning landscapes to interesting architecture and fascinating culture, there’s no shortage of inspiration for your travel photography.

Capture the vibrant cityscape of Minato, one of Tokyo’s special wards. Improve your food photography skills at Japan’s many cafés and restaurants, where every dish looks like a work of art. Take adorable photos of tame deer in Nara Park or sharpen your landscape photography in Hakone, with its hot springs, views of Mount Fuji, and gorgeous lake.

Don’t miss the breathtaking cherry blossoms in Japan’s parks during sakura season, usually from January to April. Visit the magical Blue Pond in Biei, go on an adventure in Kyoto’s Bamboo Grove, or document the commercial side of Japan in Shinjuku. For more inspiration on Japan photography , check out our in-depth guide.

Tokyo is one of the world’s most vibrant locations, offering a diverse range of subjects to capture. From the bustling streets of Shinjuku and Shibuya to the traditional temples of Asakusa, there’s no shortage of incredible hot spots to explore.

For those seeking modern architecture and vibrant city life, the Tokyo Skytree and Roppongi Hills Mori Tower provide stunning views of the skyline. Harajuku, the heart of Tokyo’s youth culture, is perfect for street photography and capturing unique fashion trends.

If you’re interested in learning more about Tokyo photography , there are many resources available to help you plan your trip and find the best spots to shoot. With its mix of old and new, Tokyo is a city that will inspire and challenge you as a photographer.

Etiquette in Japan

When taking photos in Japan, it’s important to be respectful and follow proper etiquette. Always ask for permission before taking someone’s photo, especially if you plan to share it publicly. If you can’t get permission, blur the person’s face to protect their privacy.

Be prepared to show your photos to the police if asked, and avoid using selfie sticks in crowded areas to prevent injuries. In cafés and restaurants, ask the staff for permission before taking photos of your meal.

At night, skip the flash and use a higher ISO and tripod to capture vibrant neon lights. Avoid taking photos in no-photo areas, of children without parental consent, geishas, people on public transport, and those in the middle of prayer. For more tips on photography in Japan , check out this in-depth guide.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a street photographer’s paradise. From the colorful Venice Beach boardwalk to the iconic Griffith Observatory, there are endless opportunities to capture the city’s unique character.

The Santa Monica Pier is a must-visit spot, especially in the evening when the lights come on. Echo Park offers stunning views of the skyline, particularly at sunrise or sunset.

Downtown LA is full of hidden gems like the Bradbury Building with its intricate architecture and the bustling Grand Central Market. For a taste of old Hollywood glamour, head to Union Station or the Hollywood Bowl Overlook. Places for street photography in Los Angeles are as diverse as the city itself, so grab your camera and start exploring.

places for street photography in los angeles

New York City remains one of the most popular locations for photographers, with countless iconic locations to capture. Central Park offers a variety of scenes, from the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain to the Alice in Wonderland statue. The Brooklyn Bridge is another must-see, with its stunning suspension cables and brick towers.

Grand Central Station and the Chelsea Market are great for street photography and architectural details. The Rockefeller Center provides both street-level interest and panoramic views from its observation deck.

Of course, no trip to New York would be complete without photographing the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. For breathtaking cityscapes, head to Brooklyn Bridge Park or find a unique vantage point to capture the Manhattan skyline. Don’t miss the Flatiron Building and the vibrant energy of Times Square.

To learn more about the best spots for New York photography , check out our in-depth guide.

Photography Road Trip

Planning a road trip for photography involves choosing the right vehicle, deciding on accommodation, and mapping out your route. Your vehicle should be safe, comfortable, and suitable for the terrain you’ll encounter. Living out of your vehicle, like an RV or camper van, allows you to stay closer to photo locations and immerse yourself in nature.

When planning your route, prioritize the locations you want to photograph. Research potential spots using apps and websites like Pinterest, 500px, Flickr, and Google’s My Maps. Plot your route, campgrounds, points of interest, and photo locations to make the most of your trip.

Electricity is essential for photographers on the road. Ensure you have reliable power sources, such as a dual battery system, solar panels, or a 12v inverter. Always carry a power bank as a backup. To stay connected, use local sim cards with data or take advantage of Wi-Fi at cafes and fast food outlets.

By planning your shots in advance and considering factors like lighting, crowds, and unique perspectives, you can capture stunning images that tell the story of your road trip photography adventure.

Inspiration from the Best Travel Photographers

Travel photography captures the adventures and locations you visit during your journeys. It involves many genres like landscape, architecture, street, and environmental photography. Travel photographers often tell stories through their images, focusing on special moments and atmospheres.

There are many approaches to travel photography. You can focus on people, take self-portraits, emphasize landscapes, or try aerial photography. Mixing these approaches can result in a unique style and help you gain recognition as a travel photographer.

If you’d like to learn more about travel photographers , we have an article that goes into greater depth on the topic.

Travel Blogs

Travel photography blogs are a great source of inspiration for your next adventure. They feature stunning images from around the world and provide useful tips for capturing your own travel photos.

Some of the best travel photography blogs cover a wide range of topics, from destination guides to photography tutorials. They showcase the work of talented photographers who have explored every corner of the globe.

Whether you’re planning your next trip or simply looking for some armchair travel, these blogs are sure to inspire you. To discover some of the best travel photography blogs to follow in 2024, check out this list of top picks.

Tìm kiếm thành viên Tìm kiếm thành viên và những người bạn đang theo dõi
Tìm kiếm câu trả lời Tìm kiếm câu trả lời cho câu hỏi của bạn
Giáo dục công dân
Tiếng anh thí điểm
Tự nhiên và xã hội
Lịch sử và Địa lý
Khoa học tự nhiên
Hoạt động trải nghiệm, hướng nghiệp
Hoạt động trải nghiệm sáng tạo

Chủ đề / Chương

FINAL TEST 1

trắc nghiệm
bài tập sgk

Cù Thị Bích Ngọc

1. I have always wanted to be a travel..................and take pictures of exotic places. (photograph).

2. None of us were sure which.............to go in, so we got out the map. (direct)

3.Since I was 5 years ago, Delhi has changed so much that it's practically............... (recognize)

4. Once we got to the station, I quickly looked through the...............to see when the next train was. (time)

✿✿❑ĐạT̐®ŋɢย❐✿✿

1.I’ve always wanted to be a travel photographer and take pictures of exotic places.

2.None of us were sure which direction to go in, so we got out the map.

3.Since I was here five years ago. Delhi has changed so much that it’s practically unrecognizable .

4.Once we got to the station, I quickly looked through the timetable to see when the next train was.

Vũ Minh Tuấn

1. I have always wanted to be a travel....... photographer ...........and take pictures of exotic places. (photograph).

2. None of us were sure which...... direction .......to go in, so we got out the map. (direct)

3.Since I was 5 years ago, Delhi has changed so much that it's practically...... unrecognizable ......... (recognize)

4. Once we got to the station, I quickly looked through the...... timetable .........to see when the next train was. (time)

Chúc bạn học tốt!

Titania Angela

1.I’ve always wanted to be a travel photographe r and take pictures of exotic places.

Việt Anh Đậu

I. Chia đúng thì

1. There are many ways ( lead) to Rome.

2.I am reading this novel. By the time you come bacj fron work I ( finish)

3. When we got home. Dinner ( prepare), so we had a drink first.

4. Before Nam leaves New York, he ( have) several talks.

5. We had just got out of car when it ( begin) to set fire.

6. He was told that ( knock) out in the first round.

7. Since the appearance of karaoke machines, they widely ( use).

8. In 1996, my brother ( study) at Havard University.

9. Are you learning your lessons? - No, I ( finish) it

10. Lan ( appear) on TV forba long time.

11. We ( wait) for her half an hour before she came.

12. We saw the criminal ( arrest) by the police this morning.

13. In one year's time, I ( work) in this school for 15 years.

14. They( finish) this course by next june.

15. After I ( have) luch, I looked for my bag.

16. The man got out of the car, ( walk) round to the back and opened the boot.

17. For several years his ambition ( be) to he a pilot.

18.He ( go) into the restaurant when the writer was having dinner.

19. Before you asked me the letter ( write).

20. I shall be glad when he ( go)

21. When he returned home, he found the door ( unlock).

22. I could not cut the grass because the machine ( break) down a few days previously

Tối mình học rồi các bạn ạ. GIÚP MÌNH VỚI

Đinh Quang Minh

1,combine each pair of sentences , using so that ; in order (not) to ; so as (not) to

1, He always drives carefully. He doesn't want to cause accidents. 2, Please arrive early. We want to be able to start the meeting on time 3, I went to the colege . I wanted to see Professor Taylor. 4 ,she wore warm clothes , She didn't want to get cold . 5, I clothes window . I didn't want to waste electricity. 5, We turned out the lights. We didn't want waste electricity

pham tien hung

Khánh huyền Nguyễn

Put the verbs in brackets into the past simple or the present perfect

Hi! How are you? I'm having such a great time here in Singapore. The city is so clean and the people are very kind and helful!

We(1).........(be) here for three days now and we(2)........(do) something different each day. On Monday, we(3)........(go) to the shops in Singapore's Chinatown. I(4).......(buy) souvenirs for my friends and some CDs for me. On Tuesday, we(5).........(go)on a riverboat tour on the Singapor River. It(6).......( be) fantastic! Yesterday, we (7).....( visit) Singapore Botanic Gardens. We (8)..........(see) many beautiful,exotic flower and plants

There are still a couple of things we(9) .........( not/ do) yet. We (10).........(not/visit) the Jurong Bird Park yet and we(11)......(not/go) to the Singapore Zoo. We're going there tomorrow. I can't wait to see the white Bengal tiger!

Singapore is a beautiful city! I(12)........ ( already/take) so many lovely photographys and I can't wait for you see them when I get back

See you next week!

Lots of love

Complete the second sentence so that it has similar meaning to the first sentence

1.Tom started recycling rubbish two year ago.

Tom has ......................................................

2.We have donated books and clothes for ten years.

We began ......................................................

3.The last time we saw her was on Christmas Day.

We haven't .......................................................

4.I haven't eaten this kind of food here.

This is .......................................................

5.It started raining an hour ago.

It has...........................................................

6.I have studied English for 5 years.

I began.....................................................

7.I last saw him when I was a student.

I haven't...................................................

8.I haven't talked to him for 8 days.

The last.........................................................

1) We often (go).......................................to the library three times aweek. 2) I (buy)..........................................this book yesterday. 3) Lan anWd Nga (live).............................here since they were young. 4) You ought to (study)...................................harder. 5) She usually (finish)...................................her work at 5:30. 6) I (drink)................................a coffee with my friends last saturday. 7) The workers (build) ...................................this school for ten years. 8) You must (eat)...................................more fruit and vegetable. 9) The sun always …………………(rise) in the East. 10) Nam (visit) …………………..his aunt five years ago. 11) The students (study)_________ lesson seven for two hours. 12) I need (buy) __________some notebooks. 13) Hoa always (do)...................................the homework after school. 14) My mother (teach)................................me how to cook when I was 14. 15) He (participate) ...................................in social work for 2 years. 16) Would you like (listen)...................................to music? 17) The sea (cover)...................................two-thirds of the world. 18) They (start)................................playing soccer an hour ago. 19) She (learn) ...................................this guitar since she was 12. 20) We are looking forward to (spend)...................................our free time relaxing on the beach.

ĐĂNG NGUYỄN HỮU HẢI

Write the word

1 the ship radioed to say that it was in .......

2 Smoking should be .......in public places

3 living conditions have been i........ in many parts of the world

4 An organization which collect money to help those in need incalled a c.......

5 the thing that makes you cool in summer (and warm in winter) is an a..........

6 when women and girls go on holiday on the beaches they always bring some beautiful s....... with them

7 when some one has an accident you should call an a....... immediately

8 Sally is very s....... she cannot put up with being looked at

9 Harry is actually k....... on classical music

10 it is a good idea to u......... important parts of the lessons

Khoá học trên OLM (olm.vn)

Toán lớp 7 (Kết nối tri thức với cuộc sống)
Toán lớp 7 (Cánh Diều)
Toán lớp 7 (Chân trời sáng tạo)
Ngữ văn lớp 7 (Kết nối tri thức với cuộc sống)
Ngữ văn lớp 7 (Cánh Diều)
Ngữ văn lớp 7 (Chân trời sáng tạo)
Tiếng Anh lớp 7 (i-Learn Smart World)
Tiếng Anh lớp 7 (Global Success)
Khoa học tự nhiên lớp 7 (Kết nối tri thức với cuộc sống)
Khoa học tự nhiên lớp 7 (Cánh diều)
Khoa học tự nhiên lớp 7 (Chân trời sáng tạo)
Lịch sử và địa lý lớp 7 (Kết nối tri thức với cuộc sống)
Lịch sử và địa lý lớp 7 (Cánh diều)
Lịch sử và địa lý lớp 7 (Chân trời sáng tạo)
Giáo dục công dân lớp 7 (Kết nối tri thức với cuộc sống)
Giáo dục công dân lớp 7 (Cánh diều)
Giáo dục công dân lớp 7 (Chân trời sáng tạo)

How to Become an Adventure Photographer

8 Keys to a Successful Photography Business

Learn what goes into building a thriving photography business in my FREE guide.

I am a photographer passionate about the outdoors, meaningful travel, creativity and intention in all things. I hope to use my platform online to show the beauty and complexity of the world we live in, and to encourage genuine connection to the world and all the magic within it.

The Photo Series that Went *Viral*

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Add some wonder to your space

I often get questions from people who want to be where I am at in my career in travel photography. How do you get started? How do you get paid to travel?

There’s a big part of me that thinks I am completely unqualified to dish out advice on this topic. The reason why I am taking it on is because it’s a question I get very often. I’m sure this is because social media makes it seem like I’ve arrived. I don’t feel that way. I am proud of where I am, but I hope that this is the beginning of a very long journey. This is just what I know so far.

I can admit that what I do as a photographer and writer/blogger is fun and interesting, but it isn’t easy or secure. People say they want my job, and my immediate reaction most of the time is, “are you sure ?!”

This is a commitment to chaos. It’s a full-time, moving, shaking, uncertain, demanding, daunting, messy life. It’s one that I chose with my full heart, so I completely understand why others might want to choose it too… but that doesn’t mean it is simple.

Though I was always interested in adventure photography, doing it as a career felt very elusive to me, and now I see why. It’s because it is an adventure you build yourself, not a trail you follow. What I hear constantly and consistently from my friends and mentors in this industry, is that there isn’t really a right way to go about things. You just have to start where you are and jump in the deep end without floaties.

My start came when I got fired from my 9-5 abruptly after working in the adventure tourism industry throughout college and for a few years afterward. I decided to put my energy behind this blog, which was previously just a hobby. I posted consistently here and on social media, regardless of whether or not people were reading. For the first couple months, I cut my expenses and lived off savings. After that, I found projects I wanted to get behind and showed why I was qualified to help with them. I compiled my best work so I could be ready to show people if I ever had their attention long enough. I interned, I assisted people I admired (I still do this), I tried to make myself valuable while I was learning. And when necessary, which was often, I house-sat, dog-sat, baby-sat. I worked at a restaurant. I picked up odd-jobs along the way.

This career doesn’t happen overnight. Those success stories do exist, but they’re rare. It takes time, consistency and investment, and you will not see the reward right away. So first, make sure you are doing it for the right reasons. If it’s for fame and recognition, it’s going to get old real fast. You’ll need a strong drive to get you through the moments of standing knee deep in frozen mud at 4am or when you’re sick in an airport far from home. The glamorous adventure of it all wears off eventually, so photography has to mean something more to you. If it does, keep reading.

Editing in a budget hotel room at 1am. Not uncommon.

Editing in a budget hotel room at 1am, charging every item possible. Not uncommon.

YOU HAVE TO START

When you don’t know how to start, ask yourself what your best guess is, and do that. You always learn more doing something than you do sitting around waiting for the answer to appear. Most of the time, you have to invent the answer yourself. So if being a photographer is what you want, start taking photos with the tools you have.

Good news: it’s not really about the gear or whatever formal photography education you may or may not have. Don’t let the idea that you need a traditional background get in your way. Many photographers have never even taken a photography class. Will it help? Absolutely. Should you take a class if you can? Sure! But taking classes will not turn you into a great photographer overnight, and neither will the most expensive gear. Only practice and experience over time will do that.

Learn your camera . Use it in as many situations as possible. Use it on every mode. If and when you get stuck, YouTube is an amazing free resource that makes it incredibly easy to find the answers to many technical questions. If you’re ready to invest some money into your knowledge base, CreativeLive is an incredible resource.

CreativeLive is an online education platform offering tons of classes–– everything from photo editing to confidence to technical aspects of business. I put together a list of my recommendations here .

Getting started can feel messy, but there will never be a perfect way to do it, so do your best with what you have

FIND YOUR UNIQUE VOICE

Figure out what makes you stand out. Do this by experimenting often. Try anything that seems mildly interesting.

Seek the places and people that inspire you, and ask yourself why that is. Tune in to your unique creative voice and follow it where it leads you. Whatever you experiment with doesn’t have to be your thing forever–– you can shoot portraits today and something else tomorrow. You can play with whatever editing techniques feel interesting. The point is to create and refine, eventually getting to a point where your work looks like yours. This is a long and frustrating process, so remember to let it be fun.

Own what you create. Your work doesn’t have to appeal to everyone, and if it does, chances are you are diluting some part of your creative voice. The point of art isn’t to be a crowd pleaser. Say no to the wrong things so you can operate at 100% for the right things.

Always run your own race, never anyone else’s. Even if my exact journey were completely replicable, I wouldn’t tell you to go do exactly what I did to get here, because it wouldn’t be the same. Find your lane and work within it.

MAKE YOURSELF KNOWN

Share your work wherever you can, online and off. Buy a domain and reserve the same name on all social media channels. If that isn’t available, figure out something else you like (I only started as @ErinOutdoors because there are thousands of other Erin Sullivan’s out there). Having a website or blog in addition to social media is always a good idea and separates you from just Instagram.

Social media is a big part of being a photographer today. Make a schedule for posting. Create and share consistently. Set short term and long term goals. Refine & move forward. Pay attention to what is working and do more of that thing.

Figure out how to self-promote. Be confident and know where and when to show/talk about your work. So much of this is about confidence. Notice what you say and how you sound. People don’t hire folks who are “trying to be a photographer.” They hire photographers.

UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A BUSINESS

Without business, creative ventures fall apart. Everyone wants to be a travel photographer, so this field is extremely competitive. Those who are successful not only take great photos, but they also have business smarts. They create multiple income streams. They understand what investments are necessary, and what the returns will be on each of them.

Set financial goals and break them down with where you would like that money to come from. Then get to work on each specific goal. Everybody’s breakdown is different. If I ever feel lost with regard to what to pursue next, I look at what people are already asking me for. It can be easier to fulfill a product or service when there is already demand for it.

If you want your photography business to be truly sustainable, consider thinking a few years down the road with what you’d like your ideal life to look like, realistically. Though full-time travel and moving from job to job might be super appealing right now, perhaps in ten years that’ll be really exhausting. It is also worth thinking about where you want your income to come from, and how you can maximize control over these streams.

GETTING CLIENTS

I and many other freelancers have many clients to balance. Getting your foot in the door is a strategic thing sometimes. When I was starting out with brand photography, I worked with smaller brands and start-ups on a trade basis–– they didn’t have a budget and I was looking for experience, so this was mutually beneficial. I helped friends out with their small businesses to build my portfolio. Many folks in the industry are passionately against ever doing work for free. My personal opinion is that it can be a good way to learn and build your portfolio if you are transitioning from hobbyist to professional. Just be aware of how your work is evolving, and when is the right time to stop working in exchange for product so you aren’t taking away paid work from yourself or other photographers.

Do the work you want to get hired for. For me personally, I want a brand or publication to already know who I am when they hire me. I want my body of work to speak for itself. The brands and publications many of us want to shoot for aren’t looking for newbies, and that’s a good thing. People in the industry constantly have an eye out for talent. If they start seeing your name and work over and over again, they might reach out eventually. This isn’t something you should ever count on, but is always something to work toward. It is always OK to wait to reach out to a brand/company until you feel your work is good enough.

If you aren’t shooting directly for brands or publishers, other ways to make money include stock photography, portrait/wedding photography, selling prints, and hosting workshops. Take inventory of your skill set and go from there. Build out your deliverables in a way that provides value to the client, but also maximizes your ability to do the work well.

UNCERTAINTY IS INEVITABLE

You have to be willing to be uncomfortable. This isn’t a job for the faint of heart. It’s really easy to romanticize it when you’re not living it–– but it takes guts and resilience to do this.

If you ask different photographers and writers what their paths were like, I’m sure you will get a wide range of stories and answers, but there are consistent themes around uncertainty, creativity and perseverance. This lifestyle is ripe with unknowns, so if you don’t like those, this career might not be for you. I think that goes for any entrepreneurial venture, but especially this one given all of the dynamic aspects that come with frequent travel.

BE A GOOD PERSON

This is an industry that requires interacting with other people and working on a team. Things go wrong all the time, so you have to be flexible. Being a good person is something you should do for obvious reasons… but it also impacts your business. This industry is small, and people talk. If you are a royal pain in the ass, most of your peers will hear about it. If you gossip about someone in the industry, they will find out about it. Alternatively, if you are fun to be around, helpful, and genuinely interested and supportive of other people’s work, working in this industry is not only enjoyable but it becomes a team effort. This job is way more fun when you have friends that you truly love working alongside–– and when you can genuinely celebrate each other’s successes instead of being bitter or jealous of who got the job.

There are jobs I have gotten and bids I have won because I am extremely flexible and understanding with my clients. I have been assigned to trips because it’s known that I am well-experienced with travel and able to handle dynamic situations. If you are generally a positive person with a good outlook on life, any project will be much more enjoyable than if you are cynical or negative.

GO ON ADVENTURES

Perhaps this is obvious, but if you want to document travel, then you have to travel. If you want to shoot in the outdoors, you have to go outdoors.

There is nothing wrong with you if people aren’t throwing free luxury trips at you from day one. Maybe that is something you will work toward. For now, maybe it looks like planning weekend trips with friends, or getting up in the middle of the night to experiment with astrophotography or long exposures in your city.

There is no right or wrong way to do it, so find inspiration and go.

Remember that you are not a failure if it doesn’t work right away. I made plenty of mistakes and I am 100% sure I still will.

My personal journey started with working as a wilderness guide and adventure trip leader. I always used photography as a way to capture and share memories from my trips. It wasn’t until the last few years when I started pursuing it professionally–– and it has been full of trade-offs and sacrifices in the name of my craft. There is no way in hell that this is an easy path, and I doubt it ever will be. But I know I am here on this planet to compulsively tell stories. So I do.

Life is the biggest scavenger hunt you will ever go on. You will get clues and you will follow them. They’ll come in the form of teachers, opportunities, rejections, successes, failures, challenges, and anything else you decide to learn from. You will take what you can from each thing and add it to what you already know. You’ll re-work your knowledge, you’ll practice it and then you’ll change it again.

When answering the question of how to become an adventure photographer, I am reminded that I am still figuring out the answer to it myself. But this is what I choose. Actively. Every day.

And in fact, it is the choosing in itself that might be the most important thing we do.

Ending with some words from photographer and filmmaker Andy Best :

Grateful to be back in the Pacific Northwest and thankful my work allows me to travel the globe. Many ask, how? I try to answer as many as I can, I promise you that. Some assume that I must have an inheritance or that I have a golden key. See I feel that @Instagram over the years has created this illusion that one can become a filmmaker or photographer overnight without any effort. Or by following in the steps of others may unlock some sort of fortune or even fame. To those I say good luck, because behind the scenes of this craft is a very uncomfortable world of work, a serious grind, and a lifetime of dedication. And I do mean lifetime. Do not be fooled into thinking that the windows shared on this platform come easy. To that I also say, what do you desire personally on your journey? Are YOU satisfied? Can you rest well knowing the story you’re writing? If you really desire to replicate my journey, prepare yourself for failure, prepare yourself to be comfortable with the uncomfortable, and prepare yourself to give up everything as nothing comes without very serious sacrifices. Only then will you find YOUR golden key. Meanwhile, I’m stoked to be headed home from many nights away from my little family. #wearestillwild #lovethegrind A post shared by Andy Best (@andy_best) on Oct 12, 2017 at 11:35am PDT

Similar posts on the blog for you to check out:

Getting Started with Photography
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Feature photo by Renee Hahnel . Third photo by Colby Brown .

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Erin, thank you so much for sharing with us you’re experience in the field as well as insight into the grit and determination needed to get started and keep up with this career. Your story and your work truly is an inspiration and makes me want to seek out the adventures in my life. I wish you the best as you continue to share your talents with the world. Thanks again, keep killin’ it!

Thank you Landry! Really appreciate your feedback and so happy to hear this was a helpful post.

Erin, thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge, experience, and perspective. And as always, thank you for being so dang real and approachable! I’ve been following you for a while, and you’ve had such a powerful and positive impact on my mindset. My husband and I just spontaneously booked one-way tickets to Europe, and we’re so excited to travel, explore, and find our adventure in the world. I hope to start practicing my photography as we go (as a hobby for now.) I’ve wanted to get into photography for so long, but thought I missed my chance by not taking classes or pursuing this sooner. Thanks for making me think otherwise 🙂 I like to think your enthusiasm and encouragement helped inspire our decision! Thank you for what you do- your voice is heard!

Much appreciated, Jamie! I hope you have a great trip and that you enjoy taking photos along the way.

Thank you for your willingness to share your experiences with others. I’m in the beginning stages of my adventures and you’ve been a source of inspiration and encouragement for me. Looking forward to progressing my career one step at a time. Hopefully soon I’ll be able to shoot with everyone I’ve been learning from! All the best to you.

Thanks Michael! Same to you.

As always, you have an incredible way of expressing your thoughts and putting them into words. I appreciate what you have to say and find it refreshing. You shed a light on the realism of what we’re trying to do and accomplish and provide a great amount of guidance for others, myself included. Great read!

Thank you Alex! Appreciate your support.

Hi Erin! This is one of the best, most thoughtful responses we’ve ever read to this common question. Really loved the realness and candor. It’s so important that you talk about being a good person, and the benefits of it in your business. I think a lot of people choose this chaotic and uncertain job because we don’t want to be in the “normal grind”- a place where being a not-so-nice person can often get you to the top. So thanks for highlighting that aspect!

Pura Vida, Camille+Niels Couple a Wanderers

Hi Camille & Niels 🙂 Thank you! Great to know you relate.

Hi Erin, love your site and videos. I believe you said you shoot with the sony 100-400 mm and 70-200 mm/F2.8 lenses. Are there advantages to using the 100-400mm over the 70-200mm/F2.8 attached to a 2x teleconverter (which is what I use)?

Thanks Ron! The 100-400 will be sharper and give you faster autofocus than the 70-200 with 2x–– it doesn’t QUITE replace the 100-400, but I believe it to be a good substitute if you aren’t wanting to drop the $$ on both.

Hi Erin, I absolutely love this read! really valuable and up to date with the 2019 ways of social media and freelance living. We are in the beginning stages as well and must say this blog defiantly shed light with what I exactly wanted to do. Best, Jack

Hi Erin, I just turned 14 and for as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be an adventure photographer. This August, my dad and I are taking a trip in a bush plane to Alaska to take pictures of whales, bears, and walruses. Do you any advice for me on how I can get more involved or tips for my trip? Thanks! -Faith Mutterer

Hello Erin,

Just came across this article and it’s really inspirational!

I have just changed my profession to adventure, climbing photography and all the points mentioned above relate to me 100%. With social media it can be overwhelming to see how many good photographers are out there and feel low but I love the journey ahead of me.

Another great point is everybody’s journey to success is different and I struggle a lot getting some advice from successful photographers as they are either too busy or just don’t want to share their hardly acquired knowledge. At first I was little upset but I think I do understand this approach more and more.

And definitely like the part “Trying to be a photographer” vs. “I am photographer”. It helps a lot with internal setup.

Thank you for sharing and good luck! Jan Virt.

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Hey, I'm Erin. It's good to see you.

If you’re interested in travel, the outdoors, artistic expression, or want to learn more about photography, you’re in the right place. I’m an adventure trip leader turned photographer, passionate about learning & sharing the real stories from the places I visit (real or imagined).

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31 Most Famous Travel Photographers to Follow in 2024

Want to know the best travel photographers to follow on Instagram? Get inspired by these 31 incredible travel photography accounts!

Famous Photographers | Learn | By Jeff Collier

You’re about to discover 31 of the best travel photographers on Instagram in 2024.

I’ll introduce you to award-winning travel photographers who fly around the world in search of the most incredible photos.

I’ll also answer some frequently asked questions related to travel photographers in general.

You’ll find a ton of inspiration for your own travel photography in this guide.

You should also check out our related guides:

Most famous photographers in the world
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Table of Contents

Who Are The Most Famous Travel Photographers in 2024?

Chris burkard.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ChrisBurkard (@chrisburkard)

Burkard is a self-taught photographer who has truly mastered the art of taking breathtaking landscapes and action-filled portraits.

What is the Best Camera for Travel Photography?

Lauren Bath

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lauren Bath | Australia (@laurenepbath)

Her Instagram feed showcases her unique perspective in highly saturated landscapes and atmospheric wildlife photography .

She also gives you behind-the-scenes photography insights into how she goes about capturing her travel photos.

Joshua Cripps

@joshuacrippsphotography

Joshua Cripps is a well-known American photographer , international speaker, and tour leader. His epic landscapes are somehow able to capture the feeling of being there yourself.

Melissa Hie

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ❤️ Mel’s Food & Travel log (@girleatworld)

This concept allows her to share tiny moments from around the world in fun and unique ways.

Read more: What hashtags get the most attention on Instagram?

Lucy Rose Laucht

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lucy Rose Laucht (@lucylaucht)

As a Leica ambassador, her passion and dedication to her craft shows up in every image, from beach scene to cityscape.

Even now, when most people take photographs with their phones, there’s still a lot to learn from film photography where every shot is precious.

Best travel camera for blogging

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sam Horine (@samhorine)

His Instagram account features life around him, with images from the city and the natural wonders his day job brings him to document.

Chase Guttman

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chase Guttman (@chaseguttman)

He uses a drone to shoot amazing landscape photography in a different light, and he finds beauty in the repeating patterns you can see from above.

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What is the best lens for travel photography?

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gab Scanu | Travel • Photography (@gabscanu)

His duo-toned landscape shots are framed with a manmade element that helps the viewer focus on the natural beauty of the outdoors and be reminded of man’s interaction with it.

Glenn Lee Robinson

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Adventure Enthusiasts (@adventurenthusiasts)

From snowy mountains in Yosemite to a bird’s eye view of Lake Tahoe, his photos highlight the sheer beauty of California’s national parks and forests.

Senai Senna

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Senna Relax (@sennarelax)

In the meantime, I like to look at his tagged locations for travel inspiration and where I want to go next.

Lisa Michele Burns

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lisa Michele Burns (@the_wanderinglens)

The pastel colors of sunset and the misty aura of waterfalls and ocean spray fill her feed with calming energy.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gary Arndt (@everythingeverywhere)

While he doesn’t post new images often, his reputation as a three-time Travel Photographer of the Year means that every post or reel is a must-see.

Who are the 33 most famous architecture photographers?

Manuel Dietrich

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Manuel Dietrich | Germany 🇩🇪 | Travel | Hiking (@manueldietrichphotography)

Dietrich’s Instagram grid showcases his teal-orange-green style in a way that’s deeply inspiring. Instead of applying a filter to any photograph, he makes sure his subject fits into his style.

Laurence and Jessica Norah

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Laurence Norah (@lozula)

As full-time photography bloggers, they share their expertise in planning trips and documenting them.

Their Instagram feed is an approachable portfolio of experiences that almost anyone can learn from and emulate on their next big trip.

Colby Brown

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Colby Brown (@colbybrownphotography)

One feature of Brown’s photograph descriptions is the camera settings or equipment he uses. For most shots, he lets you know which lens and body he used, which is helpful when you’re ready for an upgrade.

Richard Bernabe

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Richard Bernabe (@bernabephoto)

His adventure photos from around the world move people to think about conserving the natural environment that he is so good at capturing.

Read more: How do I start adventure photography?

Alex Strohl

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alex Strohl (@alexstrohl)

His Instagram feed is more like a collection of mini blog posts behind the scenes of taking and producing images that you can share with the world.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sam (@sam.vox)

Don’t miss out on Vox’s reels which provide a behind-the-scenes look at the day’s work. Some photos are taken with a small point-and-shoot which proves that the best camera is the one that you have with you.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Art Wolfe (@artwolfe)

His extensive archive of Instagram images showcases why he’s known as a master of color, composition and perspective.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bob Krist (@bobkristphoto)

Because of his experience, his Instagram travel photographs have a range of styles and subjects that I – and many others – look to for inspiration.

Timothy Allen

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Timothy Allen (@timothy_allen)

Paul Nicklen

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Paul Nicklen (@paulnicklen)

Nicklen’s skill in composing his photos is something I study before going on a trip and again before I edit my shots. His use of framing and composition takes his photos from snapshots to masterpieces.

Michael Yamashita

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michael Yamashita (@yamashitaphoto)

His books, workshops, and lectures help him share his passion for historic explorers and the landscapes that they would have seen in ancient times.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Yosigo (@yosigo_yosigo)

Whether it’s a trip to the beach or an abandoned parking garage, he has the ability to portray the modern world in a fresh light.

Navaneeth Unnikrishnan

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Navaneeth Unnikrishnan (@navaneeth_unnikrishnan)

Ami Vitale is a renowned photographer who has travelled to over 100 countries and published a book showing pandas being released into the wild.

Lola Akinmade Åkerström

View this post on Instagram A post shared by PhotoShelter (@photoshelter)

Jord Hammond

View this post on Instagram A post shared by JORD | TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY (@jordhammond)

Eric Rubens

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eric Rubens 🌅 Travel & Photography (@ericrubens)

Though the colors in his landscapes must be highly edited, his skill in knowing what to highlight and when to stop makes his dreamy seascapes something special.

Read more: Who are the most famous landscape photographers?

Elia Locardi

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Elia Locardi (@elialocardi)

From a once-in-a-lifetime photo of the Northern Lights to a series of shots documenting the city’s skyline, he knows how to draw you into his world.

Matjaž Krivic

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Matjaz Krivic Photography (@krivicmatjaz)

The emotion of the trip is evident in every shot, which he shares on his Instagram feed.

FAQs about Travel Photographers

What is considered as a travel photographer?

Anyone who uses a camera to document the world and showcase what makes a location unique. Instagram travel photographers may have a defined vision or may take inspiration from an area’s landscape, food, people and history.

Is it hard to be a travel photographer?

It takes dedication, and it can be hard at times. My favorite photographers are skilled with both a camera and a computer, and they work almost as hard at marketing themselves and teaching others as they do in capturing the perfect picture.

Are travel photographers in demand?

Yes! The travel industry is not slowing down, which means that the demand for new photographs and videos of exciting locations around the world is still high.

Does travel photography pay well?

Instagram travel photographers may be paid by brand sponsorships and marketing agencies for the trips they take. They can make money selling prints of their work directly online or through galleries . Many even guide trips and have online classes teaching others how to recreate their style.

Check out these 8 essential tools to help you succeed as a professional photographer.

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Jeff Collier is an experienced film photographer who enjoys experimenting with modern digital photography equipment, software and apps. He’s also an ex-world champion triathlete and avid cyclist, clocking hundreds of km each week in the beautiful Tweed Valley of northern NSW, Australia.

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Thread starter hoangoclan161
Ngày gửi 2 Tháng ba 2011
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Bạn có 1 Tin nhắn và 1 Thông báo mới. [Xem hướng dẫn] để sử dụng diễn đàn tốt hơn trên điện thoại
Thảo luận - Chia sẻ chung

hoangoclan161

2 Tháng ba 2011

mr.lonely96

4 Tháng ba 2011

hoangoclan161 said: A. Write one word in each gap The great british seaside What (1 ).. does ...... the phrase 'the great British seaside' bring to mind? Most people, if asked to respond (2 )....for..... the top of their heads, asociate(3).......on holiday to places such as Blackpool or Torquay with poor weather, old, faded attractions and low standard of accommodation. These days, when people are more likely to go abroad to (4 )...visit.... the sights, traditional British seaside towns (5 )....is..... surffering from an image problem. Now, finally, some of the resorts (6 )....are.... decided to bring their images up to date in the hope that a (7 )......... of derection will bring back the tourists. Many will need a lot of convincing, but those that (8 )...who...... come will find that today's Blackpool differs quite a bit (9 )..from.. the picture postcard past. After years of neglect, Blackpool has to work hard to catch (10 )....up..... with foreign destinations but that's precisely what it (11 )...is..... doing. It's the first time so much (12 )....have.... happened to improve the place in such a short time. A massive building project, including a new casino and indoor entertainment centre, (13 )....so..... that rainy days are no longer a problem. And it appears (14 ).....to...... be working. As the tourists start to make (15 )...out...... the bright lights of Blackpool once again, it seems that the Great British seaside has a bright future ahead. B. Complete the sentences by changing the form of the word in capitals when this is necessary. 1. I've always wanted to be a travel .....photographer.........(photograph) and take picture of exotic places. 2. None of us were such with....derection......(derect) to go in, so we got out the map. 3. Since I was here five years ago, Delhi has changed so much that it's practically.....unrecognizable......(recognise). 4. Once we got to station, I quickly looked throught the....timetable(em đoán thế ).....(time) to see when the next train was. 5. I've got a cousin at university who is studying.....tourism......(tour) and hopes to open a hotel. 6. As we got closer to the Amazonian village, the......inhabitant........(inhabit) came out to meet us. 7. The.....arrival......(arrive) of Flight 472 from Amsterdam has been delayed by one hour. Bấm để xem đầy đủ nội dung ...

A. 1. T 2. F 3. 4.F 5."are" chứ không phải "is" 6.F 7. 8.F 9.T 10.T 11.T 12. "has" chứ không phải "have" 13.F 14.T 15.F B. 1.T 2.T 3.Theo đáp án của mình là "unrecognisable" ( hai từ này có giống nhau không nhỉ???) 4.T 5.T 6.Thiếu "s" ----> F 7.T

Vui lòng cài đặt tỷ lệ % hiển thị từ 85-90% ở trình duyệt trên máy tính để sử dụng diễn đàn được tốt hơn.

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How to Become a Travel Photographer (6 Career Boosting Tips)
Here's What It Takes to Become a Professional Travel Photographer
10 Ways To Improve Your Travel Photography
How To Become A Travel Photographer
TRAVELLING as a PHOTOGRAPHER
What I Wish I Could Tell You About Being A Destination Photographer

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I Never Wanted To Be A Photographer

COMMENTS

10 great travel photography tips from a professional photographer
1. Go the extra mile. Life as a travel photographer often means getting out of bed (if there is a bed) when it's dark and cold. I've gone out taking photos while wiped out by illness or after getting no sleep on the wooden floor of a hut. There have been long trudges through snow, sand and swamp, and exhausting journeys on dusty tracks.
How to Become a Travel Photographer (And Get Paid)
Step 7: Sell Your Travel Images in a Physical Format. You might be the kind of travel photographer who is not into the digital world. There is still a market for making money and a living from travel photography. One way to do this is to create prints of your images and sell them through specific art websites.
How to Become a Professional Travel Photographer
Read below to find information on the following steps to starting a career as a travel photographer: - Setting Goals. - Learn Photography. - Create a Niche Style. - Build a Portfolio. - Create a Website. - Finding Clients. - Getting Published. - Build Your Social Media Presence.
Travel Photography Tips, Ideas, Examples & Jobs
Whether you've always wanted to be one of those photographers who only ever shoots on full manual mode or you've been hoping to add sports photography to your travel routine, now's the time to start working on those skills. ... I've tried to cover travel photography from nose to tail in this blog, but I'm sure I left a few things out ...
How to Be a Travel Photographer in 2023
Step 3 - Learn Travel Photography. Step 4 - Get Inspired By Other Travel Photographers. Step 5 - Develop Your Own Style. Step 6 - Produce Content, Build An Effective Portfolio. Step 7 - Participate in Travel Photography Internships. Step 8 - Create a Logo. Step 9 - Build a Website.
Want To Be A Travel Photographer? Start With These 5 Tips From ...
Here are Sandidge's top 5 tips to fast tracking your career in travel photography: Cloud blur long exposure. Deb Sandidge. Research locations in advance to know what to expect, which lenses to ...
How To Become A Travel Photographer
You're going to have to spend at least 30 minutes every day uploading and interacting with your followers if you want to become a travel photographer. More if you can. Instagram is your online portfolio these days. So put effort into it and make it look professional (no selfies or pictures of your breakfast!).
Getting Started in Travel Photography: Expert Tips and Gear
You can always partner up with existing writers that you find and say, "Hey, I'd love to supplement your articles with my imagery.". Another way is to build up an online portfolio and have your own blog. It is really helpful because a lot of travel photography involves writing as well.
The Masterclasses 2023: 10 practical tips to help you succeed as a
These 10 pieces of advice can help you improve your travel photography, from building your portfolio to using your gear optimally and connecting with your subjects. 1. Plan ahead. "Do your ...
How to be a travel photographer
Early starts, sleepless nights, long days blurring into each other, dodgy vehicles and difficult journeys are all part of life as a travel photographer. There might be times when you don't feel like taking photos, but missed opportunities always come back to haunt you. Few people know regret like a photographer who didn't get their shot.
How To Become a Travel Photographer in 7 Steps (Plus Skills)
Here are seven steps you can follow to help you become a travel photographer: 1. Establish goals. A helpful first step toward becoming a travel photographer is to set goals that help you create a business model you can sustain. Try asking yourself questions about why you've chosen this career and what steps you plan to take to achieve your goals.
How to Take Better Travel Photos: 7 Travel Photography Tips for Beginners
Pack the essential photo equipment. Don't forget to pack the charger for your camera, and an extra battery! Also, you'll probably need an adapter if you're traveling abroad, so don't forget that, either. It's also a good idea to always bring extra memory cards.
20 Travel Photography Tips For Taking Amazing Photos
6. Don't Overbook Yourself. Such as with traveling in general, you don't want to overbook yourself as a travel photographer. Give yourself extra time in locations where you know you want to get great shots, and always account for lighting fluctuations, weather situations, and the timing of sunrise and sunset. 7.
25 Brilliant Tips For Travel Photography
Tips for Travel Photography: Planning 1/ Do your research. The best travel photography starts before you even leave home. To make the most of every destination, you first need to do your research.Look up the places you're going to on Pinterest, Instagram, or your favourite travel blogs, find out where are the best places to go and the best time of day to go there, and get helpful advice on ...
How To Improve Your Travel Photography: Tips From a Pro
I wasn't doing photography so much then, but through the act of touring I got back into travel. After dark at Sunset Lake, Northern Rockies. Shot with Canon 5D Mark III with a Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II Lens. Lakeside camp spot in Montana. Shot with Canon 5D Mark III with a Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II Lens. Pre-sunrise visitor in early May ...
8 EASY Travel Photography Tips to Help You Master Your Camera
7. Use of Color. Color is really important in photography, particularly how different colors work well together. For example, blue works well with yellow (sunflowers in a field), and red works well with green (Christmas!). To figure out which colors work well together, take a look at this color wheel.
Travel Photography Advice From 7 Pro Travel Photographers
As travel photographers, we always get so caught up with trying to always get the best photo possible." ... I'm a professional travel photographer, and I've been living the digital nomad lifestyle since 2016. ... Hi there! I'm Charlie Gardiner. I am a travel photographer, full-time digital nomad, and photography gear geek. I want to help ...
What Skills Do You Need to be a Travel Photographer?
Stay updated on latest trends in travel photography, attend workshops or webinars, connect with fellow photographers - there are countless ways to keep growing as a travel photographer. Remember: The key is not to become complacent. There's always something new to learn, some technique to master. As they say, the only constant in life is ...
How to Take Travel Photos: A Complete Guide
Good travel photography composition captures the beauty and essence of a destination. Use the rule of thirds by placing important parts of your photo on the intersecting points of a 3×3 grid. Take advantage of symmetry by centering the axis of symmetry in one direction, like a reflection placed off-center.
1. I have always wanted to be a travel..................and take
1.I've always wanted to be a travel photographer and take pictures of exotic places.. 2.None of us were sure which direction to go in, so we got out the map.. 3.Since I was here five years ago. Delhi has changed so much that it's practically unrecognizable.. 4.Once we got to the station, I quickly looked through the timetable to see when the next train was.
How to Become an Adventure Photographer
Pay attention to what is working and do more of that thing. Figure out how to self-promote. Be confident and know where and when to show/talk about your work. So much of this is about confidence. Notice what you say and how you sound. People don't hire folks who are "trying to be a photographer.".
31 Most Famous Travel Photographers to Follow in 2024
A post shared by Michael Yamashita (@yamashitaphoto) Michael Yamashita is a world-renowned travel photographer with over 1.7 million followers on Instagram. His books, workshops, and lectures help him share his passion for historic explorers and the landscapes that they would have seen in ancient times.
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I've always wanted to be a travel .....(photograph) and take picture of exotic places. ... I've got a cousin at university who is studying.....(tour) and hopes to open a hotel. 6. As we got closer to the Amazonian village, the.....(inhabit) came out to meet us. ... I've always wanted to be a travel .....photographer.....(photograph) and take ...

10 great travel photography tips from a professional photographer

1. Go the extra mile

2. Make a plan

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3. Always be ready

4. Take your time

5. Get in the thick of the action

6. Let people see the real world

7. Think about the impact of your pictures

8. Think outside the box

9. Challenge yourself to find new approaches

10. Get paid

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4. Build a Portfolio

5. Creating a Website or Blog

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7. Getting Published as a Travel Photographer

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A Sincere Guide on How to Be a Travel Photographer

How to Be a Travel Photographer and live off your passion?

What is Travel Photography?

Can you make a living from Travel Photography?

How much does a Travel Photographer make?

The Characteristics of a Travel Photographer

See also: Ethnic portrait in Travel Photography

See also: 6 Helpful Exercises to Improve Your Photographic Eye

See also: 10 mistakes that a travel photographer should not make

Step 1 - Ask Yourself Some Questions

See also: Inspiring Interview with Gavin Gough, Humanitarian Photographer

Step 2 - The Travel Photographer Gear

See also: Essential equipment for getting started with Travel Photography

Step 3 - Learn Travel Photography

Step 4 - Get Inspired By Other Travel Photographers

Step 5 - Develop Your Own Style

See also: Black and White vs Color Photography

Step 6 - Produce Content, Build An Effective Portfolio

See also: How to Build a Photography Portfolio

Step 8 - Create a Logo

Step 9 - Build a Website

Step 10 - Improve Your SEO

Step 11 - Develop your presence in Social Media

Step 12 - Promote Yourself, Search for New Clients

Step 13 - Enter a Travel Photography Contest

Step 14 - Get Your Work Published

Step 15 - Sell Prints

Step 16 - Teach and Organize Travel Photography Workshops

See also: Travel Photography Workshops: Guide to the Best Choice

How to Be a Travel Photographer - Final Notes

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How can someone who doesn’t have any experience get into travel photography?

At this point in your career, are you choosing destinations yourself or are you being sent by publications to go places?

How do you plan and research so you know where the best places are and opportunities for photography are, especially if you’ve never been there before?

What about your stylized shoots in places that most people have never been before? How do you find those places?