Elevate Your Travel Photography: Eight Easy Tips to Capture Your Travel Memories
When traveling, capturing special moments in breathtaking locations is part of the experience and creates lasting memories. Whether you’re using a camera with big lenses or the camera on your phone, knowing a few simple tricks can transform your photos from casual snapshots to striking images worthy of framing. Recently, on a Seabourn Cruises expedition cruise, I attended a lecture with Morné Sanders, the resident professional photographer where he focused on straightforward techniques to enhance travel photos.
Here are the eight easy tips I learned, designed to help you capture the essence of each destination beautifully and effortlessly - to capture those precious memories no matter the equipment you have.
Disclaimer: I’m not a professional photographer and use my phone camera almost exclusively. The tips below are focused on composition.
The subject walking away creates curiosity
1. Place Subjects to Create Interest or Tension
One of the quickest ways to elevate a photo is by carefully placing your subject. Rather than simply centering a person or object, try positioning them off-center, or have them turn away as if looking into the distance. The negative space gives the subject room within the frame and draws the viewer’s eye around the entire image, creating a sense of movement and discovery. When a subject appears to be gazing outward, or walking away from the camera, it stirs curiosity. You’re left wondering where the subject is headed, what they’re observing, or even what thoughts might be on their mind. This approach not only adds intrigue but also creates an emotional pull, encouraging the viewer to connect with the scene on a deeper level. It’s a simple yet effective way to make your photos feel more dynamic, giving each shot a narrative quality that enhances the story of your travels.
2. Capture Candid Moments for Authenticity
There’s an undeniable charm in spontaneous, candid shots. The laughter between friends, the quiet moments of awe, or the carefree joy of exploring a new place—these authentic moments are what bring photos to life. Avoid staged poses and capture your travel companions when they’re least aware of the camera. This genuine approach makes for memorable, heartwarming images.
In the Svalbard photo, I’m reminded of the sheer delight of the entire experience that my travel companion expressed on every excursion. In the photo taken in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, her happiness mirrors our own excitement at such a beautiful setting, and the photo perfectly captured the warmth of the moment.
3. Try Unique Angles and Perspectives
Experimenting with different angles can reveal details you might otherwise overlook. Try shooting from below, above, or even close-up to capture intricate textures or patterns. Look for creative angles that showcase a fresh view of your surroundings.
This memorable shot I captured in Svalbard while learning about the unique properties of very old, clear ice has dripping water, reflections, and the textures and bubbles of melting ice. I also love the candidness of this photo, where I captured our expedition guide’s delight upon discovering a fascinating specimen. Every time I look at it, I’m reminded not only of the scene but of his knowledge, passion, and willingness to share his expertise; I get to relive the magical experience. And the sea urchin photo taken on a hike in Svalbard really shows its fragility and the complexity and beauty of the inner shell.
The reflections in this image double the beauty of the scene
4. Look for Natural Reflections
Reflections add an enchanting quality to photos, creating a sense of symmetry, depth, and sometimes even mystery. Whether you’re capturing towering mountains mirrored in a glassy lake, or the sparkle of city lights on rain-slicked streets, reflections allow you to double the beauty of the scene while adding layers for the viewer to explore. This technique brings a sense of calm and balance, as the still water or glass surface becomes a serene, almost magical canvas.
Reflections can make a simple landscape feel immersive and timeless, especially when the reflection is so clear that it feels like you’re peering into another world. By incorporating reflections thoughtfully, you create images that feel artful, harmonious, and mesmerizing, inviting viewers to linger and admire.
I love how this archway frames the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco
5. Use Natural Elements as Frames
Look around for elements in your environment that can serve as natural frames for your subject, such as archways, windows, tree branches, or even doorways. These frames guide the viewer’s eye directly to the focal point, giving your photo a distinct sense of structure and depth. This technique not only highlights your subject but also adds layers to the scene, drawing viewers into the surroundings and creating a feeling of immersion. Framing is especially effective when capturing the ambiance of historical or architectural sites, as it adds context and a sense of place, enhancing the story of each image. Imagine photographing a local artisan through a window opening or a traveler stepping through a beautifully arched doorway; natural framing gives a cinematic quality to these moments, making each shot feel purposeful and evocative.
In this photo of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, it almost feels like you’re standing in the archway waiting to enter the space.
6. Embrace Natural Light and Pops of Color
Natural lighting is key to stunning travel photos, and a well-placed pop of color can make your image unforgettable. A soft, golden hour light with a vivid focal point, like a bright orange sunset or a colorful building, can turn an ordinary scene into something special. Pay attention to how light interacts with color - it can transform a landscape, casting reflections and creating shadows that enhance the overall mood.
I really like this photo that I captured while onboard a yacht in Thailand, as it creates intrigue with the textural elements created by the sails and ropes, but also the sunset casting its golden rays across the water and the deck. The zodiac photo was captured behind a small iceberg, creating an icy frame, and I love the pop of colour against the soft colours of the water and misty quality of the landscape behind (photo credit: Morné Sanders).
7. Use the Rule of Thirds for Balance
The rule of thirds is a classic composition technique in photography, and for a good reason - it creates a natural sense of balance. Divide your frame into nine equal parts by imagining two horizontal and two vertical lines, as in the example below. Placing your subject along these lines or at their intersections adds harmony to the scene.
For example, if you’re photographing a person gazing at a stunning horizon, try placing them on one side of the frame to create a balanced shot like I did in Svalbard. In the photo I captured in Antarctica, the Chinstrap Penguin, the water and the beach each occupy roughly one-third of the space.
8. Incorporate Leading Lines for Visual Interest
Leading lines are a powerful way to guide the viewer’s eye through the image. Look for pathways, rivers, or man-made structures like fences or bridges that naturally draw the eye toward your subject. Leading lines add flow and intrigue, making your images feel engaging and complete.
In a recent shot I captured in Svalbard, a stone pathway leads the viewer’s gaze toward a group of travelers atop a hill, adding depth and creating a journey within the photo itself. Or in this photo on a boat in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, the line of the planks point up the river.
Learning these tips has transformed my approach to travel photography, helping me capture each moment more thoughtfully and creatively. And the beauty of digital photography is that you can capture as many images as you want, then at your leisure, curate, edit and crop using the tips above to create those photographic memories to cherish. In this case, more is more.
Ultimately, photography is about capturing the essence of each moment, whether you’re in a luxurious setting or a remote, rugged landscape. With these easy techniques, you’ll be well on your way to taking photos that do justice to your adventures. So next time you’re traveling, let the destination’s beauty inspire you and enjoy the creative journey of photography.
If you’re a serious photography enthusiast interested in working with a professional photographer, contact me and I can help connect you with the best option for your needs.
