Travel Photography Tips, Photos & Best Photography Locations

Travel Photography – Share Your Photos, Tips & Favourite Locations​

Travel photography is one of the best ways to bring a journey home with you. A great travel photo can capture far more than just a destination — it can preserve the atmosphere of a busy street, the colours of a sunset, the character of a local market, an incredible landscape or one of those unexpected moments that becomes the highlight of a trip.

This thread is for travel photographers of every experience level, whether you travel with a professional DSLR or mirrorless camera, a compact camera, a drone, a GoPro or simply your smartphone.

We'd love to see your photographs and hear the stories behind them.

Share Your Favourite Travel Photos​

Have you taken a photograph you're particularly proud of?

Post it here and tell us:

• Where was the photo taken?
• What country, city, attraction or location were you visiting?
• What camera or smartphone did you use?
• Which lens did you use, if applicable?
• What camera settings worked for the shot?
• Was it taken at sunrise, sunset, during the day or at night?
• Did you edit the photograph afterwards?
• What made that particular place or moment memorable?

Adding a little information about your photo makes your post much more useful to other travellers who may be planning to visit the same destination.

Best Places for Travel Photography​

Some destinations almost seem designed for photographers.

Maybe you've photographed the dramatic landscapes of Iceland or New Zealand, the beaches of Australia, the historic streets of Italy, the temples of Japan, wildlife in Africa, the mountains of Switzerland, or the bright lights of New York, London or Tokyo.

Where have you found the best travel photography locations?

Share your favourite:

Landscapes and viewpoints
Beaches and coastlines
Cities and architecture
Wildlife photography locations
Street photography destinations
Sunrise and sunset locations
Night photography locations
Hidden photographic locations away from the tourist crowds

If there's a particular viewpoint, walking trail, street or location that produced a fantastic photograph, tell other travellers about it.

Smartphone Travel Photography​

You don't need expensive camera equipment to take great travel photographs.

Modern smartphones can produce excellent images, and for many travellers the best camera is simply the one they always have with them.

If you mainly use an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel or another smartphone, share your tips for getting better travel photos.

Do you shoot in RAW? Use portrait mode? Adjust exposure manually? Carry a small tripod? Use editing apps such as Lightroom or Snapseed?

We'd particularly like to see examples of great travel photographs taken entirely on a phone.

Travel Photography Tips​

This is also the place to exchange advice and learn from other travellers.

Topics can include:

• Choosing the best camera for travel photography
• DSLR vs mirrorless vs smartphone cameras
• The best lenses for travelling
• Landscape photography techniques
• Street photography
• Wildlife photography
• Night and low-light photography
• Sunrise and sunset photography
• Portrait photography while travelling
• Drone photography
• Composition and the rule of thirds
• Using natural light
• Camera settings and exposure
• Travelling with camera equipment
• Protecting cameras from rain, sand and extreme weather
• Photo storage and backups while travelling
• Lightroom and photo editing tips

Beginners are very welcome too. If there's something you don't understand, ask your travel photography questions here and another member may be able to help.

Tell the Story Behind the Photograph​

Some of the best travel photographs aren't technically perfect.

They're special because of the story behind them.

Perhaps you got up at 4:30am to photograph a sunrise, stumbled across an incredible street scene, waited an hour for the perfect light, spotted unexpected wildlife or discovered a viewpoint that wasn't mentioned in your guidebook.

Those stories are part of travel photography too.

So don't just show us the photograph — tell us what was happening when you took it.

️ Help Other Travellers Discover Great Photography Locations​

When posting a photo, include the destination or location name wherever possible.

For example:

"Sunset at Cable Beach, Broome, Western Australia"

is much more useful to another traveller than simply:

"Great sunset from my holiday."

Details about where to take the photo, the best time of day, how to reach the location and any photography restrictions can be especially helpful.

Join the Travel Photography Discussion​

Whether you have one photograph to share or thousands sitting on your hard drive, we'd love to see some of them.

Post your best travel photos, share your travel photography tips, recommend great photography locations, ask questions about cameras and equipment, or simply tell us about a memorable photograph from one of your journeys.

Start by posting one of your favourite travel photographs below and tell us where in the world you took it.

Let's build this thread into a useful collection of travel photography inspiration, advice, destinations and real photographs from travellers around the world.

 

[Katherine]

Travel Photography: Bringing Your Journeys to Life

Prepare in advance by learning about your destination's culture and locating its important sites or distinctive features.
Prepare: Buy a good camera and bring the necessities, such as extra batteries, memory cards, and a tripod.
Golden Hours: For beautiful pictures, take them during sunrise and sunset when the light is gentle and warm.
Local Flavours: To portray the genuineness of the destination, photograph the local cuisine, street markets, and people.
Using details and context, you may use your photographs to convey a story.
Rule of Thirds: Use the rule of thirds while framing your photographs to produce appealing visuals.
Wait for the ideal opportunity to record unstaged, sincere feelings and scenes.
Imaginative Shots: Experiment with various viewpoints, angles, and focal lengths.
Editing Magic: Post-process your images to enhance the natural tones, contrast, and clarity.
Tell Us Your Story: To interest your audience, post your vacation images with words and stories.

 

[justdavid]

I really love to see all your stunning pictures in your travel!

 

[garitransfer]

I must say, I absolutely adore scrolling through your travel pictures. They never fail to leave me in awe. Your adventures are a real treat for the eyes, and I genuinely appreciate the beauty and excitement you bring to my feed. Please, keep sharing your inspiring journeys with all of us!

 

[Sergio2022]

Travel photography allows you to capture the beauty and essence of the places you visit. Here are some tips to enhance your travel photography:

1. Research and Plan:
   • Research your destination to understand its culture, landmarks, and local customs.
   • Plan your photography spots and the best times to visit them for optimal lighting conditions.
2. Pack Wisely:
   • Travel light but ensure you have the essential gear, including a versatile lens, extra batteries, memory cards, and a sturdy camera bag.
3. Understand Your Camera:
   • Know your camera's settings and features. Practice using them before your trip so you can make adjustments quickly.
4. Capture the Local Life:
   • Go beyond the typical tourist shots. Capture the daily life of locals, street scenes, and cultural events to tell a more comprehensive story.
5. Play with Light:
   • Take advantage of the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) for soft, warm light. Experiment with shadows and reflections for creative effects.

 

[romio]

View attachment 818

Greetings, fellow wanderers!
Embarking on a journey is not just about the destinations; it's about the moments we capture along the way. As passionate travelers, we understand the power of a well-captured photograph—it has the ability to transport us back to a specific place and time, evoking memories that linger long after the journey ends.
In this thread, let's dive into the art of travel photography, sharing our stunning captures, exchanging photography tips, and seeking advice on how to truly capture the essence of the places we explore. After all, visual content has a unique ability to draw people in and inspire their own wanderlust.

1. Share Your Stunning Travel Photos: Start by showcasing your most breathtaking travel photographs. Whether it's the golden hues of a sunset over a tropical beach, the vibrant chaos of a bustling market, or the serene beauty of a mountain landscape—let your photos tell the story of your adventures. Remember, each photo is a snapshot of a moment that can inspire others to embark on their own journeys.

2. Photography Tips for Fellow Travelers: Let's pool our collective knowledge and share photography tips that have helped us capture those picture-perfect moments. Whether it's advice on framing, lighting, or the best camera gear for travel, your insights can be invaluable to both novice and seasoned photographers alike.

3. Seeking Advice on Capturing the Essence: Every destination has its unique essence—a distinct vibe, culture, and atmosphere. How do you capture the soul of a place through your lens? Share your challenges and successes, and ask for advice on how to better convey the spirit of a destination in your photographs.

Why Visual Content Matters: In a world saturated with information, visuals stand out. They have the power to ignite curiosity and spark a sense of wonder. As travelers, our photos not only serve as personal memories but also as windows into the diverse beauty of our planet.

Encourage Replies: Let's turn this thread into a vibrant hub of creativity and knowledge. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or someone just starting to explore the world through a lens, your perspective is valuable. Comment with your favorite photo, share a photography tip, or ask for advice—let's build a community that celebrates the art of travel photography!
Remember, the journey is not just about the destination; it's about how we choose to capture and share those extraordinary moments. So, fellow travelers, let the visual storytelling begin! ️

Looking forward to seeing the world through your lens!

 

[Luttesvin]

I see it’s been a while since anyone posted, but I wanted to ask—how do you balance being in the moment with stopping to take photos? I sometimes feel like I’m missing out on the experience by trying to capture it all. Do you set aside dedicated photo times or just shoot as you go? Would love to hear how others handle this.

 

[Danydich]

I started using a digital picture frame on my desk at work to rotate through my travel shots, and it’s been a great way to keep those memories alive. It also made me think more carefully about which photos really capture the vibe of a place, so now I shoot with display in mind—framing, light, color—all pop so much better when viewed that way.

 

[thomasjoshep]

see it’s been a while since anyone posted, but I wanted to ask—how do you balance being in the moment with stopping to take photos? I sometimes feel like I’m missing out on the experience by trying to capture it all. Do you set aside dedicated photo times or just shoot as you go? Would love to hear how others handle this.