When I first started traveling, I had no clue how to capture the beauty I was seeing. My camera roll was full of blurry sunsets, crooked landscapes, and selfies that cut off half my face. Over the years, though, I’ve learned that taking stunning travel photos isn’t about having the most expensive gear—it’s about knowing how to see and tell a story through your lens.
If you’ve ever wondered how to capture your travels in a way that does them justice, here are my best tips for beginner travel photographers.
1. Learn to See Light
Photography is all about light. The way sunlight filters through palm trees, the glow of a lantern-lit street in Morocco, or the soft mist of an early morning hike—light sets the mood.
✨ Beginner tip:
Shoot during golden hour (the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset). The light is soft, warm, and flattering for landscapes and portraits alike.
Avoid harsh midday sun if possible—it creates sharp shadows and makes colors look washed out.
I still remember photographing a fisherman on the shores of Bali at dawn. The rising sun painted the water gold, and it turned a simple moment into something magical.
2. Keep It Steady
Blurry photos are every beginner’s frustration. The secret? Keep your hands steady—or better yet, use tools to help.
✨ Beginner tip:
Use both hands and tuck your elbows close to your body for stability.
A lightweight travel tripod can be a lifesaver for night shots or long exposures.
If you don’t have a tripod, steady your camera on a wall, rock, or backpack.
3. Focus on Composition
A great photo isn’t just about what you shoot, but how you frame it.
✨ Beginner tip:
Use the rule of thirds: imagine dividing your frame into nine equal parts with two vertical and two horizontal lines. Place your subject along those lines or at their intersections.
Look for leading lines—roads, rivers, bridges—that guide the viewer’s eyes.
Don’t be afraid of negative space. Sometimes, leaving “empty” sky or water around your subject makes the image more powerful.
4. Tell a Story
Travel photos are more than pretty postcards—they’re stories. Instead of only snapping landmarks, capture the little details: the steaming cup of coffee you had in Rome, the market vendor arranging colorful spices in Marrakech, the street musician in Lisbon.
✨ Beginner tip:
Ask yourself: What do I want someone to feel when they look at this photo? If your picture answers that, you’re already telling a story.
5. Work With People
Adding people to your photos brings them to life. A shot of a vast desert is beautiful—but a lone traveler walking through it gives scale and emotion.
✨ Beginner tip:
Don’t be afraid to ask locals if you can take their portrait (always ask respectfully).
Capture candid moments, like friends laughing or strangers walking through a market.
Place yourself in the frame! Use a timer or tripod to add your own presence to the story.
6. Master Your Camera (Even Your Phone!)
You don’t need a $3,000 camera to take amazing travel shots. Today’s smartphones are incredibly powerful—but you need to know how to use them.
✨ Beginner tip:
Learn how to adjust focus and exposure on your phone.
Experiment with modes like portrait, night, or panorama.
Clean your lens regularly (you’d be surprised how many “foggy” shots are just fingerprints!).
7. Experiment With Angles
One of the easiest ways to make your travel photography stand out is to change your perspective.
✨ Beginner tip:
Get low to the ground to make buildings or mountains look more dramatic.
Shoot from above (balconies, rooftops, or even drones if you have one).
Frame shots through windows, archways, or foliage for natural borders.
When I was in Chefchaouen, Morocco’s famous blue city, crouching down to capture a child running through the alleys gave me a perspective far more dynamic than a standard standing shot.
8. Edit With Care
Editing is where good photos become great. But editing doesn’t mean turning everything neon—it’s about enhancing what’s already there.
✨ Beginner tip:
Use free apps like Lightroom Mobile, Snapseed, or VSCO.
Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation sparingly.
Stick to a consistent editing style if you’re sharing on social media—it makes your gallery look cohesive.
9. Pack Smart but Light
Travel photography is as much about practicality as it is creativity. You don’t want to haul around heavy gear all day.
✨ Beginner tip:
Bring one versatile lens (like a 24–70mm) if using a DSLR.
For phones, consider a clip-on wide-angle or macro lens.
Always carry extra batteries or a portable charger—you’ll thank yourself at sunset when your camera isn’t dead.
10. Practice, Practice, Practice
Here’s the truth: your first 1,000 photos might not be great. And that’s okay. Photography is a skill you build by trying, failing, and learning.
✨ Beginner tip:
Practice at home before you travel. Try photographing your neighborhood, pets, or even coffee mugs with different lighting.
Challenge yourself: “Today I’ll shoot only in black and white,” or “I’ll capture reflections.”
The more you experiment, the better your eye will become.
Final Thoughts
Travel photography isn’t about copying perfect shots you’ve seen online—it’s about capturing the way you experience a place. Whether it’s a bustling souk in Marrakech, a quiet sunrise in New Zealand, or your own smiling face in front of the Eiffel Tower, your photos should feel personal.
The best part? Every time you look back at those images, you’re transported right back to the moment—the salty air, the buzzing street, the taste of adventure. That’s the magic of travel photography.
So grab your camera (or your phone), get out there, and start telling your story through the lens.
