Laurence is a professional award-winning travel photographer (and my husband!) and today he is going to answer some of those essential travel photography questions that we are often asked. If you have ever looked at other people’s photographs of a travel spot you’ve been to and wondered why their photographs were so much better that yours, this post will give you some helpful tips as well as point you to further resources if you are interested in taking your photography to the next level.
This Q & A post is designed to share some of the basics on travel photography, including things like how a camera works, advice on camera gear, how to protect your gear while traveling, the essential basics of composition you should know, tips for mobile photography, best photography editing software, and even tips on how to take a better selfie!
Laurence Norah has been traveling as a blogger and photographer for over 6 years and has photographed all over the world, from the wildlife of the Galápagos Islands to the Northern Lights in Finland. He even photographed our own wedding, both of them!
We both take a lot of photos while traveling, but most of the photos you see on this blog since 2015 were edited by Laurence. I actually developed these questions based on questions we often get and then put them to Laurence and we both hope you find the answers helpful. Without further ado, I will handle it over to Laurence!
Table of Contents:
Tell us a bit about yourself. How did you first get into photography, and how did you get to the level of being a professional travel photographer?
Hello! My name is Laurence and I’ve been taking photos since I was 13, when my parents bought my a wonderful Canon film camera – the AE-1. I was lucky enough to be living in the Seychelles at the time, and had no shortage of beautiful things to take photos of.
It was however only in 2009 that I started to take photography more seriously. I left my career in IT and started to travel, starting off with a year in Australia. I took a lot of photos on that trip, a couple of which won awards in a major UK newspaper, when then encouraged me to believe that I could turn my hobby into a career.
That is what started me on my path to really hone my travel photography skills and also a desire to share advice with others wanting to take better vacation photos.
First could you just tell us very succinctly how a camera works, and what types of cameras a traveler might be using these days?
Certainly! The basic principle of how a camera works hasn’t changed for a long time. A camera is just a device to capture light. It does this with a lens, which focuses light onto a surface inside the camera body that can record that light. For a long time that surface was a piece of chemically reactive paper – film. In recent years film has been replaced by digital sensors which are able to record and save that information onto memory cards.
These days I’d say most travelers would be using a digital camera, either the one in the smartphone or a compact camera, or perhaps something a little bit more complicated like a mirrorless system, digital SLR, or an action camera like a GoPro.
Obviously most smartphones these days have a camera, which can vary in quality from quite good to fairly poor.
A compact camera (e.g., point-and-shoot camera) is often a step above, usually offering the advantage of an optical zoom. Smartphones and point and shoots are both OK for capturing a great record of one’s travels and are designed to be easy to use, but they don’t offer in the way of manual controls, so you can be a bit limited. Similarly GoPros are small action cameras that are great for sports and water related situations as they are small, durable, and designed for harsh environments, but have similar limits on control as smartphones and point-and-shoot cameras.
At the higher level you have digital single lens reflex, or DSLR cameras, and mirrorless cameras. These are the two options people should consider investing in camera equipment when they want to take photography more seriously. Both of these camera types are similar in that they allow you to change lenses, and have full manual controls.
The key difference is the interior workings – a mirrorless camera has no mirror inside it, which means you also don’t have an optical viewfinder. The advantage is that the camera can be much smaller and lighter as a result, which makes it perfect for traveling. Both types of cameras typically feature video capacity as well.
What type of camera equipment do you use personally? For someone wanting to take professional level photos, what types of equipment would you say are essential?
I’m currently shooting with a Canon 6D, which is an amazingly versatile DSLR camera good for everything from landscape photography to low-light event shots. Jess and I both use the Canon 6D as our primary cameras; she used to use a Nikon but switched so we can share lenses. I also have a couple of Panasonic mirrorless cameras including the Panasonic Lumix GX8 which also shoots 4K video which is great for taking photos of animals and moving people. I also almost always pack a tripod if space permits. You can see all my photography gear listed on my travel photography gear page.
At the moment though, for the majority of folks wanting to take great quality photos without the weight of an DSLR, I recommend mirrorless systems. These are smaller and lighter cameras that offer image quality almost on par with the high-end DSLR’s, without being so heavy, plus they still allow you to change lenses. I’d recommend looking into the Panasonic mirrorless system.
Many travelers these days are not even traveling with stand alone cameras, but are taking photos with just their cell phones. What tips do you have for those using a smartphone for mobile photography? Are there certain specs to look for those looking for a phone that can also take great photos?
I am a big proponent of the theory that the best camera is the one you have on you. There’s no point investing in a big heavy camera that you aren’t going to take with you. You are likely to always have your smartphone on you, so don’t be afraid to use it!
The main thing is to realize the limitations inherent in a smartphone. The sensors are very small, so you need to make sure there is plenty of light available. There’s also no optical zoom, so if you want to make subjects bigger, you’re going to have to move closer to them. Otherwise, the key things to remember are the importance of composing your images properly, trying to shoot with the sun behind you so it illuminates your subject properly, and ideally shooting at closer to sunrise and sunset when the light is better for photography.
Specs-wise, look for a smartphone with a fast aperture (f/1.8 or f/2.2) and optical image stabilization. These will let you capture images when there is less light available. My current favorite smartphone for photography is the LG G4 – I did a full review of it here.
For those traveling with point-and-shoot cameras, is it still possible to get good shots from these less expensive cameras? What are the limitations of these cameras and what tips do you have for those traveling with these types of cameras?
You absolutely can get good photos with compact cameras. It’s important to remember that the most critical component of photography is the photographer, not the camera – a well composed, well-lit photo can be taken with any camera in the right hands!
Of course, there are limitations to these cameras. The biggest is the sensor size – as camera’s get smaller, the size of the sensor inside is smaller. This means that they can’t capture as much light, and so won’t perform as well in darker situations, such as indoors. My main tip would be to learn as much as possible about photography composition – a good start being this article I wrote on composition!
What are you thoughts about GoPro cameras and similar cameras? For what kind of traveler, would you recommend these types of cameras?
There is a definite market for GoPro camera’s, and for their size I think they produce fantastic quality images. They do have limitations of course – you can’t zoom in or out, you can’t change the focus, and they don’t do so well when it’s dark.
However, they are the best option if you’re planning on doing more extreme activities that you want to film or take photos of, and so if you’re planning on anything that is likely to involve water, mud, dirt or snow, these are the best way to capture those moments!
How important are tripods for travel photography and for what types of photos do you typically use them? Any recommendations on tripods that work well for travel?
For landscape photography, I would argue that a tripod is essential. The reason being that humans aren’t very good at staying still. We might think we are, but as soon as you start shooting at lower shutter speeds, the movement of your hands will translate into blurry images.
Once you have a tripod, you can stop worrying about shutter speed and hand-shake, which opens up all sorts of longer exposure creative options. From shooting the stars to long exposure shots of waterfalls, a tripod will really open up possibilities.
I also prefer to use a tripod over a selfie stick for both self-portraits, couples photos, and group shots. It gives you way more control and produces a better photos. Check out this article for more tips on taking couples photos and group photos and this article for taking better solo photos.
In terms of brands for travel, in my recent personal travels I’ve been using the Vanguard brand of tripods, and particularly their VEO range. These are specifically designed for travel, with their carbon fibre model being incredibly light and portable. If you’re on a budget, they also have an aluminum option which is excellent value for money.
Travel comes with its share of risk for cameras and camera equipment and it can be heavy to just lug it around. Any tips on how you protect your equipment and ways to make it easier to carry on your travels?
A good bag can really help and keep you organized. I also recommend changing the strap from the one that your manufacturer provides to something a little more comfortable – either a sling strap or something similar. I have a number of recommended products in terms of bags and straps on my photography gear page.
In terms of protection, I always have a clear UV filter on my lenses to protect them from scratches, and if you have a sun hood for your lens that can also help.
Are there any travel photography books or workshops that you would recommend to someone wanting to take better travel photos?
Absolutely! I haven’t read a how-to book on photography for about 15 years so I don’t have any recommendations for books although there are plenty of how-to books on photography out there depending on a person’s level of expertise.
Books are great, but from my own experience, people learning photography often need a bit more, including video tutorials, practice exercises with expert feedback, and a forum to talk to other photographers. I actually get asked for my photography advice a great deal – popular questions include how to take a better picture, what camera gear to buy, and how to make money as a photographer.
So, I finally decided that the best option would be to write a photography course myself that covers absolutely everything I know about photography, right from the very basics of how a camera works, all the way through to post-processing and monetization.
The course took me months to put together, and consists of 33 lessons over 11 units – over 100,000 words of content! It also features videos of me talking about key photography points, downloadable cheat sheets, and homework assignments that come directly to me for review and feedback – plus lots more!
The course also features exclusive access to a group on Facebook where I set regular challenges and provide personal feedback and encouragement on images, plus I’m always available by e-mail to answer questions. I’ve had incredibly positive feedback about the course so far, and am really proud about how it’s turned out. It is designed for a wide range of audiences, from those who know almost nothing about photography to pros who are looking for advanced advice on things like long exposure photography, astrophotography, and post-processing.
So yes, my advice for anyone looking to take their photography to the next level would definitely be to check my Travel Photography Course out.
Many travelers are not going to invest in expensive camera equipment or take an in-depth photography workshop, but still want to have decent photos to keep for mementos and to share with family and friends. What are three easy things any traveler can do to take better photos?
First there are some essential things, and people must get the basics right to capture good images! Things like holding your camera steady and making sure your horizon is level, a minor detail but one that can ruin an otherwise great shot. I’d also suggest learning how to properly operate your camera, and what all those buttons and dials really do, so you can get yourself out of auto and start taking more control over your shots. Here are some additional tips:
One – Learn the basics of composition, including the rule of thirds, leading lines, use of color and symmetry.
Two – Take your camera with you everywhere and take more photos. Practice makes perfect!
Three – Spend some time editing your photos after you’ve taken them. Even a few minutes spend adjusting a photograph can reap tremendous benefits in terms of the final image.
To get the most out of your images, you’ll also want to shoot in RAW mode to have more control over your editing. Even if you don’t edit your RAW files now, most cameras will let you take photos in both jpeg and RAW formats. This way you can save the RAW files and be able to use them in the future as you learn more about photography editing.
For those amateur photographers out there who want to get to your level, what tips to you have for them?
Photography is a tough game to get into, like any creative pursuit. Really, you need to spend a lot of time practicing and learning your craft, as well as considering how to market yourself and what sort of photography you want to be doing. I’d suggest keeping at it, persevering, and believing in yourself. Submit your work to competitions, promote yourself on social media, and try to get your name out there.
Tell us a bit about editing and post-processing of photos. How important is post-processing in your opinion?
Post processing is really important after one learns the ins and outs of their camera and has general composition rules down. I’d say at least 50% of my photography effort is dedicated to post-processing rather than actually capturing images. The digital tools available today are fantastically powerful, and the creative possibilities are almost endless.
You might hear people saying that post-processing is somehow cheating. This is nonsense. All photos are processed. If you shoot in JPG mode, then the camera is handling the processing. I’d suggest shooting in RAW, and taking control of the editing process yourself.
What type of software do you recommend for photo editing? Are there ways to quickly edit photos from our phones?
The industry standard for photo editing is Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, although this can be a bit overwhelming as a beginner. Still, I’d recommend it if you are willing to put a bit of effort into learning how to use it – again, there are lots of tutorials online to get you going. But the importance is to edit so any photo editing program you may have on your computer will work and some cameras come with a free editing software.
For mobile editing on my phone, I use Snapseed. It’s an amazingly powerful mobile phone editing app which will allow you to significantly improve your photos. It’s intuitive, and best of all, entirely free. Available for both Android and Apple phones, as well as many tablets. Adobe Lightroom is also available for phones.
But here is a guide I wrote on a number of options for photo editing software and apps that range from free options to powerful professional software.
I know that composition is a very important element of photography. Could you tell us a bit about this and some basics about how travelers can use some of the rules of composition to get better photos?
Composition is all about creating photos that are pleasing to look at, based on the patterns and structures that the human brain finds pleasing. There are some guidelines to composing great photos – shortcuts if you will – that will help you take better photos very quickly.
The most important of these in my mind is the rule of thirds. This is where you break your photo into three equal parts, either vertically or horizontally, and put different subjects into the thirds. So for example, with a shot of a landscape, you might have one-third land and two-thirds sky. Or you might put a person standing in the right third of the image, and empty space in the left two-thirds. Most cameras allow you to overlay a grid on the screen to help you compose better photos, following the rule of thirds.
Some other compositional rules to consider include the use of color, leading lines and framing. This would be a whole post, which I have in fact already written, check out this post on composition to learn more!
How does time of day and weather play a role and affect how you take photos when you travel? What are some tips you have for taking photos in less than ideal light and weather conditions?
Time of day is really important for photography, because the light changes a great deal through the day. It is even more important for travel photography as much of it takes place outdoors.
The best times to shoot are around sunset and sunrise, the so-called “Golden Hour” and the “Blue Hour”. The Golden Hour is when the sun is still in the sky, with its proximity to the horizon resulting in light that is much more yellow in tone than during the rest of the day. The Blue Hour is when the sun has gone below the horizon, and the light has a wonderful blue tone.
During the rest of the day, and particularly around midday, the light can be much less flattering to your photos. The overhead light results in images that seem a lot flatter, with high contrast and colors that will seem to be faded. If it’s bright, maybe think about shooting silhouette shots. Or, head to the shade, and take advantage of a more diffuse type of light.
Shooting in the shade to avoid high contrast shots and doing more indoor shooting during the middle of day are ways to avoid unflattering midday photos. However, you have to work with what you have and still take that photo of the beautiful church or statue and you can also fix it up with some editing in post processing.
Of course, bad weather can also make it difficult to shoot and gray clouds, snow, and rain can make for difficult shots. If it’s stormy, incorporate the weather into your shots. For example, I love to shoot street scenes when it’s raining – you can get some lovely reflection shots with the rain, or focus on colorful umbrellas. Also be sure to protect your camera gear against rain, snow, dust, and sand!
Selfies may now be the most common type of photo shot by younger people, although the average selfie is pretty terrible from what I see on Instagram. Thoughts on selfies, and the best way to get a great selfie?
I have to be honest, I’ve not really embraced the selfie revolution! However, we have recently gotten a self stick to take couple photos (we specifically like this selfie stick model) although we don’t use it very often. But in some circumstances a selfie stick may be the best solution.
My tips, whether you are using a selfie stick or just your arm, would be the same as for any other photo – consider the composition of the photo and the story you are trying to tell. Hold your arm out as far as you can and try to hold the phone or camera as still as possible. You can always fix small issues (e.g., editing out your arm or straightening the photo) with some quick editing. A GoPro on a selfie stick can create some interesting effects.
If you are looking for a more professional photo, I’d recommend using a tripod and a camera with a timer if you can. Or more simply just ask a stranger to take a photo of you.
You can find more tips for taking solo photos and taking a better selfie here.
Millions of people take photos of iconic places like the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Using the Eiffel Tower as an example, what are some ways someone could go from an average shot to a great travel photo?
It’s almost impossible these days to get a “different” shot of the Eiffel Tower, given how many photos of the landmark have been taken! The key is creativity – maybe try shooting from an unusual location, or from a different angle. You will take a better photo that most just by considering the rules of composition, thinking about your foreground, midground and background, and then spending a little time in post-processing.
Honestly, I have found that people love just about any photo of iconic places like the Eiffel Tower, but it pays to stand out from the crowd as a professional photographer.
Finally, could you share one final tip that travelers can use to elevate their travel photography skills?
Practice! There’s no shortcut for this one I’m afraid. Skills take time to develop, and there’s no magic answer to becoming a brilliant photographer overnight. Keep at it though, and you’ll start to find yourself improving in your travel photography. As Henri Bresson said, your first 10,000 photos are the worst!
That concludes our interview with Laurence, so hopefully you picked up some tips for improving your own photos!
We hope that you found some of this travel photography tips helpful! Do you have a travel photography question for Laurence or a question about gear, recommended software, or his online photography course? Just leave it as a comment below and we’ll be happy to answer it. Also feel free to share any of your own tips you may have for those wanting to take better vacation photos!
Yusuf Post author
These travel photography do look good. Thanks for these tips!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Yusuf,
Thanks very much, glad you enjoy our travel photos and do let us know if you have any questions!
Best,
Jessica & Laurence
Apurbo Khan Post author
Great article for travel photography. Although I knew a little bit about it, I read your article and learned a little bit more than travel photography. Thanks for information.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Apurbo,
Glad our article on travel photography was helpful to you! Just let us know if you have any questions 😉
Best,
Jessica
Mark Avillino Post author
Some great travel photography beginner tips and a really great blog.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Thanks Mark, glad you enjoyed it. Just let us know if you have any questions about photography!
Golden Arrow Post author
The blog is very informative , I like all tips but keep the horizon straight is good idea for perfect shot.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Yes, indeed, when I first starting taking a lot of landscape photos, this was an issue I had and Laurence was often just fixing them in the editing process. But it is much better to compose the shot correctly first and get your horizons straight!
Ken Fernandez Post author
I just love how this article is so informative. Thank you for sharing them. I’m just a freelance photographer for a few months now. Definitely, for my part there are still a lot of things I should work on. Thank you!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Ken, Thanks for taking the time to let us know that you found the photography tips useful. If you are new to photography you might want to check out Laurence’s online travel photography course which starts with the basics like this and works its way up to more advanced techniques. Best, Jessica
Arnim Collins Post author
I am on my way to get a tripod. All my vacation photos have been taken by me or a stranger and they do not have the professional look that you have presented. Thanks so much for the tips of the trade. I envision taking better photos in my future.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Arnim, Glad you enjoyed our travel photography tips and hope you enjoy your new tripod! Best, Jessica
Luke Dawn Post author
Awesome photographs and I feel so fortunate to come across this blog post. Nice blog post with amazing stuff. Thank you.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Luke, Glad to hear and just let us know if you have any travel photography related questions! Best, Jessica
T Mathers Post author
Wow! Those are nice captures. I’ve always dreamed of learning how to take photos that great.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi there, Thanks, glad you enjoy our photography. The best thing you can do is practice, take a lot of photos, and then critique your own photos. Taking a travel photography course is also a great way to help improve your travel photography. Best, Jessica
Lizzie Post author
Wonderful post with plenty of useful info for a photography enthusiast, even an advanced travel photographer. I am saving up to travel the world diving and snorkeling and I sure know these tips will come in handy.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Lizzie, Glad you found our travel photography tips useful and best of luck in saving up money for the diving and snorkeling trips, sounds like a lot of fun. If diving is your main passion, I’d definitely consider investing in a camera and gear that is good for underwater photography. Best, Jessica
Gioko P. Post author
Nice tips for travel photography. I did not know that the tripod was this important in enhancing the quality of the shots. Actually, I thought it was for people with shaky hands, or people apt to get tired soon from holding the camera by hand. Nice pictures too!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Gioko, Thanks, glad you found our post helpful. Yes, just about all professional photographers use a tripod as it is definitely allows you to do things and get certain shots that would be difficult or impossible to do with just holding a camera in your hands. If you are looking for a tripod, we have a post on choosing a travel tripod that might be useful. Best, Jessica
edubirdie review Post author
I am currently using a Nikon D3100 for shooting photos with my family. I’m not a professional photographer, by the way. This is part of my hobby because I love taking photos of the people I love. I can say that my photography skills are of a novice and some of the questions answered here is a really big help. Thanks to you I realized that the camera is only as good as the person wielding it. I don’t usually use a tripod because I thought its only use is for making the photos balanced, but now I realize you can use it for more vivid and beautiful shots that only the stillness of the tripod can give. This blog opened my mind and it made me understand how complicated photography is. We can only develop our skills through time and practice.These tips are one of the best. Keep up the good work.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hello there, Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, and we are so happy that our travel photography tips have been helpful to you! If you are thinking about getting a tripod, you can read more about travel tripods here and there is lots more of our travel photography advice on Finding the Universe! Best, Jessica
Margie Post author
Great posts with some easy to use travel photography tips. I have noticed that photo Booths are on the rise and are the latest must have at any party especially a wedding. This is because they are great fun and all ages love going in there and setting photos done with silly poses and props. What do you think of these?
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Margie, Yes, photo booths can be fun, especially at parties and events! Also can be good for getting a visa or passport photo in some countries (like the UK) where they are set up specifically to take these. However, these are not obviously that useful for getting good travel photos at destinations as you are inside a booth rather than showing the real destination in the background. We are a fan of more candid poses which are difficult to get with photo booths. But they definitely have their place! Best, Jessica
Rojar Post author
I really love your article , this is very ideal content for any photographer. Thank you for sharing!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Rojar, Glad you enjoyed our travel photography post on tripods! Just let us know if you have any questions. Best, Jessica
Robertson Seniors Post author
Hi These photography tips are really effective and helpful for both beginner and professional too! As a passionate photographer, I’m always keen to reading about photography and getting more tips. Thanks for sharing!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Glad you found these helpful and you should definitely check out some more of Laurence’s photography and tips on Finding the Universe. He also has an online photography course that starts with the basics and continues to more professional level tips. Best, Jessica
Scott Webb Post author
Great tips! What camera would you recommend for a newbie? Me and my wife are planning to do some travels and we want to get a more professional camera while also learning how to properly use it. Thanks!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Scott, Glad you found our travel photography tips helpful! My favorite camera to recommend that is a good balance of features and image quality is the Sony A6000 range. Also worth reading is our detailed article on choosing a camera for travel across a variety of budgets and needs. Take a look and let us know if you have any other questions! Best, Laurence
sonali Post author
Amazing photographs and some great advice. Thanks and keep up the good work.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Sonali, Glad you enjoyed the travel photography tips! Do let us know if you have any questions. Best, Jessica
Gianna Post author
These are some great tips for me to get started in taking better travel photos! Thank you so much for this great helpful post.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Gianna, Glad you found our tips helpful, just let us know if you have any questions about travel photography and we are happy to answer. Best, Jessica
Selene Post author
Awesome post! Definitely some great tips and advice for amateur photographers. Practice is certainly the only thing that will develop your skills. Thanks for sharing!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Selene, Glad that this post was useful to you in helping to improve your photography skills. Yes, practice is definitely one of the most important things. Thanks for taking the time to comment! Best, Jessica
Heather Post author
This interview really highlights the complexity of photography that many novices might forget. I liked how encouraging yet realistic Laurence Norah was with his advice. Definitely a great talent – the photos are absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for sharing these helpful tips from such a reputable source!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Heather, Glad you liked the interview with Laurence about travel photography. Do let us know if you have any questions! Best, Jessica
Astrid Post author
Laurence,
I was literally gasping at every picture I came across – the are all beautiful!!
Thank so much for the detailed explanation of composition. I’ve never found one that actually explains it for a total leek like me!
I’m definitely going to take your photography course, I’m just recovering from a recent trip first!
Also, I wanted to ask, is it possible to use Snap on pictures I’ve uploaded from my snap-and-shoot digital camera to my phone?
Thanks a bunch for this amazing article!
Astrid
Laurence Post author
Thanks Astrid, appreciated. Looking forward to seeing you on the course and helping you progress 🙂
For Snap, I’m not sure if you mean Snapseed or Snapchat. So, I’ll answer for both 😉
First – yes, you can use Snapseed on any photo on your phone – I regularly pull off photos from our WiFi enabled DSLR cameras and edit them using Snapseed.
Second, Snapchat, you can also upload photos from your phone gallery to Snapchat, although I’m not a Snapchat expert so I’m not sure the precise way you do that. It definitely works on Instagram, with the caveat that you can only upload photos taken in the last 24 hours as far as I have been able to tell.
Hope this helps!
Greg s Post author
You should check out the Nik editing software for fast photo processing. You can make edits in Photoshop that would take 30 minutes without the plugin. It used to cost like 300 bucks, but Google recently made the full version free for some reason.
travelcats Post author
Thanks Greg for the tip! We use Photoshop Lightroom but I think this would be a great for those starting out and wanting a fre but powerful photo editor. Best, Jessica
Devin R Post author
Nice post and travel photography tips, definitely learned a few things from reading this! Very useful for a travel blogger like me. Tks for putting together this article.
travelcats Post author
Hi Devin, Glad you found this article helpful. If you are trying to improve your photography more, I would suggest checking out Laurence’s website which has a lot more how-to posts on photography and then if you still want more, consider his travel photography course which takes you from the basics of photography to how to shoot at a professional level, as well as tips for social media with photography. Best, Jessica
Vlad Post author
Laurence’s photo are so stunning, I’m always inspired by him and read his advice posts carefully, haha. I definitely agree that practice makes you better at photography, I’ve been looking at photos I took 5 years ago and I can clearly see a huge improvement (granted, my equipment got better too). Thanks for the tip about the tripod, I’m currently looking for a new one, the one I have is so heavy that it makes me hate carrying it around and since I recently bought a much lighter camera (Sony A6000), it’s only fair that I should adjust the weight of the tripod accordingly 😉
I have a question for Laurence: what do you think makes the difference between a good and an amazing night photo (besides the obvious things like using a tripod, long shutter speed etc) ? I’ve been more and more into night photos lately and while I like some of the photos I took, I feel like something is missing.
travelcats Post author
Hi Vlad, Thanks for the kind words and I am glad you found this article helpful. I hope you find a good new tripod. The Vanguard VEO tripods are perfect for something lightweight to travel with – I really like the carbon fiber ones.
Well, in addition to the tripod and using long exposure, I would also say making sure that you still think about the composition as a lot of people seem to not put as much thought into this as they would during the day and it can make a lot of difference. Also putting something in the foreground which can be a focal point, or at least have something in the photo that is a focal point. Hope this helps! If you are looking for more, I also cover astrophotography as a full module in my travel photography course if you really want to get more involved in night photography. As an instructor I give lots of feedback to everyone in the course who sends me photos or posts them our course Facebook group. Best ~ Laurence
Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles) Post author
Some really interesting and helpful tips here. I found the information about light and time of day particularly useful. Thank you!
travelcats Post author
Hi Clare, Yes, light and time of day can be so important, especially for outdoor photography. Weather can be problematic but even terrible weather can be used to take some moody and dramatic photos! One of my favorite pics from a trip to Key West was a photo Laurence took that captured a bolt of lightening as it is so dramatic with the clouds & lightening although it was quite a lucky shot! However, light is also important indoors as we were taking a bunch of indoor photos yesterday and we ended up having to plan it around the sunlight coming in the window as we were having so many issues with poor lighting! It is why it is also difficult to take photos in museums and churches as they often don’t offer flattering light conditions. ~ Jessica
Sally@Toddlers on Tour Post author
Thanks for the advice on what type of camera to purchase. I still just use a point and shoot but am frustrated when trying to take pictures when there is low light. So good to know which way to go toward a light weight camera that works well.
travelcats Post author
Hi Sally! I think many people choose to use a smartphone or point-and-shoot camera to take their photos as these are easy, lightweight, and convenient devices. A good point-and-shoot has some advantages over a basic smartphone camera although it does have its drawbacks to a mirrorless or DSLR, as the sensors tend to be much smaller and post-processing (editing) options are usually limited. However, the best camera is the one you are going to actually carry on you and a point-and-shoot is easy to throw in one’s purse, pocket, or put around one’s neck. I would suggest focusing on trying to get the best photos you can by understanding the way your camera works, mastering the rules of composition, and learning about how lighting can affect your photos can really raise your level of photos to the next level. A professional level camera is really needed if you plan to print large sized photos or sell photos but otherwise if you using your photos to show friends, publish on websites and social media, and print at a small size, a good photo is a good photo, and it can be difficult to tell what kind of camera was used. Jess used a point-and-shoot for a long time and many of her photos are quite nice looking for use in a blog post, they just would not be able to be used to sell professionally or print at a large size. The next step up would be a smaller mirroless camera as many of these are not that much bigger or heavier than a point-and-shoot. If you have any questions, I am happy to answer them! ~ Laurence
Sally@Toddlers on Tour Post author
Thank you so much for all your advise Laurence. Good to know that you feel the point and shoot provide adequate photos for travel blogs. At this stage I don’t feel my photos are good enough quality to sell, however I will check out your posts that you link to on composition as this is an aspect of my limited photography skills that I am still trying to develop.
travelcats Post author
You’re very welcome and just let us know if you have any questions as you develop your photography skills! ~ Jessica
Paula McInerney Post author
I nearly forgot to comment as I was sending the link for this post to my husband. Ok, he is the next room but he will be interested in reading the hints and tips given. The links also give valuable information, so this was a very useful for us. Thanks guys.
travelcats Post author
Hi Paula, Glad you and your husband found our travel photography tips article helpful! Let me know if you have any questions after reading through the resources. If you are interested in investing more time in photography, my travel photography course covers 33 lessons and includes personalized feedback, homework assignments, webinars, and 24/7 email access to me 🙂 ~ Laurence
Dean Post author
I think my photos are pretty good for an amateur but I hope to improve constantly. Reading advice from people such as yourself always helps. Thanks. Now i’m off to buy a tripod!
travelcats Post author
Hi Dean! I work with Vanguard (U.S. based tripod company) as an ambassador and you can get a 20% discount if you choose to go with any of their products. It is 20% off everything in the Vanguard US store with discount code FindingTheUniverse. For traveling, I recommend the VEO line of tripods (carbon fiber is better quality but aluminum are less expensive) and my favorite full-size tripod is their Alta Pro 254 CT. Obviously I am biased towards Vanguard since that is what I use, but other companies also make great travel tripods as well and this article includes a comparison of 4 different travel friendly tripods. Feel free to email us if you have any questions about choosing a tripod! ~ Laurence
Ruth Post author
I have admired Laurence’s work for a long time. It is a pleasure to see his photos from all over the world (I follow on Instagram). This Q&A session is packed with info. I am interested in getting a mirror less camera..
travelcats Post author
Hi Ruth, Ah, that is so nice to hear!! I am glad you found this Q&A post helpful. It was Jess’s idea and she really wanted me to write something that would appeal to a wide audience. We own two Panasonic mirrorless cameras and have some advice about some others as well. Very happy to talk to you about options I would recommend if you want to email us with your budget, any brand preferences, and what you generally use it for, etc. ~ Laurence
Corinne Post author
Jess, Great post. I think you definitely did hit on all the major questions. Are you guys going to be in Stockholm?
travelcats Post author
Hi Corinne, Thanks! Um, we don’t know yet about Stockholm as we wanted to go but aren’t sure anymore. We are definitely going to be at the Travel Influencer Summit (in Colorado) and TBC Asia (PTBA conference in Sri Lanka) which are back-to-back in June so we likely won’t head to TBEX Europe unless we are invited to speak. We had wanted to go but we need to prioritize conferences this year as we want to try to hit WTM this year since it is more appropriate given we now live in the UK and is a good place for English-language bloggers. We may also attend The Social Travel Summit if we are home since it is in Scotland this year. What about you? Hope we run into you two again this year somewhere in the world! ~ Jessica
Anda Post author
Great article! As a passionate photographer, I’m interested in reading about photography and getting more tips. It’s always good to hear from likeminded people.
travelcats Post author
Thanks Anda, glad you like the article. Yes, I think most people think that good photography is easy, but those who do it professionally like Laurence really know how much practice and learning it takes to be truly good at it! ~ Jessica
Arnie Post author
Thanks for this very helpful article. The thing that I have found most difficult in my own photographic endeavors, is not the mechanics, but the composition of the image. Such a struggle to achieve.
travelcats Post author
Hi Arnie, Yes, I think after learning how your camera works (which it sounds you got down!), composition is probably the most important part of photography! I would recommend reading the linked article where I cover the main basic composition rules that can really help improve an average photo and take it to the next level. Feel free to ask me if you have any specific question. Also, if you’re still struggling, consider taking a class or course to get detailed personalized feedback. In my own photography course, my students regularly submit their photos to me and to others in the course for feedback. The issue is that friends, family and strangers often tell us our photos are all great, without giving any helpful critique. Best wishes, Laurence
Seana Turner Post author
Wow – these are some amazing photographs. My brother-in-law is also a photographer, and I know that true photographers have a lot of knowledge, patience and skill. For me, I think I’ll check out Snapseed. Sounds like just the kind of thing I would actually use.
travelcats Post author
Hi Seana, Yes, I think most people think photography is very easy and of course, some aspects of it are, but it takes a long time to be really good at it. I can take a good photo, but I am not very proficient at the editing like Laurence who is a master at Lightroom and he does all the technical shoots with long-exposure and night photography. If you use your phone to take photos and like to share them on social media or by email, Snapseed is a fantastic (and free!) app that is a great photo editor! Laurence recommend it to everyone 🙂 ~ Jessica