Is your travel photography stuck in a rut? Do you constantly take the same photo? Have you lost your creative drive for travel photography? If so, it’s time to break the rules and revitalize your creative techniques with unique travel shots. Here, we provide the perfect recipes for unleashing the artist within and raising the bar for your travel snaps.
1. Ignite Your Travel Photography Journey
Are you ready to ? Whether you’re a seasoned vet or a brand-new beginner, here are some tips to help take your photos to the next level.
Invest in the Right Equipment
No matter your level of experience, having the right equipment is key to successful travel photography. Invest in a good camera body, a set of quality lenses, and a tripod to help ensure each picture is sharp. Keep in mind that photography equipment isn’t cheap, but if you plan it right, it’s an investment that will pay off.
Explore Unique Angles
When out and about exploring the world, be sure to look around for exciting angles. Zoom in close, get down low, and explore unusual perspectives of the same scene. You can also rely on tried-and-true methods, such as the golden rule of thirds, to create stunning shots. Digging deeper can result in unexpected and creative photos.
Take Time to Compose
Before clicking the shutter, be sure to take some time to compose your shot just right. Look for interesting elements such as light, lines, and shapes that can add depth and draw the eye further into the image. Think about how these elements work together, and don’t be afraid to move around for the perfect shot.
Capture the Ambience
When photographing a new place, don’t forget to take in the atmosphere. You can do this by grabbing wide-angle shots that capture the feel of the place, or by taking close-up details such as textures and local artifacts. The former will evoke a sense of awe and exploration, while the latter can also help to tell a story.
Have Fun
Above all, have fun with your photography! Don’t be too hard on yourself, and don’t worry about getting it right the first time. Take your time to experiment with different angles, styles, and compositions; who knows what you’ll come up with!
2. Defy the Rules to Get Unconventional Travel Photographs
The last thing most travelers consider doing is breaking the rules to get unusual photographs. Yet, doing so can be the key to exceptional images that evoke emotion and memories. Here are some ideas to defy the rules and capture unconventional travel photos:
- Play with the rules of composition and framing. Photographers typically position their subjects according to the rule-of-thirds, but why not have fun with different perspectives – shooting from straight above or below, or positions slightly to the left or right instead?
- Ignore the “safe” shots. If you want memorable, unexpected photographs, go out of your way for the “unsafe” shots that venture beyond the typical compositions. Photograph the hidden gems, the back alleys, and the obscure elements of your destination as well.
- Reign in your perfectionism. “Perfect” photos are nice, but the odd blurry image or the weird perspectives now and then can help engage the viewer’s imagination. So don’t strive for technical perfection every single time.
Also, constantly increase and challenge yourself. Explore new locations to get even more out-of-the-box photographs. Be daring and push the envelope with composition and subject selection. You just might uncover something surprising and spectacular.
Most importantly, never travel with the sole goal of capturing “perfect” pictures of particular places. Instead, keep an open mind and just let your curiosity free. Before you know it, you will come away with striking travel photographs you never expected.
3. Discover Creative Techniques to Up Your Travel Photo Game
Travel photography is one of the most exciting and fulfilling forms of photography you can take on, and some creative techniques can take it to the next level. Here are a few suggestions to take your travel photographs to the next level:
- Seek Different Perspectives – Make sure to adjust your viewpoint to explore creative angles. Find creative spots to get higher or lower for your photographs, or use the foreground to create a different context.
- Experiment With Motion – Experiment with movement to create a totally different effect. Introduce motion blur by slowing down the shutter speed, or use a fast shutter to capture dynamic movement of people or objects.
- Include People – Add people into your photographs to give it that story-telling moment. You can often capture beautiful expressions from locals to give your photographs that powerful local touch.
Creative use of light will also give your photograph a unique appeal. Take advantage of soft morning light by visiting a location early in the morning for a beautiful sunrise photograph, for example. Different locations offer different types of light.
You should also use props to give your photographs that special something. Accessories and props can have a real impact on how stories are told through pictures, and can add a great deal of atmosphere to your photographs. A bicycle may be a great option for a travel beach photo shoot!
Finally, practice some post-processing techniques for that unique touch. A range of software such as Adobe Photoshop & Lightroom can help produce some amazing effects. Play around with small details such as color balance, curves, and add creative gradients to accentuate your focused subject.
4. Unleash Your Curiosity to Take Unique Travel Shots
Adopt a Creative Sightseeing Approach
When you’re traveling, it’s easy to focus on the most popular tourist spots and take pictures at those spots like everyone else. But to really get creative and capture unique shots, it pays to unleash your curiosity. Instead of taking the most obvious pictures, look around for unexpected angles to capture. Look closely at the architecture and find interesting shadows, colors, and light that you can use to take dynamic, personal shots of your own.
Visit off-the-beaten-path Locations
At any destination, the mainstream attractions tend to draw the oceans of tourists with their phones and cameras in hand. If you really want to take original photos, consider exploring locations beyond the usual tourist spots. Look for places away from the crowds, as they are likely to provide a sheltered spot for wonderful photography opportunities. Villages, mountains, historical sites, and rural landscapes can all offer unique views.
Understand the Local Culture
Ignorance of the local culture can lead to missing out on wonderful experiences and interesting photos. As you find unique angles to photograph, try to capture the essence of the place by understanding its local culture. Listen to conversations between the locals, absorb the atmosphere of the street, and observe their daily lives. This can be a great way to expand your photography knowledge and discover new perspectives.
Follow your Intuition
As you take unique travel shots, remember that there is no rule book. Don’t limit yourself to the boundaries set by others and follow your own intuition when exploring. Don’t be scared to experiment with different modes and compositions; be bold and try something new so that you can come up with wildly unique shots. Take the risk, be adventurous, and unlock the fullest potential of what each place has to offer.
Don’t just stick to the status quo when it comes to travel photography. Creative techniques offer you an opportunity to break the rules and capture some truly unique shots. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and get creative – you never know, the result may be your next favorite travel photo!
