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31 Most Famous Travel Photographers to Follow in 2024

Want to know the best travel photographers to follow on Instagram? Get inspired by these 31 incredible travel photography accounts!

Famous Photographers | Learn | By Jeff Collier

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You’re about to discover 31 of the best travel photographers on Instagram in 2024.

I’ll introduce you to award-winning travel photographers who fly around the world in search of the most incredible photos.

I’ll also answer some frequently asked questions related to travel photographers in general.

You’ll find a ton of inspiration for your own travel photography in this guide.

You should also check out our related guides:

• Most famous photographers in the world
• Most famous celebrity photographers
• Most famous street photographers
• Most famous fashion photographers
• Most famous underwater photographers

Table of Contents

Who Are The Most Famous Travel Photographers in 2024?

Chris burkard.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by ChrisBurkard (@chrisburkard)

Burkard is a self-taught photographer who has truly mastered the art of taking breathtaking landscapes and action-filled portraits.

• What is the Best Camera for Travel Photography?

Lauren Bath

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Lauren Bath | Australia (@laurenepbath)

Her Instagram feed showcases her unique perspective in highly saturated landscapes and atmospheric wildlife photography .

She also gives you behind-the-scenes photography insights into how she goes about capturing her travel photos.

Joshua Cripps

@joshuacrippsphotography

Joshua Cripps is a well-known American photographer , international speaker, and tour leader. His epic landscapes are somehow able to capture the feeling of being there yourself.

Melissa Hie

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by ❤️ Mel’s Food & Travel log (@girleatworld)

This concept allows her to share tiny moments from around the world in fun and unique ways.

• Read more: What hashtags get the most attention on Instagram?

Lucy Rose Laucht

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Lucy Rose Laucht (@lucylaucht)

As a Leica ambassador, her passion and dedication to her craft shows up in every image, from beach scene to cityscape.

Even now, when most people take photographs with their phones, there’s still a lot to learn from film photography where every shot is precious.

• Best travel camera for blogging

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Sam Horine (@samhorine)

His Instagram account features life around him, with images from the city and the natural wonders his day job brings him to document.

Chase Guttman

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Chase Guttman (@chaseguttman)

He uses a drone to shoot amazing landscape photography in a different light, and he finds beauty in the repeating patterns you can see from above.

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• What is the best lens for travel photography?

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Gab Scanu | Travel • Photography (@gabscanu)

His duo-toned landscape shots are framed with a manmade element that helps the viewer focus on the natural beauty of the outdoors and be reminded of man’s interaction with it.

Glenn Lee Robinson

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Adventure Enthusiasts (@adventurenthusiasts)

From snowy mountains in Yosemite to a bird’s eye view of Lake Tahoe, his photos highlight the sheer beauty of California’s national parks and forests.

Senai Senna

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Senna Relax (@sennarelax)

In the meantime, I like to look at his tagged locations for travel inspiration and where I want to go next.

Lisa Michele Burns

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Lisa Michele Burns (@the_wanderinglens)

The pastel colors of sunset and the misty aura of waterfalls and ocean spray fill her feed with calming energy.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Gary Arndt (@everythingeverywhere)

While he doesn’t post new images often, his reputation as a three-time Travel Photographer of the Year means that every post or reel is a must-see.

• Who are the 33 most famous architecture photographers?

Manuel Dietrich

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Manuel Dietrich | Germany 🇩🇪 | Travel | Hiking (@manueldietrichphotography)

Dietrich’s Instagram grid showcases his teal-orange-green style in a way that’s deeply inspiring. Instead of applying a filter to any photograph, he makes sure his subject fits into his style.

Laurence and Jessica Norah

View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Laurence Norah (@lozula)

As full-time photography bloggers, they share their expertise in planning trips and documenting them.

Their Instagram feed is an approachable portfolio of experiences that almost anyone can learn from and emulate on their next big trip.

Colby Brown

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Colby Brown (@colbybrownphotography)

One feature of Brown’s photograph descriptions is the camera settings or equipment he uses. For most shots, he lets you know which lens and body he used, which is helpful when you’re ready for an upgrade.

Richard Bernabe

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Richard Bernabe (@bernabephoto)

His adventure photos from around the world move people to think about conserving the natural environment that he is so good at capturing.

• Read more: How do I start adventure photography?

Alex Strohl

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Alex Strohl (@alexstrohl)

His Instagram feed is more like a collection of mini blog posts behind the scenes of taking and producing images that you can share with the world.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Sam (@sam.vox)

Don’t miss out on Vox’s reels which provide a behind-the-scenes look at the day’s work. Some photos are taken with a small point-and-shoot which proves that the best camera is the one that you have with you.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Art Wolfe (@artwolfe)

His extensive archive of Instagram images showcases why he’s known as a master of color, composition and perspective.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Bob Krist (@bobkristphoto)

Because of his experience, his Instagram travel photographs have a range of styles and subjects that I – and many others – look to for inspiration.

Timothy Allen

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Timothy Allen (@timothy_allen)

Paul Nicklen

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Paul Nicklen (@paulnicklen)

Nicklen’s skill in composing his photos is something I study before going on a trip and again before I edit my shots. His use of framing and composition takes his photos from snapshots to masterpieces.

Michael Yamashita

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Michael Yamashita (@yamashitaphoto)

His books, workshops, and lectures help him share his passion for historic explorers and the landscapes that they would have seen in ancient times.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Yosigo (@yosigo_yosigo)

Whether it’s a trip to the beach or an abandoned parking garage, he has the ability to portray the modern world in a fresh light.

Navaneeth Unnikrishnan

View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Navaneeth Unnikrishnan (@navaneeth_unnikrishnan)

Ami Vitale is a renowned photographer who has travelled to over 100 countries and published a book showing pandas being released into the wild.

Lola Akinmade Åkerström

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by PhotoShelter (@photoshelter)

Jord Hammond

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by JORD | TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY (@jordhammond)

Eric Rubens

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Eric Rubens 🌅 Travel & Photography (@ericrubens)

Though the colors in his landscapes must be highly edited, his skill in knowing what to highlight and when to stop makes his dreamy seascapes something special.

• Read more: Who are the most famous landscape photographers?

Elia Locardi

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Elia Locardi (@elialocardi)

From a once-in-a-lifetime photo of the Northern Lights to a series of shots documenting the city’s skyline, he knows how to draw you into his world.

Matjaž Krivic

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Matjaz Krivic Photography (@krivicmatjaz)

The emotion of the trip is evident in every shot, which he shares on his Instagram feed.

FAQs about Travel Photographers

What is considered as a travel photographer?

Anyone who uses a camera to document the world and showcase what makes a location unique. Instagram travel photographers may have a defined vision or may take inspiration from an area’s landscape, food, people and history.

Is it hard to be a travel photographer?

It takes dedication, and it can be hard at times. My favorite photographers are skilled with both a camera and a computer, and they work almost as hard at marketing themselves and teaching others as they do in capturing the perfect picture.

Are travel photographers in demand?

Yes! The travel industry is not slowing down, which means that the demand for new photographs and videos of exciting locations around the world is still high.

Does travel photography pay well?

Instagram travel photographers may be paid by brand sponsorships and marketing agencies for the trips they take. They can make money selling prints of their work directly online or through galleries . Many even guide trips and have online classes teaching others how to recreate their style.

Check out these 8 essential tools to help you succeed as a professional photographer.

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Jeff Collier is an experienced film photographer who enjoys experimenting with modern digital photography equipment, software and apps. He’s also an ex-world champion triathlete and avid cyclist, clocking hundreds of km each week in the beautiful Tweed Valley of northern NSW, Australia.

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Described by past clients as professional, unique, exceptional and inspiring, UK based award winning photographer Kimberley Coole is available for assignment or commission both locally and internationally, specialising in travel photography. Her photographs have been featured in numerous publications, both on the covers and internally, she has been interviewed by high profile photography magazines, and she has undertaken assignments from both Tourism Boards and Airlines.

Kimberley is also a member of X-Rite's prestigious Coloratti group, a guest blogger for Manfrotto Imagine More, a Manfrotto Ambassador, and a multi-image finalist for the prestigious Travel Photographer of the Year Award 2012 plus a category winner for the Eyes on Asia Awards 2013.

Her work is represented exclusively by the world's leading stock photography agency, Getty Images, within the Lonely Planet Images Collection; so when time permits, Kimberley travels to create new and exciting stock imagery to add to her already large and vibrant collection.

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Travel Photographer London  | Commercial Travel Photographer

(+44) 07762 900 132

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Stuart Bailey  provides  travel and destination photographs to travel magazines and tourist boards, as well as airlines and other travel companies around  the  world.

Stuart's travel photography is clean, crisp, and vibrant.  Finding's  new and  interesting   vantages points and angles to shoot from to capture peoples attention.

Stuart Bailey is based in London, UK, but available for commissions to worldwide destinations and attractions.

Get in touch today to see how Stuart Bailey can help you!

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Please email Stuart Bailey at [email protected] with  your travel and destination photography requirements, or call Stuart on (+44) 07762 900 132 .

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How to become a travel photographer – and get paid to travel the world

Do you have what it takes to become a travel photographer? Our team of experts share their tips and advice…

Do you have what it takes?

There’s much more to becoming a travel photographer than exploring exotic destinations and clicking your shutter. Getting up at stupid-o-clock to catch the perfect sunrise, carrying a camera that’s heavier than four backpacks, skipping meals in the quest for perfect light, and missing out on the travel experience because you’re too busy taking photos, are just a few of the downsides.

Loving travel and having an eye for a great shot are not enough. You need patience, both in waiting for (or creating) that perfect shot, and in terms of your career: you’re unlikely to make it overnight.

You need stamina to cope with hectic schedules and long days; you need a business brain to market your work successfully; you need to be creative and come up with new angles to stand out from the crowd; and you need to have the right equipment.

What work is there?

The design and advertising industries pay the highest – you could earn thousands if your images are used in a high-profile campaign. However, this work is hard to come by and only available to those who’ve already proved themselves.

Books, magazines, newspapers, calendars, cards and websites all need travel images. Having an area of expertise will help you to sell shots.

The easiest route is to build up a portfolio of travel photography and approach an image library – an organisation that holds thousands of images by hundreds of photographers, which publications can search through.

Some libraries already have enough travel shots, but the big online stock libraries are always looking for fresh images, and want to offer as much as variety as possible. So, if you want to submit to a particular library, check you have a good range of high-quality images that are different from the library’s current selection (and as good as, or better!). Libraries will also take a cut of the money you make from selling your images, typically 50%.

Photographing a koala (Dreamstime)

Advice from the experts…

1. paul harris, professional travel photographer.

“Check out the The British Association of Picture Libraries and Agencies [BPLA] for relevant library requirements,” says professional photographer Paul Harris. “And ensure you have used as many relevant keywords as possible to tag your photos,” says Paul.

Away from libraries, Paul suggests thinking laterally about organisations to approach. “Travel companies use photographers for their websites and brochures. But they don’t even have to be travel-related companies. NGOs like Oxfam often use photographers to document their work. Some pay basic expenses and/or day rates.”

2. Lyn Hughes, editor-in-chief, Wanderlust

“Back when we started Wanderlust , we would invite photographers in with their portfolios. Nowadays, although we do commission some work, we increasingly use online stock libraries to find images for this website and for our magazines. On the one hand, the libraries have a wide range and make it very easy to search. On the other hand, we can find ourselves wading through pages of very average shots that don’t offer anything different or fresh. And, so often we struggle to find what we need due to poor tagging by the photographers.”

Another approach is to enter travel photography competitions. Wanderlust ’s annual Travel Photo of the Year competition is the UK’s largest travel photography competition, and has categories specifically for amateurs as well as one that is open to professionals.

The winners of the competition get a photo commission to an exotic destination – great experience and priceless exposure, as the images are printed in Wanderlust . Many of the past winners of this competition have gone on to become professional or semi-professional photographers. “We are often been approached for the contact details of certain photographers,” says Lyn. “Organisations, such as travel companies or tourist boards, sometimes want to buy an image for their own use, or to see what else the photographer has in a similar vein. It can be a fantastic showcase.”

Lyn’s last tip is to have your own website. “Show off your work on Instagram and Facebook, but do ensure you have a good, easy to use website too. It should have some of your best work (with lots of keywords!), any specialities, and awards/competitions you have won, and your contact details. It’s too easy to get carried away, add thousands of images, and forget the basics. Keep it simple.”

What makes good travel photography?

A pretty picture is not enough. It needs to be high quality and it needs to be original. For magazines, you need to consider issues such as leaving space on the image for word placement, positioning your subject off-centre so it doesn’t fall down the page join, and possibly placing the subject on the right-hand side of a landscape shot for maximum impact.

Pictures for editorial features are more than decoration – they need to help tell the story. An image can be stunning but if it has no relevance to the text it will be discarded. The image has to fit the brief. For example, the image on a Wanderlust cover must make the reader think: “I want to be there”.

How to get that job

Be committed. Like any job for which competition is tough, you have to stick at it. “The only way to make a living from travel photography is if you make it a full-time job,” says Richard I’Anson, travel photographer and founder of Lonely Planet Images.

• Don’t undersell yourself. You might be doing your dream job, but you can’t do it for love alone – that won’t pay the bills and it will undermine your status as a professional. If clients are buying your work they should pay the going rate. I’Anson advises: “Don’t give pictures away in return for an airfare or hotel accommodation. It’s much harder to charge once you’ve set a precedent like that.”
• Be objective. Try to see your work through the eyes of potential clients. I’Anson says: “You have to separate the travel experience from the pictures. How you got the picture is not of any interest to photo editors or clients – they just want good pictures.”
• Be original. There must be hundreds of near-perfect shots of the Taj Mahal – what will make yours stand out?
• Find a speciality. Carving yourself a niche – as a bird expert or underwater specialist, for example – might make it easier to make a name for yourself. Ideally find one that interests you.
• Hone your skills. Get your photography to a high standard, both technically and creatively, before you head off on an expensive trip.
• Get the gear. With camera equipment you get what you pay for – and it’s expensive. The minimum you’ll need is a digital SLR with a high-quality lens.

A word from a pro… Steve Benbow

Steve Benbow’s work has appeared in many newspapers, but how did he get it there?

“I left photographic college in 1989 – a good technical grounding is essential, be it on a photography course or as a photographic assistant. However, finding a travel photographer willing to take you under their wing is almost impossible. Most work alone and fast, with little time to explain things.

After college I got a job with Raleigh International as a full-time expedition photographer. This came about thanks to a retired colonel who liked my diverse portfolio – and because I had a lot of front. I was very lucky and have no front anymore…

My seven expeditions with Raleigh enabled me to produce an extensive range of travel images, some of which are still in my portfolio today.

I’ve since been involved in various ad campaigns, and I’ve had many photojournalism commissions – everything from work for World Vision in Uganda to a feature on naked rambling in Palm Springs.

Top tip: “The market is almost saturated so you need to provide something special. Look around for unusual angles or something quirky.”

Photographing along the coast (Dreamstime)

Want more expert advice?

Aspiring and amateur photographers – why not enter wanderlust ‘s travel photo of the year competition, love photography check out these tips:, how to make your travel photos unique, how to shoot great portraits, how to take amazing wildlife photos.

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My photography style is all about documenting the real moments, the bits in between and the natural reactions. I am passionate about good imagery, good framing and composition. I have been a Flytographer for over 8 years and after hundreds of shoots I can promise you we'll have an amazing time and the best photos to take home. You'll also become a pro at posing "without posing"! I'll show you how! I was a copywriter in an advertising agency in Colombia before I packed my bags and came to London, 19 years ago and counting... I love this city so much!

Born and raised in Hong Kong, then left for Canada to 'perfect' my English speaking before settling in London after my higher education. Having travelled to many cities at an early age, London is by far my favourite and my images show. Photography has been the witness to my life journey throughout and I am glad to be doing the same to all my clients, capturing and documenting the perfect moments at all stages of their lives, with some editorial twists, from proposals, and maternity, to newborn babies, all the way to senior and graduations. I am an awarded photographer with my photos exhibited around the world.

My style is natural, fun, and relaxed. I LOVE London and am super excited to share my favourite spots with you! I've been a photographer for 18 years and was a stylist assistant before that working on magazine shoots, music videos, and movies. I love capturing moments and the stories which accompany them!

I was born and bred in London, studied in London for Film school, and I'm still here years later, so to say that I love this city is an understatement! I truly believe that having your photographs taken should never be a stressful experience which is why I take a natural and relaxed approach with my photography. My job has taken me to incredible places both nationally and internationally - from photographing at 5-star hotels to London Fashion Week to family shoots, love stories and proposals in London - I love it all.

My style covers classic portraiture and reportage. I shoot predominantly in natural light with couples and families. I look for connection, storytelling and candid but decisive moments.

Hello, I am an Irish photographer enjoying life in London with my husband and our two boys age four and nine. During the past two decades I've been fortunate enough to travel and live in many different parts of the world including China, USA, Australia, India and Africa. Traveling through these places definitely led me to a career in photography. I appreciate great locations and love to connect with people and to hear about their life experiences during a photo shoot. My approach to each assignment is playful and fun and I hope that comes across in my work. I hold a BA (Hons) Degree in Photography from Ireland.

I'm a friendly, creative and enthusiastic person, and a lover of animals and nature! I am a full-time photographer specializing in couple, family and marriage proposal photography. I'm originally from Madrid. I've worked in different cities like San Francisco, Paris, London, NYC, Miami, Barcelona, Oxford and Boston. My photography style is natural, joyful, and fresh. I love capturing real emotions and candid moments. Artificial poses are completely against my view on how photography should be. My goal is to make you feel comfortable and to immortalize the connection between people.

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London, the bustling capital of England and the United Kingdom brings travellers in from around the world for its rich history and unforgettable sights. Visitors can admire art masterpieces, delight in an afternoon of high tea with delicate pastries, and finish a day with a walking tour of the famous Piccadilly Circus. The metropolitan city of London is a fascinating and influential city with many world-class places for photo shoots. Among the favourites of local photographers are family photo shoots at Tower Bridge, surprise proposals along Covent Garden, and treading a little off-the-beaten-path to capture the avant-garde lifestyle at Shoreditch. Whether you’re from the city, planning a family vacation, or celebrating a special milestone, our London photographers are ready to capture your memories.

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• 10 Inspiring Travel Photographers to Watch
• Inspiration
• By Lisa Michele Burns

When it comes to the business of inspiring wanderlust, travel photography plays a crucial role. It’s a profession about creating images that encapsulate the culture and sense of place along with the landscape and light. One where you strive to showcase a unique perspective and take photos that make people want to jump on a plane to experience that exact moment captured with your camera.

Travel photography is all around us. The dream of visiting far away places is alive and well which has led to a boom in visual marketing and creative content. Social media has provided an endless supply of inspirational images where at the click of a button you can see a photo from any corner of the world. It can be overwhelming to have so much content available and as a photographer, sometimes it can feel like your work is getting lost in a sea of talent.

Which leads me to this article. I started The Wandering Lens to share my own travel photography ( www.lisamicheleburns.com ) with the aim of unearthing beautiful destinations via guides for travel photographers or just anyone hoping to take some cool shots on holiday. While that is still the core of the site’s existence, I also want to shed a little light on photographers making waves in the world of travel photography and begin sharing career advice .

For the past few weeks I’ve been searching for ten photographers whose work is refreshing and inspiring. I could have easily put together a list of 100…and maybe sometime soon I will, but for now, take a peek at ten travel photographers worth following on their adventures around the world. I asked about their career aspirations, dream photography itinerary and also to share a piece of advice for those hoping to improve their photography!

To learn more about working as a travel photographer, you can read my guide here and also an updated version for 2021 here .

*Please note this article was compiled in 2016, an updated version is on the way!

Scroll down to have a peek at their work and hear what they answered…

Annapurna Mellor, UK

Website –  annapurnamellorphotography.com

Instagram – @annapurnauna

#1 Describe your work/career aspirations:  In the long run, I hope to make a living from my photography and writing full-time. At the moment, I am trying to build my portfolio, write for different publications and expand my income sources by setting up a print shop, working with different stock libraries and approaching different publications. I’m also very interested in working with NGO’s and expanding my work into Photojournalism while still keeping that travel/cultural foundation. I love to tell stories, and this is where my main inspiration for photography comes from, so hopefully in the future I’ll have more chance to do that.

#2 What is your dream travel itinerary?  I’ve spent most of the last three years in Asia and I am still in love with the continent. I would love to spend more time exploring and photographing the Himalayan region- Ladakh, Tibet, Bhutan and the remote corners of Nepal. I’d love to build my portfolio around the Himalayas and Tibetan culture, as I feel a very strong connection to this part of the world and the lifestyle of the people. I’m also fascinated by Central Asia and that blend of Islamic and Asian culture- so I think Afghanistan and Iran would also be a dream trip, perhaps over landing across that whole region for a photo book.

#3 Share a piece of advice for how people can improve their photographs?  The simplest advice I can give is to get up before dawn and shoot through golden hour before the light gets too harsh. I love soft light in my images, and most tourists don’t get up this early so you have more of a chance of capturing a scene reflecting true local culture. Timing your travels during festivals, and getting off the beaten track to unusual markets also helps create more interesting images which no one else will have. The internet is now so saturated with photography, you really have to think outside the box to create images which are unique and reflect your personal style and vision of the world. Thinking in that way will help your photography to grow much more than spending money on fancy equipment or following the photography rule book ever will.

Charlie Keating, USA

Website – https://charliekeating.wixsite.com/charliekeating

Instagram – @charlie_keating

#1 Describe your work/career aspirations:   I am currently studying business in school, but have been learning how to start my own business through photography and have learned an incredible amount through that. I hope to one day be able to support myself and a family through travel and photography as Chris Burkard does.

#2 What is your dream travel itinerary?  My dream travel itinerary is to road trip from San Diego to Canada and back down through Wyoming and such to Los Angeles. I’d stop at all the major spots on the way and shoot surf photography and incredible landscapes up the coast. Then I’d get a different perspective in the PNW and Canada with all the waterfalls and lakes and gloomier weather.

#3 Share a piece of advice for how people can improve their photographs?  One piece of advice I would give is to be constantly shooting. If you can bring your camera wherever you go, you will figure out through trial and error what you like, what your style is, and it will improve you photographs tremendously.

Blake Polden, Australia

Instagram – @blakepolden

#1 Describe your work/career aspirations:  For me it all comes down to being happy, if I can “create a life I don’t need a vacation from” then that is what I aspire to do. But in saying that, of course I hope to one day, hopefully soon, do travel photography full time. Nothing would be better than seeing and experiencing new cultures and sights regularly whilst capturing them. That would be the dream, and one I intend to make a reality!

#2 What is your dream travel itinerary?  This is honestly the hardest question for me, there isn’t a place on this earth I don’t want to visit, so to narrow it down is pain staking. But the dream at the moment would be to live the #vanlife driving across North America and into Canada!

#3 Share a piece of advice for how people can improve their photographs?  Constant persistence. Pick up a camera and go shoot! There’s only way to improve you’re craft and that is constantly practice, to be persistent and I promise you, you will improve! I believe it’s the best feeling in the world, to press that shutter and know you’ve just frozen time, captured a moment, for me it’s the closet thing we have to magic! Another small piece of advice is don’t worry about your gear, it’s not important, you’re ideas and creativity is more important!

Sam Deuchrass, New Zealand

Website – http://samdeuchrass.com/

Instagram – @samdeuchrass

#1 Describe your work/career aspirations:  Photography for me has been a gateway to explore new places, travel and go on adventures with like minded people, so my aspirations coincide with this. My goal is to become a contributing photographer for National Geographic, and to work on projects that portray nature and the outdoors with a unique perspective. Ultimately I would love to inspire the next generation of creative individuals with my work.

#2 What is your dream travel itinerary?  Social Media has been a great source of creative inspiration, after following a few of my favourite photographers I have several locations that I would include in my dream travel itinerary. However if I were to limit these to a few locations they would be Iceland, Norway and Canada. The geographically diversity of Iceland that includes breathtaking landscapes of fire and ice. The Norway fjords, auroras and mountains. Finally spots within Canada such as Banff and Jasper. Other locations that I would love to photograph include Yosemite National Park (USA), Faroe Islands and South Georgia.

#3 Share a piece of advice for how people can improve their photographs?  Simplicity. Often great landscape photography follows the concept of less is more, by removing clutter and minimising the wealth of information within a landscape photograph it leads to bolder compositions and a clean outcome. I include a person as a subject matter in a lot of my adventure themed images as it shows scale, relatability and the relationship between man and nature.

Yulia Denisyuk,  Kazakhstan + USA

Website – yulia-denisyuk.com

Instagram – @insearchofperfect

#1 Describe your work/career aspirations:  I strongly believe in the power of travel to make us better human beings. Through exposure to other cultures, ways of life, and modes of thinking, we become more tolerant and gain a new understanding about ourselves and our relationship with the world. My aspiration is to produce work that inspires others to travel and to get to know people from backgrounds different than their own.

#2 What is your dream travel itinerary?  I have recently returned from a trip to South-East Asia, a region that has a wonderful mix of natural and cultural beauty. My dream travel itinerary would combine these elements:

Iceland – to capture the light in the Land of Fire and Ice

Finland – to document daily lives of the indigenous Sami people

Mongolia – to follow the winds across the Gobi Desert

Namibia – to trace the peaks of the Sossusvlei dunes

Chile – to explore the art and music of the Mapuche culture

#3 Share a piece of advice for how people can improve their photographs?

• Start with the story you would like to tell through your image. As a photographer, you have the power to impact the viewer through your visual art. It is easy to capture something; it is more difficult to tell a story. Think about what emotion or feeling you would like to leave the audience with. This is your foundation.
• Think about the light. In my view, this is a single most important element of a photograph that can help you tell your story in a powerful way.
• Use the other elements of photography (composition, technique, editing style) to reinforce your foundation – the story you’d like to tell.

Jacob Sjoman, Sweden

Website –  sjomanart.com

Instagram – @sjomanart

#1 Describe your work/career aspirations:  I really believe you should always try shooting for the stars and living your dream. To me, this is sharing beautiful and inspirational locations. Whether it’s in Iceland or in the Caribbean I’m always up for the challenge travelling to new places and find new adventures. My plan for the future is to visit more inspiring locations and encourage more people to travel.

#2 What is your dream travel itinerary?  I would love to start out shooting photos first in New Zealand, later moving on for South Africa and then end up to Canada. If I had to choose one, it would definitely be New Zealand. For the countries I’ve visited so far, I would say Norway and Iceland have the best looking nature – but it’s always a matter of taste.

#3 Share a piece of advice for how people can improve their photographs?  Be different and always challenge yourself. Find your own spot and add your own flavour.

Max Coquard, France

Website –  bestjobersblog.com

Instagram – @maxcoquard

#1 Describe your work/career aspirations:  Started photography in the fashion industry in Paris, I radically changed life and style as I tagged along on Elisa’s unique journey in Australia, as part of the Best Jobs in the World. From studio shootings with artificial lights and models, I found myself a bit disorientated in the middle of the great Australian outdoors. But it was the revelation, photographing the beauty of nature & wildlife is what I love the most nowadays. My work is mainly shown online on our travel blog and social media posts. Since we came back from Australia (2015), my first aim was to be able to live from my photography skills. Second step will to be published and recognised in the travel & tourism industry.

#2 What is your dream travel itinerary?  I absolutely love taking photos of animals, Canada and its big mammals should be a perfect fit. Africa has been on the list for a while for the same reason but still no plan of getting there. India is also on my mind. I dream about capturing the characters and colors of this giant country. Everything must be so different to what I’m used to.

#3 Share a piece of advice for how people can improve their photographs?  Never take something for granted, your photography skills can always be improved. Learn from others, test, experience. Personally, I try to always look with a fresh eye, as if I would discover a place for the very first time (even my house, my country side) because the light is always different and so is the shot.

Jonathan Sander, Australia

Website – driftandwander.com.au

Instagram – @iamjonathan

#1 Describe your work/career aspirations:  By day I work at a not-for-profit as a designer. After hours and on the weekend I run my own freelance design business, run my blog, and explore whatever natural or urban wilderness I can find. I always try and live creatively and because of photography, I now see everyday life in angles, lines of perspective and different shades of light. I’m not sure where photography will take me, ideally I’d love to be getting paid for the types of photos that I love to shoot and though that seems like a pretty tough goal, I think almost anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

#2 What is your dream travel itinerary?  My dream travel itinerary (right now anyway, this changes a lot!) is pretty simple. 2 months, 2 different landscapes. I’d start with a month in Hawaii for the summer, photographing volcanoes, surf and hidden valleys. Then I’ll jump on a plane and head down to Patagonia for a month of chasing glaciers, trekking and snowboarding.

#3 Share a piece of advice for how people can improve their photographs?  Great photography is all about developing your own vision. To improve your photos, forget about the gear and forget about the editing, just for a minute. Go to an amazing location wait for amazing light and visualise exactly what you want the shot too look like in your head alone. Then work back from there. I found this to be one of the toughest things when starting out. Getting what I saw in my head into the camera and then onto the computer. The gap between what I wanted and what I shot was huge. Then, little by little, I began to deconstruct and work out what skills I needed and the gap got smaller.

Scott Pass, Australia

Website –  scottypass.com

Instagram – @scottypass

#1 Describe your photo/career aspirations:  At the moment, I’m all about creating content that flows, is coherent and provides an underlying theme between my brand and what I stand for: A synonymous link between my travels, my images and video content. I’m looking to establish myself as top travel writer and travel photographer with plans to work as a freelancer in both writing and photography/videography.

#2 What is your dream travel itinerary?  My dream travel itinerary would include adventuring through the mountains of New Zealand, revisiting the North Western corner of North America (Oregon and its National Parks) and of course, a stop over in a tropical island destination – The Marshall Islands have always fascinated me for their complete seclusion and untouched beauty. I love shooting split underwater images so the Marshall Islands would be a perfect canvas – scottypass wouldn’t be scottypass if it didn’t include that tropical vibe.

#3 Share a piece of advice for how people can improve their photographs?  Photography is so versatile and definitely isn’t limited to one particular style. Make your images your own and enjoy creating the way you wish to. I would suggest travelling with a friend and adventuring together to pursue new ideas and creative options in photography. This option always allows you to explore new regions and makes travel affordable and more exciting. Travelling with a friend also gives you an extra subject to photograph. You never know, your friend may know of some incredible travel locations that you didn’t, making the adventure all the more worth it. In summary, don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone – that’s where you’ll find your inner creative and be pushed to develop new techniques – you might just surprise yourself with the images you create.

Thanks to all of the talented photographers above who shared a little insight to their career! Like I mentioned earlier, this list could have easily included 100 photographers so if you’ve got a great portfolio of travel images, be sure to share a link in the comments below! Go on…don’t be shy!

Don’t forget if you want to share your travel photos on Instagram just use the hashtag #thewanderinglens

Hello! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens. With 17+yrs experience as a professional travel and landscape photographer, all advice found on this site is from my personal experience on the road. I hope it’s useful for your own travels and would love to hear in the comments about your trips and experiences around the world.

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Blog comments.

April 20, 2016 at 1:31 pm

I love finding new photography accounts to follow, thanks for sharing!

thewanderinglens

April 20, 2016 at 8:44 pm

Great to hear Caitlyn!

April 21, 2016 at 9:58 am

The underwater shot is a beauty!

MAXIME COQUARD

May 1, 2016 at 4:18 pm

What a cool selection, many of them, I didn’t know so thank you for including me in your list and for the inspiration Lisa! See you soon in France or out in the GBR! (That would be awesome!) Cheers

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Travel Photographer of the Year 2022 winners

Matjaz Krivic wins the competition with poignant rhino picture

The Travel Photographer of the Year awards has today announced the winning images from the 2022 edition of the competition! If you haven't caught the travel bug and made plans for 2023 getaways just yet, you definitely will after seeing these stellar shots captured from all around the world.  

The Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) is one of the most prestigious photography awards in the world, and the high standard of imagery from this year's selection of winners is truly astounding. Taken on an array of the best cameras , they prove that you don't have to use the best travel camera or the best lenses for travel to get great pictures.

Matjaz Krivic from Slovenia has been awarded the title of Travel Photographer of the Year 2022 with his photo series showcasing emotive portraits of man and mammal, photographing his subject, Zachary Mutai, with Najin – one of the world’s last two remaining Northern White rhinos. Zachary is Najin's keeper, and their bond is tender. The images were captured at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya.

"I am particularly delighted for the overall winner. Matjaz has been entering Travel Photographer of the Yearsinceour very first year-2003–and has secured a number of individual category awards with us over the past two decades. Now he has finally landed the ‘big one’ in our 20th year,” shares Chris Coe, founder of TPOTY.

Krivic has stated: “I am honored to have my work recognized and acknowledged by the judges of the Travel Photographer of the Year awards. This competition is special to me since I have been with it from its beginning in 2003 when I was given a Judges’ Favourite Award. Now, 20 years later I received their highest award which makes me very proud and means a lot to me." His image was shot with a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV .

"Travel and photography have been my passion and a big part of my life since I remember and this award inspires me to continue with my journey" he concludes.

Aside from his prestigious title, Krivic will receive a new Fujifilm X100V camera, as well as £1000 ( approximately $1,240 / AU$1,742) cash from TPOTY, plus a personalized leather portfolio book or iFolio from Plastic Sandwich, Radiant Photo imaging software, and a membership to the Royal Photographic Society.

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The Young Travel Photographer of the Year title was awarded to Cal Cole, age 18, based in Manchester, UK. Cal has a focus on themes of melancholy, dystopia, and loneliness in his images of cityscapes - but the results are truly captivating. 

The judges spoke of Cal's work highly, stating that “Travelling the world begins on your own doorstep and it is great to see a young photographer honing their skills not with the exotic, but with a less glamorous but still popular destination, and doing do so in such a creative fashion.” 

Cal used a Nikon D3200 with an 18-135mm lens to capture the image above. 

18-year-old Isabella Smith from Tennessee, USA, was also awarded with the title of Young TPOTY in the 15-18 age category. In 2018, aged just 14, Smith was awarded the title of overall winner of Young Travel Photographer of the Year. Her images might be a little different, but that's what the judges loved about them. 

The final Young TPOTY winner in the 14 years and under age category was Kaia Tham, aged 14, born in Australia but now residing in Lisbon, Portugal as a student. Tham shoots purely on an iPhone and her work with reflections shows a unique and different perspective of how she sees the world.  

Runners-up for the Young TPOTY awards included Zhiyu Zheng, age 14 from China, and Rohan Shah, age 14 from Kenya.

“Our latest winners form a fascinating collection of images. From the intensely powerful to the exquisitely subtle, sensitive, and beautiful, they reach every corner of the world and cover every facet of traveling with a camera. Conservation and sustainability permeate the collection and illustrate the role which photography can play in creating awareness of the issues facing our planet " Shares Coe.

Coe continues, "This year, we’ll be first exhibiting these images in May at the Royal Photographic Society as part of World Photography in Focus. 2023 is TPOTY’s 21st award and we hope you’ll share your images with us again.”

Stay tuned for news on when entries open for the 2023 edition of the Travel Photographer of the Year Awards. 

Looking to improve your own travel photography? You might need the best travel tripod . And if you are leaving the county remember to pack the best travel adaptor

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A staff writer for Digital Camera World, Beth has an extensive background in various elements of technology with five years of experience working as a tester and sales assistant for CeX. After completing a degree in Music Journalism, followed by obtaining a Master's degree in Photography awarded by the University of Brighton, she spends her time outside of DCW as a freelance photographer specialising in live music events and band press shots under the alias 'bethshootsbands'. 

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The Masterclasses 2023: 10 practical tips to help you succeed as a travel photographer

From packing the right kit to picking the right guide, the autumn series of The Masterclasses saw our panellists reveal their top tips for making it as a professional travel photographer.

In September 2023, The Masterclasses by   National Geographic Traveller (UK) returned with a brand-new series of expert-led online sessions for aspiring travel writers and travel photographers.  

Each hour-long session saw an expert panel of   National Geographic Traveller contributors focus on a different aspect of the modern travel photographer’s toolkit, with the likes of Teagen Cunnife, Matt Dutile and Holly-Marie Cato sharing practical advice on everything from picking the right gear to photographing animals in their natural habitats.  

These 10 pieces of advice can help you improve your travel photography, from building your portfolio to using your gear optimally and connecting with your subjects.

1. Plan ahead

“Do your research and get familiar with your own equipment before you travel…Get ahead of the game, pre-visualise and make a plan. When I go to a place that I’m not familiar with, I can start recycling and adapting those ideas to suit the environment.” — Renato Granieri, The art of wildlife photography in travel

2. Maximise your time on a shoot  

“There’s never ever enough time on a shoot. Mostly, though, we only have a day or two, or sometimes just a few hours, to capture animals for a story. Regardless of the weather conditions, I’ll head out and see what surprises me. Getting out and seeing what’s happening around you is the only way to guarantee you’re going to get images. Don’t talk yourself out of shooting just because the weather isn’t perfect.” — Teagen Cunnife, The art of wildlife photography in travel

3. Use local guides to your advantage

“Choose experienced safari guards — they know where the animals will be and can predict behaviour. When you’re choosing a safari operator, pay specific attention to what’s written about the guides on the websites and look for places that have mentioned that their guides are highly awarded or extensively trained. There’s a really big difference between a guide and a guide with photographic knowledge; communicating to a guide who understands composition and lighting is so much easier.” — Teagen Cunnife, The art of wildlife photography in travel

4. Use kit to connect with your subjects  

“I bring a little Fuji Instax camera with me. And that’s for when I’m going into more remote regions so that I can not only ask for a photo but give one back as well. For me, I’ve found that this opens doors to getting people to sit for portraits. Because, if you’re always just showing up and you’re this guy with this big camera coming up in front of them, there’s a little bit of shyness and reticence. But if you can sit with them and open up a little bit of a dialogue, even if you can’t exchange in the same language, that’s a really great way to get them involved.” — Matt Dutile, Picking the perfect kit for your assignment  

5. Stay safe as a lone traveller  

"I always dress to blend in. For example, what I’m wearing to photograph a high-end restaurant and what I’m wearing to go and photograph agave fields is going to be different. I want to blend in so that I feel comfortable and so that the people around me feel comfortable. There are certain places that you’re going to stand out, but just try to be aware of what’s going on around you.” — Lindsay Lauckner Gundlock, Picking the perfect kit for your assignment  

6. Stay inspired  

"I’ve been doing this for 15 years now, but every week I seem to discover a new photographer that I’ve never heard of. As long as someone’s out there creating amazing images, I’ll always be inspired by that. Another part is looking at art, or a place itself. We are storytellers, so I think you can be inspired by the story of a place, a people, an idea, all on its own.” — Matt Dutile, Picking the perfect kit for your assignment  

7.   Use social media to find contacts

"Go on social media. Often, when people get hired, they might thank the person who gave them the job. So, follow other photographers and look in their captions and actually read who’s hiring them, who did they work with, and then follow those commissioners.” — Holly-Marie Cato, How to go professional  

8. Present your work to photo editors  

“Something that I’ve always done is to create a PDF or something that sort of has a layout that looks like the [finished] article so that the photo editor can kind of get an idea of what your story is. When you do that, you might realise that you don’t have the right photos for a story — and that really teaches you what storytelling is.” — Nori Jemil, How to go professional  

9. Know your destination

I think if you’re especially interested in [photographing] some region of world, it really helps to be there. Spend time there and get to know the local traditions, the language or local culture. That can definitely help when presenting a story.” — Ulf Svane, How to go professional  

10. Shoot with passion

"I’m really strong on finding your niche and making sure you’re passionate about it. I could say “build a portfolio”, but often, and I think especially with Instagram, you could build a portfolio of work that you don’t even like. If you want your work to last, if you want to be able to sell that work and really make people believe in it, then be passionate about what you photograph.” — H olly-Marie Cato, How to go professional

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• NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Travel Photographer of the Year

Our 22nd year of celebrating images from around the world and the best in travel photography, the 2024 awards are open for entries.

Travel Photographer of the Year awards (TPOTY) is run by photographers for photographers. TPOTY is truly global – wherever you live in the world and whether you are amateur or professional, beginner or expert, young or old, Travel Photographer of the Year is for you!

TPOTY has been showcasing the best in travel photography for 21 years and has received entries from 156 countries. The winners are both amateur and pro photographers of 54 different nationalities.

PHOTO WORKSHOPS

EXHIBITIONS – BOLIVIA, UAE, UK

DISCOVER EYE FOR THE LIGHT

2024 CATEGORIES & PRIZES

HOW TO ENTER

KEY DATES 2024

Our 2022 Travel Photographer of the Year winner, Matjaz Krivic, Slovenia said:

“I am honoured to have my work recognised and acknowledged by the judges of the “Travel Photographer of the Year” competition. This competition is special to me since I have been with it from its beginning (2003) when I was given a Judge’s Favourite Award. Now, 20 years later I received their highest award which makes me very proud and means a lot to me. Travel and photography have been my passions and a big part of my life since I can remember and this award inspires me to continue with my journey.”

WHAT WINNING TPOTY MEANS “TPOTY is one of the world most prestigious photography competitions, not just because of the quantity and quality of its participants, but also because of the recognised expertise and talent of the judges, the selection criteria for the winners based upon the printed photographs and submission in raw format, and last but not least because of the worldwide media impact. I have been very fortunate to have my work shown in London Bridge Exhibition and in the Xposure International Photography Festival in the UAE. There are not many chances to get photographs being seen by more than 2 million people but TPOTY achieves that.”  Katy Gomez Catalina, Spain

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FOCUSING ON EXCELLENCE, LOOKING FOR TALENT

Travel Photographer of the Year 2024 opens its 22nd award for entries The search is on once again to…

New judge on 2024 panel

Talented nature photographer Ellie Rothnie has joined the TPOTY judging panel for the 2024 awards. We're delighted to welcome…

Two 2025 exhibitions announced

We are delighted to announce that TPOTY has already secured two exhibitions for 2025 even before the 2024 awards…

Exhibition in Bolivia announced

TPOTY heads for South America with an exhibition at Foto Festival Manzana 1 in Santa Cruz de la Sierra in…

THE 2023 WINNERS ARE REVEALED

From lyrically beautiful images of European agricultural landscapes to heartbreaking aerial shots of elephants searching for food on rubbish…

Will you be TPOTY’s 21st winner?

…and follow on from Matjaz Krivic and a list of amazing photographers. The closing date for the 2023 awards…

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Eye for the Light is an online magazine all about the creative side of photography and travel, with engaging features, fascinating podcasts, advice, opinions and interviews with talented photographers, travellers, competition judges and people with an in-depth knowledge of the worlds of photography and travel.

There are over 100 fascinating features and podcasts to enjoy! And special offers for registered readers.

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Image credits on this page: Top – Kazuaki Koseki; inset box 1) F Dilek Yurdakul; inset box 2) Matjaz Krivic; inset box 3) Katy Gomez Catalina 4) Keith Berr; 3) Felicia Simion; shop inset. All rights reserved © Travel Photographer of the Year

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How to Take Travel Photos: A Complete Guide

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Travel photography is one of the most exciting types of photography you can pursue. Combining two of life’s great pleasures—exploring new lands and taking photographs—is a thrill any photographer would enjoy. 

While travel photography is open to anyone with the drive to get up and hit the road, there are a few things you need to learn. That’s why we’ve compiled this in-depth article containing everything you need to know about travel photography. We cover everything from camera settings to the best travel gear, so keep reading to find out more. 

What Is Travel Photography

Travel photography is simply taking pictures of different places around the world. But good travel photos are not mere holiday snaps. Travel images should show a location in a new light so they’re interesting even for people who have already been there.

Travel photography involves many different styles and techniques. You can incorporate landscapes and portraits into your travel photography. You can even use more advanced techniques like time-lapse and long exposures.

A travel photographer needs to show more than the obvious. They need to explore each location at a deeper level and look for elements that make that place unique and interesting. It isn’t enough to take pictures of the famous landmarks. A travel photographer needs to look deeper and go beyond. 

Far-flung exotic locations often hold the most romance for travelers, but you don’t have to go far to practice travel photography. Venturing to new locations is always exciting, but you can also photograph places you’re familiar with. Using your familiarity to your advantage, you can give viewers a deeper view of these locations.

Anyone can shoot travel photography. The first thing you need is a desire to explore the world, which is something you probably already have. But continue reading for everything else you need to know about travel photography, from techniques to gear.

Mastering Travel Photography

While travel photography is open to anyone with an adventurous spirit, mastering the art does require practice, knowledge, and skill.

Firstly, you need to understand your camera and its settings. You might be tempted to take the easy road and shoot in Auto mode. But you’ll get far better results and more interesting and unique images when shooting with semi or fully manual settings. 

You should also experiment with composition, and you can try both color and black-and-white photography. These are stylistic choices that’ll give your travel photography a personal touch. You also have to consider specific types of travel photography so you’re ready for anything when you’re on the move. 

The following sections cover mastering the art of travel photography. Click the links in the text for more information on each topic. 

Camera Settings

When it comes to camera settings for travel photography, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, make sure your camera is set to the right aperture and shutter speed for the type of photo you want to take. You’ll also need to adjust your white balance and ISO as you move through different locations.

To learn more about camera settings for travel photography, check out camera settings for travel photography .

A travel photography shot list helps you plan and capture the best photos on your trip. Research the location thoroughly, including famous sights, experiences, geography, and lighting conditions. Look at existing travel photos for inspiration, but aim to create something unique.

Use a spreadsheet to organize your shots by day and time, considering factors like sunrise, sunset, and harsh midday light. Include a mix of portraits, environmental portraits, cityscapes, daily life moments, religious sites, festivals, food, transportation, landscapes, close-ups, architecture, night scenes, and wildlife.

Remember to be adaptable and respectful of local customs. With careful planning and a detailed shot list, you’ll be well-prepared to capture stunning travel photos that transport viewers to your destination. To learn more about creating a travel photography shot list , check out this in-depth guide.

Composition

Good travel photography composition captures the beauty and essence of a destination. Use the rule of thirds by placing important parts of your photo on the intersecting points of the grid. Or take advantage of symmetry by centering the axis of symmetry in one direction.

Direct attention with leading lines, using elements like paths or fences to guide the viewer’s eye to your subject. Frame spectacular views with windows or arches to provide context. You can also use bold colors to lead the eyes or balance the composition.

Change your perspective by moving around, kneeling, or shooting from a rooftop. Get close to fill the frame with your subject or step back to include surrounding context. Play with scale by including familiar elements like people to convey the impressive size of large spaces.

To learn more about travel photography composition , check out this in-depth guide.

Black & White

Black-and-white travel photography can be a powerful way to capture the essence of a place. By removing color, you can focus on the light, shapes, and textures that make a scene unique.

Pay attention to contrast and tone in your black-and-white photos. Look for strong shadows and highlights that create depth and drama. Texture is also important in black-and-white photography, so seek out interesting surfaces like rough stone or smooth water.

Most importantly, use black-and-white photography to connect with your subject and tell a story. Whether it’s a portrait of a local person or a landscape that captures the mood of a place, aim to convey emotion in your images.

By developing your own style and vision, you can create compelling black-and-white travel photos that stand out. To learn more about black-and-white travel photography , check out this in-depth guide.

Unique Perspectives

Taking unique photos of famous places can be challenging, but with some creativity and planning, you can capture stunning images. Start by researching the location and scouting out potential spots for your shots. Arrive early to avoid crowds and take advantage of the soft, golden light.

Look for elevated views or unusual angles to create a different perspective. Use composition techniques like the rule of thirds to emphasize the landmark in an interesting way. Including people in your shots can add a sense of atmosphere and tell a story.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques like light trails or time-lapse photography . If you encounter photography restrictions, think outside the box and find creative solutions. To learn more about capturing unique photos of famous places , check out this in-depth guide.

Documentary Photography

Documentary photography captures real-life events as they happen. It’s a form of visual storytelling that depicts the world around us. Documentary photographers often work on long-term projects to tell new stories through their images.

You don’t need to travel far to find good documentary photography ideas. Look for interesting subjects in your family or community. Focus on the people involved to help viewers connect with the story. You can also tackle big topics by photographing small, local stories related to them.

Visit and scout your locations before the shoot. Get comfortable with the basics of photography, like camera settings and composition. Keep your story personal and critique your work as you go.

If you want to learn more about documentary photography ideas , we have a detailed guide to help you get started.

Train Photography

Train photography offers a diverse range of subjects, from historic steam engines to modern bullet trains. To capture excellent locomotive photos, research train routes and schedules to find the best locations and times. Use natural light to your advantage, with side or backlighting to highlight steam and texture.

Longer focal lengths can compress the scene and show the train in its surroundings. At stations, photograph details like wheels and logos to create atmosphere. Adjust shutter speed for sharp images or creative motion blur, and slightly overexpose for more detail.

For more insights on capturing stunning train photography , check out our full-length article.

Backing Up Photos

It is important to back up photos while traveling, and an external hard drive is a great option. They are compact, durable, and have large storage capacities.

Smartphones and tablets can also be used to manage photos on the go. With the right accessories, they can connect to external storage devices. This allows you to back up and edit your photos without a laptop.

For the best results, use multiple backup methods. This could include an external hard drive, a USB thumb drive, and cloud storage. By having multiple copies of your photos, you reduce the risk of losing them. If you want to learn how to back up photos , check out our in-depth article.

Making Money from Travel Photography

Becoming a travel photographer takes hard work and dedication. You need to learn a wide range of photography skills for shooting everything from landscapes to portraits. Building a strong portfolio of your best travel images is key to attracting clients.

To get your name out there, create a travel website or blog to showcase your work. You can also sell your images on digital platforms like stock photography websites. Selling physical prints of your photos is another great option.

As you travel, look for photography work with local businesses, such as hostels or tourism boards. Capture great travel content and consider offering tours or workshops for extra income.

To learn more about how to become a travel photographer , check out this in-depth guide.

Travel Photography Jobs

Travel photography jobs can be an exciting and rewarding career path for those with a passion for photography and adventure. However, it’s important to understand the challenges that come with the job. You’ll need to have exceptional photography skills, business savvy, and the ability to handle tough physical conditions.

To succeed, you’ll need a strong online presence, including a professional website and active social media accounts. You’ll also need reliable gear that can withstand the demands of travel.

There are many ways to make money as a travel photographer, such as selling prints, licensing stock photos, writing for publications, and teaching. The key is diversifying your income streams and constantly looking for new opportunities. With hard work and creativity, finding paid travel photography jobs can be both fulfilling and profitable.

Get Paid to Travel

Getting paid to travel and take photos is a dream for many photographers. There are several ways to make this a reality. Selling prints of your travel photos through print-on-demand websites is one option. You can also upload your best images to stock photography agencies and earn passive income from sales.

Entering travel photography competitions is another way to earn money and gain prestige. Winning contests can help you promote your work and attract potential clients.

Building relationships with travel magazine editors can lead to regular paid assignments. Learn what they want and deliver high-quality photos to make their jobs easier. To further your success, get paid to travel and take photos by marketing your photography services to people who have the budget to hire you.

Sell Travel Photos

Selling your travel photos can be a great way to make money with your photography. To get started, ensure you have high-quality, well-lit, and properly composed images. They should also be free of technical errors like chromatic aberration and noise.

There are many ways to sell your travel photos. You can sell them through stock photography agencies, directly to clients, or as prints. Each option has its own requirements and markets, so consider your goals before deciding which path to take.

Actively promoting your work is key to maximizing sales. Use social media, email lists, and other marketing strategies to reach potential buyers. If you’re working with a stock agency, ask them what types of images are in demand so you can plan your shoots accordingly.

Learning how to sell travel photos takes time and effort, but with persistence and a willingness to adapt, you can turn your passion into a profitable venture.

Gear for Travel Photography

When packing for a travel photography trip, it’s important to bring the right gear. A lightweight and compact camera body is essential, along with one or two versatile lenses like a wide-angle and a medium telephoto lens.

Don’t forget a sturdy tripod that fits in your luggage for sharp shots in low light. Filters like a circular polarizer and strong ND filter are small but open up creative options when traveling.

Cleaning supplies, extra batteries, memory cards, and rain protection round out the must-haves. With the right travel photography gear , you’ll be ready to capture amazing images anywhere your adventures take you.

Traveling with Camera Gear

Traveling with camera gear can be challenging, but there are ways to make it easier and safer. Use padded cases to protect your equipment from bumps and knocks. A shoulder bag is a good option for keeping your camera close and secure while walking through busy areas.

Always carry your gear in your hand luggage when flying. Most airlines understand the importance of this and are lenient about the weight of your carry-on bag. To deter thieves, hide or remove any camera branding using black duct tape.

Insuring your gear is crucial in case of theft or damage. Take down all the serial numbers and make sure your equipment is fully covered. By following these tips for traveling with camera gear , you can have peace of mind and focus on capturing great photos during your travels.

External Hard Drives

An external hard drive is an essential accessory for travel photographers. Memory cards fill up fast when you’re traveling, and you don’t want to carry a bunch of them around with you. It’s best to take an external hard drive to keep all your photo files in one place.

You’ll need something durable yet compact, which is why we recommend the LaCie Rugged Mini for travelers. It’s an easy fit for any travel camera bag. You have storage options up to 5 TB, and it’s the most durable external hard drive on the market. 

See more of the best external hard drives in our full-length article.

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Cameras for Travel Photography

The Canon EOS RP is a great mirrorless camera for travel photography. It’s lightweight, easy to handle, and has a 26 MP full-frame sensor that captures high-quality images in any situation.

The camera’s autofocus system is fast and accurate, even in low light. It also offers eye-detection AF for portraits. The EOS RP can shoot 4K video and has convenient Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

This camera is ideal for most travel photography needs. If you want to learn more about the best travel cameras , check out our detailed guide.

Mirrorless Cameras

The best mirrorless cameras for travel are compact and lightweight, but still capture stunning photos and videos. Our top pick is the Nikon Z50 . It has a compact body that fits easily in any camera bag. The 20.9 MP sensor produces bright, vibrant images with excellent low-light performance.

The Z50 is also great for travel vlogging. It records 4K video at 30 fps and has an articulating screen for easy self-recording. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make it simple to share your adventures with friends and family back home.

If you want to learn more about the best mirrorless cameras for travel , check out our in-depth guide. We cover a range of cameras for every type of traveler, from beginners to professionals.

Compact Cameras

The Sony ZV-1 II is a pocket-sized camera packed with features for modern travelers. It has a high-resolution 20 MP sensor and a versatile 18-50mm zoom lens. The f/1.8-4 aperture provides solid low-light performance.

Vloggers love the ZV-1 II’s 4K video at 30 fps and the special Cinematic Vlog Setting. A built-in mic and wind muffler make capturing audio easy. Real-time AF with face and eye detection keeps subjects sharp.

The Sony ZV-1 II is the ideal compact camera for travel vlogging. It’s a worthwhile investment for creating exciting content abroad. But we have more options in the link above. 

Lenses for Travel Photography

The best travel lenses give you a wide focal range in a compact size. Zoom lenses like the Nikon AF-S DX 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 are very popular. It has vibration reduction to reduce camera shake and improve low-light performance.

Prime lenses are another good option. They are usually smaller and lighter than zooms. The Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM is a great example. This pancake lens is ultra-compact but still gives you a versatile focal length.

When choosing the best travel lens , think about the size, weight, and focal length. You want a lens that is easy to carry but still gives you plenty of options. The lenses on this list are all fantastic choices for your next adventure.

Canon Lenses

The best Canon lenses for travel photography are lightweight, versatile, and capture stunning images. Our top picks are the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM and Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM . These nifty-fifty lenses are compact, affordable, and great in low light.

Other top choices include the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM for its wide zoom range and the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM for landscapes. The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is a popular all-in-one zoom for DSLR users. It has a constant f/4 aperture and weather sealing.

No matter your camera type, there’s a perfect travel lens for you. Look for a lens that’s light, has a useful focal range, and fits your budget. Canon lenses for travel photography help you capture amazing images around the world.

Nikon Lenses

The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S and Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G are the best Nikon lenses for travel photography. The Z 50mm f/1.8 S offers sharp images and a durable build. It’s great for low light with its f/1.8 aperture.

The AF-S 50mm f/1.8G is compact and lightweight. It also performs well in low light. The 50mm focal length is perfect for street scenes and portraits.

Both lenses are very popular with travel photographers. If you want to learn more about Nikon lenses for travel photography , we have a detailed guide that covers the best options for Nikon mirrorless and DSLR cameras.

Sony Lenses

When choosing the best Sony lenses for travel photography, consider weight, versatility, and image quality. Our top pick is the Sony E 18-105mm f/4 G OSS PZ , offering a wide zoom range, constant f/4 aperture, and effective optical stabilization in a compact design.

For APS-C cameras, the Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS is a great low-light prime lens. Its wide f/1.8 aperture and built-in stabilization help capture sharp images in dim settings. The Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is an affordable and versatile prime for full-frame cameras, ideal for portraits and everyday shots.

Other notable lenses include the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS for its all-in-one zoom capabilities and the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | C for its fast aperture and compact size. To learn more about the best Sony lenses for travel photography , check out our in-depth guide.

Travel Tripods

A travel tripod is a must-have for any photographer on the go. The best travel tripods are lightweight, compact, and easy to set up. They also need to be sturdy enough to support your camera gear.

Our top pick is the K&F Concept Lightweight Travel Tripod . It weighs only 2.4 lb but can hold up to 17.6 lb of gear. The aluminum ball head gives you great flexibility for positioning your camera. And the included carry case makes it easy to take with you anywhere.

If you want to learn more about choosing the right travel tripod , check out our detailed guide. It covers everything from key features to look for to our top recommendations in different price ranges.

Travel Camera Backpacks

When choosing a camera backpack for travel, protection and comfort are key. The best bags are well-designed, roomy, and easy to carry.

Our top pick is the Manfrotto PRO Light Multiloader . It’s sturdy, spacious, and versatile. You can use it as a backpack, duffel, or sling. And it has access from the front and both sides.

The Wandrd Duo Daypack is another great option. It’s made from quality materials that protect your gear from the weather. It has ample storage and the main zipper allows quick access to your camera.

If you want to learn more about the best camera backpack for travel , check out our detailed reviews. We’ll help you find the perfect bag for your next adventure.

Manfrotto PRO Light Multiloader

The Manfrotto PRO Light Multiloader Camera Backpack is a top choice for photographers. It has a sturdy design and plenty of space for your gear.

The backpack is comfortable to wear, even when fully loaded. You can easily adjust it to fit your body.

This bag is perfect for any photography adventure. It’s a worthwhile investment for serious photographers looking for a reliable way to carry their equipment. To learn more about the Manfrotto Pro Light Multiloader, check out our full review .

Think Tank Airport Essentials

The Think Tank Airport Essentials is a camera backpack specifically designed for air travel. It has a smart design, useful features, and fits as carry-on luggage.

This backpack offers secure storage with an efficient use of space and a special lock. The lifetime warranty makes it a one-time investment for years of use.

While it lacks some versatility found in other bags, the Airport Essentials excels at storage capacity, protection, and style. Photographers who want a Think Tank Airport Essentials for their travels will find this bag a great choice.

Weatherproof Backpacks

Protecting your camera gear from the elements is essential. Weatherproof camera bags offer peace of mind when shooting in unpredictable conditions. They feature robust materials and coatings that keep water out, even in sudden downpours.

Our top picks, the Wandrd Prvke , Wandrd Duo , and Lowepro Freeline , have impressive exterior materials that don’t need a separate rain cover. The Prvke’s roll-top design is commonly used in waterproof bags, while the Duo and Freeline include waterproof zippers to secure even the weakest points.

When choosing a weatherproof camera bag , consider not only its water-resistant abilities but also its functionality for your photography style. Look for features like easy access points, ample storage, and comfortable carrying options that suit your needs.

A camera hard case is the best way to protect your photography gear while traveling. The Pelican Air 1525 is our top choice, with its tough exterior and foam-padded interior that keeps your equipment safe and secure. It’s spacious enough for your camera and accessories without being too bulky.

The Vanguard Supreme 46F is another excellent option, especially for adventure travel. It’s waterproof down to 16.5 ft (5 m) and can withstand temperatures as low as -40 C. The customizable Pick ‘n’ Pluck foam interior ensures a snug fit for each item.

For convenience, the Nanuk 935 is hard to beat. Its retractable handle and wheels make transportation a breeze, while the padded dividers keep your gear organized and protected. If you’re looking for a camera hard case that combines durability and ease of use, the Nanuk 935 is a great choice.

Travel Apps

Travel apps can make your photography adventures easier and more enjoyable. Snapseed is a powerful photo editor with a wide range of tools, from basic adjustments to creative effects. It’s free and available on both iOS and Android.

VSCO is another popular editing app that offers a simple, streamlined experience. Its presets are based on real film stocks, giving your photos an authentic vintage look. You can also use sliders to fine-tune the exposure and add fade or grain effects.

When you’re ready to share your travel photos, consider using Spot. This app helps you find picturesque locations and share your own discoveries with other photographers. With detailed maps and tips, it’s one of the best apps for travel photography .

Editing Travel Photos

Editing your travel photos can take them to the next level. There are many techniques you can use to improve your images, from simple adjustments to more advanced processes.

Cropping is a quick way to remove unwanted elements or zoom in on important parts of the photo. Sharpening will make details pop, while noise reduction can clean up high ISO shots. Straightening the horizon line is also important for a polished look.

Other useful techniques include adding a vignette to draw the eye, adjusting saturation and contrast, balancing highlights and shadows, and using digital blending for challenging lighting. For an extra level of refinement, you can even remove unwanted objects.

With practice, you’ll learn which editing steps work best for your travel images. Check out our in-depth guide if you’d like to dive deeper into editing travel photos .

Location Guides

Whenever you’re heading off somewhere new, it’s always best to do some research before you go. Your preparations will be more thorough and more specialized when you have a better idea of what to expect. That means you can hit the ground running when you arrive, and you’ll get better results. 

We have a collection of location guides for some travel photography hot spots. These posts give you a head start when taking pictures in these locations, helping you get unique shots in popular places. 

Let’s drop in on a few of the hottest locations in Europe, Asia, and the US. 

European Cities

Europe is a photographer’s dream, with its stunning architecture, charming villages, and beautiful countryside. From the centuries-old buildings to the cobblestone streets, there’s no shortage of photo opportunities.

Some of the best European cities for photography include Amalfi, Italy, with its medieval stories and dainty houses; Venice, Italy, known for its canals and seafood; and Dubrovnik, Croatia, a seaside location with picturesque houses and Game of Thrones filming locations.

Other notable cities include Prague, Czech Republic, with its historic buildings and Gothic churches; Oia, Greece, with its stunning white buildings and sunsets; and Amsterdam, Netherlands, full of incredible art and historical monuments.

Whether you’re interested in architecture, landscapes, or street photography, these European cities offer endless inspiration. To learn more about the European cities for photography , check out this in-depth guide.

Paris is a photographer’s dream, offering countless opportunities to capture stunning images. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the charming streets of Montmartre, there’s no shortage of beautiful subjects to photograph.

One of the best spots for photography in Paris is the Trocadero, which offers a perfect view of the Eiffel Tower. The Champs Elysee and Arc de Triomphe are also must-see locations, with the latter providing a great vantage point for capturing the city’s skyline.

Other notable photo locations include the Louvre, with its striking glass pyramid, and Notre Dame Cathedral, which offers both interior and exterior photo opportunities. It’s still striking even after the fire damage. 

For a taste of modern Paris, head to La Defense, the city’s business district filled with skyscrapers and unique architecture.

To learn more about Paris photography , check out this in-depth guide that covers the best locations, tips, and techniques for capturing the city’s beauty.

London offers plenty of photography opportunities, from cityscapes to street photography and architecture. Some of the best locations include the Palace of Westminster, where you can capture iconic photos from Westminster Bridge or the south bank of the Thames. Tower Bridge is another well-known site, offering great angles for traffic light trails and sunrise photos.

The London Eye is a newer addition to the skyline, perfect for creative shots like zoom bursts or portraits inside the capsules. Don’t miss the photogenic wrought iron roof at Borough Market or the beautiful exterior of St Paul’s Cathedral.

For stunning views, head to The Shard, the highest skyscraper in the European Union. Buckingham Palace is a must-see, especially during the Changing of the Guard ceremony. If you’re interested in photography in London , these locations are sure to inspire you.

Rome is a photographer’s dream, with stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture around every corner. From the iconic Colosseum to the beautiful Trevi Fountain, there are countless opportunities to capture breathtaking images.

Don’t miss the Vatican Museum, where you can photograph the famous spiral staircase. The Pantheon’s exterior and interior are equally impressive, especially during the blue hour. St. Peter’s Basilica offers great views of the city and a chance to capture the Pope if you’re lucky.

The Tiber River provides picturesque views, particularly from Ponte Sant’Angelo towards St. Peter’s Basilica. Piazza Navona and Piazza del Popolo are perfect for street photography and capturing traditional Roman scenes. To learn more about the best spots for Rome photography , check out this in-depth guide.

Venice is a photographer’s dream, offering endless opportunities to capture its unique beauty. The best time to avoid crowds and oppressive heat is during the low season or early morning. Sunrise at Academia Bridge provides a stunning view of the Grand Canal, while Piazza San Marco is best photographed before tourists arrive.

Don’t miss the iconic gondolas along the waterfront near Piazza San Marco, especially during sunset and blue hour. For a different perspective, head to San Giorgio Maggiore island to photograph the church and Venice’s skyline at golden hour.

Explore the backstreets of San Polo and Dorsoduro districts for charming piazzas, decaying architecture, and canal scenes. Murano and Burano islands offer colorful buildings and glassmaking demonstrations perfect for photography. To learn more about Venice photography , check out this in-depth guide.

Budapest is another fantastic city for photographers, offering endless opportunities to capture stunning images. From the grand architecture of the Hungarian Parliament Building to the thermal baths of Széchenyi, there’s no shortage of photogenic spots in this beautiful city.

One of the best places to start is the Fisherman’s Bastion, a neo-Gothic terrace with breathtaking views of the Danube River and the Pest side of the city. Nearby, you’ll find Matthias Church, a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture that’s perfect for capturing intricate details and beautiful stained glass windows.

For panoramic views of the city, head to Gellért Hill, where you can capture the entire skyline from the Citadella fortress. And don’t miss the iconic Chain Bridge, which looks particularly stunning at night when it’s lit up against the dark sky. To learn more about the best spots for Budapest photography , check out this in-depth guide.

Japan is a brilliant destination for a photography trip. From stunning landscapes to interesting architecture and fascinating culture, there’s no shortage of inspiration for your travel photography.

Capture the vibrant cityscape of Minato, one of Tokyo’s special wards. Improve your food photography skills at Japan’s many cafés and restaurants, where every dish looks like a work of art. Take adorable photos of tame deer in Nara Park or sharpen your landscape photography in Hakone, with its hot springs, views of Mount Fuji, and gorgeous lake.

Don’t miss the breathtaking cherry blossoms in Japan’s parks during the Sakura season, usually from January to April. Visit the magical Blue Pond in Biei, go on an adventure in Kyoto’s Bamboo Grove, or document the commercial side of Japan in Shinjuku. For more inspiration on Japan photography , check out our in-depth guide.

Tokyo is one of the world’s most vibrant locations, offering a diverse range of subjects to capture. From the bustling streets of Shinjuku and Shibuya to the traditional temples of Asakusa, there’s no shortage of incredible hot spots to explore.

For those seeking modern architecture and vibrant city life, the Tokyo Skytree and Roppongi Hills Mori Tower provide stunning views of the skyline. Harajuku, the heart of Tokyo’s youth culture, is perfect for street photography and capturing unique fashion trends.

If you’re interested in learning more about Tokyo photography , check out our in-depth article to help you plan your trip and find the best spots to shoot. With its mix of old and new, Tokyo is a city that will inspire and challenge you as a photographer.

Etiquette in Japan

When taking photos in Japan, it’s important to be respectful and follow proper etiquette. Always ask for permission before taking someone’s photo, especially if you plan to share it publicly. If you can’t get permission, blur the person’s face to protect their privacy.

Be prepared to show your photos to the police if asked, and avoid using selfie sticks in crowded areas to prevent injuries. In cafés and restaurants, ask the staff for permission before taking photos of your meal.

At night, skip the flash and use a higher ISO and tripod to capture vibrant neon lights. Avoid taking photos in no-photo areas, of children without parental consent, geishas, people on public transport, and those in the middle of prayer. For more tips on photography in Japan , check out this in-depth guide.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a street photographer’s paradise. From the colorful Venice Beach boardwalk to the iconic Griffith Observatory, there are endless opportunities to capture the city’s unique character.

The Santa Monica Pier is a must-visit spot, especially in the evening when the lights come on. Echo Park offers stunning views of the skyline, particularly at sunrise or sunset.

Downtown LA is full of hidden gems like the Bradbury Building with its intricate architecture and the bustling Grand Central Market. For a taste of old Hollywood glamor, head to Union Station or the Hollywood Bowl Overlook. Places for street photography in Los Angeles are as diverse as the city itself, so grab your camera and start exploring.

New York City remains one of the most popular locations for photographers, with countless iconic locations to capture. Central Park offers a variety of scenes, from the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain to the Alice in Wonderland statue. The Brooklyn Bridge is another must-see, with its stunning suspension cables and brick towers.

Grand Central Station and the Chelsea Market are great for street photography and architectural details. Rockefeller Center provides both street-level interest and panoramic views from its observation deck.

Of course, no trip to New York would be complete without photographing the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. For breathtaking cityscapes, head to Brooklyn Bridge Park or find a unique vantage point to capture the Manhattan skyline. Don’t miss the Flatiron Building and the vibrant energy of Times Square.

To learn more about the best spots for New York photography , check out our in-depth guide.

Photography Road Trip

Planning a road trip for photography involves choosing the right vehicle, deciding on accommodation, and mapping out your route. Your vehicle should be safe, comfortable, and suitable for the terrain you’ll encounter. Living out of your vehicle, like an RV or camper van, allows you to stay closer to photo locations and immerse yourself in nature.

When planning your route, prioritize the locations you want to photograph. Research potential spots using apps and websites like Pinterest, 500px, Flickr, and Google’s My Maps. Plot your route, campgrounds, points of interest, and photo locations to make the most of your trip.

Electricity is essential for photographers on the road. Ensure you have reliable power sources, such as a dual battery system, solar panels, or a 12v inverter. Always carry a power bank as a backup. To stay connected, use local SIM cards with data or take advantage of Wi-Fi at cafes and fast food outlets.

By planning your shots in advance and considering factors like lighting, crowds, and unique perspectives, you can capture stunning images that tell the story of your road trip photography adventure.

Inspiration from the Best Travel Photographers

Travel photography captures the adventures and locations you visit during your journeys. It involves many genres like landscape, architecture, street, and environmental photography. Travel photographers often tell stories through their images, focusing on special moments and atmospheres.

There are many approaches to travel photography. You can focus on people, take self-portraits, emphasize landscapes, or try aerial photography. Mixing these approaches can result in a unique style and help you gain recognition as a travel photographer.

If you’d like to learn more about travel photographers , we have an article that goes into greater depth on the topic.

Travel Blogs

Travel photography blogs are a great source of inspiration for your next adventure. They feature stunning images from around the world and provide useful tips for capturing your own travel photos.

Some of the best travel photography blogs cover a wide range of topics, from destination guides to photography tutorials. They showcase the work of talented photographers who have explored every corner of the globe.

Whether you’re planning your next trip or simply looking for some armchair travel, these blogs are sure to inspire you. To discover some of the best travel photography blogs to follow in 2024, check out this list of top picks.

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10 tips to help you take better travel photos

From looking for ‘stories’ and respecting your subjects to going that extra mile for a special shot, Graeme Green reveals the ‘tricks of the trade’ that set great travel photographers apart

1: What’s the story?

Snowshoeing in Hokkaido’s Daisetsuzan NP, Japan (Graeme Green)

A great photo opens up the world to people. With adventure travel photography, you need to capture the action and take people there. Whether it’s paragliding in Nepal or snowshoeing across Japan’s frozen north, people looking at your pictures have to feel that sense of adventure.

If you’re spending time with local cultures, you need to communicate a sense of character and how people live.

Whatever it is you’re looking at, you need to figure out what the story is and who the main characters (and supporting cast) are – whether that’s people, wildlife, buildings, food… What aspects of a place do you need to capture to bring this particular story to life?

2: Give a little respect

Rang-sri Prasopturm of the Red Lahu tribe in northern Thailand (Graeme Green)

I’ve seen shocking examples around the world of tourists treating local people like any other curiosity, including a group in Bhutan crowding around a girl at a monastery who was too shy, polite or scared to push away the iPads and cameras in her face.

I sometimes take candid photos of people from a distance, using a zoom lens – an unobtrusive way to get an authentic sense of local cultures, without any posing.

More often, I’ll ask someone if they mind me taking a photo (if language is a barrier, just pointing at the camera and asking “ok?” is usually enough). People around the world are friendly and, certain cultures aside, surprisingly open to having their photo taken – even up for a bit of direction, moving into positions or reproducing an action to help you get the photo you want.

When possible, I like to spend a day or several days with a person or a group, checking they’re happy to be photographed, then just asking them to “pretend I’m not here”, so I can take authentic, natural shots as we go about our time together.

3: Be a decent human being

Ashaninka in Amazonian Peru, threatened with loss of land (Graeme Green)

It’s worth thinking about what you’re photographing from an ethical position, especially if money is changing hands in order to get a picture.

Travelling in Burma, I heard that the heavy layers of metal chains worn around the neck by women in remote tribes painfully deform the women – not so much a local tradition anymore, but a way to collect money from tourists who come to take their picture. Likewise, it’s reported that using cormorants for fishing in China actually chokes the birds – again, less a tradition, more a pose for photographers. Neither are photos I need on my memory card. The same goes for drugged tigers, de-toothed snakes or chained monkeys

Photos tell stories, good or bad, and even have an impact on the outcome of those stories, from violence and human rights to wildlife conservation. Taking pictures that continue any kind of suffering to humans, animals or the environment isn’t something I want to be involved in.

4: Show something real

Maasai warrior and ranger in Olmoti volcano, Tanzania (Graeme Green)

There’s nothing wrong with a bit of post-production to bring out the best in a photo. I see pictures online everyday, though, where photographers have obviously got carried away with Photoshop’s settings, editing their pictures to the point where they bear no relation to what they saw or to scenes that are even physically possible.

The eyes are pretty clever, and detect when something doesn’t add up. Photos with intensely oversaturated colours, or weirdly manipulated pictures where skies are dark and stormy but, somehow, magically, the rest of the scene is bathed in warm, colourful sunlight might get Likes on Instagram but they’re likely to be rejected by editors at newspapers and magazines.

Instead, capture something real. There are plenty of incredible sights in the real world, without adding magic effects.

5: Have a little patience

Cyclist passing entrance to Ben Youssef Madrasa in Marrakech, Morocco (Graeme Green)

The difference between an ok shot and a great shot is often time. It’s hard to be patient when there’s often so much to see and do – especially when you’re on assignment, with places to be, people to meet, things to photograph.

Often, you can see a building is going to look fantastic in half an hour or later in the day, when the light hits it right. Waiting, or leaving and returning later, is better than a sub-standard photo.

At Ben Youssef Madrasa in Morocco, I found a shot of the entrance that looked pretty good as it was, with just the ornate doorway and the street outside. But the picture I wanted was someone walking or cycling by. I waited, perhaps for half an hour, taking various photos of people speeding by, until I got the one I wanted.

6: Look around

Local woman crossing fields near Colca Canyon, Peru (Graeme Green)

To take great pictures, you need to keep your eyes peeled. Often, it’s small details that others might miss or walk by, rather than the obvious main attraction, that’s the detail that brings your story to life. Sometimes, it’s the spectators at an event, rather than the event itself, that make the standout photo.

When I’m on assignment, I’m always looking around. It pays to take your eye away from the viewfinder and away from the main focus. Working in Peru, my focus was the condors of Colca Canyon. Looking around, though, I spotted a woman in colourful skirts walking through the surrounding fields, a picture that gave a sense of local life and the scale of the landscape. Those kind of photos, easily missed, help make a story.

7: Think big, think small

Vodou-influenced artworks in Port-au-Prince, Haiti (Graeme Green)

A series of epic landscape photos, one after another, doesn’t really sum up a place – and nor does a collection of portraits. What a story often requires is variety, not just the big, key elements (people, landscapes, animals, buildings…) but also smaller details.

Piles of colourful fruit or shining fish in local markets can give a real flavour of a place. Road signs or shop signs often show the local sense of humour. I like to keep an eye out for artworks, statues, murals and other details that add an extra dimension and say something about a place.

8: Go the distance

Sunset on the remote Ton Le Sap Lake, Cambodia (Graeme Green)

The ‘glamourous’ life of a travel photographer often means getting out of bed (if there is a bed) when it’s still dark. I’ve completed assignments while wiped out by illness. There have been tough journeys on jarring dirt tracks, long trudges through thick snow or desert heat, and endless waits in dawn’s early light with nothing happening. You need to deal with disappointment, the unexpected, the impossible-to-predict and the failed-to-appear.

Early starts, sleepless nights, long days blurring into each other, dodgy vehicles and difficult journeys are all part of life as a travel photographer. There might be times when you don’t feel like taking photos, but missed opportunities always come back to haunt you. Few people know regret like a photographer who didn’t get their shot.

9: Be original

Burmese girl applying Thanakha in motorbike wing mirror (Graeme Green)

With billions of images online and in newspapers, magazines and books, it takes something original to stand out and make people look.

The world probably doesn’t need another photo of the Holi paint festival or sunrise over Angkor Wat. I prefer to seek out subjects that I haven’t already seen elsewhere 1,000 times. If you are going to photograph a well-covered subject, you need to find your own fresh take.

10: Seek out interesting places and situations

Silver miner walking through Mexico’s Copper Canyon (Graeme Green)

One of the great pleasures of travel photography is the travel itself. It’s a job that can take you around the world, meeting people you’d rarely meet in any other walk of life, witnessing scenes and having adventures that are unforgettable.

It pays to go to unfamiliar and remote places, even if that means difficult journeys. The extra effort is usually rewarded with fascinating cultures, wildlife, buildings and other new sights. Keep an ear out for local festivals or find out about local practices, from religion to art, farming to celebrations, all of which can make for original pictures.

Exploring and finding something unique that you’re interested in – as a person, a traveller and a photographer – is the big motivation for many travel photographers.

Graeme Green is an award-winning travel photographer and journalist, whose work has appeared in The Sunday Times, Wanderlust, National Geographic, The Guardian and others. For more on Graeme’s photography, see graeme-green.com .

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Home » Win with your travel photos

Win with your travel photos

Winners and finalists of Travel Photographer of the Year share their tips for success with Geoff Harris, who also gets some advice from co-founder Chris Coe

Since starting in 2003, Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) has become one of the most prestigious photography competitions in the world. For the most recently judged competition (2022), some 20,000 images were submitted from amateur and professional photographers from 154 countries. For the most recently judged competition (2022), some 20,000 images were submitted from amateur and professional photographers from 154 countries.

Winning tips from the organisers

So what does it take to stand out in such a tough contest? As well as some tips from winners and selected finalists below, we caught up with TPOTY co-founder Chris Coe . ‘Winning images have to be good enough to print , but don’t let a lack of technical perfection dissuade you from entering,’ he explains.

‘There are images that are not technically very good but have a fantastic mood or sense of what is happening. The second reason that images or portfolios don’t get through is that entrants haven’t followed the brief. People tend to enter their favourite pictures, rather than the most suitable ones. So get feedback from a third party . Then, think about originality and a fresh take on the subject. It’s hard to be totally original, but you need to try to stamp your particular vision on an image. Finally, if you are entering a portfolio, the images need to tell a story and be a progression, rather than a repetition.

When portfolios are judged, they are seen together, so try not to do anything which disrupts this – mixing black & white and colour, for example, or submitting three landscape images and then a portrait.’

If you enjoy travel photography, don’t forget that as well as Travel Photographer of the Year, the travel round of our massive Amateur Photographer of the Year competition is now open. We’ve also teamed up with Zoom Tours to offer AP readers a wide range of fantastic photography workshops , in some truly amazing destinations.

Read on for some exclusive tips and insights from the winners of this year’s Travel Photographer of the Year.

Matjaz Krivic, Slovenia

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV , 100mm lens, 1/1000sec at f/8, ISO 100

Najin and other portfolio images Overall Winner, Travel Photographer of the Year See Matjaz’s website and Instagram page .

This image shows 33-year-old Najin – one of the world’s last two remaining Northern White rhinos – and her keeper, Zachary Mutai, in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya. There were numerous special moments between them, but the winning shot somehow resonated the most. The intimacy between the caretaker Zachary Mutai and Najin offers us a glimpse of hope.’

Matjaz’s top tips

• Persevere. I’ve been entering TPOTY since 2003 when I was given a Judge’s Favourite Award. Winning it this year feels really special to me. I will definitely enter the competition again!
• You need to work hard on your chosen project. We were waking up with Najin and Fatu, the other rhino, walking with them as they were grazing, and watching them as they fell asleep.
• As well as being prepared to work hard you need lots of enthusiasm – I believe it’s the single most important thing you need to succeed.

Dana Allen, USA

Nikon D4 , 28-300mm lens, 1/500sec at f/16, ISO 800

Elephants, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe The Art of Monochrome, Best Single Image in a Portfolio See Dana’s website and Instagram page

‘I have entered the competition a few times now, most recently in 2020, where I was awarded for a photograph in the Islands category. I guide small groups and arrange private photographic safaris around Africa and also to the Arctic. I have been teaching photography and running workshops for many years now.’

Dana’s top tips

• If you are entering a black & white category, remember black & white is just another level of abstraction, making the viewer connect with the composition and interact with the photo on a different level than if it was in colour. Images with bold shapes and tones reproduce particularly well in black & white.
• You never know what will catch the judges’ eye, but, it is always nice to strive to create something different and unique – whether it be the subject, composition or an exciting moment.
• Consult with others about your entries to see which images they react to. You can sometimes be too close to the image, and the experience, to be the best judge.

Cal Cole, UK

Nikon D3200 , 18-135mm lens, 1/180sec at f/4, ISO 3200

Manchester Young Travel Photographer of the Year, Winner See Cal’s website and Instagram page . 

‘This is the first time I’ve entered the competition, so I’m very humbled. I picked a set of images that I felt worked well together and embodied the way I perceived Manchester; I was definitely aware that there would perhaps be more exotic locations in other entries butI hoped the fact I had shot somewhere nearby to me might help me to stand out more.’

Cal’s top tips

• Look for beauty close to home. I think it can feel more rewarding to take a great image of somewhere nearby than travelling far for an image people may have already taken.
• You don’t need to buy an expensive camera. I took the winning images using a Nikon D3200 DSLR , which you can pick up used for around $243/£200.
• Don’t over-edit. Some of the images are adjusted to a greater extent than others but all of them were edited in Adobe Lightroom using basic light and colour adjustments accompanied by filter and hue changes.

Lorenz Berna, Italy

Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro, 18-200mm lens, 1/6sec at f/5.3, ISO 400

Monks, Thailand Creative Travel, One Shot, Winner See Lorenz’s website and Instagram page 

‘This is the first time I’ve entered TPOTY. I wanted to convey the sense of Samsara, the Buddhist concept of the cycle of reincarnations up to perfection and enlightenment. I returned three days in a row, waiting patiently under a white marble tunnel that led inside a monastery. I noticed that there was an interesting game going on with the monks, and the shadows of passers-by in the opposite direction. You see in your mind what you would like to happen and you just wait there, fully concentrated.’

Lorenz’s Top Tips

• In travel photography the most common trap is to fall into the cliché. That is the reason why I have chosen a more creative approach for Thai monks, a very familiar subject.
• Find a subject that interests you deeply and figure out how to show it to the world in the most interesting way. The longer you stay on a subject studying it and returning to it with different lights, angles and perspectives, the greater the opportunities to create something really significant.
• You don’t need an expensive camera. I used a 20-year-old Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro equipped with a Nikon 18-200mm zoom lens that I had bought just three days before the shoot in a thrift shop in Bangkok!

Trevor Cole, Ireland

Nikon Z 7II , 70-200mm lens, 1/640sec at f/4, ISO 200

Herder, Terekeka, South Sudan The Art of Monochrome, Special Mention See Trevor’s website and Instagram page

‘I’ve been a finalist nine times. This ‘Special mention’ image was taken in Terekeka, South Sudan. A herder of the Mundari tribe waits for her cattle to return from grazing on the White Nile floodplain. She then tethers them to a post for the night.’

Trevor’s top tips

• Strive for originality. I love most genres of photography but capturing the rapidly changing cultures of remote areas in Africa has become a focal point.
• My lens has become my vision of indigenous people and with time I have tried to turn my photographs into emotive moments where I encapsulate a connection. Tourism can be degrading but it can, if sensitively done, also bring hope and cultural resilience.

Romain Miot, France

Sony Alpha 7 III , 24-70mm lens, 1/3200sec at f/2.8, ISO 125

The Camel’s Conductor, Mauritania People’s Choice, Winner Instagram and Twitter: @miotromain

‘I took this image during a trip to Mauritania, in west Africa, in September of 2021 as part of my goal to visit all the countries of the world. In the extreme south-east of Mauritania, between the UNESCO heritage ‘ksours’ (trading centres) of Oualata and Tichitt, I met up with this salt caravan after a four-day expedition in the middle of the Sahara desert.

No roads lead to this place, we drove through the endless sands. Wells have been dug throughout the desert for the camels to drink water through the caravans to Mali, Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso where they will sell the harvested salt.’

Romain’s top tips

• Get a helping hand from someone who has the same camera, as they will understand the camera’s functions and settings.
• It’s very important to have the confidence to switch from automatic mode to manual . Manual might be more time-consuming, but through trial and error we learn to correct our mistakes and thus take better photos.
• Always shoot in raw. The raw image is not beautiful per se, but it holds all the information you need.

John Seager, UK

DJI Air 2S drone, 22.4mm lens, 1/730sec at f/2.8, ISO 110

Puna de Atacama, Argentina Deserts to Rainforests, Best Single Image in a Portfolio, Winner See John’s Instagram page

‘This image was taken with a drone in an area of north-west Argentina called the Puna. It’s part of the Argentina Atacama area, which runs into Chile and Bolivia. I’d been before and was blown away, so I was keen to go back after lockdown. The image shows a geological formation, that sits on a vast salt pan. It’s an almost perfectly conical shape and I timed it so I captured a long shadow before sunset.’

John’s top tips

• The most important tip is to find something original you are passionate about and make it your own.
• Sometimes you can get lucky, but you make your own luck through detailed planning. Apps such as PhotoPills are great for sunrise and sunset and night photography.

Alexej Sachov, Germany/Ukraine

Fujifilm GFX100 , 45mm lens, 1/100sec at f/18, ISO 100

Plastic Underwater, Egypt and Maldives Green Planet, Blue Planet, Category Winner See Alexej’s website and Instagram page

‘This is the third time I have entered; previously I got highly commended and commended. I also won the Water, single image category. I’ve been shooting underwater plastic waste for about two years. These images were taken in Egypt and the Maldives. I use a Fujifilm GFX100 with underwater housing and a WACP-1, which is a conversion lens for in-water correction. It all weighs 15kg, so it’s quite heavy.’

Alexej’s top tips

• I also do a lot of general photography workshops to hone my skills. It’s good to learn from different genres of photography.
• If you are an underwater photographer, think carefully about composition. You also need to be confident with your diving skills, so you can give full attention to the photography.

Laura Storm, UK

Canon EOS 800D , 60mm lens, 1/125sec at f/9, ISO 100

Bonaire, Leeward Antilles Green Planet, Blue Planet, Runner-up See Laura’s website and Instagram page

‘The reefs that fringe this island are fabulous. There’s so much life, and every dive reveals something interesting. For an underwater photographer, it’s an uncrowded, unassuming paradise. I’m a Canon DSLR shooter and I favour cropped-sensor over full-frame models. Mostly because of the overall size once my camera’s housed for underwater adventures. Out of the water, with strobes, focus light, arm attachments, brackets, wet diopters and such, my rig weighs a fair few kilos.

‘The more hydrodynamic I can make my set-up, the easier I can move and position it underwater. I love experimenting, capturing arty interpretations and abstract expressions. A big aspect of underwater photography is about lighting your subject optimally. That has to be done using strobes and torches, because for macro work, there’s rarely enough ambient light. I used minimal post-production for my portfolio.’

Laura’s top tips

• For TPOTY, your images need to stand out in some way. You’ll find less- conventional travel images succeeding year on year, so try to be surprising.
• Find the best category to fit your work and push the boundaries artistically.
• With portfolios, each image has to work in multiple ways. You don’t want a weak link. Also, celebrate your individuality.

Further reading

Do Travel Photography like a Street Photographer 20 Best Accessories for Travel Photography Flying with Camera Kit: How to Do It The Best Backpacks for Photography

I am the deputy editor of Amateur Photographer, working closely with the team to make the website and magazine as good as possible. I've been working on magazines since 1995 and am also a keen travel and portrait photographer when time allows, reaching the finals of the Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year contest in 2015 and achieving my Licentiate from the Royal Photographic Society the year before. I also keep my wedding-photography hand in by shooting a few ceremonies a year. I am particularly interested in how photography can help people express their creativity more effectively, or deal with mental health issues and other challenges.

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Level Up Your Travel Photos This Summer With These Pro Tips

These pro photography tips will help you score some amazing images on your summer travels.

• Shortlisted for British Photography Awards 2022, Commended in Landscape Photographer of the Year 2022

A sunbather takes in the glorious weather on the island of Sicily.

Your summer vacations are the perfect time to capture amazing photos you'll want to look at for years to come. And you don't have to be a professional photographer to preserve all the gorgeous sights and memorable experiences you'll encounter on your trip. Today's cameras make it easier than ever to take good-looking images. But simply pointing your camera at something and pressing the shutter button isn't necessarily going to score you the best results.

Taking photos that you'll want to print for your wall or put in a photo book takes more understanding, but with just a bit of effort you'll be able to turn your everyday vacation snaps into award-worthy pieces of travel photography. 

In the first part of my two-part travel photography guide , I took you through the kit you should consider taking with you, whether it's a great phone like the iPhone 15 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or a dedicated camera like the Canon EOS R5. 

Read more: Best Camera to Buy in 2024

Now I'm going to take you through the tips I keep in mind as a professional photographer while traveling the globe. 

By knowing how to quickly operate my camera I was able to capture the fleeting golden light of this sunset in Scotland.

Get to know your kit

Learning how to operate your camera will not only help you get better, more creative shots, but will help you snap those shots quicker, as you won't have to fiddle around with settings. Some of the most exciting travel shots can come and go in a split second, so whether you're capturing the running of the bulls in Pamplona or a snowboarder launching off a mogul in Switzerland, you'll need to learn to shoot quickly.

Learning how to use manual controls will allow you to get creative with slow shutter speeds.

Spend time with your camera in manual mode before you go away. Learn how to change shutter speed, aperture, ISO speeds and white balance and experiment with what happens to your images when you change these settings. A good camera will be able to capture some great shots in auto mode, but when you want to get more creative, you'll need to take control. 

Shooting in raw allows you to fine tune settings like white balance after you've taken the shot.

Shoot in raw

If your camera has it (and almost all cameras and even most phones do), shoot in raw format. Yes, it creates bigger files, but memory cards are so cheap now that it's worth carrying an extra couple of 64GB cards with you. Raw shooting allows you to change white balance after your shot and capture more details in the very bright and very dark areas, letting you tone down any blown-out skies or lighten some shadows in Photoshop.

Read more: Best Camera Phone of 2024

Although it's always best to get the shot right when you first take it, raw processing gives you much more flexibility to rescue a shot that's not quite right. 

Local events can provide a wealth of photography opportunities, such as this sea-swimming competition in the Italian town of Vernazza.

Do your research

Search for your location on Google and visit travel websites to find out more about where you're going. Not only will that help you make the most of your trip, you may find out about local events or particularly photogenic locations you may otherwise have missed.

You might also find out about photography restrictions that may land you in hot water -- as a general rule anywhere, avoid photographing government buildings, and if you're unsure, ask permission.

Search for your destination on Instagram or on photography websites such as Flickr and 500px for inspiration on what to see. It's handy to get an idea of the shots other people have taken -- either to replicate them yourself or to avoid taking the same generic shot the internet has seen hundreds of times before.

Composition is key

Good composition will make or break a photo, and unlike white balance or color tone, poor composition can't be fixed in post processing. The morning light bouncing off that rustic church won't count for much if you've accidentally chopped off the spire in your hurry to take the shot.

By finding a higher viewpoint, I was able to better capture the beautiful towers, spires -- and the castle -- on a stunning winter evening in Edinburgh.

A generic shot of a popular spot can be transformed into an unusual and creative artwork simply by changing your angle. Take a moment to look at the scene before you shoot and don't be afraid to move around to get the best angles. Struggling with a beach scene? Walk farther down the coast to find boats, nets or rocks that might add foreground interest. Shooting in the city? Get up a tall building for dramatic urban cityscapes. Even just kneeling down and shooting from below can make a difference.

These jeans being dried over a balcony really caught my eye and certainly say a lot about city life in Barcelona.

Find the details that matter

Capturing a beautiful, wide view of the stunning European city you're visiting is great for a nice print to hang on your wall, but it's those smaller details that really tell the story of your trip. Maybe it's the food market you visited, a weather-worn old door, a vintage scooter or a shop sign that hasn't been repainted in years. 

All of these small elements will not only help capture the essence of the location you're visiting but also help bring back more memories for you when you look at them as each image will tell such a strong story. It's up to you to decide what those small details might be to look out for, but my advice is to always have your camera ready to shoot so when you see something that speaks to you -- a stack of lobster pots in a harbor, perhaps -- you're ready to take your shot. 

Amazing things can happen in the dark.

Don't be afraid of the dark

Just because the sun has gone down, it doesn't mean your photography needs to stop. It's a great time to get creative with slow shutter shots. Long exposures blur motion, turning regular car headlights on a city street into creative, abstract light trails, streaking through the darkness. Use a narrow aperture -- around f/12 -- and a long exposure to turn points of light into gorgeous starbursts.

You'll need to secure your camera firmly in place -- with a tripod -- and if you're playing with exposures longer than a few seconds, you'll need to be careful about the breeze or people walking by adding any vibrations. If you want to do long exposures in the daytime, you'll need a dark neutral density filter, such as the Big Stopper by Lee Filters, to let you take minute-long exposures in the middle of the day.

If you're shooting on a modern camera -- especially with a larger, full frame sensor -- then you can also likely increase your ISO speed above 3,200 without seeing too much degradation from image noise. Coupled with a wider aperture of f/2.8 or more, you may have more luck shooting handheld scenes in low light. If this is a priority for you, cameras that also offer in-body image stabilization (like the Canon EOS R5) should be on your list; this stabilization lets you use slower shutter speeds without needing a tripod.

By visiting this busy Saturday morning market in the French town of La Rochelle, I was able to capture this street photo that packs in great elements including the flowers on the barrel, the man dipping his hat, the people having a conversation and a woman peering out from inside the building.

Be a people person

It's often the people you meet as much as the places you see that makes traveling and exploring so interesting. People make fantastic subjects to photograph, whether they're wandering the streets, relaxing or hard at work.

Naturally, not everybody will want to be photographed so, out of politeness if nothing else, it's a good idea to ask the person's permission beforehand if you're trying to take a portrait of someone. It'll help if you do your research and learn a few key phrases of the local language to not only ask permission, but be able to understand the response. If they say no, it's important to respect that.

Otherwise, heading to busy areas like local markets will allow you to take more street-style photographs with candid moments of people going about their day. Again, it's still important to respect peoples' space here and keep in mind that some countries may have laws against this type of photography.

I loved capturing this moment on a trip to the Scottish seaside, and I think it really helps tell the story of the sort of community you'd find there.

Set your alarm

The middle of the day may be the nicest time to wander around Tuscan streets, grab a hot chocolate on the mountainside or order a third cocktail on the beach, but the midday sun doesn't usually offer the best light for dramatic photographs.

It's the early morning light, casting its long, golden shadows that will really make a place look its most beautiful. Setting your alarm for sunrise on holiday may seem like the worst thing in the world, but it's worth trying -- even just once -- to see what sort of shots you get. Scout out locations beforehand to make sure you don't waste the precious early hours trying to find somewhere to shoot.

By coming back to this tower later in the day, I was able to catch the sunset in the background.

Revisit the scene

When you stumble upon a particularly picturesque scene, don't just visit it just the once. While a bay may look delightful in the daytime, it will look different again at night, with all the lights of nearby buildings stretching out across the water. If you know a great spot, do your best to come back to it to find out when it looks best.

Sometimes a punchy black and white edit can really add to the drama of a scene.

Play with processing

Although you should always try to get the best shot you can when you first take it, some well-placed post processing can turn a good photo into a great one. If you're shooting raw files, you'll need to process them anyway, so it's worth trying out a few of the sliders in Adobe Lightroom while you're at it.

With your raw files, the first thing you'll need to do is correct the white balance. Have a play with the color temperature slider and see what tone suits best. Summer evening shots will benefit from a warmer color tone, while chilly February city streets will look best with something a bit cooler.

Toning down the highlights can help keep a bright sky under control, while lifting the shadows will help make darker areas more visible, without affecting too much of the rest of the scene. It's important not to go overboard on this, as it can make your images look a little unnatural. From that point on, have a play with your editor of choice and see what you like. There's no one right way to edit your shots -- no matter what anybody says -- it's all about what you prefer. 

A high contrast black and white edit makes this image from a London tube station really stand out.

Do your own thing

Sure, rules such as "take the lens cap off before shooting" should always be followed, but never be afraid to try an unusual angle, play with your settings or experiment with new editing techniques in Lightroom.

If everybody always followed the exact same format, everybody's photography would look the same. Use these rules as guidelines and play with angles, settings and editing as much as you want to find what works for you.

I'm Blown Away by These Photos I Took on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra

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Photographer spends two years with traveller families

They are one of Britain’s oldest and, in the view of those who know them, most “misunderstood” minorities.

But a photographer hopes his work will show travellers and Romany people in a more sympathetic light, dispelling the myths and negative connotations that have grown up around the community.

Sam Wright’s ambition may be about to be fulfilled. His work has been shortlisted for the British Journal of Photography’s Portrait of Humanity prize, one of the country’s most prestigious photographic awards.

Mr Wright, whose selected photograph titled Family at the Fair, Cumbria, UK – showing five young traveller girls posing on the steps and porch of their traditional caravan – told the judges: “Misrepresentation by the media has been damaging to these communities. I sought to counter this with an honest portrayal, challenging misconceptions and showcasing their passion and resilience.

“As mounting challenges threaten the traveller and gypsy communities, I believe it is time for a positive change in attitudes, and I hope this project contributes to that shift.”

Appleby Fair

Mr Wright spent two years with travelling families, attending numerous fairs and traditional gatherings across the country, including the famous Appleby Fair , which dates back to the 1600s.

“My experience was in stark contrast to the stereotype, and from that moment, I knew this was a story that needed to be told, and I wanted to invest the time to do it.”

He says that what began as a fact-finding mission evolved into a cultural exchange with a group pushed to the fringes of society.

When Mr Wright told friends and colleagues of his project he was met with what he said was a barrage of stereotypical responses.

“People would advise me not to go,” he said. “They told me there would be trouble. ‘Don’t take expensive equipment!’ I quickly saw the prejudice facing the traveller community before I even arrived.”

‘Her background isn’t discussed’

The assignment became personal for the Sheffield-born photographer after he discovered his great-grandmother was part of the community.

“I wanted to understand this aspect of my family heritage,” Mr Wright told the writer Gem Fletcher. “My uncle has shared some information, but her background isn’t discussed within the family. She lived on the road until she married a farmer and was forced to denounce her connection to that world. It’s a sensitive subject, but I felt I needed to delve into it to know her better.”

Also shortlisted for the award is a powerful portrait of an Indian woman blinded in an acid attack, taken by Erberto Zani.

Mr Zani said the woman, called Anumukherjee, had undergone 22 operations after being attacked by a female friend jealous of her beauty. The attacker was jailed for 10 years and has since been released.

Another work shortlisted is Shane Coughlan’s portrait of an old man, taken on a street corner in Dublin.

Old-world respect and dignity

In his submission Mr Coughlan said: “I turned the corner onto a row of old cottages to see Patrick returning home from the shops. He has lived on the street with his brother and sister for 80 years. In his suit, shirt and tie, Pioneer and Holy Cross medals, he defines the old-world respect and dignity of a gentleman from Dublin’s north inner city.”

The British Journal of Photography describes its Portrait of Humanity Award as “a call for unity and an urgent reminder of the shared fight against humanity’s biggest challenges: to protect the environment, choice over our own bodies, and the right to be and love whomever we want”.

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• WEATHER ALERT Excessive Heat Watch Full Story
• HEALTH & FITNESS

Will COVID FLiRT variant lead to summer surge? Tracking travel concerns as cases rise

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Are we heading toward a summer COVID-19 surge? US health officials are keeping a very close eye on the latest FLiRT variant since the UK reported a rise in hospitalizations.

It's a combination of various omicron descendants, and Dr. Daniel Kijner, an emergency room physician at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, said there has been an increase in cases.

"Luckily, morbidity and mortality have remained the same," he said.

In the last three weeks, there's been a rise in COVID-related illnesses, according to Kijner. In fact, he ended up testing positive himself.

"This time, the variation was a little bit of more muscle aches, and I did have loss of taste and smell, but just very briefly," he said.

The most common symptoms are sore throat, congestion, and fatigue. Case counts in Los Angeles County have remained below 100 cases per week since April.

In June, it jumped to more than 150 cases per week, which is an undercount. Overall, hospitalizations remain lower than this time last year.

While FLiRt is much milder than previous variants, it can still be dangerous to people with various health conditions.

"Heart problems, lung problems, chronic, immune-compromised such as cancer. If you're going to be out in public, I would wear a mask," said Kijner.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says infections appear to be growing in 39 US states and territories.

While experts say they're expecting a lot of summer travel, many people plan to stay close to home and will continue with safe practices.

"A lot of my meetings can happen over the phone and through Zoom," said Robert De La Torre.

Whatever holiday plans you have, Kijner suggest you be very aware.

"It's very contagious," he said.

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• LOS ANGELES
• CORONAVIRUS
• COVID 19 VARIANT
• COVID 19 PANDEMIC

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