What Makes A Good Travel Photo? Here Are Some Tips To Improve Your Shots

Posted by Barbara M. Runion on February 28th, 2020

One of the biggest reasons why people want to travel around the world is to take the best travel photos they can post on social media. While there’s no harm in taking a few selfies and applying filters on them before posting, they don’t necessarily make amazing travel photos that can be used for more than just an Instagram post.



travel stock photography is very popular for so many reasons. They are high-quality pictures that can be featured in print and online magazines. Since your Instagram photo won’t qualify for a travel stock photo, here are a few tips that can improve your shots:

1. Capture The Moment

Travel photos that capture the real essence of having fun while traveling is key. Spending too much time setting the scene and trying to create something out of nothing makes the picture look unnatural. If you have a subject you can direct, a few notes here and there can help, but candid and natural photos tend to be the best when it comes to travel photography. Do your best to capture the moment and avoid manufacturing them.

2. Picture A Variety Of Scenes

Selfie after selfie is not the most attractive photography portfolio. Yes, you can take a few shots of yourself enjoying your travels, but a great travel photography collection contains a variety of sceneries. Everything from the locals you interact with, the tourist attractions, hidden gems, scenic views, and landscapes should be included.

3. Tell A Story

By taking photographs of different scenes, a travel photographer can easily tell a story using images. No words are necessary to convey their journey and experiences. No, this doesn’t mean taking a picture every step of the way and arranging them in chronological order, telling a story through pictures simply means that the best moments of your travels are preserved in film forever.


4. Showcase Raw Emotions

Emotions help make a good picture of something beautiful and memorable. Showing emotions through photography doesn’t have to mean that a person is the subject of the picture. A good photographer can capture the raw and emotion that is the purity and beauty of a sunrise from the other side of the world.

The power and force of nature can be showcased through a picture of a wave on a turbulent beach. Travel photography is more than just capturing the typical and usual, it’s about looking for beauty in every experience and immortalizing them through a photograph that will spark a deep connection to anyone who sees it.

5. Take A LOT Of Pictures

Practice makes the best travel photos. It’s nearly impossible to become the best travel photographer after just taking a couple of shots. In fact, some photographers take years and years to master their skills and talents. Be patient with yourself and enjoy every scene and shot you capture with your camera.

The more pictures you take, the more you have the chance to learn from mistakes and successes. Keep clicking and eventually, you too can become a travel stock photography genius.

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Barbara M. Runion

About the Author

Barbara M. Runion
Joined: February 28th, 2020
Articles Posted: 1