5 Secret Travel Photography Tips from a Flytographer

Travel Photography Tips

Ever wondered how to capture those picture-perfect travel moments without lugging around heavy, professional equipment? In the latest episode of the Travel Trends Podcast, they invited our very own Natalie in Honolulu as a guest, a talented vacation photographer who’s mastered the art of taking great photos for travellers. She shares practical travel photography tips for beginners who are interested in taking better travel photos. 🎙

Whether you’re a beginner looking to understand basic camera settings or an enthusiast ready to take your photography to the next level, Natalie’s expert insights will help you capture better travel photos on your next adventure. From mastering your iPhone’s hidden features to finding that perfect golden-hour glow, she shares the secrets behind getting the perfect shot every time. These pro tips will transform your vacation photos from good photos to stunning memories that look like they belong in a travel magazine. Whether you’re planning your next tropical getaway or just want to level up your photography skills, these tips will help you capture those magical moments like a pro. 📸

TLDR

1. Start With What You Have
2. Chase the Golden Light
3. Master Portrait Mode
4. Embrace Burst Mode
5. Edit Like a Pro
6. Closing Remarks
7. Frequently Asked Questions

Photo: Natalie in Honolulu for Flytographer. Raelyn and family capture travel memories in Honolulu with a family photoshoot.

1. Start With What You Have

This guide on travel photography tips doesn’t require breaking the bank on expensive equipment. The best camera is the one that you have on you! Natalie strongly recommends beginning with your smartphone to develop your photographic eye and understanding of composition. This foundation will prove invaluable before making any significant gear investments. 💰

For those wanting to expand their camera gear toolkit, she suggests starting with a reliable tripod – perfect for family photos and those moments when you want to jump into the frame yourself. An innovative accessory she swears by is the OctoBuddy, a versatile phone mount that attaches to windows for incredibly stable shots. For enthusiasts ready to step into the camera world, Natalie recommends the Fuji X-T100 ($1000-1200) as an excellent mirrorless camera option that combines user-friendly features with professional capabilities. She also highlighted an intriguing alternative: the Camp Snap ($80-100), a unique digital camera that intentionally lacks a screen, encouraging photographers to stay present in the moment rather than constantly reviewing their shots. 😌

Photo: Natalie in Honolulu (shot in Prague) for Flytographer. Carol captures travel memories in Prague with a solo adventure photoshoot.

2. Chase the Golden Light

Perhaps the most imporant of these travel photography tips is how to find the best light. Understanding light is crucial for stunning travel photos, and Natalie emphasizes the magic of golden hour – that precious time just after sunrise or before sunset when natural light bathes everything in a warm, flattering glow. She advises against shooting in the harsh direct sunlight of midday, which can create unflattering shadows and squinting subjects. When you find yourself shooting in a time of day with bright conditions, try positioning the sun behind your subject for a more balanced exposure. 🌅

For those seeking serene shots at popular locations, for the best light and fewer crowds, Natalie suggests shooting in the early morning when the light is soft and crowds are sparse. Don’t be afraid to experiment with perspective – try capturing your subject from different angles, whether it’s an intimate close-up, a medium shot, or a sweeping wide angle. One of her favorite techniques is incorporating foreground elements, like flowers or architectural details, to add depth and visual interest to your compositions. 🌺

Photo: Natalie in Honolulu for Flytographer. Sheralyn and son capture travel memories in Hawaii with a family photoshoot.

3. Master Portrait Mode

There are a couple iPhone camera settings that are game-changers for your travel photo game and the first is Portrait Mode! Mastering your iPhone’s Portrait Mode can dramatically elevate your travel photos. Natalie reveals that using the 2x zoom in portrait mode creates a more pleasing depth of field, while the often-overlooked “F” icon in the top right corner holds the secret to adjusting background blur. It’s not a telephoto zoom lens, but it’s a good start to begin to understand the principles. For that professional look, she suggests experimenting with lower F-numbers around 1.4 to create dreamy, blurred backgrounds with the main subject still in crisp focus. The best part? You can adjust these effects both during shooting and afterward in editing.

4. Embrace Burst Mode

For capturing dynamic moments, Burst Mode is your best friend. By holding down the shutter button and sliding left, you’ll capture a rapid sequence of photos simulating a high shutter speed – perfect for those candid moments or when photographing energetic children on the move. This technique allows you to take multiple shots rapidly and select the best ones later, ensuring you never miss that perfect split-second expression or action shot. 💥🏃‍♂️

Looking for more iPhone photography tips? Sign up to our newsletter for access to our 2-hour on-demand iPhone photography course by Natalie and three other amazing photographers in our community!

Photo: Natalie in Honolulu (shot Austin) for Flytographer. Grant and partner capture travel memories in Austin with an engagement photoshoot.

5. Edit Like a Pro

While capturing great shots is essential, thoughtful editing can truly make your travel photos shine. For images taken in soft lighting conditions, Natalie recommends adding contrast in image post-processing to prevent them from appearing washed out. Speaking on travel photography tips – a slight boost in saturation can bring out the vibrant colors of your destinations, though she cautions against going overboard. 🌈

Did you know that your iPhone camera can shoot raw files too? For more precise control over your edits, Adobe Lightroom Mobile is her go-to app, offering professional-level adjustments for exposure, contrast, saturation, warmth, and tint. While presets can provide a great starting point, Natalie encourages photographers to treat them as a foundation rather than a final solution, adjusting them to match your personal style and the specific needs of each photo. 🎚️

Photo: Natalie in Honolulu for Flytographer. Kristina and family capture travel memories in Hawaii with a family photoshoot.

Closing Remarks

Above all, Natalie wants aspiring photographers to remember that perfection shouldn’t be the goal – even professional photographers take numerous shots to capture that one perfect moment at just the right moment. Whether you are shooting on your phone, an old DSLR, Canon, Nikon or film, she encourages travelers to embrace the learning process, taking plenty of photos while experimenting with different techniques and approaches.

She emphasizes the importance of balancing photography with being present in the moment and not just getting the shots for social media. Travel photography should enhance your experiences, not detract from them. It’s refreshing to hear that even as a professional, Natalie believes in the power of taking multiple shots to ensure you capture the perfect image. This approach, combined with practice and experimentation, will help you develop your own style while creating lasting memories of your adventures including both landscape photography and candid shots of the local people. So go pack your camera bag and National Geographic had better watch out! 🎒

Photo: Natalie in Honolulu for Flytographer. Hayley and family capture travel memories in Hawaii with a family photoshoot.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to take good photos when traveling?

Great travel photos start with understanding lighting and composition – aim to shoot during golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) for the most flattering natural light. Use your phone’s portrait mode or a camera with adjustable settings to create depth, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different angles and perspectives. Remember to include foreground elements to add visual interest and consider using a tripod for stable, well-composed shots.

What are the don’ts of travel photography?

Avoid shooting in harsh midday sun, which creates unflattering shadows and causes subjects to squint. Don’t rely too heavily on automatic filters or presets that can make your photos look artificial, and resist the urge to constantly check your screen instead of staying present in the moment. Most importantly, don’t limit yourself to only taking photos from standing height – vary your perspective for more interesting compositions. When practicing street photography, it’s important to always ask permission when taking someone’s photo whom you don’t know. Different cultures have different viewpoints about cameras – particularly on private property or while in spiritual places.

What is the 3:1 rule in photography?

Not to be confused with the rule of thirds, the 3:1 rule suggests taking at least three shots of each scene or moment to ensure you capture the perfect image. This approach gives you options to choose from and accounts for minor variations in expression, lighting, or composition. Professional photographers often take multiple shots of the same scene, knowing that subtle differences can make a big impact on the final result.

How to pose for travel pictures?

Natural, candid moments often make for the most memorable travel photos, so try to capture genuine interactions with your surroundings rather than stiff, posed shots. When posing is necessary, create movement by walking slowly, looking over your shoulder, or interacting with your environment – these dynamic poses tend to look more authentic than standing still and smiling at the camera. For the best results, position yourself at a slight angle to the camera and avoid facing it straight on.

Photo: Natalie in Honolulu (shot in Prague) for Flytographer. Joanna and partner capture travel memories in Prague with a couples photoshoot.

Capturing Travel Memories

While these tips will help you capture amazing travel photos, sometimes you want to step out from behind the camera and be in the frame yourself! That’s where Flytographer comes in. With a network of talented local photographers in over 350 destinations worldwide, you can book a professional photo session that ensures everyone – yes, including you – gets to be in those precious vacation photos. Our photographers don’t just share their best photos with you; they’re also local experts who know the best spots and perfect lighting conditions in their cities. Plus, they’ll put all these professional tips into action while you focus on enjoying the moment with your loved ones. Ready to get everyone in the frame on your next adventure? Book a Flytographer session and let us help you create magical memories that will last a lifetime. 📸🌍