Tips For The Beginning Travel Photographer

Image source: laughingsquid.com

A good photo can conjure so many memories of the sights and sounds of the traveling experience. We often regret not having brought a camera for trips in the past, or for not having enough understanding of the basics of taking awesome travel photos. If you are new to travel photography, whether because you’ve always wanted to include it on your passion-project list or are truly keen on a professional path, here is a list of dos and don’ts to keep in mind.

Firstly, get to know your camera intimately. Whether you’re using a DSLR or a point-and-shoot, you must master the buttons and features. Take time to get familiarized with the menu, so that you can change settings on the fly especially when the timing is crucial, like when you’re trying to capture a sunset.

Next is to have a clear idea of what the Golden and Blue Hours mean in photography. The former refers to the time of the day when the sun is still low, offering a warm glow over the scenery. You have to both wake up early and wait a couple of hours before sunset if you are to capture Golden Hour shots. The Blue Hour is that short period when the sun has already sunk below the horizon, casting a magical blue hue on surroundings. This is an awesome early-evening moment for taking gorgeous panoramic pictures.

Image source: ark4pets.com

Finally, embrace the value of composition. It often spells the difference between a so-so shot and one that can get you an award. Keep to the rule of thirds; unless you are taking a portrait, always put the subject slightly left or right of center. Imagine dividing the image into nine squares or use the camera feature that shows them, then place the points of interest along the intersecting lines and squares.

My name is Chris Halajian from New York. I used to work on election photography, but now that I’m retired, I follow my grandchildren and great-grandchildren around and take great photos of them. For similar reads, visit this page.

Essential gear for travel photographers

Travel photography often requires a bunch of equipment; those professionals we regularly see on nature TV channels lug around huge, state-of-the art gear. But you don’t have to figuratively bring the kitchen sink with you. We’ve listed down the most essential ones for the beginning travel photographer. 

Image source: youtube.com

A DSLR camera with lenses 

Whatever brand you prefer for a DLSR, you’d still need to ensure that you capture those memorable scenes and moments with a good camera. We suggest both a 50mm lens for good depth of field, alongside the stock one. Of course, you’d need to make sure that the you have the kit-provided battery, memory cards, and spare, depending on how long you’d be in the field. Eventually you’d need to invest in a more powerful zoom lens, but that can wait. 

Tripod 

There was a time when these accessories were heavy and a total pain to carry around, but not anymore. Tripods are key to taking sharp, stable pictures and getting the right exposure. These are crucial when taking close ups, pictures of sunsets, and night shots. 

DSLR Remote 

It’s hard to get those pictures of yourself with majestic backdrops when traveling on your own. It’s not fun (and it looks silly) to simply rely on the camera’s timer function and have you run back and forth to the waiting camera until you find that desired pose. A camera remote adds so much convenience (and poise) to these photo ops. 

Image source: gregorychong.com

Hello there. The name’s Chris Halajian from New York. I’m a retired election photographer. I can say that my career with the camera was fruitful and rewarding, allowing me to buy an estate my family can enjoy for years. Visit this website for more of my writings.