Travel Photography Tips: How to Take Better Photos While Traveling

The more you travel and photograph, the more you start noticing details that beg to be captured—whether it’s the local culture, cuisine, or breathtaking landscapes. And as your passion for photography grows, so does your desire to elevate your results, shifting from simple vacation snapshots to true travel photography. If that sounds like you, then you’re in the right place! Follow these tips on your next trip, and I promise you’ll see a big difference in your photos.

These practical steps work for everyone—from beginners to seasoned professionals—who want to refine their approach to travel photography. Of course, by now, you should already have a basic understanding of composition and lighting. If you’re still working on those fundamentals, be sure to check out our free eBook, How to Take Better Pictures and avoid the common beginner photography mistakes, before diving in.

What to Photograph as a Travel Photographer

Since we’re diving into travel photography, let’s first define what it really means. Travel photography is about capturing the essence of a place—its landscapes, people, culture, and unique moments. It goes beyond simple vacation snapshots, aiming to tell a visual story that brings a destination to life.

Travel photography can be as diverse as a well-composed self-portrait in front of an iconic landmark or an intimate shot of a local community during a cultural or religious celebration. Every place you visit offers something unique, and how you interpret it through your lens is what makes your work stand out.

There’s no single formula for travel photography, but as long as your images reflect the true spirit of a location—whether through grand landscapes, candid street scenes, or everyday life—you’re capturing the heart of travel photography.

Get Up Early for Better Travel Photography

If there’s one tip that can instantly improve your travel photography, it’s this: start your day early. The soft, golden light of the morning is ideal for capturing stunning landscapes and cityscapes, but great lighting isn’t the only reason to wake up early. Mornings offer a rare chance to experience a destination in its most authentic state—before the tourist crowds arrive. Whether it’s the peaceful emptiness of city streets, fishermen returning with their morning catch, or the vibrant hustle of a local market, these are the moments that can tell a richer story through your lens. For better travel photography, take advantage of these quiet, golden hours. Set your alarm, grab your camera, and capture the world as it wakes up!

Do Your Research for Better Travel Photography

Planning ahead is key to capturing stunning travel photography. Researching your destination before your trip helps you find unique photo opportunities and create the situations you want to photograph.

Every journey starts with inspiration, so browse social media, photography blogs, and Google Images to get a sense of the best locations. But don’t just focus on famous landmarks—look for hidden gems like vibrant streets, bustling markets, or traditional craft workshops where you can capture authentic local life.

One of the best ways to elevate your travel photography is by timing your visit around cultural events or festivals. Some events might ruin your vacation, but others can provide incredible opportunities to document traditions, costumes, and local celebrations.

Book a Hotel with a View for Better Travel Photography

Choosing the right accommodation isn’t just about convenience—it can also provide stunning photo opportunities, especially if your hotel offers great views of the cityscape or surrounding landscapes. Look for hotels with rooftop access, balconies, or panoramic windows that give you unique angles to capture your destination from a drone-like perspectives without needing a drone.

Show the Less Seen Perspective in Travel Photography

Don’t shy away from photographing famous landmarks or popular spots—after all, they’re iconic for a reason. But to make your travel photography stand out, challenge yourself to capture them in a fresh, unique way.

After already getting the classic shot, look for a different perspective. Try composing a wider shot that includes the landmark as part of the surrounding environment rather than the main subject. Experiment with focal lengths that aren’t typically used—perhaps a telephoto lens to compress the scene or an ultra-wide lens to exaggerate scale.

You can also play with framing elements, reflections, or creative foregrounds to add depth and originality. The goal is to complement the classic views while offering a perspective that feels new and personal. Thinking outside the box is what separates ordinary travel snapshots from compelling travel photography.

Visit Local Places for Authentic Travel Photography

One of the key differences between a tourist and a traveler is perspective—a tourist seeks an escape, while a traveler seeks an experience. To truly capture the essence of a destination in your travel photography, go beyond the typical attractions and explore the local side of life.

Seek out hidden gems like charming café-lined streets in European capitals, quiet viewpoints, or secret beaches away from the crowds. Visit local markets, especially those held weekly or seasonally, where you can photograph authentic crafts, fresh produce, and daily life in action.

By balancing the perspective of both a tourist and a local, you’ll gain a richer understanding of a place and create photos that tell a deeper story. The best travel photography isn’t just about landmarks—it’s about capturing the soul of a destination.

Smile and Show Interest for Better Photography

A simple smile can go a long way. People often sense your intentions within seconds, and when they see genuine curiosity and kindness, interactions become more natural—sometimes leading to incredible photography opportunities.

One of the best ways to connect with people while traveling is to find something you truly enjoy and seek its local version. Whether it’s food, music, crafts, or traditions, showing a real interest in someone’s passion not only enriches your experience but also creates meaningful moments to capture through your lens.

This approach applies to any situation, yet we often get so caught up in checking off bucket-list locations that we forget to truly experience them. By slowing down, engaging with people, and being present in the moment, you’ll capture more than just beautiful images—you’ll tell authentic stories through your travel photography.

Every Place Is Worth Capturing, but Some Are Better for Travel Photography

The world is full of incredible places to photograph, but some destinations naturally offer more opportunities for travel photography than others—and that’s perfectly okay!

Don’t feel discouraged if you didn’t capture certain moments on your last trip. Every place presents different photographic opportunities, and the key is to adapt and focus on what truly matters in each location. Street photography in Paris, for example, is an entirely different experience than photographing life in Varanasi, India.

If photography is a priority for your trip, consider choosing destinations that align with the type of photography you want to pursue. Whether it’s vibrant city life, remote landscapes, or rich cultural traditions, selecting the right location will increase your chances of capturing the images you envision.

Put the Experience First

At the end of the day, the most important thing in travel photography is to enjoy the experience. It’s easy to get caught up in chasing the perfect shot, but sometimes, the best moments happen when you least expect them.

I can’t count how many times I was so focused on capturing a specific image that I ended up with nothing, while some of my favourite photos came from unexpected situations that unfolded naturally. Stay present, embrace the journey, and let the moments reveal themselves.

Great travel photography isn’t just about planning every shot—it’s about being open to the experience. When you prioritize enjoying the moment, your best photos will often come effortlessly.