When we travel, we broaden our experiences. Photography can document the journey, creating tangible memories.

Whether you're an entry-level or experienced photographer, our tips below will help elevate your photography to meaningful imagery.

Plan Ahead

While countless fabulous travel photos are taken by chance (you see something and shoot), many images aren't as serendipitous. The photographer plans when and how to capture a particular scene or subject. Suppose you know you want to take a specific picture, for example, a national park waterfall. In that case, it pays off to plan ahead. These and other questions can help you capture a better image:

What's the best time for smaller crowds?
When's the best time for natural light? The Golden Hours of sunset and sundown are the best times to shoot. Typically, midday's bright light doesn't create ideal conditions. You'll have to consider things like hard shadows.
What equipment will you need, and how will you get it to where you need to shoot?
What will the weather be like?

Ask Before You Shoot

The local culture is such an essential part of our travel experiences. One of the best ways to document it is through photographs of local residents. However, asking permission before you plant yourself in front of a stranger and begin taking their picture is essential - and polite. We can't stress this point enough. It is considered highly offensive in some cultures (most places, actually) to take someone's image without their permission. It might also be illegal, so be informed about local rules as well as expectations.

It might be acceptable to take pictures if you're shooting from a distance, particularly if multiple people are in the scene. However, to take a more personal image by focusing on an individual, start by asking permission. Some of the best travel photography experiences and photos begin with a conversation! It's a great way to connect with locals.

Capturing Your Journey

Some of the most poignant travel photography is documentary in nature. It records the experience of a journey. It can tell a story through images. So what do you want it to say? Will it be seen by the general public or friends and family? Knowing what story you want to portray and who will see it can help focus your travel photography.

Why does this matter? Well, it can help you consider the perspectives you want to depict through your images. For example, do you want to create a timeline of a journey through your pictures, or do you simply want to document random moments? Our advice is to consider these kinds of questions and elements. The most important question is how you want to capture your journey and tell your story?

Think Outside the Box

Stay away from photo cliches! Yet another sunset picture? Food at a farmer's market? A cathedral? We've seen way too many of those and others. Think outside the box.

Capture a unique perspective of a travel scene. In a cathedral, an interior shot of an interesting alcove, a group of candles, or a chapel capture elements that might tell a better story.
Get off the beaten track and explore less traveled (and trampled) sites and towns. There are countless beautiful things, people, and areas away from the better-known places.
Shoot at unusual hours. There are countless sunset images. Try this instead: position yourself on a hillside behind a coastal village. Capture the sun as it rises beyond the town.
Look for scenes that are unique but capture the essence of the culture or place. Festivals are a great way to convey the sense of a place and its traditions. Zoom in and capture individuals or the details of a costume.

Edit Carefully and Sparingly

Many a photography sin can be rectified during post-processing, but do so sparingly. You're better off getting it right out in the field rather than compensating afterward. A light touch is better than over-editing.

Tourism or Photography Trip

The type of trip you take matters when doing travel photography. Unless you're being paid as a travel photographer or it's a trip whose primary purpose is to take pictures, keep photography from getting in the way of your holiday. Refrain from letting it dominate the trip, usurp your attention, or frustrate your travel companions.

Build it into your schedule, or do as many photographers on holiday do. We carry our camera/s, an extra lens (or two), and maybe a flash as we act as tourists.

Suppose we're headed somewhere with a particular site we know we want to photograph. In that case, we make sure to allow plenty of time at that site to shoot it properly. We plan even more deliberately if the trip is more photo opportunities than tourism.

So, decide what kind of trip you're taking, get out there, and take lots of pictures!