Make a human connection
If you want to ensure your travel photography stands out, then the best way to do this is to create a connection with your subject. If you’re abroad, it’s far better to approach someone and ask if you can take their photograph than try to snap them unawares. Of course, if you’re in a developing country, it’s a good idea to offer them some money in return for a photograph, or to buy whatever they’re selling.
It can be difficult to walk up to someone and ask if you can take their photograph, but once you get over that fear, that’s half the battle. Try to find a rapport with them and find some common ground. Asking questions is the best way to get to know someone and to find out if they’re receptive to making a connection.
Look for the unusual
Each tourist destination has the cliched shot, which of course you should photograph if you want to, for your own memories. But if you’re looking for travel photographs that will stand out, look for what the people who live there are doing. Are they up at 5am making deliveries? Are they making something unique? Maybe you need to travel out of the centre by a mile or two to see the real city or area?
In many countries that I’ve visited, I’ve gone out for a walk either in the very early hours or late at night, and you get to see the real area and what’s going on. It might be a market setting up, it might be locals out surfing really early, it could be restaurants locking up or bakeries opening – just get out there and have a stroll around. Sometimes I just stay on UK time so that I can get out exploring at unusual quieter times, and I don’t get jet lag as a bonus!
Remember, the unusual to you or me could be something completely normal to someone who lives in your tourist destination. It just needs to create an image that you don’t usually see and captures an element of the place or person.
Don’t worry about expensive kit
If you’re on holiday, you don’t want to be lugging around a load of different lenses, lighting or camera bodies. Just use what you have, even if that’s your cell phone camera. I originally won a round-the-world trip when I was 18, and packed a little point-and-shoot camera. I hadn’t had any training at all, but after a few months of practising I was selling my photography. Obviously my kit has expanded a little since then, but I stick by the principles that you can take great photos without expensive kit.
Use natural lighting
Natural sunlight is the softest in the early mornings or late afternoon. These hours – just after sunrise or just before sunset – are known as ‘golden hour’ and where you get the best lighting tones for photographs. Longer shadows and a more reddish light are far more flattering for portraiture.
Try to avoid harsh direct sunlight, which just won’t do your subject justice and will create shadows. If you’re somewhere hot, then it’s likely that there won’t be an awful lot going on during a hot afternoon, so it’s a great time to relax and have a siesta!
The best types of travel photography are creating images that are unique to you and will bring back special memories.
