The Pros Dish Out Travel Photography Tips – Part 1

If you’re keen on photographing your travel experiences like a pro blogger or Instagrammer, there’s actually a lot to learn to achieve best results. We caught up with eleven pros to find out their tips and gear recommendations. In the first installment of this two-part series, we present to you the insight offered by six of them (stay tuned for part two!) –

 

Shailja Chauhan, TravelNerdStory.com

Whether it is a body angle or your camera angle, make sure to do it correctly. For example, try to take most of the landscape in the background. Sunsets and sunrise are some of my favorite times to click pictures, especially because of the natural light, which makes the whole picture so magical. Most of my pictures have been taken during sunrise. Don’t try to include too many elements in your image – it will end up looking jumbled. Focusing on one-two points of interest prevents readers from getting confused about where they should look.

Using a good camera is very important – sometimes your phone camera can do a better job than a DSLR. I am using Nikon d3400 and iPhone 8+. A tripod makes a huge difference in your pictures, too. Use a GoPro if you want to take underwater and elongated shots – I use a GoPro Hero4. Other essentials include Lightroom for editing pictures and a high speed memory card.

 

Ritayan Mukherjee, AnObservantOwl.in

Try to understand the area first. Then, start taking photos. Travel light – heavy gear is not required. Mirror-less cameras, mobile cameras and any action cameras like a GoPro are good to work with.

Sophie Pearce, ThirdEyeTraveller.com

It’s imperative to research a location before shooting. Getting to a location at sunrise or early in the morning is definitely the best way to beat all the tourists and my favourite time to shoot as I don’t have to compromise. But, it’s always important to check when there is the best natural lighting, too; there’s only so much you can achieve when you’re editing. Try and be creative with your shots; bring an object into the foreground to create texture and layers, try a different angle, take a photo of someone ‘from the hip.’  Taking quality photos is a process, but there are no right or wrongs when you click the shutter.

It is important to invest in a good DSLR with a quality lens. Of course, the latest Smartphones have just as many pixels as a basic camera, but it’s worth getting a camera that can shoot RAW pictures for your editing. Secondly, especially if you’re traveling solo or looking to take long exposure shots at night, you should get a tripod. I use my iPhone as a Wi-Fi shutter and it has transformed the way I shoot content when I travel. For underwater or adventure shots, get a GoPro. They’re incredible little gadgets that allow you to film every experience underwater, over-water, in the sky and beyond without breaking your equipment!

Aditi Carapurcar, GoanGirlZindagi.com

Whenever I travel somewhere, I feel the place. I interact with the locals, try the local food, wander off to offbeat places away from the trigger-happy tourists and try to bring the essence of those places in my frames. Try to see the place a little differently than others. That’s the beauty of travelling.

Photography accessories are not a must and vary depending on the kind of craft you do. I usually have a Nikon D5200 and a 50-200mm Sigma lens. I carry a tripod and/or an action camera sometimes, depending on the trip. Try to invest in products that are versatile. I have an action camera that takes great images, slow motion videos and 1080 HD quality recording all in one device. That saves space in my bag.

Dylan D’silva, @Dylan.Alcan

Try to go to any place during its off season. One of the best times to shoot is early morning. It gives you a head start and your pictures get the classic golden hour light with less crowds. Things rarely go as planned. The milky way maybe behind the clouds. The sunset may be covered by smog. The line of sight may change from what you initially visualized. So, either do your homework the day before and hope for the best. Or, improvise.

Spare batteries, spare SD cards and a tripod are the most important photography gear I generally carry. A tripod is especially important if you plan to shoot video, time lapses or long exposure shots. It also helps remove crowds with a sequence of multiple shots layered together in Photoshop. I like using a selfie stick to shoot those low angled video shots as it gives a sense of majesty and grandeur. I think 1-2 lenses for a DSLR is more than enough if you visualize the shots you want; my personal preference is a 50mm prime and another zoom lens, just in case. Carry a separate day-pack / camera bag for quick access. I recently purchased one of those quick release rapid side slings straps for the camera, which has been one of my best buys so far.

Prasad Solanki, @The_Otherworldly

Try showing the essence and beauty of the place. Remember to properly frame your image in the right proportion to give a smooth vibe. Concentrate on balancing the foreground, the subject and the sky correctly.

It is important to have a wide lens. If you don’t have a high budget, get an 18-55mm kit lens with any crop sensor camera. Or, get a GoPro or any action camera through which you can record amazing videos and super wide angle photos. Also, invest time in post-processing your images. I recommend using Adobe Lightroom.

Feeling inspired to try out these tips? Rent cameras, tripods, lenses and other neat products right here on Bragpacker. Don’t forget to tag us in your uploads!