You’ve stood in front of a breathtaking landmark, snapped a picture, and felt that pang of disappointment later. The photo just doesn’t capture the magic you experienced. Sound familiar?
You don’t need a fancy camera or a degree in photography to take incredible travel photos. Often, it’s about understanding a few key principles that can instantly elevate your shots from “meh” to magnificent.
Here are 4 simple yet powerful tips you can use right now to transform your travel photography.
1. Chase the Golden Hour 🌅
This is the number one rule for a reason. Golden hour—the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset—is nature’s perfect filter. The sun is low in the sky, casting a soft, warm, and directional light that adds depth and dimension to your scenes.
Why it works: It eliminates the harsh shadows and squinting associated with midday sun. Instead, it wraps your subject in a flattering, golden glow that makes colors richer and textures more defined.
Pro Tip: Plan your shoots around these times. Use apps like Golden Hour or PhotoPills to know exactly when and where the sun will rise and set at your destination.
2. Master the Rule of Thirds 🔲
Composition is everything. The Rule of Thirds is a fundamental principle that helps you create a balanced and interesting image.
Imagine your frame is divided by two equally spaced horizontal and vertical lines, creating nine squares. The idea is to place the most important elements of your scene along these lines or, even better, at the points where they intersect.
How to use it: Turn on the grid feature on your smartphone camera (usually found in settings). Instead of placing the horizon dead center, align it with the top or bottom line. When photographing a person or a focal point like a tree or temple, position them at one of the intersecting points.
Why it works: This technique creates tension, energy, and interest in the composition, making it far more engaging than a perfectly centered, static shot.
3. Find a Unique Perspective 📐
The quickest way to make your photo stand out from the millions of others is to change your angle. Most people take photos from standing eye-level. Don’t be like most people.
Get Low: Crouch down or even place your camera on the ground. This angle can make subjects look more monumental and adds a dramatic foreground.
Get High: Find a balcony, staircase, or hill to look down on your scene. This is great for capturing patterns, crowds, or the layout of a place.
Look for Reflections: After a rain shower, use puddles. Look for mirrors, windows, or sunglasses. Reflections can create captivating and artistic compositions.
4. Include a Human Element 👤
While pristine landscapes are beautiful, adding a person can transform a generic postcard shot into a storytelling masterpiece.
Why it works: A person provides a sense of scale, especially in vast landscapes like mountains or deserts. It adds emotion and a narrative, allowing the viewer to imagine themselves in that moment and creating a connection.
How to do it: The person doesn’t need to be posing for the camera. Often, it’s more powerful if they are looking out at the view, walking along a path, or interacting with the environment. It creates a feeling of candidness and authentic experience.
Your Next Steps to Better Photos…
You don’t need to implement all these tips at once. On your next adventure, just pick one—maybe focus solely on shooting during golden hour or consciously using the rule of thirds grid.
The best camera is the one you have with you. By understanding these core principles of light, composition, and storytelling, you’ll be equipped to use your smartphone or camera to its full potential and bring home photos that truly do your travels justice.
Ready to put these tips into practice?