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Travel photography tips for near or far.

Get travel photography tips from professional photographers so you can capture new landscapes, cityscapes, and portraits of people you meet on your journeys.

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Types of travel photography

Top tips for travel photography

Turn travel photography into a career

A 10,000-foot view of travel photography

• Travel photography can be pictures of  landscapes, cities, architecture, or people on the street.
• You don’t have to go far to start practicing — photograph interesting places close to where you live.
•  To make a career of it, build an online portfolio of your best work.

Types of travel photography.

Travel photography can stretch across genres because you can take any type of photo when you travel. Depending on where you go and what you do, you can touch on everything from astrophotography to wildlife photography . As you travel, consider which aspects of your journey you want to focus on. 

Landscape photography.

The world is dotted with picturesque, compelling, and breathtaking sights. When you’re on a walk and you want to capture the feeling of the scenery you find, you can focus on landscape photography. Make sure to do your research before you go, be intentional about the time of day you want to shoot, and be sure to bring gear to protect yourself from the elements. 

City photography.

Capture the cityscape . From vast skylines to everyday life on the street, cities present wonderful subjects for experiments with perspective, texture, light, and color. Play with framing and vantage points, from the tops of buildings down to street level and below.

Architecture photography.

With architecture photography , you can explore the universal features and specific quirks of human-made structures wherever you go. Study a still subject like a building or a bridge to highlight the effects of weather or time of day, or to play with different vantage points. 

Street photography.

Once you’re on the street, you can focus less on the architecture and more on the people moving through the city. Capturing life on the ground is the goal of street photography — a style of visual storytelling that shows off and communicates the experience of everyday life. It’s vibrant and spontaneous, and you have to work with whatever light is available. Catch people as they move about their day to immerse yourself in the experience of a new city.

Top tips for travel photography.

Finding your way in the world of travel photography doesn’t have to be overwhelming or onerous. Discover how you can get started with these tips.

1. Follow your wanderlust.

No matter where your interest lies, if you travel for the shoot, it counts as travel photography. Like documentary photography , travel photography expresses some truth about the particular scene it captures. “For me, it’s just one way to share my perspective on the world,” says professional travel photographer Tiffany Nguyen. “I travel to different places, see the world through my lens, and tell stories through photography.”

2. Start where you are.

You don’t need to quit your day job and sell all your possessions to make travel photography. “I would just start in your own backyard,” Nguyen says. “I started small, doing short, weekend trips, and then when I got more comfortable traveling and better at photography, I wanted to take it to the next level and do more international locations.” Begin with a list of places nearby that might be interesting to shoot. Find locations you can get to in an afternoon. 

3. Research the location.

You can save yourself time and effort, and get better pictures, if you plan ahead. “Having the right inspiration before you get there is really key,” says travel photographer Forrest Smith. “Before I go, I like to build a moodboard to try to find the exact shot that I want.”

Nguyen does a lot of internet research, looking at blogs, Google Earth, and Google images. She scouts Instagram for different angles and perspectives. “I also find that social media is a huge resource, especially using hashtags on Instagram,” she says. “They’re really helpful for finding live conditions at a certain location. For example, if I go to a waterfall, I don’t really want to waste my time trying to get water photos if the waterfall is dry. So I’ll search the hashtag of the waterfall name to get an idea of the water level.”

In addition to weather conditions, your internet research can tell you how popular the location is, how to get there, and what times might be the least crowded. “I’m looking for the length of the hike, the elevation gain, any obstacles or challenges that are going to come my way,” says Nguyen.

4. Bring the right equipment.

Make a checklist so you don’t forget anything as you pack your camera bag. Include things like extra batteries, an extra memory card, a headlamp, emergency snacks, rain gear, protective cover for your photographic equipment, and extra lenses . (If you know you’ll do a lot of walking, make sure you really want that telephoto lens before you bring it.)

“For me it’s important to have compact, lightweight equipment,” says Nguyen, who uses a mirrorless Sony camera. Unlike DSLR cameras , mirrorless cameras have no mirror to reflect the image to the optical viewfinder. “Their bodies and lenses are much smaller than the DSLR cameras, but they’re still super-high quality, super-high resolution,” Nguyen says. She uses several lenses, including a 24–70mm f/2.8 lens and a 16–35mm f/2.8 lens for wide-angle shots. She’ll bring a prime lens (a lens of fixed focal length ) for astrophotography or low-light photography, and a lightweight carbon-fiber tripod. If she’s going to be close to her car, she’ll bring a 70–200mm f/2.8 telephoto lens.

Both Nguyen and Smith will bring drones for aerial shots if they know they’re going somewhere drones are allowed to fly. (Drones are not allowed in US national parks.) The best camera for his work, Smith says, is a Canon 5D Mark IV DSLR. Like Nguyen, he uses a 24–70mm f/2.8 lens. “If I’m going out for the day, I like to have something wide and something more cropped, so I’ll bring my 24mm prime or my 100mm prime,” Smith says. He’ll also bring neutral density filters . “They’re really great to have if you’re photographing water.”

5. Get the timing right.

Part of your research should include finding the best times of day to shoot and factoring in travel time. “I like to take advantage of the light, so I like to shoot at golden hour or sunset,” Nguyen says. “I try to avoid shooting at midday because the harsh lighting doesn’t look good for photos and there are more people out.” If you want to shoot an empty landscape in a typically busy place like a national park, you may want to get to the location before sunrise.

Always be on the lookout for great shots that you haven’t planned. “You have to be in the right place at the right time with the right attitude,” says Smith. “Keep an eye out because there are always stories to be told. Whether you’re in the heart of New York City or the middle of nowhere in Utah, there are always things happening that, if you’re attentive to them, you can use to tell an incredible story.”

Smith recommends keeping a camera with you at all times, even if it’s just a Polaroid or the camera on your smartphone, and using it to develop your creative eye. “Whether you’re at an iconic location or you’re just walking around your neighborhood, look for compositions and good lighting. Those off-the-hip, spur-of-the-moment photographs often tell a more incredible narrative than the super-planned shots do,” he says.

6. Accept uncertainty.

Travel is all about unpredictability. You might stumble upon a once-in-a-lifetime shot, or you might get fogged in and rained on. Try to roll with the punches when you encounter frustrating weather, find a road closed, or miss a train.

It helps to have backup plans and even backup plans for your backup plans. That way, you’re never at a complete loss for what to do if things go wrong. “Be realistic with your expectations and with things that you can’t control; it’s just a lot easier to be flexible and try to find a different plan,” Nguyen says.

7. Focus on telling stories.

Every travel photograph has a story to tell about a time and place. “Being able to bring people along for your journey through your images is the most important part of travel photography for me,” says Smith. “You want to be able to not just show the location but breathe life into it and find those authentic moments.”

Don’t be afraid to tread the beaten path. Even if you travel to places that have been photographed by hundreds or thousands of people, your photos and your stories will be unique. “You can have ten different photographers go to the same location, but you’ll come back with ten completely different images, ten different edits, and ten different stories, because everyone sees the locations differently,” says Nguyen.

8. International travel photography tips.

International travel involves a lot of planning because you want to make the most of your time. But it’s also important to accept that you can’t plan every moment. “Part of the experience that’s so fun and rewarding is how spontaneous it can be,” says Nguyen. “You never know where you’ll run into things you just can’t plan out or predict, so you just have to just go with the flow and work with what you find around you.”

Approach local people and their customs with an open mind and heart, and try to participate in their culture instead of just observing it from outside. “The people make the big difference. They have their own stories to tell, and you can learn a lot from them,” says Nguyen.

Remember to always be respectful. If you want to take a photo of someone, talk to them. Get to know them a bit, and then ask for permission. “A majority of the time, they’re more than happy for you to take their photo and maybe talk, too,” Nguyen says. “People think it’s fun because it’s not something that happens every day.” 

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9. Family travel photography tips.

You can apply all the tips above to the family photos you take on your travels. Just remember to be patient, do your best to cultivate patience in your family members, and be sure to pack a tripod and remote so you can capture the whole group at once.

If you have specific staged shots in mind, communicate your ideas ahead of time. It might help to share some inspirational photos from Pinterest or Instagram to get buy-in from every member of the family. If you have young children (or teenagers) be prepared to bribe them to cooperate.

Otherwise, focus on taking candid shots of your family members. Like people, candid photography can be unpredictable. You have to read the room, adapt, and give up control, but you might perfectly capture the experience of family travel with a mix of shots that cover everything from excitement to exhaustion, unfettered joy to unequivocal irritation.

10. Practice.

The best way to get better at travel photography is to keep going places and taking photos. “Put in the time and effort, show up and shoot as much as you can,” Nguyen says. Keep building your portfolio, and when you’re ready to look for work in the photography business, be selective about the photos you share. Be sure that you know why you’re including each photo and what skills you want to showcase with it.

11. Make the right moves in post-processing.

With Adobe Photoshop Lightroom photo editing software, you can take your photos from good to great. If a photo just needs a nudge toward the rule of thirds , or your horizon needs leveling, you can easily make those changes in Lightroom. You can also apply presets for fast fixes to urban photos and nature photos or follow step-by-step tutorials to learn how to do everything from image sharpening to removing unwanted objects.

Wherever you go with your camera, remember to embrace the adventure and the uncertainty that goes along with it. Be patient with yourself and your surroundings. With every photo you take, you’re practicing your photography skills and adding to your story.   

Turn travel photography into a career.

To turn your passion for travel photos into a career, start by taking a lot of photos and collecting your best work. If you’re committed and willing to think outside the box, you can start your own photography business .

• Pay attention to costs. You may already have camera gear and a computer, but you’ll also have to spend money on photo editing software and travel.
• Create a portfolio. Clients have to see your work before booking, so create a portfolio specific to your audience and your niche.
• Market yourself. One key part of turning your photography into a business is paying attention to marketing and branding . Establish an aesthetic and a point of view, so potential clients can have a sense of what they’re getting when they work with you.
• Think unconventionally. Many tropical paradises are oversaturated with people who want to travel and take photos of picturesque landscapes. A great place to start is by contacting bed and breakfasts, smaller hotels, and other businesses trying to attract visitors. Link them to your portfolio and see if they’re interested in providing lodging or a small per diem to photograph their resort.
• Treat every trip as an opportunity. If you’re interested in travel photography, you've likely already been bitten by the travel bug. Whenever you take a trip, take some time to build your portfolio. Professional photography can be a nomadic lifestyle with inconsistent income, so embrace a mindset of working wherever you are and being open to new opportunities. 

Finally, remember that careers are not made overnight, and every small step you take as a travel photographer is moving you closer to the goal of adopting it as your career. Good luck, and happy trails. 

Contributors

Tiffany Nguyen ,  Forrest Smith

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The Complete Guide to Travel Photography

By Megan Spurrell

As travelers, our cameras can feel like a fifth limb—an essential tool with which to move through the world and absorb new experiences. They make it possible to document the people we meet. They provide tangible memories of the remarkable beauty we travel so far to see. Ultimately, they help us communicate what words cannot.

In the digital era, the tie between travel and photography feels more innate than ever. Photography has become more accessible and affordable to dabble in (who even needs a real camera with phones these days? ). On the flip side, it can feel as if documenting and sharing our travel experiences has become half of the seeing itself. In her essay on pushing herself to take a photo-free trip , Allie Jones asks a question we can all relate to: “If you visit a trendy upstate New York museum and don’t take any photos, were you ever really there?”

As the routine of snapping and sharing becomes as habitual as rinse and repeat, others urge us to become more thoughtful with our travel photography. Just because we can photograph and share everything, in a matter of seconds, doesn’t mean we need to. In his feature, Tyler Moss explores the #nogeotag movement , and looks at just how our photo sharing can drastically alter a destination—and decide who gets to experience it. For professional photographers Gray Malin and Alex Strohl , the “how” of nailing their iconic travel photographs has relied more on patience, and analog techniques like driving massive props cross-country, or waiting for the perfect shot in sub-zero temps, than on any new developments.

And, just in case you were starting to let your Instagram feed convince you that you’ve seen it all, we’ve pulled in photo studies from photographers whose work we can’t help but ogle. Jessica Sarkodie shares a refreshing look at the unspoiled beaches of her native Ghana. Cedric Angeles flew to Mongolia for a peek inside the lives of the country’s famous eagle hunters (and yes, there are photos of the eagles in their hunting caps ahead). For Sandy Noto , photographing harvest season in the Dolomites while off-duty yielded gorgeous slices of life.

Of course, if you’re ready to step up your own game, we’ve also got the gear you need—from underwater cameras to camera bags that don’t look like camera bags. And, we’ve rounded up our favorite photographers to follow right now, because as much as we want to cut the social media umbilical cord, there is so much to admire there. You just need to know where to look.

Through the lens

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17 Travel Photography Tips for Awesome Photos of Your Trip

Our article takes you through some basic travel photography tips to take your best travel photos. If the travel bug bites you, and you want to capture your adventures with photography, this is the guide to bookmark.

We’ll cover planning, camera equipment , shooting techniques , taking portraits , and more. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, there’s something for everyone here. So, let’s get started!

17 Travel Photography Tips for Awesome Photos

So many of us enjoy traveling and taking countless travel photos on our trips. That’s because travel photography is a means of preserving our travel memories.

Travel photos also have the potential to connect us to our beautiful world. Good travel photos evoke emotions, transporting viewers to the heart of our journey. They can be vibrant street scenes, breathtaking landscapes, intimate portraits, or cultural details.

Images of places, events, art, and even food can transport us back to a magical place we once explored and experienced. Nothing is better than reliving a magical sunset, a mountain summit, or beautiful architecture months or years later!

With that in mind, these 20 travel photography tips will help you bring your photos to the next level!

1. Choose the Best Travel Photography Equipment

Most photographers have moved on from DSLRs to mirrorless versions. The smaller size and lesser weight are the obvious appeal here. There are many lightweight travel cameras  if you’re looking for one.

An ultra-wide angle focal length like the Canon RF 15-35mm f/4 IS USM works well for travel photography. Or zooms like the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 Art lens and a 70-200mm works well.

A fast lens is ideal. But I don’t usually photograph at an aperture lower than f/4 or f/5.6, especially when photographing landscapes.

More often than not, I have more than one subject in the scene. And I usually want to capture some of the background to provide context to the shot.

I was in Rome for three days this past summer. But I couldn’t capture the famous Spanish Steps without people, no matter what time of day I tried.

So, instead, I chose to embrace the crowds and showcase this famous monument as the tourist attraction it is. I used a wide-angle lens to showcase the people and the structure to tell the story of the popularity of a famous travel landmark.

People are usually astonished at how little I carry with me each day. My basic equipment on any trip involves a couple of lenses ( 24-70mm and 70-200mm ). A spare mirrorless camera and some filters ( polarizing filter, ND, and graduated ND filters ).

I only bring a tripod when I know I’ll use it, a flash, and a load of memory cards and batteries. If I need other specific equipment (a macro lens, for example), I will add that to the things I take. But this is all I take with me for most of my shoots.

2. Pack Light and Avoid Carrying Too Much Camera Gear

Packing for any travel is an art in itself, especially if you are going away for an extended period. Travel photography requires a different mindset than wildlife or portrait photography with gear.

Travel photography often involves being out and about all day. And you spend a lot of time walking. That means carrying your gear around the whole day.

On any day, while on a travel photoshoot, I walk anywhere between 15 to 30 km. So, weight is an issue when it comes to travel photography. 

Aim to carry only two lenses. It’s also great to have a lightweight backpack and light travel tripod . The last thing any travel photographer wants to do is carry around 44 lb (20 kg) of equipment, especially when you won’t use any of it at all.

Carrying equipment you don’t need saps your energy, making you less inclined to push yourself when tired. Who would want to walk up that long flight of stairs with a pack that weighs 55 lb (25 kg)?

Do you carry everything with you all day? No. Decide the specific photos you will take that day, then choose the necessary equipment.

Maybe you’ll be visiting several places in a short period. If so, you probably don’t want to carry all your lenses and cameras because of the weight and time restrictions. Leave unnecessary equipment at your accommodation.

Always aim to head out with as little as you need. Avoid carrying equipment for the sake of it!

3. Know Your Camera Settings and Photography Gear

This is one of the basics of photography, no matter your genre. You should know your camera inside out. When you are traveling and have strangers pose for you, that is not the time to try out different settings and fidget with your gear.

People begin to lose patience and often get suspicious of you and your ability to take a good picture. They are likelier to walk away rather than waste their time with a stranger who does not know how to operate their camera.

Along the same lines, don’t take that new lens out for a spin when you are on the travel experience of a lifetime. It’s best to test it beforehand to know how to use it best.

Good travel photos impact viewers because they capture fleeting moments tourists might miss. But these moments don’t last longer than a few seconds.

Unless you know your camera completely and can switch settings instantly, you might miss them. This is one of the biggest beginner photography mistakes and one of the easiest to remedy.

The only way to get to a point where the camera becomes an extension of your arm is to practice. The more you take pictures, the better and quicker you will evaluate the scenario and change settings.

It’s best to get efficient enough to subconsciously change and tweak settings in seconds. Only then will you capture those fleeting moments.

4. Research Travel Destinations Like a Photographer

Take the time to research the locations, customs, and photography norms of the place you will visit. Find out as much as you can about your travel destination.

And don’t just rely on travel books, like Lonely Planet , and websites. Having a real conversation with someone from the area when you get there is much more helpful than any book out there.

Remember, customs vary not only by country but by region and religion. Understand and appreciate the diverse cultural context and respect these differences.

A little research before your journey goes a long way. It helps avoid disappointment or despair if photo restrictions exist at your destination.

Good trip planning allows your photography to flow. Failure to do this will mean wasting time organizing things on the ground.

• Book Ahead: Get used to travel websites and apps like AirBnb, Booking.com, and Rome2rio. This eases any worries you may have about accommodation and travel.
• Research Stories : What would make a good story from your destination? One key difference between a photographer and a travel photographer is the travel photographer has a keen eye for a story. Are there any famous foods? Is there a big festival? How about famous local produce? Any of these can make a good story when a sequence of photos on that subject is put together.
• Contact Fixers: Reach out to people already at your travel destination. This massively helps with your trip research. It also means you have people you can meet when you arrive. A tour guide could even organize a photoshoot with locals you’d otherwise not be able to work with.
• Plan Around Weather : Although we encourage practicing photographing in all weather conditions, you want to aim for the best conditions. Arriving in the middle of monsoon season is not the best idea. Look at yearly forecasts and monthly average conditions to plan the best time to visit.

5. Make a Travel Photography Shot List

Travel photography research aims to put together a detailed shot list. This will be your checklist to work through to ensure you return with a good variety of photos.

Your shot list will vary depending on where you’re going and any potential brief you must follow. For example, maybe you’re photographing the Venice carnival. Your shot list for this will differ if you photograph Venice without the carnival.

How you set out your shot list will depend on how active you want to be. But it’s also about what you’re photographing and where.

It’s best to allow more time to travel to different locations in a big city. And ensure you also factor in tourist sights’ opening and closing times.

One of the best ways to set your shot list out is to break the day down into four different time segments:

• Morning : Sunrise to around 11:00 am
• Lunchtime : 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
• Afternoon : 2:00 pm to sunset
• Evening : After sunset

The hours might change depending on your destination and time of year. But breaking down the day can help you be more efficient with your time.

Also, break down your shot list by location. Plan to cover places that are geographically close during each time segment. This means you won’t waste your time traveling rather than taking photos. A final shot list should show exactly where you will be and when.

6. Practice Different Types of Travel Photography Before a Trip

After some planning, you’ll need to hone your craft. Does that mean jumping in at the deep end and booking your flight to a far-flung destination? In a word, no.

There are sensible steps you can take before you hit the road. Think of it as the equivalent of a professional sports player practicing before going out to perform in a big match.

The best advice is to start local and build up. The area where you live will almost certainly have photography opportunities, so start there. Day trips, particularly weekend trips, will also help prepare you. 

The photographic techniques you need for travel photography are the same for getting good photos in your local area. The following are the types of photography you should be practicing in your neighborhood:

• The Magazine Spread : Imagine you’re going to photograph a story for a travel magazine. Call it 48 hours in your town. Make a photo list of places people would visit, the food they’d eat, and where they’d stay. Then, take photos of each of these things.
• A Wide-Angle Landscape : This photo shows a huge, panoramic scene. It could well be your double-page spread. This photo takes some effort. With an emphasis on “big,” you need to get a good vantage point.
• Festivals or Events : Festivals are a staple of travel photography. They are brief, so you need to nail down your photos. Practice getting varying photos from these events, such as the scene setter, some portraits, and some detailed photos.
• Food Photography : Practice taking photos at a restaurant… without upsetting your dining partner, of course! Think about natural light, arranging the table to get a clean photo, and try using an off-camera flash.
• Street Photography: Always practice your street photography. When you travel, people will bring your photos to life.

7. Learn How to Travel Smart

Travel photography can quickly become expensive. If you aim to pursue travel photography as a career, as mentioned, practicing in your local area is the first step.

Beyond that, you must learn to live on a modest budget but still use enough money to pay for that big-ticket photo.

After you’ve photographed your town a few times, up the ante with some day and weekend trips. Short trips get you familiar with the process of learning about a new place. You have to learn about places quickly to get good photos of them.

You’ll also be doing a lot of walking as a travel photographer. Use local transport as much as possible, and avoid staying in a five-star hotel bubble to stay on budget. These also offer a better glimpse into the local culture and lifestyle.

8. Set Realistic Travel Photography Goals

A famous quote is, “We travel not to escape life, but so that life does not escape us.” This hits the nail on the head for me. Be real about why you travel and what you want to gain out of each travel experience.

If you travel to a marketplace and want a sense of local lifestyles and customs, look for naturally occurring scenes. Don’t look for people you can pose or stage to get your shot. Those travel images are not true to your experiences.

The photo below is by no means a perfect shot. But I love that it shows how rustic transportation choices can be in smaller villages and towns in some countries. It makes for an interesting travel photo to share with friends and family.

9. Be Observant of Your Surroundings

Life is happening all around you all the time. People interact with each other. People interact with nature. Nature puts on a grand show during sunrise, sunset, or thunderstorms.

But don’t wait for a preconceived notion of the perfect moment to take your camera out and shoot travel photos.

At the same time, don’t see the world simply through your viewfinder. Observe the scene, anticipate the shot that you want to get, and be ready. Don’t fire away at every situation only to get home and realize you missed the moment.

While traveling in India, I once found myself in the middle of a village festival ritual. I had no idea what was happening, but I knew I had to document it.

Luckily, a female photographer was somewhat of a rarity in this village. And I was given a special seat in the middle of all the action. It was fascinating to see and experience and, of course, take photos of.

10. Be Present in the Moment

Being present in every moment of every day is a life lesson we all can benefit from. It doesn’t just apply to travel photos. Great moments happen every day around us that are worth documenting, not just for our clients but also for ourselves.

Training your mind to live in the moment and not worry about all the other distractions will also help you really “see” what is around you.

More often than not, you likely travel with a very tight agenda and timeline. No sooner than you get to your destination, you are already mentally prepared to move on to the next stop.

Instead, try to plan a single excursion for a day and focus on learning and experiencing that place or activity before moving on. That way, you can take travel images that accurately reflect your experience.

11. Don’t be Shy, Be Personable and Communicate

Self-confidence, an open attitude, and a genuine smile are important wherever you travel. People around you will generally respond to you with the same attitude you show them.

One of the biggest reasons beginner travel photographers don’t capture great travel images is shyness. It could be shyness in approaching and photographing people, places, or even objects.

Watching people take out their smartphones and snap away without a care in the world is always fascinating. Give some of those people a digital camera, and they suddenly develop a fear that people will challenge them about taking their photos.

Most people will be flattered that you want to take their photographs. But even if they don’t want you to take their photo, what is the worst thing that could happen?

If you ask them, they may refuse. If you don’t ask, they might turn away or put a hand up in front of their face. Does that seem that bad?

You should not have any issues as long as you use common sense. For example, it isn’t advisable to photograph military personnel without asking. Or you shouldn’t take photos in places where photography is not allowed, like museums.

In some cultures, some people may not want to be photographed because of religious beliefs. But in all my years of working as a travel photographer, I have never encountered any problems.

To capture great travel images, you need to overcome any shyness. You must be willing to approach and photograph anyone or any situation that will enhance your collection of that destination.

12. Get Permission Before Photographing People

Be open and honest about your need to photograph something or someone. More often than not, people will respond positively to you.

I have found that most people love to have their picture taken. If you are uncomfortable or nervous about something or someone, it’s best to leave the camera in your bag.

Almost everyone knows what a camera is and what it can do. Simple hand gestures and pointing to the camera are enough, even if you don’t know the language.

Not understanding the language should never be an excuse to photograph an unwilling person. As a photographer, asking for permission before you click the shutter rests solely on you.

If you have time, learn some simple phrases related to photography in the language of your destination country. This lets you communicate more directly with your subject, explaining why you want to take a photograph. It also shows your interest in the local culture.

Sometimes, you can use your camera as an ice-breaker. Take pictures of people and show them your photos of them. You will find that photography instantly becomes more fun and less intimidating. More than anything, respect that “no” really means “ no .”

Yes, I understand that there is another school of thought on whether asking for permission will ruin the composition of an image. A lot of photographers will argue one way or the other.

But if you are taking a picture of a person, you should try to ask permission before or after.

I remember one instance when I was traveling in India with my kids. We were visiting a temple in Southern India, and for some reason, many teenagers started taking pictures of my five-year-old son. They would come up to us and take selfies with my son.

Initially, it seemed innocent enough, and my son posed with them. Soon, it was getting to the point of being creepy, and I had to refuse. As a parent, I was extremely uncomfortable with having strangers take pictures of my kids.

This experience taught me a very valuable lesson. Respect people’s personal space and personal preferences.

13. To Pay or Not to Pay for Travel Photos?

Perhaps one of the most controversial moments while traveling is whether to give money to people you photograph. Sometimes, uneducated, desperate tourists give money to get what they think is an award-winning travel photo.

Soon enough, it becomes a lucrative business in the local community. This can become uncomfortable and unsafe for other photographers who travel through the same places.

I prefer engaging people openly, sharing my story, and showing my need for a picture. In most cases, people are more than happy to share their stories and to be heard. I, too, walk away more culturally and emotionally enriched with the experience.

But if someone expects money for a photograph, the decision becomes less of whether to pay and more of whether to take the photo. That is a judgment call each of us needs to make on a case-by-case basis.

And remember to be mindful of the example we are setting for future travelers and photographers.

14. Learn to Photograph in Any Weather

It’s a luxury to photograph in the best weather conditions, one not always enjoyed by travel photographers. So, learning to make the most of any weather is important to get meaningful photos.

Once again, you can practice this at home. How do you get great landscape photos on cloudy days or sunny days? Going to your local viewpoint and practicing for both scenarios will greatly help.

Plenty of photo opportunities when it rains can give you beautiful photos. Try your hand at some reflection photography once the rain stops.

15. Be Confident in Your Photography Skills

Travel photography can be quite fast-paced. You are trying to capture a scene as it plays out before you. You don’t have the time or the opportunity to re-compose the shot and click the shutter.

But this does not mean you must fire away at your camera’s maximum frame rate and pick the best of the lot in post-processing.

Instead, use your technical and artistic skills to read the scene. Analyze the light, assess the right camera settings, imagine the outcome, anticipate the shot, and take the picture.

Not only will you improve your observation skills over time, but You will also improve your photography.

16. Keep Good Travel Notes

This will help you with your travel photography in the long run. Most people love to create travel photo books of their travel experiences. Having a good log or journal of your adventures will help you add detail and context to the images at a later stage.

If you are an aspiring travel blogger or want to submit your travel photos to a publication, these notes will be a lifesaver. Most magazines want as much detail as you can provide about a place, your travel experience, and your travel photos.

If a pen and paper are not readily available, you can even use the voice memo app on your phone to record an audio narrative of your experience.

17. Travel Without Taking Pictures

As a travel photographer, this is one of my favorite tips to share… Take time to travel without obsessing over capturing every minute of every day with your camera.

Spend time to explore your surroundings without a camera. Your body and mind will thank you for it. Even if you are on assignment, add some downtime to your schedule.

Not only does it help you relax. But it also recharges those creative batteries when you return to your travel photography.

What’s Next?

I hope these 17 travel photography tips were insightful and will help you achieve better photos on your next adventure. Like everything, becoming a great travel photographer takes time and practice. You must always improve your skills technically and creatively.

You have to work hard while on a trip, get by on little sleep, and overcome any shyness that you may have. Needless to say, a love for traveling and exploring new places is also a must.

Planning and patience will help you make the most of your travel photography. And you’ll come back with some incredible travel photos that document your incredible journey.

On the hunt for more great tips before your trip? We have great posts on safari photography , taking photos in fog , or cropping photos to check out next!

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Travel Photography Tips

Each place we visit has its own particular look, character, and ambiance. If we want photographs of our travels to be good and lasting, they should capture all of these qualities, and say as much about a place as give the literal look of it.

We are unlikely to long remember the smell and buzz of a flower garden in spring, the awe of gazing for the first time at the mountain we intend to climb, the caress of a tropical breeze, the thrill of a huge roller coaster, the wonder of our first wild bear, or the adrenaline of rafting white water. Our photographs need to bring these and other sensations back, to trigger our memories, and to communicate how we felt to others. To do this, we need to think and feel as much as look when setting out to make photographs.

First and foremost, think about what made you decide, out of all the places in the world, to choose this particular destination. Whatever it is—the beach, the rides, the mountain, the galleries, the food—obviously appeals to you. If it didn't, you wouldn't be going there. That site or activity (or inactivity) is one of the things you want to photograph. But there are probably many other interesting aspects of the place you may not be aware of. That's where research comes in.

Photographers for National Geographic spend a lot of time doing research. This helps us figure out what's there—what the place is about and what subjects we need to cover. Read brochures and travel books. Go to libraries, bookstores, or onto the Web. Talk to friends who have been there. Pick up travel information at the country's embassy. Find whatever you can that is relevant, and devour it.

Understanding the customs and traditions of a place is vital. For one thing, you want to be sure you act in a way that is not rude or offensive while you are there, and it's hard to know what's acceptable and what isn't with some knowledge. It can also help you understand things people do that at first encounter you might consider incomprehensible or even horrifying.

When you arrive at your destination, be open and try to take note of the first impressions—write them down if you have to. (A notebook is an essential accessory for a travel photographer.) When you see a place for the first time from the plane window, or when you drive around a bend and there it is, or as the ship nears some distant island—how do you feel? Where do your eyes go first? What do you notice about the place right away? A smell? The heat or cold? Blistering sunlight? Mysterious fog? A particular building or vista? The way people move? Their dress? Whatever it is, remember it. First impressions are invaluable sparks to creative interpretation, and by definition are not repeatable. You've seen the place in pictures, you've read about it. Now you're there, and all your senses can partake.

Get out there. The only way to discover the rhythm of life in a place, and so figure out what to shoot, is to experience it. Many places, particularly hot ones, are active very early in the morning and late in the afternoon but rather in a lull around midday. Get up early, stay out late. If you are on a tour that is scheduled to leave the hotel or ship at 9:00, get up well before dawn. Wander around before meeting up with your companions. If the tour goes back to the hotel or ship for lunch, don't go with them. Rather than take the bus back at the end of an afternoon tour, hang around until after sunset and then take a taxi. Use any spare time to get out and look for photographs. Besides availing yourself of more opportunities, time spent discovering the place will enrich your experience.

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Get lost. Wander down alleys. Sit in cafés and watch life pass by. Don't eat where the tourists do, but where you see locals. Just set off down a street and see where it leads. Look around the bends, over the rises. Get away from the crowd. I find that if I meander away from the tourists and tourist sites, away from what is too familiar and comfortable, it's much easier to adapt to the rhythm of a place, and to be more observant.

Always have your camera with you and always keep your eyes open. Serendipity plays an enormously important role in travel photography. You never know what you are going to run into, and you have to be ready. Many times you will see what could be a good photograph but decide that the light is not right, or there are no people around, or too many—something that means you will have to come back later. But sometimes you get lucky. You happen to stumble upon a scene at just the right moment. If you forgot your camera, are out of film, or your digital card is full, if you have to fumble around getting the right lens on, the moment may be gone before you can recover. This is true whether you are doing street photography or visiting a natural or man-made site. Mountains, trees, monuments, and other static subjects are, of course, not going to go anywhere, but the ray of sunshine, the soaring eagle, or the embracing couple that add the needed element to your photograph are unlikely to hang around. Think of it as hunting—whenever you leave the confines of your camp, you should be ready and able to capture whatever pops up.

Make time for photography. Like doing anything well, making good photographs requires a commitment of time and energy. One problem with much of modern travel is that the days are chockablock full of scheduled tours, events, and meals. Our trips are usually of limited time, and we naturally want to see as many sites as possible. The itineraries rarely leave room for serious photography. You have to make time. It may help to make photography a scheduled part of every day, so you know you have the time and won't be tempted to get lazy and say, "I'll do it tomorrow." It might rain tomorrow. Don't procrastinate.

When traveling, you're likely to encounter all sorts of situations and subjects. This requires being a bit of a jack-of-all-trades—you need to be able to photograph portraits, landscapes, and everything in between.

Above all, work the situations over. Never be satisfied with your first view of a place or the first frame you snap. It's always possible—and usually likely—that you can come up with something better. Why else would painters make sketches? Get closer, then get closer still. Try different angles, different lenses. Wait for the light, wait for the crowd, wait for a bird to land on the tree branch. Never be in a hurry to get somewhere else. Tell yourself that nothing is more important than getting the best you can get out of the situation you are in. Once you've exhausted every possibility you can think of, you can start working on the next one.

Landscapes come in all forms—mountains, forests, plains, deserts, swamps, lakes, rivers, seacoasts. Each has its own characteristics, and individual sites within each category have their own too. The Grand Tetons do not look like the Andes—the Nile River is different from the Mississippi.

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Whatever kind of landscape you are shooting, think about what the essential qualities are—and not just the visual ones; think about how the place makes you feel, what kind of emotions it stirs in you. Then look for ways to get those qualities and feelings onto film. Is it a rocky, violently wave-washed coast or a bright and sandy one? If it's the former, you want to show waves crashing against the shore, probably in stormy weather. Blue sky and sunlight are more appropriate for the latter unless you want to show the desolation of a resort beach in winter.

Cities and Towns

Like landscapes, each city and town has its own look and feel—a distinctive setting, architecture, or skyline; a famous local site; a particular kind of food or dress. There's always at least one thing that is unique. When covering a town or city, even a small village, you need to do three basic things at a minimum: capture a sense of place, which is usually a wide shot that shows the setting, skyline, or other view that gives a feeling for the whole; landmarks that the place is famous for; the life of its inhabitants. For the cityscapes and wide shots, as well as for the landmarks, it's a good idea to check out the postcard racks in your hotel lobby or at kiosks. They will quickly give you an idea of where the best views are and what is considered well-known enough to warrant a postcard.

Monuments and Other Buildings

When you are photographing buildings, statues, or other monuments, think about what they represent before you shoot. For example: There's a large statue of Vulcan outside Birmingham, Alabama. You could make a perfectly nice image of him standing on his hill on a sunny day, but such a picture would not say a lot about who Vulcan is. A photograph on a stormy evening, with perhaps lightning in the background, would. Cannons on a historic battlefield might look better in fog than in bright sunlight. Get the idea of the subject, then think of the weather, light, angle, etc. that best communicates it.

Photographing Family Members and Friends

We often travel with people we know—taking a family vacation, for example, or bicycling around Tuscany with a group of friends. We quite naturally want to come home with pictures of them as souvenirs of the trip. Be sure to get these, but don't forget that you can also use members of your family and your friends to make your other photographs more effective.

When you are making pictures of your friends, try to strike a balance between a picture of them and a picture of the place. A friend of mine once made a close-up portrait of me in China. It wasn't a great portrait, but more important, it could have been made in my backyard—there was nothing of the place in the frame. Of course, you may want to shoot portraits, or to capture someone's expression at a particular moment, but often you are making the picture as a way of documenting your shared experience. You want to show enough of your friend to be able to recognize him—that vertical speck in the distance could be anybody. But you don't want to be so close that there's no context. If your friend is the primary subject, he has to be strong enough to draw attention and be recognizable but still keep some sense of where he is.

Photographing Strangers

It's best to ask permission if you want to photograph someone, especially if you are working in close. Engage them before you pull out your camera. Learn at least how to say "hello" and "May I make a photograph" in the local language—just showing that you've made a little effort helps. Explain to them what you want to do and what it is about them that made you want to make a picture. If approached in an open and friendly manner, most people will be agreeable—many are flattered that someone has shown an interest in them and what they do. In places where there's a lot of tourism, you may run into people who are tired of being photographed—many tourists are not courteous enough to ask permission, and local people can come to feel abused and exploited. The only way to overcome this is to spend time with the people or to go to parts of the place less frequented by tourists.

In many tourist destinations, people may ask for money if you want to photograph them. Many of these places are desperately poor, and people have few ways of getting hold of cash. The money they ask for is usually not very much to us, but may represent quite a lot to them. How you deal with these situations is up to you, but remember that every time you buy a postcard, you are happy to spend the money for a picture somebody else took. Why not spend a little on your own?

You cannot always ask permission, of course. If you are shooting a street scene or a wide shot of a market, you can't run up to everyone and ask if it's OK. In general, people do not mind this sort of photography—it's only when they're singled out that they get uncomfortable. But not always. Be sensitive to the scene in your viewfinder. If people are getting nervous, ask permission or move on.

Make use of people to give your images life and scale. If the facade of a particular building appeals to you, the picture may be that much better if you show people walking in front of it. They will give it scale and also let viewers know what sorts of people live there, how they dress, and the like. An outdoor café may be more interesting crowded with people than empty.

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Home » Blog » Tips for Making a Living as a Travel Photographer with Pro Laura Grier

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Tips for Making a Living as a Travel Photographer with Pro Laura Grier

Laura Grier has spent the past 22 years working as a photojournalist on all seven continents and made a life out of exploring the world, capturing and writing about her experiences. We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with this inspiring photographer and long-time Zenfolio Ambassador to discuss her tips for how to get started in travel photography. From researching the most interesting destinations to gear to how to find paid work, Laura held nothing back. 

Laura: Thank you. I’m an adventure travel photojournalist. I shoot for the National Geographic Artisan Catalog. I also started a hat company working with the same artisans I’ve been photographing for the last 20 years. Now we’re in business and partnership with each other, exporting artisan goods. 

I’ve had lots of different experiences through working with National Geographic . And also I do a lot of travel tourism. I’ll shoot for hotels or cruise lines tourism boards, which are essentially the PR companies of every state and country.

Another part of my business is providing supplementary photography for different writers that I work with a lot. I also still shoot weddings and events.

How can someone who doesn’t have any experience get into travel photography? 

There are a couple things I would suggest. I did an internship with National Geographic in DC when I was in college, and I think internships are a great way to begin. There’s a lot of different travel publications and blogs, such as Thrillist or Matador Network . They’re constantly looking for contributors, and a lot of their contributors are writers so they’re not really good at photography. You can always partner up with existing writers that you find and say, “Hey, I’d love to supplement your articles with my imagery.” 

Another way is to build up an online portfolio and have your own blog. It is really helpful because a lot of travel photography involves writing as well. A lot of publications want you to be able to do both and be an actual photojournalist. So I think showing and self-publishing your work with a story attached is really helpful. If you already have a library of imagery on your website or blog , you can market that to tourism boards and say “Hey, I shot amazing images from Mexico (or here or there.) Would you like to use them?” 

There’s a website I recommend called TravMedia , where you can create a profile as a journalist or a photographer. They also have a show every year. The biggest one is called International Media Marketplace , and it’s in January, usually in New York. That’s a great marketplace to go to because it’s all editors; all the tourism boards go there, and journalists and writers. It’s a great way to network. Basically it’s speed dating between travel media people and editors, because everyone gets their budget in January for the year. 

Based on the people you meet and network with, you can either be invited on a trip with their budget, or you can just go out and shoot the locations you want to visit and submit it to them. For me, that event was a really helpful place to meet other travel media people. 

I still feel like I’m learning as I go and I’ve been doing it for years. If you’re not a writer, remember that writers get invited on trips, and the tourism board doesn’t always think about photographers. My boyfriend is a travel writer and I’ve provided photography for a lot of his articles. I’ve pitched to the PR people or the tourism boards being like, “Hey, could I come as the photographer on your trip, and I could stay in my boyfriend’s room. It wouldn’t cost you an extra hotel room.” And a lot of times they reply “Oh yeah, we didn’t even think about that.”

Then they’ll bring you on a trip or hire you. A lot of times, even just partnering with a writer and supplementing them can turn into a lot of jobs, too. Even though I’ve been doing it for a long time, I’m still pitching ideas. Nat Geo hires me five or six times a year, but they’re not my main form of income. There is still a bit of a hustle involved.

Basically, the best advice is to either partner up with a writer or reach out to tourism boards and seriously, everyone should join TRAVMedia. It’s a great travel media resource. 

At this point in your career, are you choosing destinations yourself or are you being sent by publications to go places? 

I’m mostly choosing them. So for instance, at the show I was just talking about, I went and said “I really want to go to Japan. I really want to go to this region of the world, over to Uzbekistan.” I chose regions I either hadn’t been to or that I’m very interested in going to. And then a few regions that I’m very familiar with, like California. I spend a lot of time in California and sometimes I forget about my own backyard.

I was very specific about who I talked to and who I reached out to. It doesn’t have to be a giant net that you throw out there hoping to get something. I think everyone can be a little bit more intentional about where they want to shoot and what they want to do. It doesn’t make sense to go somewhere that you don’t really feel connected to or you’re not familiar with, unless you really want to go there.

I also feel that way about wedding photography and really any type of photography. I go to hotels that I really want to work with for a wedding, and I make meetings with their marketing director or specifically do a styled shoot there. This way I would have images from the location to blog with and promote so I could attract weddings from there.

I think we can all cast a smaller net and be very specific about where we want to be. 

How do you plan and research so you know where the best places are and opportunities for photography are, especially if you’ve never been there before?  

This is another reason why reaching out to the tourism board is really important. You can find a lot of the tourism boards through Instagram, or Google it; tourism board of Australia , or whatever location. There’s probably 15 different ones for different regions, but they will work for you for free, almost like a fixer, because their job is to get beautiful stories and imagery and people to come to their locations.

So if you reach out to the tourism board and say “Hey, I’m a photographer. I’d really like to do a styled shoot here. I’ve been dying to go here, and I’d like to write a story about what adventures there are to do in South Australia.” They will be more than happy to help; These are the restaurants you should go to, these are the hotels, this is where you should stay, this is our person that can help you organize this and that. 

I use them as a fixer because their job is to show their location in the best light. So they go out of their way to help any journalist or photographer with any type of questions like that, at least in my experience. So even if you’re not getting hired by them to go somewhere, they are still a really good resource to help you or to answer questions. You can also research online for the best weather times to visit, and whether there are any festivals.

You can do a lot of your own research, but I like asking the tourism board because they always know what most people don’t know and can’t find online yet. They’ll know the new things that are about to open, the best spots to visit. 

What about your stylized shoots in places that most people have never been before? How do you find those places?  

My stylized shoots, for instance Sri Lanka; I did a workshop in Sri Lanka, I had 12 women and we wanted to go to iconic places all across Sri Lanka.

I had a Sri Lankan coordinator that helped me a little bit, but I also did a lot of the research finding insta-famous places and famous images that people have shot for National Geographic and Sri Lanka for inspiration. Then I found out how to get to those places.

Once we were there, I would talk to local people to find out what was the best time of day, and how should we do this? It was crazy because a lot of these places that were insta-famous, the Instagrammer went to the parking lot or the entrance way of a place, but never actually hiked it or explored it.

Our whole vibe was to debunk the Insta-famous places and show you what it really takes to get there and what it’s really like. I found that these places were even more beautiful and cool than Instagram let on. Usually the place that becomes famous in the image is not the coolest part about that location.

I found this one image from National Geographic of the stilt fishermen in Sri Lanka . The men stand on these stilts in the ocean and they fish. I asked locals for help with that; sometimes you’re showing a picture and asking “How do I find this place?” A lot of times an entire trip I’ve done, or a workshop has been planned around and inspired by one image I saw somewhere. 

Is communicating with the locals and getting to know the culture a big part of your photography? 

In the beginning when I first was traveling in my twenties and shooting pictures, I would just kind of walk around and think “Oh, that’s cool, the woman with really wrinkled skin, I want to photograph her.” I would shoot everything with a long lens and I felt almost like I was stealing images here and there of whatever I was attracted to. 

I also found that style of shooting didn’t really help me later on when I was trying to write an article or to do any type of travel writing because the images didn’t really go together. They didn’t tell a story, they were just sort of disjointed images of random people that I didn’t really get permission to photograph. 

In order to get images sold or published, you have to have a release and get their permission. Some of the best pictures come from when you actually spent the day with somebody and they know you’re there. They’ve invited you into their house and you’ve had a meal with their family and you’re shooting with a 50 millimeter lens, right near their face. 

There’s a really easy app, it’s literally called easy release app , on your cell phone that you can download and have anybody sign a photography release; model release, location release, things like that. Whenever I’m traveling, I don’t need to have a piece of paper or pen, you can just have someone do it on your cell phone. That’s super handy. 

How do you get the confidence to go up to someone that you don’t know, especially in another culture or a language that you don’t speak, to make that connection?

My work with National Geographic helped me a lot with that, because we would already have the relationships with a lot of these artisans and have the permission to go into their villages and photograph them and meet them. I’ve been able to call upon them a lot of times saying “Hey, I’m going to Thailand, I’d love to meet these kind of artisans. Could you help me find a person?” I find that you can’t just walk into a random village and start photographing; a lot of villages don’t even accept tourists.

Beside Nat Geo, there’s always local tour guides or companies that work with villages and artisans. Let’s say that you want to meet artisans that work in Guatemala; you could reach out to a clothing company or someone that’s maybe working with those artisans and ask them if they will help get you permission to visit for the day.

One example is Intrepid Travel . They have trips to go meet up with artisans and stuff all over, so you can get that experience, and have a translator with you and permission.

Who do you bring with you to assist on a trip, and what is your essential gear?

A lot of times I’m doing things by myself, which is crazy. Then I’m finding people that help me on the ground, on location. I think the most I’ve ever traveled with was three other photographers or assistants.

I have to keep it pretty minimal. Not only is it kind of just a lot to bring a lot of people in gear and I think, you know, even just my own gear, I keep very minimal. So everything I have has to be portable and carried. 

I carry all my own stuff. All my photo gear is always my carry-on when I’m traveling. If it doesn’t fit in the carry-on, I’m not bringing it. I have a tiny drone, my Mavic Pro Air . I have a tiny portable Lowel softbox . I use my Canon external flashes with a little slave on top of the Canon, so I can just put the little flash in the portable softbox and create a studio, all battery powered.

I always have extra batteries and a charger for my phone. I use my cell phone and a little DJI Osmo gimbal for video. I only really use the main video in my camera if I have a tripod and I’m already sitting there doing something on the tripod. I also bring maybe three lenses, a couple camera backs, and my laptop; it all fits in my backpack. 

I use a Peak Design backpack , which I think is the greatest photo backpack ever. This thing has gone through hell and back and it’s still in perfect condition and it just holds so much. It’s a smaller backpack, but it holds everything; my laptop, my lenses, this and that. Then I’ll have a side side second bag, either a roller bag or backpack, depending on where I’m going, with all my other gear in it.

So I just have a backpack and a smaller bag. And that’s all my photo gear that I bring, because there’s things like, hiking Kilimanjaro or hiking to some of the villages I’ve had to go to, where there are no power outlets. There’s no way to roll anything. You just have to carry everything.

You just have to figure it out and be portable; that’s my best advice on that. 

Do you have a recommendation for a good travel tripod?  

There was one that I bought years ago and I now don’t have it, but for years it would go everywhere with me. I think I got it at WPPI and it was one of the best little portable travel tripods; it was only a couple pounds.

I have a little one that folds up really small from Manfrotto , but it’s a full tripod. If I was shooting with a 7,200 lens on it, I wouldn’t want to just leave it by itself. I feel like that would be a little topheavy. But other than that it’s been pretty stable. 

Cheryl: I have done quite a bit of photography while hiking, and settled on one from 3 Legged Thing . They’re out of the UK and they have some really great tripods and heads; good for video and still photography. So that’s another one to check out. 

What three lenses are your go-to for travel photography?  

My favorite three to go on assignment are my 50 prime, f 1.2, my 16 to 35 wide angle, and my 70 to 200. I love my 24 -70 as well; that would be my next choice. Honestly, you have to have a telephoto, you have to have a wide lens, and then you have to have a very, very fast portrait lens.

A lot of times you’re in super low light situations and you just want to have that super low depth of field. Or out in a landscape, you want a high depth of field. So I would say those are my go-to lenses, but I can’t tell you how much I use my 16 to 35. There’s something about, for all my landscape stuff, to get those epic clouds and that sort of distortion and everything. It’s just a magical lens.

What other useful gear would we find in your camera bag on a trip?

Portable chargers for everything that you can actually plug into your regular outlet, as well as USB’s for using with the computer. I think my biggest thing is having power, especially since my drone has to be flown using my cell phone? I use my cell phone as my video. I use it for social media. I also use it as my navigation and everything. So it’s constantly draining. Having a portable charging device is really, really important.

Also having the little mini LED panels that are portable that you don’t need to plug in have been really helpful, whether you’re interviewing somebody on camera or you just need an extra pop of light in a dark place. That’s been really great when you don’t want to use on camera flash for portraits and things like that.

Honestly, having a little mini steady cam/gimbal for my cell phone has been a game changer. You can shoot so much cinematic stuff with that; I use it all the time, and it’s tiny. They range from around $200 down; you can find cheaper ones. The Osmo is the one that I love. 

Lastly, having my GoPro and being able to shoot underwater; it has been really easy to use. I just went canyoning the other day in Dominica Island and I wanted to bring my big camera, but you’re jumping off cliffs into the water. I don’t want to do all that with my big waterproof casing, so having a waterproof underwater camera is really helpful. 

What is the most invaluable but inexpensive piece of gear you bring on a trip?

My universal adapter; I get so geeked out over having power.

The cheapest, tiny little thing that’s in my bag; zip ties, bare bands, the little carabiners. Having the little plastic sleeve for your cell phone, the waterproof thing that you can put around your neck. Those things have come in handy so many times. 

Free Download: Laura’s Gear Checklist

Download Laura’s travel photography equipment checklist to make sure you’re prepared for your next photography adventure.

How do you take care of your gear while you’re traveling? You go places where there’s water, sand, and humidity.  

I have to get my stuff overhauled and cleaned a lot. When I come back, I go to Canon, I’m a Canon Pro Service (CPS) member. You can ship your camera off and within two days they have it back to you. In general, I calibrate and clean my stuff once in a while cause it gets banged up. 

I photographed a wedding this past year at Burning Man : Let me talk to you about destroying your photo equipment. You do everything, tape it, do all the things; it doesn’t matter. That dust gets everywhere. That experience was crazy. 

I’m really good about keeping my lens caps on; and the other thing that just sounds like a no-brainer, but I always turn my camera off before switching my lenses. While it is turned on, your camera is an electromagnetic vacuum and if you take your lens off, it just sucks in everything. So you get a lot of dust spots and stuff in your camera if you don’t turn your camera off when you switch lenses.

I’m also really good about having clear filters on all my lenses to protect the glass while shooting.

Do you ever use other lens filters?  

I do it all in post. I used to have filters. I think it’s such a pain to be switching filters all the time, and then you’re getting stuff trapped in them. I’d rather keep one filter on that protects the lens and then do everything in post production for polarizing and stuff like that. 

Have you ever thought about creating your own line of camera straps?  

That’s really funny that you should say that. We just asked our artisans if they could make guitar straps and things like that. And I guess it would be intention straps, because you can choose which one. So the answer is yes. It’s going to happen soon.

What’s your current favorite camera strap or harness? 

I’m not a multi-camera carrier; I’m not a harness person. I don’t like things being strapped to me all the time, so I’m definitely a one camera, maybe I’ll have a side bag with some lenses kind of person. I like the freedom of being able to move around and through places quickly, and I don’t like having a lot of stuff on me.

I did get a new camera strap from Custom SLR , it has the two straps where it splits so it’s better on your shoulder. It’s not just all the weight on one, it separates it into two, because I get really tight neck and shoulders all the time. So there is a camera strap that can be easier on your neck and shoulders.

Do you still enjoy your trips or do they feel like work?

I always enjoy everything. There is no separation for me between work and play, and even when I’m sitting here spending time with my family in Virginia, I’m ironing hats for a hat show, and then I’m doing a photo shoot tomorrow. Everything blends all together all the time. 

I use my photography all the time in my hat business and met the artisans through my photography and these artisans also are helping me with a nonprofit I’m forming. You never know what your connections are going to be, but I love what I do. I really, really love shooting photos. I think the only time where I’m not having a good time is when I’m not sleeping enough.

In general, if I plan my life well enough and I can get rest, I’m enjoying all the things I’m doing and all the travel I’m doing. I think it is important to make sure that there is rest built in. Even now with certain clients I’ve had, I make sure they fly me in a day early and I make sure that I have time to edit and downtime because it’s really important to build that in. It’s going to make you a happier, better photographer. 

I finally realized that you have to have a level of self care, whether it’s yoga or some sort of massage, that needs to happen. I build that in, it’s included in the pricing of my packages because it’s part of the deal, and it’s not that much. 

I do enjoy all of it. I wish I could clone myself and have more hours in a day. 

Do you also travel just for fun, without your camera?  

Sometimes I’m going to new, beautiful places I haven’t been, and then those images I can license to my stock agency. If I didn’t have my camera, I would want my camera. So even as a tourist, I would have my camera. I don’t consider that work, but I could never just travel without my camera, you know?

Especially if I’m going somewhere new, because I would want to document it and it could be something that could make money later on. It’s still fun, but I’m always thinking of ways I can repurpose things and multitask .

It’s also my gift that I give to a lot of my friends and family, this photography. Or I’ll [be traveling and] will want to do a styled shoot somewhere. I’m always blending it. Even with the hats, I’ll wear a hat and I’m going on a trip and of course I’m going to want to shoot pictures of me in a cool place wearing the hat for the hat company.

There’s always things that I’m thinking about when I’m on a trip, even if it’s just a vacation that ends up being kind of a blend of work. And same thing with work; when I’m on a work trip, I’ll extend it a few days and make it a vacation, too. It’s all blended together.

How can photographers learn from you in person?

We had a couple trips that were planned earlier and we had to push them just for various reasons. But in the fall there are going to be a few trips. One is to Iceland. It’s going to be a goddess session trip; a women’s trip where we’re going to be shooting Fashion Goddess portraits along the way in epic locations, similar to the Kilimanjaro series . It’s going to be an amazing journey. We’re going to be going to places in Iceland I’ve never even been to, either. 

As for teaching, a lot of my trips I’m there to help you out with your own thing. In some ways, a lot of it is adventure and I’m just a tour leader. Then we set up photo shoots along the way. For the Iceland trip, I’ll facilitate setting up the photo shoots and help people with their settings. Each person’s going to be modeling and having their own pictures taken during that time. It’s a fun, empowering trip that involves photography; I won’t be teaching every day about the basics of photography, but I’ll be there to help with any type of need. 

Another trip that we’ll be doing is a visit to our artisans for the hat company ; the next one is in November 2023 centered around Cusco and the Sacred Valley. This is one of our origin trips, where everybody on the trip gets a hat and you get to meet all the indigenous artisans and learn about their cultural practices. We will have permission to go into the villages; we’ll do portraits with them. 

All of my trips create amazing opportunities to come back with an incredible portfolio from [the location]. It’s not hardcore where every day there’s photo instruction. We’ll usually do photo shoots during the day, then at night we can have a discussion over dinner, cover questions people have or exchange thoughts. 

I’ll usually do one evening where I’m talking about editing tips and things like that. It’s very relaxed: It’s like going on an epic trip during the day where you’re taking incredible images and having an adventure, then at night having a fireside chat about photography.

Do you require participants in your trips to have a certain level of photography experience or type of equipment? 

I always tell people, bring your professional camera or bring your iPhone.

We can teach on anything; I don’t want people to feel like they’re not good enough, or don’t have good enough equipment to come. I think you can do amazing imagery on any camera that you have, and I want people to be able to enjoy it no matter what level they are.

How many people do you allow each trip?  

The most I ever bring on these trips are 12. It’s usually eight to 12, they’re pretty small. 

I will be doing more trips to Africa next year. Our Madagascar trip will probably be in the spring of 2024. 

Then there is a potential North Pole adventure; Greenland and Northern Arctic Adventure. That will be later in the year, probably wintertime. It seems counterintuitive to go in the winter, but that’s actually the best time to go. We don’t have the dates on it yet, they are TBD, but we have the actual trip planned. That will be on a cruise ship that makes different stops, and we will Zodiac boat to different places. 

The upcoming ones will be fall; Guatemala, Peru, and then Iceland will be also probably October, November. Madagascar would most likely be February or March of 2024. 

When we post the dates, everything will be found on lauragrier.com . You can follow me on Instagram or join the newsletter on the site. We’ll be announcing them and posting them on the trip section as soon as we have all the dates.

Are there any places still on your bucket list?

My bucket list: I swear it keeps getting longer and longer as I’ve gone places, because you hear about new places you’ve never been. Papua New Guinea is high on my list. Believe it or not, I have not been to Turkey. I’ve flown through the airport, but I haven’t spent a lot of time in Turkey, so I really, really want to head over there.

My main thing is to do an Eastern European road trip. There’s 15 countries I could visit in one road trip, and a lot of them I just don’t know that much about: Albania, Estonia, and Moldova. There’s so many different places out there.

I’m at 88 countries right now, so I’m like, “Hmm, I could probably hit a hundred if I did an Eastern European road trip,” but that isn’t the main reason why I want to do it. I think it would be so cool to just explore on a road trip, learn a lot on the ground and understand the geography because I’m driving. That’s something I’ve always wanted to do. 

My jam is going to places where there’s vanishing cultures and indigenous people. I would love to see the Eagle Festival in Mongolia or Siberia and visit the tribes in Papua New Guinea.

I’m also an advanced diver, so I’m trying to hit as many reefs as I can before some of those disappear. I just went and swam with the sperm whales in Dominica Island, it was amazing. I want to go to Tonga, there’s Raja Ampat in the Indonesian islands that’s supposed to be the most spectacular reef on the planet, and it’s really hard to get to. 

Find Laura’s top tips for composition and editing in part two of this blog series, and visit her Facebook , Instagram feed , and website to see what exciting things she’ll do next.

Watch our full interview with Laura Grier for more of her professional tips on travel photography. 

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Contributors

Laura Grier of Beautiful Day Photography has spent the past 22 years working as a photojournalist on all 7 continents and has made a life out of exploring the world, capturing, and writing about her experiences. She has been a platform speaker for WPPI, WIPA, Canon, Zenfolio, Step Up Women’s Network, and the Wedding MBA Conference. Presently, she is a Los Angeles and Miami based Photojournalist, Travel Writer, and owner of both Beautiful Day Photography (specializing in Destination Weddings) and Laura Grier Travel, featuring her Fine Art Prints, travel workshops, and behind-the-scenes of her jet setting around the world. Laura’s ability to combine her love of travel, adventure, weddings, and art into a chic, colorful perspective, has made her a renowned International photographer. (Author Profile)

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Cheryl is the Director of Content Strategy at Zenfolio and the Owner/Photographer at Portraits by Cheryl and Seniors by Cheryl in Raleigh, NC. Cheryl has mentored countless new photographers looking to build successful photography businesses.

Amanda is the Content Marketing Specialist at Zenfolio and the Owner/Photographer of Wild Orchard Studios photography. A BFA graduate from Maine College of Art and Design and professional Portrait, Family, and Branding photographer for nearly 20 years, she thoroughly enjoys drawing from her experiences to guide new photographers as they are starting out. Amanda lives in the wilds of Maine with her husband and two imaginative daughters. If there’s such a thing as too much dark chocolate, she hasn’t heard about it.

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Travel Photography Gear Checklist (Essential Equipment)

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If you’re into travel photography , then you know that having the right gear is essential for capturing great photos while on the go. The good news is that there are plenty of camera options and accessories available today, so you can tailor your kit to suit your specific needs.

But with so many choices, it can be tough to know what to bring with you on your next trip. That’s why we’ve put together this handy travel photography gear checklist to help make things a little easier. Check it out below!

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Travel Photography Gear: Camera Equipment for a Travel Photographer

Let’s start with the most important item on the list! Just as you’ll prioritise getting the photo over your meal time, so too you’ll want to prioritize camera equipment over everything else! Right? So what must be in your bag, and are there extras that would be great to have?

Essential Photography Equipment

Camera body.

Whichever camera body you have, you’ll want to bring this with you! What brand of camera is not something this article looks to delve into, they all have their merits. There is an increasing move towards mirrorless cameras though, and their lighter weight is certainly appealing for a travel photographer . ExpertPhotography recommends: Sony a5100

Camera Lens

In the interest of keeping weight down, stick with one or two lenses at most. A good setup here will be a good quality wide angle lens , and then a super zoom to cover your focal lengths such as an 18-300mm lens. A lot of photographers will bring one more lens. This will add weight though, so we’ll discuss that in additional equipment. ExpertPhotography recommends: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm

Is the tripod an essential piece of photography equipment for travel photography? It is if you want to get good quality photos that compare well with your peers. The ability to make long exposures, and to potentially bracket your images, is also vital. Those wishing to use post processing techniques such as digital blending really need bracketed images taken from a stable tripod . Choose a tripod that is sturdy, yet small enough to travel with and can fit into your checked luggage.

These take up next to no room, aren’t heavy, and give you lots of artistic options for your photography. You’ll want to bring a circular polarising filter , and a strong neutral density filter as a minimum. My camera bag always contains a 10-stop neutral density filter , and I often pack an infra-red filter as well.

Camera Cleaning

Dust, sand and detritus are an everyday concern for travel photographers. The best locations to photograph often lead to getting your equipment dirty. So bring a microfiber lens cleaner, and a blower. ExpertPhotography recommends: Movo Deluxe Essentials DSLR Camera Cleaning Kit PRO

Cable Release

The same logic to size and weight for filters can be applied to a cable release. You’ll need it for your long exposure photography , and those photographers wishing to expose for longer than 30 seconds using the bulb function can’t do this without a cable release.

Memory Cards and Card Readers

Take enough memory cards with you for your entire trip. Should you have an external hard drive and computer you may be able to upload photos on a daily basis, and back them up. Otherwise you will need enough storage space from your memory cards to cover your entire trip, however long that maybe. At the very least you need to ensure you have enough space on your memory card so you’re not running out of space by the end of the day.

Batteries and Battery Charger

Enough battery power for your trip is important. And if you’re going somewhere remote you might not be able to recharge easily. Trips into the wilderness mean managing your power. A trip to Mongolia several years ago taught me this as there are many places with no power. For the majority of trips, however, taking two batteries is sufficient, and charging them both each night is important.

Rain Protection

It’s not a good idea to get your camera wet, even when it’s weather sealed. Taking protection for your camera, and for your camera bag is a good idea. Most camera bags will come with some form of wet weather protection. You will need to buy protection for your camera, or you could try using a plastic bag wrapped around it, with a rubber band holding it in place over the camera lens .

Lastly where to put all of this camera gear? Why a good backpack of course! This should be of a decent size, and have the ability to attach a tripod to the back so you can carry this item with you on your bag. The current bag I use is a Kata 3N1-35PL , a great bag with nice compartmentalisation, and a tripod holder on the back.

Optional Photography Equipment

Additional camera body.

This isn’t optional if you’re on a paid assignment. Having a second body is essential then. And having a backup body is never a bad idea. ExpertPhotography recommends: Sony Alpha a6300

Additional Lenses

Additional lenses will give you more flexibility. A 50mm prime lens with a large aperture is great for street, portrait and low light photography . A fisheye lens can be fun to use as well. ExpertPhotography recommends: Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM

Lighting Equipment

Adding light to a scene through a strobe really gives you maximum control over the photo. This can be great for fill-in light. However, bringing a radio trigger, receiver and some form of light modifier like the rogue flash-bender gives you the chance to experiment. Getting the flash off the camera allows you to create side or even rim light , great for your portrait work.

There could well come a time when this becomes an essential piece of equipment. Those creating footage as opposed to still photos will probably say it already is. The ability to take photos from any angle, and get overhead photos will really boost your portfolio. The one drawback right now is the quality of images these produce, with many magazines unwilling to publish photos from drones. You will also need to be aware of the legal side of flying a drone , with some countries really clamping down on this practice. Those looking to bring a drone at the time of writing should look no further than the DJI Mavic Pro .

Reflector Disc

A folding reflector disc is a nice alternative or supplement to any lighting gear you choose to bring with you. They’re not heavy or big, and will allow you to use natural light more effectively in your portrait photos. ExpertPhotography recommends: LimoStudio 5-in-1 Reflectors

Additional Items to Bring With You

There are a plethora of other items and photography accessories you can take on a trip. Here you’ll see some additional items that, while not camera equipment, are certainly related to your photography.

Smart phone/Tablet device

This is such a versatile item that it really has to make the bag. The functionality really comes from the apps you can download.

• Weather app – There are numerous weather apps out there, so this often comes down to personal preference. The best app for me has been Weather Underground .
• Stars and sun – There are numerous apps for this but apps such as Suncalc , Photo Pills , and Photographer’s Ephemeris will allow you to track the position of the sun, moon and Milky Way . Photo pills has some other useful tables and charts for photographers that give you information on hyper focal distances, and depth of field .
• Maps – Once again planning your travel photography needs a good map. Maps.me is a great alternative to Google Maps, and allows you to download maps by country, meaning you’ll never lose your way!
• Portfolio – Always great to have a portfolio with you to impress any potential new clients. You can either make folders on the phone, or display your photos on an app such as Instagram or 500px .
• Phone – Obvious, but your smart phone is first and foremost a phone. Should you get into trouble while out photographing this is your lifeline.

External Hard Drive

A backup copy of all your photographs is vital. If you only have one copy you are vulnerable to a host of events that could lose you that copy such as theft or memory card failure. Always bring an external hard drive with you. ExpertPhotography recommends: LaCie 2TB Rugged Portable Hard Drive 4T

Universal Adapter Plug

Having a plug you can use anywhere in the world is a great thing to have, especially if your trip takes you to multiple countries. These days getting a plug that allows you to charge through USB sockets as well as the main plug is a great idea. A great travel tip is bringing one adapter plug, and a multi plug strip to go with that. ExpertPhotography recommends: VCOO Worldwide Travel Adapter

Optional Equipment

Laptop computer.

The longer your trip is, the more important this item becomes. Is your trip over 1 month? If so I’d make this an essential item. This is your connection to the outside world, how you book everything you’ll need for your trip, and where your post processing will happen.

Personal Items

Now let’s look at the personal items you’ll need to bring with you on your trip. You’ll need to make space for these, so bringing one less camera lens might be something you’ll have to do.

Essential Items

Certainly for any international travel, and usually for any domestic travel you will need your passport. A good travel tip is to scan your personal information page of your passport, so you have a copy of this just in case it’s lost or stolen. If you’re traveling internationally make sure the passport has enough months validity, and check the visa requirements for the places you wish to visit. Ensure you have all relevant documents ahead of time.

A good travel insurance package that covers you in the event of injury is mandatory for any trip, whether it’s photography related or not. Also, make sure to ask if it covers your camera gear if the worst happens, and it’s lost or stole. Most travel insurance will cover for basic loss, but may well not cover more expensive gear items.

Medication and Toiletries

Make sure you buy the smaller travel size varieties of things like toothpaste and shaving cream. When it comes to medication make sure you have the basics covered, and never forget something for any potential stomach issues.

You won’t be going far without this. Make sure you have enough for your day to day use. It’s a good idea to separate your money in your accommodation, and keep it in your baggage in a hidden location. Using a money belt when you travel is also an option. This keeps those important items like cash and cards in a place that’s difficult to access by a thief.

A good rule of thumb is to bring enough clothing for one week, before you need to clean things. Obviously if the trip is just for a weekend, pack accordingly. Is it possible to pack less? Yes, but you’ll need to wash your clothes more often. Taking some washing powder so you can wash your clothes in the evening is a great idea, especially in a hot country. The clothes can be dry the next day, ready to wear again!

Hiking Boots

You’re a travel photographer, and that means a lot of walking. A good solid pair of hiking shoes is a must. Something in case you need a second set of footwear? A pair of flip flops are light, take up no space, and could be handy if something happens to your main pair of shoes.

Seasonal items

What you pack will depend on where you’re going, and at what time of year. You’ll not need to bring hot packs to the tropics, but you may well want some bug spray! Each of the listed items are essential, but depend on where you’re visiting.

• Sun protection – Take a good sun screen with you, sunglasses, and a hat to protect your head.
• Bug spray – Anywhere you might be affected by mosquitoes or sand flies, it’s a good idea to have bug spray.
• Rain protection – This is always worth having. An umbrella, raincoat or a poncho are all good options.
• Hot pack – These are great not just for keeping your hands warm. Put them in your backpack where you store your batteries, and the batteries will last longer in the cold.
• E-tip gloves – These are designed to be used with a smart phone, ideal for when it’s so cold you need to wear your gloves.

Water bottle

Wherever you go, you’ll need to keep hydrated. This is especially important when it’s hot and humid, so carry a good quality water bottle with you.

Optional items

Torch or headlamp.

Your smart phone will have a basic light on it, so this may be enough for your needs. Having a torch or headlamp is nice though, especially if you’re a regular night photographer .

In photography you don’t always have time to sit down for lunch at a restaurant. Eating on the go becomes necessary. If your style of travel photography takes you on long hikes into the wilderness bring enough food supplies becomes essential.

Extra Travel Photography Checklist Tip for Flyers

Camera equipment is heavy, and it’s hard to compromise on the gear you take, especially if you have a paid assignment and need two camera bodies. The problem? The weight restriction that airlines impose on hand luggage you can take onto a plane. While you can take sports equipment with you, and a special category to pay extra for this weight is provided, camera equipment is not currently covered. Every travel photographer will tell you that you should never ever store your camera gear in the checked luggage. So what can you do when your hand luggage is almost certainly going to be overweight? It would be nice if airlines offered you the chance to pay for extra weight, when the equipment is fragile. In the meantime using a photography vest provides a solution. Take out heavy items like a lens or a laptop and store them in your vest. Anything you’re wearing won’t be weighed. Once you are through check-in, you can put the lens, laptop and any other item back into your camera bag.

Bags Packed, You’re Ready to Go!

The life of a travel photographer involves a lot of packing. Now you have the complete list of items for your travel photography checklist , so what are you waiting for? It’s time to book that trip, and make some amazing photos out on location !

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31 Most Famous Travel Photographers to Follow in 2024

Want to know the best travel photographers to follow on Instagram? Get inspired by these 31 incredible travel photography accounts!

Famous Photographers | Learn | By Jeff Collier

You’re about to discover 31 of the best travel photographers on Instagram in 2024.

I’ll introduce you to award-winning travel photographers who fly around the world in search of the most incredible photos.

I’ll also answer some frequently asked questions related to travel photographers in general.

You’ll find a ton of inspiration for your own travel photography in this guide.

You should also check out our related guides:

• Most famous photographers in the world
• Most famous celebrity photographers
• Most famous street photographers
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• Most famous underwater photographers

Table of Contents

Who Are The Most Famous Travel Photographers in 2024?

Chris burkard.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by ChrisBurkard (@chrisburkard)

Burkard is a self-taught photographer who has truly mastered the art of taking breathtaking landscapes and action-filled portraits.

• What is the Beest Camera for Travel Photography?

Lauren Bath

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Lauren Bath | Australia (@laurenepbath)

Her Instagram feed showcases her unique perspective in highly saturated landscapes and atmospheric wildlife photography .

She also gives you behind-the-scenes photography insights into how she goes about capturing her travel photos.

Joshua Cripps

@joshuacrippsphotography

Joshua Cripps is a well-known American photographer , international speaker, and tour leader. His epic landscapes are somehow able to capture the feeling of being there yourself.

Melissa Hie

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by ❤️ Mel’s Food & Travel log (@girleatworld)

This concept allows her to share tiny moments from around the world in fun and unique ways.

• Read more: What hashtags get the most attention on Instagram?

Lucy Rose Laucht

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Lucy Rose Laucht (@lucylaucht)

As a Leica ambassador, her passion and dedication to her craft shows up in every image, from beach scene to cityscape.

Even now, when most people take photographs with their phones, there’s still a lot to learn from film photography where every shot is precious.

• Best travel camera for blogging

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Sam Horine (@samhorine)

His Instagram account features life around him, with images from the city and the natural wonders his day job brings him to document.

Chase Guttman

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Chase Guttman (@chaseguttman)

He uses a drone to shoot amazing landscape photography in a different light, and he finds beauty in the repeating patterns you can see from above.

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  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Gab Scanu | Travel • Photography (@gabscanu)

His duo-toned landscape shots are framed with a manmade element that helps the viewer focus on the natural beauty of the outdoors and be reminded of man’s interaction with it.

Glenn Lee Robinson

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Adventure Enthusiasts (@adventurenthusiasts)

From snowy mountains in Yosemite to a bird’s eye view of Lake Tahoe, his photos highlight the sheer beauty of California’s national parks and forests.

Senai Senna

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Senna Relax (@sennarelax)

In the meantime, I like to look at his tagged locations for travel inspiration and where I want to go next.

Lisa Michele Burns

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Lisa Michele Burns (@the_wanderinglens)

The pastel colors of sunset and the misty aura of waterfalls and ocean spray fill her feed with calming energy.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Gary Arndt (@everythingeverywhere)

While he doesn’t post new images often, his reputation as a three-time Travel Photographer of the Year means that every post or reel is a must-see.

• Who are the 33 most famous architecture photographers?

Manuel Dietrich

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Manuel Dietrich | Germany 🇩🇪 | Travel | Hiking (@manueldietrichphotography)

Dietrich’s Instagram grid showcases his teal-orange-green style in a way that’s deeply inspiring. Instead of applying a filter to any photograph, he makes sure his subject fits into his style.

Laurence and Jessica Norah

View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Laurence Norah (@lozula)

As full-time photography bloggers, they share their expertise in planning trips and documenting them.

Their Instagram feed is an approachable portfolio of experiences that almost anyone can learn from and emulate on their next big trip.

Colby Brown

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Colby Brown (@colbybrownphotography)

One feature of Brown’s photograph descriptions is the camera settings or equipment he uses. For most shots, he lets you know which lens and body he used, which is helpful when you’re ready for an upgrade.

Richard Bernabe

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Richard Bernabe (@bernabephoto)

His adventure photos from around the world move people to think about conserving the natural environment that he is so good at capturing.

• Read more: How do I start adventure photography?

Alex Strohl

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Alex Strohl (@alexstrohl)

His Instagram feed is more like a collection of mini blog posts behind the scenes of taking and producing images that you can share with the world.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Sam (@sam.vox)

Don’t miss out on Vox’s reels which provide a behind-the-scenes look at the day’s work. Some photos are taken with a small point-and-shoot which proves that the best camera is the one that you have with you.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Art Wolfe (@artwolfe)

His extensive archive of Instagram images showcases why he’s known as a master of color, composition and perspective.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Bob Krist (@bobkristphoto)

Because of his experience, his Instagram travel photographs have a range of styles and subjects that I – and many others – look to for inspiration.

Timothy Allen

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Timothy Allen (@timothy_allen)

Paul Nicklen

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Paul Nicklen (@paulnicklen)

Nicklen’s skill in composing his photos is something I study before going on a trip and again before I edit my shots. His use of framing and composition takes his photos from snapshots to masterpieces.

Michael Yamashita

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Michael Yamashita (@yamashitaphoto)

His books, workshops, and lectures help him share his passion for historic explorers and the landscapes that they would have seen in ancient times.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Yosigo (@yosigo_yosigo)

Whether it’s a trip to the beach or an abandoned parking garage, he has the ability to portray the modern world in a fresh light.

Navaneeth Unnikrishnan

View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Navaneeth Unnikrishnan (@navaneeth_unnikrishnan)

Ami Vitale is a renowned photographer who has travelled to over 100 countries and published a book showing pandas being released into the wild.

Lola Akinmade Åkerström

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by PhotoShelter (@photoshelter)

Jord Hammond

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by JORD | TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY (@jordhammond)

Eric Rubens

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Eric Rubens 🌅 Travel & Photography (@ericrubens)

Though the colors in his landscapes must be highly edited, his skill in knowing what to highlight and when to stop makes his dreamy seascapes something special.

• Read more: Who are the most famous landscape photographers?

Elia Locardi

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Elia Locardi (@elialocardi)

From a once-in-a-lifetime photo of the Northern Lights to a series of shots documenting the city’s skyline, he knows how to draw you into his world.

Matjaž Krivic

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Matjaz Krivic Photography (@krivicmatjaz)

The emotion of the trip is evident in every shot, which he shares on his Instagram feed.

FAQs about Travel Photographers

What is considered as a travel photographer?

Anyone who uses a camera to document the world and showcase what makes a location unique. Instagram travel photographers may have a defined vision or may take inspiration from an area’s landscape, food, people and history.

Is it hard to be a travel photographer?

It takes dedication, and it can be hard at times. My favorite photographers are skilled with both a camera and a computer, and they work almost as hard at marketing themselves and teaching others as they do in capturing the perfect picture.

Are travel photographers in demand?

Yes! The travel industry is not slowing down, which means that the demand for new photographs and videos of exciting locations around the world is still high.

Does travel photography pay well?

Instagram travel photographers may be paid by brand sponsorships and marketing agencies for the trips they take. They can make money selling prints of their work directly online or through galleries . Many even guide trips and have online classes teaching others how to recreate their style.

Check out these 8 essential tools to help you succeed as a professional photographer.

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Jeff Collier is an experienced film photographer who enjoys experimenting with modern digital photography equipment, software and apps. He’s also an ex-world champion triathlete and avid cyclist, clocking hundreds of km each week in the beautiful Tweed Valley of northern NSW, Australia.

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Travel Portrait Photography – Tips For Taking People’s Photos While Traveling

Travel Portrait Photography Tips For Taking People’s Photos While Traveling

Our travel portrait photography guide outlines the best tips and tricks for taking people’s photos while traveling. From tips for nailing your composition, choosing your location, cultural sensitivity, and approaching people to the more technical stuff that will help you improve your portrait photography and take better travel and cultural portraits.

Ask us what we love more, traveling or photography, and we’ll have a hard time giving you an answer. Travel photography combines both of our passions, taking photos and videos and experiencing other cultures . Travel photography includes many aspects and elements of highlighting the local culture, from the architecture and landscape to the customs and food. Though we try to incorporate all of these elements and more while creating our photo essays to convey the story of the place we’re traveling in, our true passion lies in cultural portraits. We love to learn about the local culture mainly by highlighting the human element. We love taking people’s photos while traveling, and in our opinion, it’s the best way to deepen your knowledge about the local culture and truly get to know the place you are traveling in.

So how do you do that? Showcasing the local culture while focusing on the human element? We like to visit local markets and artists. We love strolling around local streets and alleys, trying to capture a fleeting moment or the vignettes of daily life through our lens. We always try to tell a story with our images, and it is something we’ve learned over the years. If you want to improve your travel portraits, if you want to know how to approach people and learn how to tell a story with your lens, this article has all the tips you need and then some. We start by giving some general tips for taking awesome travel portraits and then dig in deeper into the more technical stuff. 

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a small commission if you purchase from them (no extra costs to you!). For details check our disclaimer .

Table of Content

Why is travel portrait photography so powerful.

Capturing the essence of a place can come in many forms. You can take pictures of the food, architecture, or landscapes but taking pictures of the people not only helps you showcase the local culture, it also provides endless opportunities for interactions with the local residents and deepens your knowledge about the local culture. No matter if you snap a picture of a local lady in the market or if you take pictures of the local cheesemaker or artisan, you will have an opportunity to make a connection with them. It might be just a smile or a nod of the head; it’s up to you to make it a bit more than that and learn about that person’s life. Ask the lady in the market about the local fruits and vegetables, inquire the cheesemaker about the process of making cheese or how he got into the cheese-making business, ask the artist about the tradition behind his craft. These interactions with local people provide a glance into the local customs and personal lives of the local residents. Besides, as a photographer, you want your pictures to evoke an emotion and tell a story, and in our opinion, travel portraits are the best way to achieve this goal.

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Types of Travel Portraits

Let’s start from the beginning and talk about the different types of travel portraits. Most people think that portrait photography is taking a close-up or medium shot of a person, but that’s not entirely true since there are other kinds of portrait photography.

Classic Portrait

When you take a picture of your subject that fills up the whole frame, that’s a classic portrait. It can be just the face, part of the face, or even the entire body.

Environmental Portrait

The environmental portrait is different from your classic portrait since you’ll fill the frame with your subject and the environment. The environmental portrait is all about showcasing the place of work of your subject, where he lives, his personality, hobbies etc.

Details Portrait

Sometimes you don’t need to capture the face of your subject. Highlighting just a part of the body can tell a story as well. You can focus on a unique outfit, special shoes, hands, and so on. 

Challenges of Taking People’s Photos While Traveling

If you are a travel portrait photographer, you have to face many challenges before getting the perfect shot. Most times, you won’t be able to control the light or carry a lot of equipment with you. If it’s a candid shot, you need to be quick about it, and even if it’s not, you can’t keep your subjects from their daily routines for a long time. You’ll need to learn how to approach people if you’d like to take their photo from up close; there will be cultural differences, language barriers, and many more issues you’ll have to deal with. There is also the ethical issue of taking people’s photos without their permission or using your travel portraits across social media.

Travel Portraits – Ethical Issues of People Photography

In recent years more and more voices have started speaking about the ethics of people photography. Should you ask for permission before taking a photo? Should you take pictures of children? Should you post your photos across social media? Should you sell your photos? Some are even claiming that in the era of social media, Westerns seem to treat people in third world countries as if they were animals in a zoo, snapping pictures of the “exotic creature” without permission. There are also questions regarding the photographs’ authenticity and the different approach in people photography. Some photographers would not dream of staging a moment, while others claim it’s the only way to get breathtaking travel portraits of their subject matter.

So what’s the right answer? You’ll have to decide for yourself. We have our own rules of conduct that we try to follow. Regarding permission, if it’s a candid shot, there’s no point in asking for permission because the moment will be lost forever. If our subject is aware of our presence, we’ll ask for consent—either verbally or by gesturing to our camera. If we notice that someone isn’t happy about us snapping a picture of him, we’ll apologize and delete the image. When we do ask for permission, we do it with a smile and accept the fact the photograph is going to be a bit staged, which can even be a good thing at times. In fact, after our encounter with a group of photographers in Myanmar’s Inle Lake, we realized some of the most stunning shots on Instagram must have been staged. Regarding social media and posting photos on our site, we make a point of choosing images that we feel flatter our subject. We’ll never post a picture that showcases someone in a negative light. We love to highlight a place by taking photos of the daily life and local customs and traditions, so for us people photography and travel portraits are a big part of our cultural photo essays.

We encourage you to think about these ethical questions and decide for yourself how to behave but always be respectful, accept “no” as an answer and treat your subjects like you would like to be treated. Think about your intention and only post pictures that you believe flatter your subjects.

Travel Portrait Photography Tips and Tricks - General

Research your destination - history, customs and more.

Before going anywhere, we do our research. We’ll start reading a little bit about the history and culture of the place we plan on visiting. You have to know at least the basics about the local culture in terms of Do’s and Don’ts and make sure to search for these social cues while traveling. If people leave their shoes at the entrance to a temple, follow their lead and if you’re not sure, ask one of the local residents. You should especially be culturally sensitive when taking pictures of children, and if you see a child with his parents, always ask for permission before photographing them.

Regarding locations, research online for the sights you’d like to see, but also, always look beyond the obvious sights and attractions if you’d like to be a bit more original and capture more authentic shots.

Learn a Few Phrases in the Local Language

Learning a few phrases and words in the local language goes a long way. It’s much easier to make someone smile or have a positive attitude when you speak a few words of his language. Moreover, it’s much more respectful when you visit another country, and you make the effort of learning how to say ‘thank you’ ‘you welcome’ and so on in the native language.

In terms of travel portraits, it’s a good idea to learn how to ask ‘what is your name’ ‘May I take a picture’ ‘thank you’ ‘how to say’ and perhaps a few adjectives like ‘beautiful smile’ ‘nice’ etc. People tend to be more open and listen to you or give you the time of day when you make an effort to learn their language. They will gladly help you learn a few more words if you ask them ‘how to say’ and point to an object. It’s also a great way to break the ice and even get a candid moment from a somewhat staged situation. 

Search for Things You’d like to Photograph

Besides learning about the local culture and etiquettes, list your interests and favorite places you’d like to visit. We love local markets and art, so we always look for the best markets, and we intentionally search online for local artists we could see or local festivals or events that take place during our visit.

First of all, always have your camera ready. Stumbling upon a magical moment and having your camera in the bag will result in heartbreak (and we’re talking from experience). You always need to be ready to shoot, and that means choosing your camera’s setting and looking around for interesting situations.

Travel Portrait Photography Tip:  Most DSLR/Mirrorless cameras have custom buttons. You can choose your custom settings and assign them to these buttons. For example, you can assign the perfect setting for an outdoor photoshoot to one of them, and the second can be used for a low-light setting.  

Are You Going for a Staged Photo or a Candid Photo

There’s something magical about a candid travel portrait. You were able to capture a fleeting moment, one perfect shot that no one will be able to reproduce. We love taking candid photos. It’s all about street photography and catching that decisive moment. However, staged shots have their own merits and charm.

What is a staged shot? Many times, once you ask for permission from your subject, it’s going to be a staged shot (including a big cheesy smile). Your subject’s posture and facial expression are going to change, and many times it won’t be as unique or authentic as it was before. Nevertheless, there are ways to make your subjects act or pose more naturally, and we’ll discuss it later.

Now there are those staged shots when you tell your subject how to act, where to look, what to do or even where to stand. It can be awkward at first, but that’s the best way to get a perfect portrait (provided your subject is following along with your guidelines).

Approaching People/Asking Permission

Most times, we ask people for permission before or after we take the picture. Many times, while we’re taking the shot, the person might notice us, and we ask for permission with a gesture. If he seems comfortable with it, we’ll continue shooting; if not, we’ll apologize and delete the images.

There are times when we ask for permission in advance, especially when we get really close to our subject. We smile, point to the camera and to him/her, sometimes we introduce ourselves and try to say a few words and see if it’s ok. Sometimes after a short conversation, people will change their minds and let you take their picture.

It is not easy, and for us, it has always been and still is one of the most challenging aspects of people’s photography, but we’ve learned to overcome our shyness. Even if you’re not sure, there’s no harm in trying, and remember to  always   be polite and thank them with a smile even if they say no.

Keep Smiling, Show Your Interest and Engage with Your Subjects

No matter what happens, always keep smiling and have a positive attitude. It’s not just about approaching people but also about taking candid photos, talking to people on the street, addressing your waiter, and so on. Not just while traveling, keeping a big smile, having a positive attitude, and showing a genuine interest in the daily lives and local traditions of anyone you meet can open the door to many opportunities. If you’re taking pictures of a local, ask for recommendations for the area. If you’re photographing a local artist, ask about the process, and by doing so, you might learn about another craft you’d like to photograph.

Get close to your subjects! Yes, using a zoom lens might give you beautiful classic portraits with nice bokeh in the background, and it’s definitely less obtrusive,  but you’ll get the best travel portraits by getting close to your subjects.

When you take a candid shot of a street or a market scene, it’s always best if you have someone close in the foreground since it adds perspective, depth, and interest to your photo. It also allows you to make a real connection with your subject.

Reciprocation

After you’ve learned how to approach people and engage with them, what about reciprocation? Should you offer to pay them for their portraits? Should you buy something from them? There’s no right answer to these questions, and we judge each situation as it comes.

We don’t encourage paying someone for taking his portrait, especially in third world countries, since many times it creates a habit. People are expecting a payment, they might be rude about it, and in some countries, children are taken out of schools and go “work” in the streets by posing for tourists. If someone asks us for money, we simply smile, shake our heads and go away. A few times in the past, especially in Vietnam , I refused, and then the women called me back to take their portraits after all ; fter taking a few snaps, I bought some items from them.

Nevertheless, there’s an exception to that rule. Many times, especially in third-world countries and especially in pagodas or nunneries, it’s customary to donate a small amount of money for the living expenses of the nuns/monks. Other times, if you’d like to ask someone to pose for you and you are going to give them instructions and spend a while there, you should definitely consider paying him/her.

Other times, in local markets, for example, we usually buy something from the vendor. We’re always happy to have fresh fruit or nuts as a snack. When photographing local artists, we buy an item, and if we spend a long time there but know that the items are too heavy to carry, we do offer a small payment for their time.

When we visit local villages in third-world countries, we try to carry with us some simple toys, crayons, or stickers to give to the local children. Some say it’s a bad habit since they start to expect it (which might be true), but it’s a simple exchange, and it’s nice to see the pure joy of these children who often don’t have access to these kind of items.

No matter what, you should always offer to show your subject the picture you’ve taken. Sometimes they don’t want to see it, but many times they will be grateful for the offer and, if possible, ask to send it to them by email. Some people even carry a polaroid camera and give them the picture on the spot.

Travel Portrait Photography Tips and Tricks - Advanced

Think about the light.

As a photographer, light is your best friend or your worst enemy. The more you learn how to use the light to your advantage, the more you’ll be able to capture breathtaking travel portraits. If you have no clue about how light affects your camera, we suggest either taking the portrait in the shadow or in the light but in most cases, taking a picture when half of the frame is in shadow and half of the frame in the sun will result in a bad travel portrait unless you know what you are doing.

Generally speaking, without getting too technical, the worst time for taking travel portraits is around noon when the sun creates harsh shadows under the nose and eyes. A backlight travel portrait can be quite flattering when you know how to work with the light, and the best light for travel portraits is definitely in the late afternoon and early morning hours.

Over exposure is usually more flattering to your subjects, while underexposure is going to enhance the appearance of wrinkles and signs of time. Analyze the quality of light (is it a harsh or soft light ) and use it to your advantage.

Travel Portrait Photography Tip –  Try and plan your daily schedule according to the light. In the morning and late afternoon, you’ll have the best light, so plan for outdoor activities. During the harsh hours of midday, you can visit indoor markets or other indoor venues.

Know Your ISO Limit

ISO can be your best friend when you don’t have enough light, but you need to be familiar with your camera’s ability. Some cameras can handle  ISO 8000, while others produce very grainy images in ISO 400. You should always try and be at ISO 100 or 200 but if you don’t have enough light take advantage of the ISO capabilities of your camera.

Travel Portrait Photography Tip –  If you don’t have a lot of light, choose a lens with a wide aperture and use it to your advantage. If you have a camera with internal image stabilization, you’ll be able to work with slower shutter speeds under 1/60 (provided your subject stands still), but you can always lean against a wall or something steady which will provide extra stabilization. 

Composition

Composition is everything, and after learning how to work with light, you should spend some time learning about the different composition rules. From the rule of thirds to leading lines and the golden ratio, knowing how to compose a portrait will improve your portrait photography skills. Also, think about headroom or breathing/negative space when you compose your travel portraits.

Composition also includes choosing to take a horizontal or vertical picture. Generally speaking, most old-school photographers will probably say that a classic portrait should be vertical, and an environmental portrait should be horizontal, but nowadays, it’s all up to you. Depending on what you would like to express and how you choose to compose the picture, there are no clear rules regarding the horizontal/vertical choice.

Check out this quick overview of Steve McCurry’s , one of the most well-known travel photographers, composition tips!

Travel Portrait Photography Tip – Apply the grid option in your camera (Mirrorless, DSLR or mobile phones). It will help you compose the shot according to the Rule of Thirds.

Break the Rules

Once you know the classic composition rules of photography, it’s time to break them. There are many stunning travel portraits that don’t adhere to any of the traditional composition rules. Think about what you are trying to express and the story you’d like to convey, and compose your frame accordingly. For example, though it’s customary to leave some breathing space in front of your subject in the direction he’s walking to, by placing your subject close to the edge of the frame, without leaving breathing space in front of him, you might express anxiety, stress, the end of a journey etc.

Think about DOF

Depth of Field (DOF) is the distance between the closest and farthest objects in a photo that appear acceptably sharp. In simpler terms, the area in front/behind your subject that remains in focus. A large depth of field means that much more area in your photo will be in focus, while a narrow DOF means that just a small area in your photo will be in focus. 

You can control the depth of field mainly with your aperture and the distance of your subject from the camera.  Large apertures (smaller f-numbers such as 1.8 or 4) means shallower DOF. Small apertures (such as f 10) mean larger depth of field. Shallower DOF provides some dreamy quality to your travel portrait and it works great with classic portraits when there’s a ‘hero’ in your shot. A larger DOF is great for environmental portraits when you want to showcase the background as well. If there are many people in your photo that stand at various distances from the camera, you have to go for a larger DOF if you want them all to be in focus.

Other than the aperture, other factors such as distance from the camera/background, the focal length of your lens, and the size of your camera’s sensor can affect the DOF. Check out this helpful DOF guide!

Travel Portrait Photography Tip – If you’re using your mobile and you’d like to have a blurry background (shallow DOF) choose the food/live focus option for Samsung or Portrait for iPhone. 

Change Your Angles

When you attempt to take a portrait of someone, do you choose to take a picture at eye level, or do you go for a higher/lower angle? Choose your camera angle, depending on what you want to convey

The classic portrait is usually taken at eye level. This way, the subject looks directly into the lens, which enhances the feeling of connection between the subject and the spectator.

However, a lower angle, when the camera is slightly lower than eye level and tilted up, can provide some kind of authority to your subject and contribute to making him the hero of your shot. If you choose a lower angle, do so with caution since it can be unflattering if the camera is too low.

A high angle puts the focus mainly on the face and can help create beautiful light in the eyes of your subject (catch light) since they are looking up towards the light source. It’s also great to show artists with all of their arts and crafts or while working, but you should pay attention to the depth of field and think about what you’d like to be in focus, and choose your aperture accordingly.

Travel Portrait Photography Tip – Always try to take a few pictures at different angles and various compositions. Sometimes a few steps to the right or lowering your angle makes all the difference in the world. In addition, you can play with your angle/composition/DOF to eliminate distracting elements in your shot. 

Think About Focus

First of all, you need to learn everything you can about the focus system in your camera. If you don’t nail the focus in your travel portrait, there’s really not much you can do about it; the portrait will be unusable.

Now think about where the focus should be. Most times,  It should  be on the eyes but sometimes it can be elsewhere, depending on what you’d like to emphasize and your composition. The shallower DOF, the harder it is to nail the focus. So when in doubt, opt for a smaller aperture (larger f no.). With extremely wide aperture numbers like f1.8, it’s much harder to nail the focus.

Travel Portrait Photography Tip – Some cameras have face/eye detection systems, so it’s easier to nail the focus, but with other cameras, your best bet is to work with a single focus point.

Know How to Use Your Manual Focus

When in doubt or when your camera struggles to focus, switch to manual focus. Many cameras let you enlarge the area you’re focusing on, so it’s easier to nail the focus.

Know Your Camera – Custom buttons & Functions

It’s always a good idea to get to know all the functions of your camera. If you’re a beginner, you can use the Auto function. However, most times, you’ll get better results while using one of the semi-automatic (shutter/aperture priority)  or manual mode.

Travel Portrait Photography Tip – Other than the shooting modes and ISO capabilities learn about the most important functions of your camera that can help you improve your travel portrait photography. Try to shoot in burst mode, so you don’t miss a moment. Learn about the focus system, light-metering and so on. 

Tell a Story & Evoke Emotions

The most mesmerizing portraits tell stories and evoke emotions. Think about your favorite portraits, often times you can see the emotions of the subject, spontaneous laughter, a gesture of heartbreak, an expression of delight or any other kind of emotional spark. Even when you stage someone, you can create candid moments that will highlight the situation and your hero.  

Furthermore, try to tell a story with your portrait. You can shoot your hero in his/her environment and include everyday objects/tasks, or you can capture the interactions of several people like a group of children, market vendors, a father and son, and so on.

Look for a Nice Location & Wait for the Shot

That’s one of the most important rules that can genuinely make a difference. The problem is it can take a long time to take the shot. When you see beautiful scenery and the light conditions are great for your travel portrait or street photography, you want to wait for the right moment for someone interesting to pass by.

Travel Portrait Photography Tip – For these kinds of situations, it is always better to shoot in burst mode 

Use Colors, Textures, Patterns & Light

Colors add so much life and vitality to an image, so look for these colorful spots/ walls/ objects and incorporate them in your photo. Use patterns and textures to your advantage to add depth and interest to your travel portrait, and always think about the light and backdrop. Ray of lights can add so much drama to a scene. If you’re trying to capture someone who is smoking or a steamy dish, a light source and a dark backdrop will enhance the drama in your shot. 

Go Off the Beaten Path

We always try to find off-beaten-path locations. Sure, we want to capture the most famous places in each destination we visit, but for a less touristy experience, we recommend finding these places that not many tourists know about. There’s something much more authentic when you visit a local market than the touristy one and we’ve visited many of those in Sidemen area in Bali. We are always looking for neighborhoods and towns we don’t know much about, and usually, we discover hidden gems like the Istrian peninsula in Croatia. The residents are usually surprised to see tourists there and are much more patient and willing to have their portraits taken.

Look for Inspiration

If you want to be a better photographer, you need to learn from the best and seek inspiration. There are so many great travel and portrait photographers. Look for inspiration on Instagram, Pinterest, Google, or wherever you can find it. Think about which portraits you will remember or which ones evoke emotion and determine how the photographer has achieved it.

Tips for Taking Environmental Portrait While Traveling

Environmental portraits must showcase the surrounding of your subject. We’d often opt for a horizontal shot, but depending on the environment, we might go for a vertical shot. It doesn’t really matter as long as your viewer can recognize the environment and your image tells your subject’s story.

Don’t go for an ultra-wide aperture like 1.8; otherwise, the background is going to be blurry. We usually go for f/5.6-11 depending on the setting and what we’d like to emphasize.

Since you’re photographing a relatively large area, think about the composition. What would you like to include in your frame, how are the light conditions, do you prefer a staged/posy portrait, or do you want to capture your subject in action? After you have your answers, give directions to your subject, ask him to move according to the light conditions, tell him what to do (go about his business or pose for you), and change your angles so you’ll have a variety of shots.

Tips for Taking Classic Portraits

Classic portraits focus on your subject, so you don’t really have to pay much attention to the environment, even though sometimes it can improve your shots. For example, if there’s a beautiful colorful wall, use it as your backdrop, include some leafy greens in your photographs etc.

In the past, many photographers believed classic portraits must be vertical, but nowadays, the rules are more flexible. It really depends on your subject, what you would like to emphasize, and the intended use of your image. We usually take some vertical and some horizontal shots.

Choose your aperture according to your framing and be aware of the depth of field. Always make sure the eyes are in focus, and usually you’d want your subject to be lightened evenly across his body/face unless you work in manual or aperture priority and you know how to expose for the shadows or highlights.

Sometimes people feel awkward while they pose. You can give them something to think about or fuss about to evoke emotion and make the portrait more natural. Ask an artist to hold his tools, ask a child to play with his/her favorite toy.

Tips for Taking Portraits of Details

Details portrait can be powerful, but you have to make sure they can still depict a story, evoke an emotion, or shed light on the culture/person you photograph. You can play around with the depth of field depending on what you’d like to convey. Sometimes you’d like to highlight just one item (choose a wide aperture), or you’d like the majority of things to be in focus (choose a narrow aperture like f8).

If there’s movement in your shot (like the hand of the artist), you need to think about your shutter speed. If you want to freeze the motion, choose a higher shutter speed like 1/250 to be on the safe side (the faster the movement, the higher the shutter speed should be in order to freeze it).

Tips for Taking Candid Portraits

Candid moments are usually best to capture emotions and tell stories simply because once you ask someone to take his picture, his demeanor changes, from the facial expression to the body language. However, don’t be afraid of posing your subject because sometimes it’s the best way to capture great travel portraits. The secret is you need to create these real moments that occur naturally and evoke emotional sparks. Ask your subject about himself until he relaxes a bit, tell a joke to catch his genuine laughter, ask an artist to continue working or ask a vendor to grab some fruits.

Editing Your Travel Portraits

Nowadays, post-processing is a must, especially when shooting RAW. Try to use Photoshop, Lightroom, or any other photo editing up to your advantage. Eliminate distracting colors, enhance the important elements in your image, get rid of noise etc.

Travel Portrait Photography Tip – Shooting RAW will give you more options while you edit your travel portraits. You could salvage some of your under-exposed/over-exposed images. If you have a good camera, you probably have the option to shoot in RAW files. Many mobiles also give you such an option, and so are some photography editing apps like the mobile version of Lightroom (DNG is RAW).

As a travel photographer, you usually don’t carry a lot of equipment with you. Some prefer a zoom lens, while others like to work with prime lenses (with a fixed focal point). Generally speaking, for classic portraits, you’d better use a focal point of 50 mm or above since it’s more flattering to your subject (wider lenses have a distortion effect). However, for environmental portraits, use semi-wide and wide lenses (35mm and below). The wider the lens, it can have a slight distortion, depending on the quality of your lens but you could fix in post-processing.

Most times, you will shoot in natural light, but you can have a foldable reflector with you if you need a boost of light. However, nowadays, especially if you shoot in RAW, you’d be able to open up the shadows in post-processing.

A flash can be an excellent addition to your portrait photography kit if you know how to use it. Bouncing the light from a white wall or using an off-camera flash allows you to adjust the lighting conditions to your liking, but it means carrying more stuff with you.

A Word About Model Releases

Portrait photographers need to be aware of model releases, especially if they plan to sell their travel portraits to stock photography sites or make commercial use of them. In general, if someone is in a public place, technically, you do have a legal right to photograph him, so why do you even need a model release?

The bottom line is that in order to use a travel portrait on your social media/website/private use, you do not need a model release, but you should think about your subject’s privacy and show your respect. If someone clearly doesn’t want his photo taken, don’t use it. As long as you do not portray your subject in a negative light, you should be ok.

When talking about selling photos, you can sell travel portraits to individual people or for editorial use without a signed model release. However, you can not use these photos commercially or sell them to stock photo sites since they require such a release. You can read more about model releases or if you’d like to have an app for model release on your mobile just in case, here are some great choices.

That’s it for our travel portrait photography guide. We hope we’ve given you some useful tips to improve your travel portraits and feel free to ask us anything or add tips of your own in the comments below.

Don't forget to pin our guide for later!

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4 thoughts on “Travel Portrait Photography – Tips For Taking People’s Photos While Traveling”

This is a nice tutorial. I will surely try it later. I think this tutorial will help me a lot. I would like to read more of your article in future. I wish you best of luck for your next article.

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25 Spectacular Travel Photography Destinations (With Photos)

As someone who is passionate about travel and photography, there is literally nothing in this world that makes me happier than when I’m taking photos in an incredible place.

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When I’m out and about with my camera in a dream location, and everywhere I look there are photo opportunities galore, the light is perfect, my heart is racing with the thrill… well it really doesn’t get any better than that!

So when I’m researching my next trip, I’m always looking for incredible places to travel for photography.

Where has the most stunning architecture, the most unique culture, the most colourful characters?

Where has abundant wildlife or incredible landscapes? Where is safe enough to wander with a camera; where has the friendliest people who’ll let me take their portrait?

Now, having travelled to over 70 countries and photographed in many of the world’s most celebrated travel photography destinations, I thought I’d make a list of the very best ones. Click the links within each section to take you to some of the images I shot there.

Of course, there are still plenty more I haven’t had the chance to visit yet. So just in case I’d missed a few gems off my travel photography bucket list, I reached out to some fellow travel experts and asked them to report back on what they think is the top place to travel for photographers.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, and I’m sure there are loads of wonderfully photogenic places I’ve missed. But there are certainly some stunning travel photography destinations in here, and I hope that within this list, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for your next travel photography trip!

1/ The icy landscapes of Antarctica

There’s a reason why Antarctica is right at the top of most travel photographers’ bucket lists. With its gorgeous icy landscapes, mirror-calm bays, majestic glaciers, icebergs the size of houses, and clear wintry light, it’s landscape photography heaven. In fact it’s virtually impossible to take a bad photo here!

And that’s before you even consider the wildlife – with six species of seals and eight types of penguins , not to mention whales and seabirds, Antarctica has everything to offer the passionate wildlife photographer too.

Read more: 60+ Awesome Antarctica Photography Tips

It’s not easy to get there, and it isn’t cheap either, so a trip to Antarctica is probably a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list pick for most travel photographers. Only problem is: once you’ve been there, you just want to go back!

Click here to search Antarctica tours

2/ Eye-catching street photography in Cuba

If street photography is more your thing, then look no further than Cuba. Neglected by the Castro regime and battered by the US embargo that prevented any modernisation, Cuba has been effectively locked in a time warp for decades. But while this has been terrible for the country and its people in many ways, there’s no denying that it has made Cuba a dream destination for travel photographers.

Wander the Cuban city streets in Havana and Trinidad and you’ll be spoilt for photography choice, with colourful historic buildings at every turn. Get lost down alleyways and side roads, delighting in the crumbling paintwork, the ornate wrought-iron decorations, and the brightly-painted shutters that cheerily hide the dilapidation within. Smile at the friendly Cuban people, who welcome visitors and don’t seem to mind having their photos taken.

And then of course there are the famous Cuban cars , which roll the streets like living antiques. If you’re anything like me you can easily while away many hours photographing them from every angle, even missing dinner! Which is no great loss, because the food in Cuba is pretty terrible – but it’s a small price to pay for all the stunning photos you’ll bring home.

Read more: Ethical Travel Photography: How To Capture With A Conscience

3/ Myanmar: the world’s friendliest people

Myanmar was on my travel photography bucket list for the longest time. And when I finally went there, I was not disappointed. Everywhere you go there are endless delights, from the golden glinting Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, to the ancient temples at Bagan , to the impossibly photogenic leg-rowing fishermen of Inle Lake , to the bustling markets .

But the thing I loved best about travel photography in Myanmar was the people. Not only do they look fabulous, from the colourful street vendors to the red-robed Buddhist monks , but they were among the most friendly people I’ve ever met. Because Myanmar was closed to tourism for so long, its people are still just really happy to have visitors, and it shows in their generous and warm welcome. I don’t think a single person said no to me taking their photo!

Sadly the political situation in Myanmar has deteriorated since I was there and some areas are not safe to visit. So you may need to think carefully about if and when to go, but if you do get the chance, I don’t think you’ll regret it!

Click here to search for Myanmar tours

4/ The colours of Guatemala

There aren’t all that many countries left in the world where the culture and way of life still seems very little changed by the unstoppable rush of modernity – but Guatemala is one of them.

Guatemala is bursting with colourful towns , dramatic landscapes, and ancient cultural treasures . Lush rainforests, towering volcanoes exploding into the sky , and shimmering turquoise lakes provide stunning backdrops for your shots.

Step back in time with captivating Mayan ruins like Tikal, where towering temples pierce the jungle canopy. Capture the energy of vibrant markets overflowing with handcrafted textiles and fresh produce. Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , offers charming cobblestone streets, pastel-painted colonial buildings, and majestic volcanoes as a backdrop.

Beyond the scenery, Guatemala’s heart lies in its people. Photograph the smiles of indigenous communities dressed in traditional clothing (though you’ll need to be respectful and ask permission first, as many local people don’t like having their picture taken).

While you may be worried about safety in Guatemala , as long as you take sensible precautions, you should be fine. I spent 3 months exploring this amazing country with my camera, and came back with some of the best photos of my life .

Click here to search for Guatemala tours

5/ Glaciers and Northern Lights in Iceland

For landscape photographers, there are few better places to travel than Iceland. Whether you go in summer or winter, or any time in between, there are endless opportunities for gorgeous photos of snow-capped mountains, thundering waterfalls , crashing waves, black sand beaches, calving glaciers and icy lagoons.

Drive the ring road along the south coast and a journey of two hours will end up taking four as you stop endlessly for photos. Don’t miss the chance to walk inside a glacier ice cave, hike on a glacier , photograph fearsome sneaker waves , or admire the adorable Icelandic horses .

And then of course there are the legendary Northern Lights . Take a Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik and if you’re lucky with the timing and the weather, you can turn your already epic Iceland photos into something you’ll be showing off for the rest of your life.

Start planning your Iceland adventures here

6/ The souks and medinas of Morocco

Like many of the countries on this list, Morocco doesn’t have just one thing to offer the enthusiastic travel photographer. You’ll have heard of the famous blue city of Chefchaouen , for example, which is certainly photogenic (if a little overrun with Instagrammers). Or the dramatic beauty of the Atlas mountains, or the rolling dunes and clear starry skies of the Sahara Desert .

But for travel photography , the part I loved best were the twisty alleyways and colourful stalls of the medinas in Fes and Marrakech. These atmospheric mazes of streets and shops are easy to get lost in, but that’s part of the joy: no matter where you wander you’ll stumble across fascinating people and things to point your camera at.

You’ll need to be sensitive, as many of the shoppers and traders don’t like having their photos taken, but if you’re subtle and respectful, you’ll come home with striking and unique images. Don’t miss the striking Chouara Tannery inside Fes medina for a fascinating look at a tradition going back 1000 years.

Search for Morocco tours here

7/ Primates in Uganda

Uganda might not be a country that springs immediately to mind when you think of travel photography. It doesn’t have any of the instantly-recognisable, obviously-Instagrammable locations that might usually propel it onto lists like this one.

But the fact that Uganda is less Insta-famous makes it a perfect place to travel for photography. There are no crowds of influencers here, just dozens of wonderful things to see . Head to Kibale and Bwindi National Parks in the west of the country to spend time with chimpanzees and the legendary mountain gorillas , or visit Queen Elizabeth National Park for vibrant green landscapes and ancient volcanic crater lakes.

Read more: Using The Canon R5 For Wildlife Photography: A Full Review

And everywhere you go as you travel round Uganda , you’ll find friendly and welcoming people who are not yet so fed up of tourists papping them that they resent it – instead if you ask nicely, most people will be happy to let you take their picture.

Plan your Uganda photography adventure here

8/ The historic ruins of Turkey

Turkey has been described as ‘the world’s largest outdoor museum’, a title well-earned thanks to the country’s fantastic architectural and historic heritage.

Turkey sits on the border between Europe and Asia, and over the centuries has been invaded by everyone from the Greeks and Romans to the Persians and Mongols. All of whom left their mark on the country in different and fascinating ways – now a gift to you and me with our cameras.

There are dozens upon dozens of ancient ruins in Turkey , from the legendary city of Troy to the rock temples of Midas City and the extraordinary landscape of Hierapolis-Pamukkale – all of which are great places for photography.

Or you could head to the glorious city of Istanbul to photograph its stunning mosques and minarets as the sun goes down over the Bosphorus, and of course you cannot miss the world-famous ‘fairy chimneys’ of Cappadoccia.

So if you’re looking for a place to travel for photography that features ancient history and architecture, all set in dramatic landscapes under a glorious Mediterranean sun , Turkey is the destination for you!

Click here to search for Turkey adventures

9/ Italy for… well… everything!

Oh God, where do I start with Italy?! There’s so much choice for travel photographers, from the bewildering array of Roman ruins, to the sumptuous palaces and churches of cities like Florence and Verona, to the iconic canals and bridges of Venice, to the undulating landscapes of Tuscany, to the colourful painted towns of the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre, you could spend a year exploring Italy with your camera and still not have seen enough!

Italy does have a reputation for being crowded – which is hardly surprising for country that is so accessible and has so much to offer – so if you want to avoid the crowds and take travel photos that are a bit less obvious, why not head to one of the slightly less touristy, but no less beautiful, parts of the country ?

One top pick would be Trento , in the north. A charming city nestled in the foothills of the Dolomites, Trento offers both colourful Italian city views and gorgeous mountain scenery. Or head to Naples for history and architecture but with an edgy side.

Or if pretty towns and villages are more your bag, avoid celebrity-famous Tuscany and go to Umbria instead, where places like Orvieto , Assisi and Todi offer plenty of opportunities to capture the real heart of Italy, away from the worst of the tourist madness.

Looking for an Italy tour? Click here!

10/ Colourful portraiture in Japan

Japan is one of the best countries for photography because it has it all: gorgeous landscapes from mountains to islands, traditional culture from temples to food, and a population that loves taking photos and are more than willing to pose for you anytime, anywhere.

It’s not difficult to find a great portrait to capture, whether you are interested in cosplay, robots, monks, and people dressed in kimono and yukata all over the country. The Japanese are more than happy to have you photograph them fishing, mending nets, hiking, doing sports like sumo or kendo, or even cooking in restaurants. This is pretty unusual when traveling around the world, so the one caution is not to get used to this openness if you travel to other countries.

Closed off to the world for many centuries, the Japanese have retained much of their traditional culture. From welcoming in the New Year to celebrating many festivals all year long with parades, fireworks, and music and dance, there are ample opportunities to capture a glimpse into Japan’s history.

The photo above was taken at  Kusatsu Onsen , a hot springs town, deep in the mountains where the water is so hot that women have been cooling it for centuries. If you are looking for a country to really allow your photographic skills to shine, book a trip to Japan!

By Corinne Vail of Reflections Enroute

Search for your dream Japan trip here

11/ The pristine Lofoten Islands, Norway

Dramatic. Pristine. Breathtaking. These words only begin to describe the beauty of the Lofoten Islands in Norway . This remote archipelago of islands is off the western coast of Norway just within the Arctic Circle, and is widely lauded as one of the best places for photography in the world. It’s a photographer’s dream destination year-round, but especially in winter.

During the day, drive between the islands capturing the iconic cabins, snow-covered beaches, arctic surfers, and dramatic rock formations jutting out of the fjords. And at night, this is an ideal location to photograph the magic of the Aurora Borealis. 

Hamnøy is a must on any photographer’s Lofoten Islands itinerary. Bright red cabins line the waterfront with breathtaking mountains along the horizon. The bridge is a great vantage point, especially during golden hour and after dark for nighttime photography. 

Other great photography spots include the view from Mt. Ryten, Rambergstranda Beach, Reine, and the fishing village of Nusfjord. You could easily spend several days exploring the islands and capturing the unique beauty of this place. 

If the Lofoten Islands are a bit too remote for you, don’t worry! Norway is one of the most photogenic places in the world. For the Northern Lights, consider alternatives such as Tromsø or Bodø. Or, closer to Oslo, get a taste of the fjords in either Bergen or Flåm. Or for something completely different, why not try visiting the Ice Music Festival !

By Susan Gleissner from This Big Wild World

Start planning your Norway adventure here

12/ Off the beaten track in Georgia

The Republic of Georgia is a dream destination for travel photographers of all stripes. From surreal mountain landscapes to picture-perfect street scenes, this tiny nation in the South Caucasus has it all.

Georgia has a dozen climatic zones and no shortage of  unique places to visit , from alpine villages to semi-desert landscapes, cave monasteries to verdant tea fields and the subtropical Black Sea coast.

The cities are an eclectic mix of medieval, Silk Road and Soviet styles. In Tbilisi, you’ll find everything from florid Art Nouveau mansions to Persian-style bathhouses and Brutalist commie buildings, all within a few city blocks. One of the best places for street photography is the local  bazari  – every town and city has its own vibrant marketplace where regional produce, spices and homemade cheese is sold.

One of Georgia’s greatest assets is its cultural and religious diversity, especially in the Greater Caucasus mountains. Svaneti, Racha, Khevsureti and remote Tusheti all offer awe-inspiring landscapes and traditional architecture, most famously the UNESCO-listed Svan tower houses around western Georgia’s Mestia and Ushguli.

Try to time your visit with one of Georgia’s cultural festivals. The Rtveli wine harvest in late autumn sees families around the country head out to their vineyards to pick and crush grapes. It’s an atmospheric, joyous time of year and a great chance to observe and photograph one of the nation’s most beloved traditions.

Georgia is renowned for its warm hospitality (tradition dictates that every guest is a gift from God), and you’ll find that most people are very curious towards tourists and eager to strike up a conversation once you pull out your camera. Be mindful when taking photos of people’s homes or when photographing rural and remote areas as some communities are more conservative.

By Emily from Wander-Lush

Don’t miss Georgia! Book your tour here

13/ History and countryside in Provence, France

There are few other places in France, or indeed Europe, that offer the diversity of landscapes that you’ll find in Provence. You could spend weeks snapping the quintessential hilltop villages, grand chateaux, sprawling vineyards, rustic olive groves, and plane tree-lined boulevards.

And that’s just the countryside. Provence is also where you’ll find the Calanques National Park, with its dramatic fjords and idyllic beaches; the Verdon Gorge, touted as being the deepest canyon in Europe; Mt Sainte-Victoire, the subject of over 60 of local artist Cézanne’s paintings; and the Colorado Provençal, so named for its ochre-toned resemblance of the US state.

Seasonally, the region shows off further, with floral displays to rival those found anywhere else in the world. Most famously, the  lavender fields of Provence  transform the plains of Valensole, Sault, and the Luberon into a fragrant wonderland. Visit in late June – mid July to catch them at their best, and aim for golden hour to catch the most beautiful hues. Less famous, but equally as enchanting, is the poppy season which transforms empty fields around the region into a splendour of red during the month of May. 

By Nadine Maffre from Le Long Weekend

Search for France tours here

14/ The variety and diversity of Chile

From mountains, to deserts, sandy beaches, and everything in between, Chile is one of the most diverse countries for travel photography.

In the North, the San Pedro de Atacama desert (considered the driest desert in the world) provides stunning rocky desert terrain for landscape photography. Near the centre of the country, the capital city of Santiago sits right below the towering, snow-capped Andes Mountain range, making for a surreal view on a clear day. Santiago is considered one of the safest cities in South America and is rich with history and inspiring architecture.

Towards the Pacific, the bohemian, sea-side town of Valparaíso has attracted artists for decades to its colourful streets and gorgeous coastline. Here you can be sure to lose yourself among the city’s famed muralled walls and imaginative street art.

As you venture way to the county’s south, you will reach the famous Patagonia region. World-renowned for its rugged and rough terrain, unique wildlife (who could forget the guanacos!), and incredible glaciers, Patagonia is an unmissable destination for photography in Chile. The Torres Del Paine National Park is home to awe-inspiring mountain views and excellent hiking trails. Nature lovers can camp under the stars, or those that prefer a little more comfort can stay in one of Torres del Paine’s range of hotels .

By Emma Schneck from All Over the Place

Tempted? Search for Chile photography adventures here

15/ Stunning architecture in Uzbekistan

Around every corner and down every alley in Uzbekistan awaits stunning architecture in contrasting styles that will keep you on your toes and challenge your photography skills.

The capital, Tashkent, has numerous communist-style buildings with hard concrete edges. However, the best clicks are underground in Tashkent’s famous subway. Each station is an architectural masterpiece that you have to see to believe. Since 2018 it has been legal to take photos in the subway.

As you head into the heart of Uzbekistan, the communist architecture fades, and a world teeming with breathtaking Islamic architecture appears. Bukhara’s central square features massive madrasas with blue domes and intricate, colorful tile work. In Samarkand, the mausoleum complex of Shah-i-Zinda and the Registan is dazzlingly beautiful.

Budget time to wander the side streets and enjoy the simple residential architecture for a completely different travel photography experience. The light is always the harshest at mid-day, so it is best to get up with the sunrise, take a mid-day break and revisit places as the sun sets. The changing light from morning to dusk will bring an entirely new feel to each image.  

Make sure you pack a wide-angle, a 35mm or 50mm, and a tripod. Uzbekistan is not ultra-conservative, but you should dress modestly and respect dress codes for entering certain areas such as the mausoleum.

By Susanna Kelly-Shankar from Curiosity Saves Travel

Don’t miss Uzbekistan. Start planning now!

16/ The dramatic Canadian Rockies

In the Canadian Rockies you’re spoiled for travel photography choice; pick from the gorgeous mountain drama of Lake Louise, or drive a bit further north to Jasper National Park, the largest of them all.

Lake Louise is located in Banff National Park and is one of the prettiest – and most photographed – natural attractions in Canada . Head here for the iconic views and dramatic landscapes that give Canada its well-deserved reputation as one of the best places to travel for photographers.

Or, if you prefer something slightly more original, try Jasper National Park , which is home to a variety of wild animals, from small mammals like beavers, weasels and porcupines to larger animals like moose, caribou and bears. It’s actually surprisingly easy to capture them on a snowy day, or when road tripping on the Icefield Parkway.

Jasper is also a stargazer’s paradise. So if you are into astrophotography, add Jasper to your bucket list. 

Accessing hiking and skiing trails in the Canadian Rockies is safe, at all times of the year, just prepare well, make sure you adhere to road closures and weather warnings, and keep a sensible distance from any wildlife you may encounter.

By Mayuri from Canada Crossroads

Click here to check out some great Canada tours

17/ The Emerald Isle: Ireland

Whether you have a few days or a few weeks to spend in Ireland, you will still feel you don’t have enough time to capture everything you’d like to. From breathtaking vistas and incredible geological formations, the coast alone will keep you busy.

Visit the famous Cliffs of Moher and the Giant’s Causeway, but also make sure to stop off at to lesser-known places. You will be rewarded with colourful villages, dramatic cliffs, lighthouses, and old forts.

The inland rural areas shouldn’t be disregarded either. Ireland has the brightest green country you’ll ever find, and that green is scattered with castles and quiet pastures everywhere. Even the morning fog is a feature worth waking up early for.

If you prefer urban photography, head to Dublin. From the different Gothic styles of St Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral to the colourful Temple Bar area, it’s a wonderful city to travel for photographers.

Add to that the collection of Georgian doors, 24 bridges, and many historical buildings, and you should have your hands full for a while. Around Dublin , more castles and old Irish estates are open for visitors. Take your camera and explore those sunken gardens, old structures, and unique details.

By Anda Bartos from Travel for a While

Click here to find Ireland tours from leading companies

18/ China’s wild landscapes

With landscapes as diverse as the Gobi Desert, Himalayan Mountains, karst pillars, mighty rivers and lush jungle,  China  is a fantastic place to travel for photographers. 

This vast, and often untamed land, has endless possibilities when it comes to landscape photography. In addition to the obvious places like the Great Wall of China, the karst mountains on the Li River and the ancient Silk Road, China offers plenty of true “hidden gems”.  

If you really want to discover some of the magic of the Middle Kingdom, then head to Tibet. From yaks grazing beside emerald lakes beneath the highest peaks on earth to windswept plateaus where prayer flags flutter on the wind, Tibet is one of the best places in the world for photography.

Other places such as the Rainbow Mountains at Zhangye, Crescent Moon Lake and the Singing Sand Dunes at Dunhuang, beautiful Hangzhou and West Lake and the rainforests of Hainan Island all provide inspiration for photographers. 

No trip to China would be complete without discovering some of the country’s 5,000-year history and culture. To get the most of your photography trip to China consider staying at least three weeks and including Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu and Hangzhou on your itinerary.  

As with travelling anywhere, avoid photography of officials, police, soldiers and related buildings. The Chinese authorities can be overly sensitive sometimes, so if in doubt, always ask (officials are friendly and approachable). 

By Steve Rohan from The Trip Goes On

Get inspiration for your China photography trip here

19/ Namibia ‘s remote desert environments

If you’re a travel photographer who loves landscapes, you should definitely consider wild Namibia, in southern Africa. Its dramatic scenery has been forged over millennia by volcanic eruptions, desertification and erosion, resulting in stunning craters, mountains and vast canyons. 

However, most come for the Namib Desert, believed to be the oldest desert in the world.  There is a lot to see in the  Namib Desert , but the two best spots for desert photography are Sossusvlei and Sandwich Harbour.

Sossusvlei is an area of dried-up marshland deep in the heart of the Namib sand sea.  It is surrounded by huge curvy red dunes, and the floor is cracked white clay. In Deadvlei, the remains of blackened dead trees twist as if stuck in a macabre dance. In the early morning, you can catch the first rays lighting up the dunes and in the midday sun, the contrasting colours are vibrant and striking. 

Sandwich Harbour is where the desert meets the sea, towering golden dunes facing into the ferocious South Atlantic. You’ll need a 4×4 and knowledge of the tide to get there, as the route is along the narrow beach between the dunes and the sea – but the scenery is worth the nail-gripping ride!

And the good news is, the photography opportunities don’t end with the desert: the infamous Skeleton Coast of Namibia is dotted with shipwrecks, there are deserted diamond mining towns and there’s a huge amount of wildlife, including lions, elephants, leopards and giraffes. There are also tribes that maintain their traditional way of living, including the fascinating Himba people. 

By Martha from May Cause Wanderlust

Search for the best Namibia trips here

20/ Architecture and nature in Vietnam

Vietnam is an incredible destination for travel photography – from cities to ancient temples and stunning natural beauty, this Southeast Asian country has something for everyone.

For wonderful cityscapes, head to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, where modern skyscrapers and colonial buildings are the perfect juxtaposition against the bustling markets and thousands of scooters zooming through the city streets.

If you’re looking for a smaller city with interesting street photography, the small city of Hoi An is worth a stop, with its famous yellow-walled Old Quarter, the nightly releasing of floating lanterns down its river, and the fascinating intersection of Chinese and French architecture.

Are you seeking more natural beauty? Consider Ha Long Bay, where dramatic limestone casts tower over the turquoise Gulf of Tonkin, or Sa Pa, a town to Vietnam’s northwest that’s comprised of impossibly green rice terraces as far as the eye can see.

If you’re looking for something slightly less touristy than Ha Long, check out Ninh Binh, which offers similar landscapes, with limestone monoliths topped with lush greenery – but this time, the mountains are land-bound and carved out with mysterious caves.

By Jessica Schmit from Uprooted Traveler

Check out inspirational Vietnam tour ideas here

21/ The wonder of Iran

Often portrayed negatively by the media, Iran is a welcoming country rich with culture, history, and the most breathtaking mosques. It is also incredibly safe to travel to and to wander around with your camera.

Start your Iran photography trip in Shiraz, home to the mesmerizing Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque. Get there early in the morning, right when it opens, to secure the best photo spot (it can get very crowded and competitive!). Then, as you watch the sun rise, the colors of the mosque’s stained glass windows begin reflecting on the carpet, creating a rainbow light show.

Another incredible place for architectural photography in Iran is the city of Isfahan, home to the magnificent Naqsh-e Jahan Square. This square is filled with history, and is framed by two incredibly gorgeous mosques: Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and Shah Mosque. The intricate mosaic tiles inside these mosques are simply unbelievable, and you can easily spend hours photographing them from different angles. 

To get the best architecture shots in Iran, shoot at sunrise or very early in the morning for the best lighting and the least amount of tourists. Keep in mind that the architecture in Iran is also very majestic, so having adequate gear, such as some solid wide-angle lenses for the Sony a7III , would really help capture the scale of the mosques. Be sure to also bring some wide-aperture lenses as some of the mosques are pretty dimly lit.

By Jiayi from The Diary of a Nomad

22/ Ancient and modern life in Jordan

There are quite a few places in Jordan that are perfect for travel photography, irrespective of the type of photography you like.

Areas like the world-famous Petra and the Dana Biosphere are fantastic for landscape photography. Meanwhile Wadi Rum should be included in your  Jordan itinerary  as it’s one of those rare places where you can see the Milky Way clearly, making it unmissable for night photography in Jordan.

If you like murals, food photography, portraits and street photography, head to Amman. Most of the locals are accommodating and let you click pictures if you ask politely. While there aren’t specific street photography tours conducted in Amman, the Downtown area is where you’ll find more of the historical and cultural aspects of the capital.

good places for photography

You can take pictures at places like the Dead Sea; however, make sure you don’t let a single drop of water touch the camera as it is super salty!

The best time to visit Jordan is in spring and autumn when it isn’t too hot or too cold as it does tend to get quite cold in winter. 

By Lavinia Dsouza from Continent Hop

Start your Jordan adventure by clicking here

23/ The grandeur of the USA’s National Parks

The USA’s famous National Parks are full of opportunities to photograph wildlife, natural wonders, and beautiful landscapes. Two of the most popular – and with good reason – are Yellowstone and Yosemite, both of which are fantastic destinations for travel photography.

There are endless  things to do in Yellowstone , but if you’re a photographer, probably the only thing you’re going to want to do is take pictures! But you’ll need to get up early – the morning light makes for beautiful images and if wildlife photography is your thing, you’ll also find that the animals tend to be most active early in the day. Lamar Valley is a popular place to see wildlife.

For iconic landscape photography spots, head to Grand Prismatic Overlook, Old Faithful, Artist Point, and Mammoth Hot Springs. 

If you’re heading to Yosemite National Park, the best time to go is in the spring. The waterfalls have a large volume because of snowmelt and the dogwoods are in bloom.

Head to the Tunnel View lookout around sunset for one of Yosemite’s most celebrated views, or try Glacier Point, Three Brothers, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls for more good places for photography.

By Candice from CS Ginger 

Search for USA National Parks tours here

24/ India’s Royal Palaces

Home to colourful streets, beautiful monuments, and incredible natural scenery, India is a diverse country with plenty under its belt. Whether you like photographing architecture, wildlife, or portraits of Indians , there is something to interest any visiting photographer here.

If you are planning to travel to India for the first time, then make sure to spend some days exploring the princely state of Rajasthan. Steeped in royal history, this region of India boasts numerous palaces, forts, and temples. You can fly into the Instagram-famous  pink city of Jaipur  and travel to Jodhpur and Udaipur before making your way to the Thar Desert in Jaisalmer. The Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur is also a must for tiger safaris during the winter season.

Read more: Taking The Sleeper Train In India: What’s It Really Like?

Just keep in mind that some religious places like temples and cenotaphs may not allow photography. It is best to ask a caretaker if unsure or wait for the prayers to finish. Another thing to note is that tripods are generally not allowed in most touristy places in India.

Alternatively, for greener landscapes, check out Kerala in the south. The hill station of Munnar is widely famous for its acres of tea plantations and is one of the best places to photograph in India.

You can spend a couple of days there and then head back down to experience the houseboats sailing on the backwaters of Kerala. If possible, opt to stay in one for a night or two and click away as you catch panoramas of palm trees and water lilies while onboard. It is particularly magical at sunrise and sunset.

By Charu Goyal from Travel with CG

Check out some fantastic India tour ideas here

25/ The faraway beauty of Alaska

A  road trip to Alaska  should be a bucket list place to travel for photographers. The last frontier State is huge, and its wild beauty so unique and mind-blowing, that it offers plenty to see and discover.

Alaska is a real playground for travel photographers, with history, breathtaking icy landscapes, abundant wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and some of the most scenic roads in the United States, even in the world! If you are into wildlife photography , Alaska also offers plenty of opportunities, with whales, bears, and hundreds of species of birds.  

Head to Seward, where you can take a boat tour and photograph icebergs and wildlife such as seals and whales. Or try Denali National Park, a world-class setting for wildlife photography enthusiasts.

But the most spectacular treat that Alaska offers to any travel photographer is the opportunity to capture the Northern Lights . Fairbanks is one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis in the world, because of its location and lack of light pollution. If you haven’t photographed the lights before, a Fairbanks northern lights tour is a great way to maximise your chances of seeing them, as the local guide will be able to plan the best time and location for epic Aurora images.

By Paula from Paula Pins the Planet

Get inspiration for Alaska landscape photo tours here

My favourite travel tools and brands

To help you organise your trip, here’s a short list of some of the brands and tools I use over and over again when I’m planning my travels. You can see more on my Travel Resources page.

• Booking.com : A huge range of hotels to choose from, often with free cancellation. If you book hotels regularly you can earn discounts. I’m on Genius Level 3 which gets me 20% off!
• Expedia : Another great place to find hotels and Expedia also sell flights , car hire, and loads more all in one place.
• Skyscanner : The only place I ever go to search for flights and compare prices.
• Flight Centre : Booking a more complicated route? Let Flight Centre organise it for you (and deal with the drama when something goes wrong).
• Priority Pass: I love having access to 1,400+ airport lounges when I fly, allowing me to enjoy my time at the airport. With my link you get 30% off a standard membership or 20% off standard plus.
• Airalo: Say goodbye to ridiculous mobile roaming charges. Did you know you can now buy an e-SIM , install it in your phone before you leave home, and then use data abroad at local prices? Game changer.
• TourRadar: If you prefer group travel and organised tours, TourRadar has a huge range of fantastic tours from respected operators. They’re very helpful and have 4.5 stars on TrustPilot.
• Viator: Part of the TripAdvisor brand, Viator is another great place to search for group adventures and day trips.
• GetYourGuide: A great place to find local tours and day trips in your destination.
• Wex Photo Video: The UK’s best camera gear store. Quote my name – Bella Falk – to get £20 off your first purchase.
• Ellis Brigham: Looking for good quality backpacks, travel clothes and other gear? Ellis Brigham is where I buy almost all of mine.
• Rentalcars.com: Part of the Booking.com family and the world’s largest online car rental service, with 24/7 customer service.
• World Nomads Travel Insurance: I never ever travel without travel insurance and nor should you!

Read about more travel photography destinations

• 25 Best Travel Photography Blogs
• 25 Brilliant Tips For Travel Photography
• 23 Best Places to Visit in Thailand
• Things to do in Pembrokeshire: Coast, Castles and More
• 13 Top Tips For Photographing Markets
• Travel photography on the road – my photo editing workflow tips

Liked this post about travel for photographers?

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Bella is a multi-award-winning travel writer, wildlife photographer and science and history documentary director from London. Among many awards and nominations she won Blogger of the Year at the British Guild of Travel Writers’ Awards 2023 and Best Photography at the Travel Media Awards 2020. Her work has been published by National Geographic, Wanderlust, and BBC Travel among others. Her films have been shown around the world including on the BBC, Discovery and PBS.

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Passing Thru Travel

Top 12 Travel Photography Hotspots for 2024

Posted: March 21, 2024 | Last updated: March 21, 2024

Photography plays a crucial role in sharing and perceiving travel experiences; practicing responsible travel photography has never been more important. It’s about capturing the world’s beauty with respect for the environment, local cultures, and future generations. This guide explores photogenic destinations and embodies the principles of sustainability and respect, offering photographers the chance to capture stunning imagery while adhering to ethical practices.

1. Banff National Park, Canada

Banff National Park, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, is a sanctuary of majestic peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and vast wilderness. As Canada’s first national park, Banff offers photographers unparalleled natural beauty, from the serene waters of Lake Louise to the rugged grandeur of Moraine Lake.

The park’s diverse wildlife, including elk, grizzly bears, and wolves, adds a dynamic element to any photo shoot, demanding a respectful distance and a keen eye for candid moments. The Icefields Parkway, stretching between Banff and Jasper, is a journey through some of the world’s most scenic landscapes, offering endless photography opportunities.

Responsible travel photography in Banff means adhering to park regulations, staying on designated paths to protect the delicate ecosystem, and capturing the natural environment without leaving a trace. The park’s commitment to conservation and protecting its natural and cultural heritage makes it a prime example of how tourism and environmental stewardship coexist.

Insider’s Tip: Focus on capturing the natural beauty without disturbing the wildlife. Use a zoom lens to photograph animals from a distance and stay on designated trails to protect the natural habitat.

When to Travel: Summer (June to August) is for hiking and photography, and winter (December to March) is for snowscapes and northern lights.

How to Get There: Fly into Calgary International Airport, then drive about 1.5 hours west to Banff.

2. Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto, the heart of traditional Japan, presents a rich cultural heritage, serene landscapes, and architectural wonders. The city’s ancient temples, such as Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and Kiyomizu-dera, stand as monuments to Buddhist devotion and Japanese aesthetics, offering photographers a glimpse into the soul of Kyoto.

The historic geisha district of Gion, with its wooden machiya houses and stone-paved streets, provides a backdrop for capturing the enduring traditions of Japan. During cherry blossom season, the city transforms into a picturesque tableau of delicate pinks and whites, with Maruyama Park and the Philosopher’s Walk prime photography locations.

Photography in Kyoto involves respecting the privacy of geishas and locals, avoiding intrusive behavior, and appreciating the city’s cultural sites with mindfulness and reverence. Engaging with the local community, understanding the significance of the sites, and contributing to preserving Kyoto’s heritage are key aspects of responsible travel photography in this ancient city.

Insider’s Tip: Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, and be mindful of private property signs when exploring Kyoto’s narrow alleys and traditional neighborhoods.

When to Travel: Cherry blossom season in early April or autumn foliage in November for stunning natural backdrops.

How to Get There: Fly into Kansai International Airport and take a train or bus to Kyoto.

3. Petra, Jordan

The ancient city of Petra, carved directly into vibrant red sandstone cliffs, offers an unparalleled opportunity to step back in time. This archaeological feat, once a thriving trading center, now invites you to explore its tombs, temples, and theaters.

Visitors should avoid climbing on fragile structures or entering areas that are closed for restoration. The best photographs of Petra come from those who take the time to understand its history and significance, offering viewers a glimpse into the past that respects the efforts to preserve it for the future.

Insider’s Tip: Visit Petra early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and capture the best light.

When to Travel: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) for mild weather.

How to Get There: Fly into Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, then drive or take a bus to Petra.

4. Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu, the iconic Incan citadel set high in the Andes Mountains, is a masterpiece of engineering and architecture. Its precise stone constructions, built in harmony with the earth and sky, offer a window into the Incan world and its spiritual connection to nature. This UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounded by lush cloud forests and towering peaks, is a photographer’s dream for its breathtaking vistas and a place of deep cultural reverence.

Photographers are encouraged to be mindful of where they step, staying on designated paths to prevent erosion and damage to the ancient stones. The use of tripods is restricted within the site to minimize impact and congestion, and drones are prohibited to preserve the peace and sanctity of the surroundings.

Insider’s Tip: Use the natural light of dawn to capture Machu Picchu in its most magical and least crowded state, and follow the guidance of local authorities regarding the use of tripods and drones.

When to Travel: Dry season from May to October for clearer skies and safer hiking conditions.

How to Get There: Fly to Cusco from Lima, then take a train to Aguas Calientes and a bus up to Machu Picchu.

5. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system, is a kaleidoscope of marine life and vibrant corals stretching over 2,300 kilometers along the Queensland coast. It’s home to thousands of species of fish, mollusks, sharks, turtles, and an array of stunning coral formations. Photographers are drawn to the reef’s underwater beauty, seeking to capture its vivid colors and dynamic ecosystems.

However, the reef faces threats from climate change, pollution, and human activities, making responsible photography more crucial than ever. Photographers should practice minimal impact diving and snorkeling, ensuring they do not touch or step on the coral, which can cause significant damage.

It’s also important to be mindful of marine life by maintaining a respectful distance, avoiding the temptation to chase or harass creatures for the perfect shot. The use of natural light is encouraged to preserve the true colors of the reef and minimize disturbance to its inhabitants.

Insider’s Tip: Use natural light as much as possible to avoid stressing marine life with flash, and never touch or stand on the coral reefs to get a better shot.

When to Travel: June to October for the best underwater visibility and diving conditions.

How to Get There: Fly into Cairns International Airport, with numerous options for reef tours departing from Cairns and Port Douglas.

6. Venice, Italy

Venice is famed for its intricate waterways, historic architecture, and rich artistic heritage. This floating city, built on a lagoon, is made up of winding canals, grand palazzos, and vibrant squares, each telling a story of Venice’s glorious past. However, Venice is also a city grappling with the impacts of climate change, rising sea levels, and the effects of mass tourism, making mindful photography practices essential.

Photographers are drawn to the iconic sights of St. Mark’s Basilica, the Rialto Bridge, and the Grand Canal, yet there’s a deeper narrative to be captured in the quieter, less-visited areas that reveal the authentic Venetian lifestyle.

Use your photography to highlight the city’s beauty and fragility, focusing on themes such as conservation, the impact of climate change, and the importance of sustainable tourism. Avoid contributing to congestion in popular tourist spots by exploring alternative viewpoints and compositions that tell a unique story of Venice.

Insider’s Tip: Seek out less-visited areas of Venice for unique shots that also help disperse the impact of tourism away from the most crowded spots like St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge.

When to Travel: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) to avoid peak tourist seasons and flooding.

How to Get There: Fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport or Treviso Airport for budget airlines, then take a water taxi or vaporetto to the city.

7. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The Serengeti National Park is home to the vast migrations of wildebeest and zebras and an impressive array of predators. It’s a place where the cycle of life plays out on an epic scale, offering photographers moments of raw beauty and dramatic interaction. Photography in the Serengeti means keeping a safe distance from animals and using long lenses to capture intimate moments without disturbance.

Photographers should follow the guidance of their guides and park regulations to ensure their presence does not impact the wildlife or their habitat. The Serengeti’s vast landscapes and abundant wildlife require patience and respect from those who wish to capture its essence, ensuring that this natural spectacle continues for generations to come.

Insider’s Tip: Invest in a good telephoto lens to capture close-up shots of wildlife without disturbing them, and always stay in your vehicle during game drives.

When to Travel: June to October is for the wildebeest migration, and December to March is for the calving season and predator interaction.

How to Get There: Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport, then take a small aircraft to an airstrip in the Serengeti.

Iceland, a country of stark contrasts and natural wonders, offers photographers otherworldly landscapes. From the aurora borealis dancing over snow-capped volcanoes to the serene beauty of its fjords and waterfalls, Iceland is a destination where the elements create art.

Practicing photography in Iceland involves respecting the fragile ecosystems that make its landscapes so unique. Staying on marked paths, refraining from moving rocks or vegetation to get the perfect shot, and being mindful of nesting birds or delicate mosses are all crucial. Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, and photographers should prepare accordingly, ensuring their quest for the perfect photo does not risk them or the natural environment.

Insider’s Tip: Stick to marked paths when photographing Iceland’s natural attractions to prevent damage to the vegetation and soil, and be mindful of the weather conditions to ensure your safety.

When to Travel: Summer (June to August) is for midnight sun photography, and winter (November to February) is for northern lights.

How to Get There: Fly into Keflavík International Airport and rent a car for the most flexibility in exploring.

9. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat, the jewel of Cambodia’s ancient Khmer Empire, showcases the country’s rich historical and architectural legacy. This sprawling temple complex, originally constructed in the early 12th century, is the largest religious monument in the world and offers photographers a unique blend of spiritual significance and architectural grandeur.

The intricate bas-reliefs and the grand scale of the temples against the backdrop of lush forests and rising sun create a mesmerizing scene for photography enthusiasts. Photographers are encouraged to tread lightly, staying on established paths to protect the site’s fragile ruins and respecting the sanctity of active religious sites within the complex.

The best photographs of Angkor Wat often come from exploring its less-visited corners at dawn or dusk, when the play of light and shadow brings the ancient stones to life. Responsible travel photography here also means engaging with the local community in a way that supports sustainable tourism, ensuring that the benefits of your visit extend beyond the temple grounds.

Insider’s Tip: Dress modestly when visiting Angkor Wat to show respect for its spiritual importance, and avoid using flash photography inside the temples to preserve the ambiance and the ancient artworks.

When to Travel: Dry season from November to February for cooler temperatures and less humidity.

How to Get There: Fly into Siem Reap International Airport, with Angkor Wat just a short drive away.

10. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galápagos Islands, Ecuador’s unparalleled showcase of biodiversity, are a haven for wildlife photographers drawn to its unique species and pristine ecosystems. The archipelago’s isolation has given rise to an extraordinary variety of plant and animal life, including the famous Galápagos tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies, many of which show no fear of humans due to the lack of natural predators.

This proximity allows for incredible wildlife photography opportunities but also requires a heightened sense of responsibility. Photographers must follow strict guidelines set by the Galápagos National Park, including maintaining a minimum distance from the animals, staying on marked trails, and not using flash photography.

Capturing the natural behaviors of these unique species without impacting their environment or well-being is the essence of responsible photography in the Galápagos. Visiting with a certified naturalist guide enriches the experience. It ensures that your presence contributes to the conservation efforts that keep the Galápagos a living laboratory of evolution.

Insider’s Tip: Use a zoom lens to photograph the islands’ wildlife, ensuring you don’t disrupt their natural behavior or environment, and always be accompanied by a certified naturalist guide.

When to Travel: December to May for warmer, calmer seas and active marine life; June to November for cooler temperatures and clearer waters.

How to Get There: Fly to Quito or Guayaquil, then take a domestic flight to the Galápagos Islands’ Baltra or San Cristóbal airports.

11. New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

New Orleans offers photographers a vibrant palette of subjects. From the historic French Quarter’s wrought-iron balconies to the spirited parades of Mardi Gras, the city is a feast for the senses. Capturing New Orleans through a lens means diving into its unique cultural celebrations, understanding the significance behind its historic architecture, and portraying the resilience and spirit of its people.

Responsible photography in New Orleans involves engaging with the community respectfully, especially during cultural festivals like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest. Photographers are encouraged to seek permission before photographing individuals, particularly when people celebrate or participate in personal moments. This respect for personal space and acknowledgment of the subject’s dignity enhances the authenticity of the images captured.

Insider’s Tip: Engage with local musicians and performers before photographing them, showing appreciation for their art and asking for permission to capture their performance.

When to Travel: Late winter to early spring (February to May) to experience Mardi Gras and the Jazz Fest with cooler temperatures.

How to Get There: Fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, with the city center just a short drive away.

Bhutan, a kingdom on the eastern edge of the Himalayas, is known for its monasteries, fortresses (or dzongs), and dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. Photography in Bhutan offers a window into a culture deeply rooted in Buddhism, showcasing festivals, traditional dress, and a way of life that prioritizes Gross National Happiness over material wealth.

Responsible travel photography in Bhutan means capturing the essence of its culture and people without intruding on their daily lives or spiritual practices. Visitors should always ask for permission before taking photos, especially during religious ceremonies or in dzongs.

Bhutan’s approach to tourism, focused on sustainability and cultural preservation, requires photographers to be mindful of their impact, ensuring that their work respects and honors the subjects and environments they depict.

Insider’s Tip: When visiting monasteries and religious sites, always ask for permission before taking photos, and be discreet to maintain the sanctity of these spaces.

When to Travel: Spring (March to May) is for blooming flowers, and autumn (September to November) is for clear mountain views.

How to Get There: Fly into Paro International Airport, the only international airport in Bhutan, typically via flights from India, Thailand, or Nepal.

The Bottom Line

Responsible travel photography is about more than capturing beautiful images; it’s about doing so in a way that respects our planet and its inhabitants. By following these guidelines and tips, you preserve the integrity and beauty of the destinations you visit.

Remember, the most powerful photographs tell a story of connection, respect, and understanding, bridging cultures and inspiring others to see the world through a lens of compassion and responsibility.

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The post Top 12 Travel Photography Hotspots for 2024 republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / A_B_C.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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• Photographers

Going Deeper Underground: Photographer Alexey Fokin on the Moscow Metro

Moscow’s metro system is mainly known as being one of the most beautiful in the world, but photographer and actor-in-training Alexey Fokin (1995) is more interested in the gritty, human side of it. Born and raised in Russia’s hectic capital, he knows the city inside-out, and loves to go underground to capture the diverse faces of this metropolis.

Whereas most sane people would try to avoid the chaotic rush hour in the subway, Alexey enjoys getting up early, taking his camera, and capturing Muscovites making their way to work. “People are rude, everybody wants to sit down, and you’ll see faces looking like they want to kill somebody. And themselves,” he laughs, “but then suddenly, there’s a smile.” Preferring the busy stations in the city centre which connect two or more of the 14 lines, he walks through the tunnels, rides the escalators, and boards the trains – looking for scenes worth shooting.

It is hard to imagine that Alexey only took up photography two years ago. But his shots effortlessly show what life inside one of the world’s busiest metro systems is like. They display everything you expect, and more. The lovers, the cleaner, the babushka, the businessman, the tourist, the youngster, the beggar, the child. They tell you their stories with their eyes, their newspapers, their pets, their musical instruments, their flowers, their groceries, their phones, their clothes. Some with the stunning architectural backdrop of the famous stations, others in sober and at first sight unnoteworthy settings.

He likes to think of the Moscow subway as an underground metropolis in itself, as “another city with other rules”. Even though he considers it to be different from its actual streets, this subsurface universe reflects the many different faces of the capital: “Maybe poor, maybe homeless, maybe with money: all of them in one place, where they are just looking for each other, sometimes confused. So many lines of love you can find there.”

With over 200 stations and countless kilometres of underground streets, Alexey notices that people behave in ways they wouldn’t above ground. You can find people – and animals – who actually live in Moscow’s parallel world. They are smoking on the trains, drinking, getting very intimate, feeling like ‘normal’ behavioural codes do not apply to life underneath the surface.

As he is currently in his last year of acting school, Alexey is busy every day from early in the morning until late at night. But his free time is inseparable from his camera, and his intention is to make a collected photo essay about life in different metros worldwide.

Until then, he continues to show how the metro is quintessentially part of Moscow culture. He believes that everyone in Moscow has a metro story, and he does a damn good job in telling several of them through his captivating work.

©AlexeyFokin @fokinman

Here's the secret behind those stunning National Geographic wildlife photographs

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The object vaguely resembled a chicken, with its rounded body but no head. However, the white paper-mache bird was actually supposed to be a greater-sage grouse – a bird that lives in the North American plains.

National Geographic photographer Charlie Hamilton James was on assignment in Wyoming in 2018 to capture images of male sage grouses doing their mating dance, in which they quickly pop their chests in and out. 

There was a major problem, though: the birds wouldn’t perform their intimate mating ritual if a human was present.

So James approached National Geographic photo engineer Tom O'Brien, one of the only people who could help him. O’Brien is the mastermind behind the bespoke innovations that help National Geographic photographers capture the up-close, stunning photography the publication is known for. 

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“You’re insane, dude,” O’Brien remembered telling James when asked for a “robot camera bird.” 

Yet it was completed in two and a half weeks. A strong yet tiny camera was placed inside the paper-mache bird, which could travel down a 100-foot-long railroad track made of quarter-inch PVC pipe. It could go left and right, up and down, and James could control all of it over a Wi-Fi mesh network. 

“It was one of the wildest things I’ve ever done,” O’Brien said. 

Placing the camera at bird-height was also a strategic move. “Now all of a sudden they look majestic as heck,” he said. “They look powerful and big.”

Dubbed “the funky bird train,” this project was just one of many MacGyver-like inventions O’Brien makes to let photographers get up close and personal to wildlife or deal with unpredictable and extreme natural conditions. 

His innovations have been everywhere, from the Arctic to Mount Everest and, soon, the Sonoran Desert. (“How are we going to keep these cameras not boiling hot in the Sonoran Desert?”)

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National Geographic’s 007

With a background in mechanical engineering, O’Brien also dabbled in photography as a hobby since his high school years. When applying for jobs in 2016, it was between this position at National Geographic and a firm that produced equipment for intelligence operators like the CIA. 

He took the National Geographic job and is now half of a two-person department. 

“People joke that I’m Nat Geo’s 007,” he said. “I love the freedom to create and innovate … It’s something I have that many engineers don’t have. We touch so many different types of engineering, from electric to mechanical to textiles.”

O’Brien’s team just recently acquired a sewing machine. 

Located just blocks from the White House, the underground photo engineering lab has everything a photographer could need – and things they may not know they could use. 

Upstairs is a shop with machines such as 3D printers and laser cutters. In the basement, old cabinets line the walls, filled with every type of brass fastener in the English imperial system as well as drills, bolts and screws in every size. “It allows us to quickly iterate and design, and grab and go,” he said. There are drill presses, milling machines and big butcher block tables. 

To put it simply: “If you told me the world is ending and you need to build me a car, I bet we could build you a car down there.”

Then there’s the camera gear, hundreds of lenses, batteries, cameras, lights, tripods, lighting stands, underwater housing and more “bits and bobs,” as O’Brien put it. 

Out in the wild

When photographers are heading out on assignment, they first stop at O’Brien’s desk for help. 

He made an elephant-resistant camera used in Gabon, which required meeting with the elephant curator at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and watching how elephants play with enrichment toys. O’Brien built a lightweight pyrex housing that was strong enough to withhold elephant tusks. 

For an expedition up Mount Everest, the camera equipment had to be lightweight, and he had to ensure the batteries wouldn’t freeze. “With smaller batteries, the trick is you shove them inside your coat,” he said. That wasn’t possible with 10 pounds of drone batteries, so he painted lightweight aluminum black because “solar ovens work even better” at high altitudes. 

Photographer Jen Guyton was heading out to Kenya’s Masai Mara savannah to capture images of spotted hyenas . She dove into extensive research. “I tried to dig up every story that’s ever been done on spotted hyenas, what has already been done and what’s possible,” she said. 

“I try to prepare for everything and rely on nothing,” she said. Especially regarding wildlife and nature, anything can throw a wrench into plans. “You have to bend to an animal’s will.”

When she approached O’Brien, she had a “crazy idea.” She wanted to shoot the hyenas in the dark because that’s when the animals are most active. “All the photos we see of them are taken during the day.”

They decided to try out infrared – her first time shooting with the technology – and created a custom system built onto a Land Cruiser. Two infrared spotlights typically used for crime scene investigations were mounted on top of the car and two huge car batteries for the spotlights were placed on the back. Wires were everywhere. 

Guyton went out multiple nights – some nights, it poured rain, so she had to bring the lights in, and caught never-before-seen images of hyenas eating and cubs playing.

Guyton also used a remote-controlled robot to get close to the hyena den while she stayed about 50 yards away to give them space. “How do you get that low angle when you can’t be on the ground with them?” O’Brien said. The camera settings could be adjusted as the daylight changed. 

“The cool thing about it was hyenas are naturally curious,” she said. The hyenas approached the robot, and one cub even offered it a stick in what seemed like a gesture to play. The images showed a completely different side to hyenas, exactly what Guyton sought. 

“I like to think of photos as entire stories frozen in time,” she said. “They capture a moment that can never be repeated in exactly the same way ever again.” 

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

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The Moscow Metro Museum of Art: 10 Must-See Stations

There are few times one can claim having been on the subway all afternoon and loving it, but the Moscow Metro provides just that opportunity.  While many cities boast famous public transport systems—New York’s subway, London’s underground, San Salvador’s chicken buses—few warrant hours of exploration.  Moscow is different: Take one ride on the Metro, and you’ll find out that this network of railways can be so much more than point A to B drudgery.

The Metro began operating in 1935 with just thirteen stations, covering less than seven miles, but it has since grown into the world’s third busiest transit system ( Tokyo is first ), spanning about 200 miles and offering over 180 stops along the way.  The construction of the Metro began under Joseph Stalin’s command, and being one of the USSR’s most ambitious building projects, the iron-fisted leader instructed designers to create a place full of svet (radiance) and svetloe budushchee (a radiant future), a palace for the people and a tribute to the Mother nation.

Consequently, the Metro is among the most memorable attractions in Moscow.  The stations provide a unique collection of public art, comparable to anything the city’s galleries have to offer and providing a sense of the Soviet era, which is absent from the State National History Museum.  Even better, touring the Metro delivers palpable, experiential moments, which many of us don’t get standing in front of painting or a case of coins.

Though tours are available , discovering the Moscow Metro on your own provides a much more comprehensive, truer experience, something much less sterile than following a guide.  What better place is there to see the “real” Moscow than on mass transit: A few hours will expose you to characters and caricatures you’ll be hard-pressed to find dining near the Bolshoi Theater.  You become part of the attraction, hear it in the screech of the train, feel it as hurried commuters brush by: The Metro sucks you beneath the city and churns you into the mix.

With the recommendations of our born-and-bred Muscovite students, my wife Emma and I have just taken a self-guided tour of what some locals consider the top ten stations of the Moscow Metro. What most satisfied me about our Metro tour was the sense of adventure .  I loved following our route on the maps of the wagon walls as we circled the city, plotting out the course to the subsequent stops; having the weird sensation of being underground for nearly four hours; and discovering the next cavern of treasures, playing Indiana Jones for the afternoon, piecing together fragments of Russia’s mysterious history.  It’s the ultimate interactive museum.

Top Ten Stations (In order of appearance)

Kievskaya station.

Kievskaya Station went public in March of 1937, the rails between it and Park Kultury Station being the first to cross the Moscow River.  Kievskaya is full of mosaics depicting aristocratic scenes of Russian life, with great cameo appearances by Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin.  Each work has a Cyrillic title/explanation etched in the marble beneath it; however, if your Russian is rusty, you can just appreciate seeing familiar revolutionary dates like 1905 ( the Russian Revolution ) and 1917 ( the October Revolution ).

Mayakovskaya Station

Mayakovskaya Station ranks in my top three most notable Metro stations. Mayakovskaya just feels right, done Art Deco but no sense of gaudiness or pretention.  The arches are adorned with rounded chrome piping and create feeling of being in a jukebox, but the roof’s expansive mosaics of the sky are the real showstopper.  Subjects cleverly range from looking up at a high jumper, workers atop a building, spires of Orthodox cathedrals, to nimble aircraft humming by, a fleet of prop planes spelling out CCCP in the bluest of skies.

Novoslobodskaya Station

Novoslobodskaya is the Metro’s unique stained glass station.  Each column has its own distinctive panels of colorful glass, most of them with a floral theme, some of them capturing the odd sailor, musician, artist, gardener, or stenographer in action.  The glass is framed in Art Deco metalwork, and there is the lovely aspect of discovering panels in the less frequented haunches of the hall (on the trackside, between the incoming staircases).  Novosblod is, I’ve been told, the favorite amongst out-of-town visitors.

Komsomolskaya Station

Komsomolskaya Station is one of palatial grandeur.  It seems both magnificent and obligatory, like the presidential palace of a colonial city.  The yellow ceiling has leafy, white concrete garland and a series of golden military mosaics accenting the tile mosaics of glorified Russian life.  Switching lines here, the hallway has an Alice-in-Wonderland feel, impossibly long with decorative tile walls, culminating in a very old station left in a remarkable state of disrepair, offering a really tangible glimpse behind the palace walls.

Dostoevskaya Station

Dostoevskaya is a tribute to the late, great hero of Russian literature .  The station at first glance seems bare and unimpressive, a stark marble platform without a whiff of reassembled chips of tile.  However, two columns have eerie stone inlay collages of scenes from Dostoevsky’s work, including The Idiot , The Brothers Karamazov , and Crime and Punishment.   Then, standing at the center of the platform, the marble creates a kaleidoscope of reflections.  At the entrance, there is a large, inlay portrait of the author.

Chkalovskaya Station

Chkalovskaya does space Art Deco style (yet again).  Chrome borders all.  Passageways with curvy overhangs create the illusion of walking through the belly of a chic, new-age spacecraft.  There are two (kos)mosaics, one at each end, with planetary subjects.  Transferring here brings you above ground, where some rather elaborate metalwork is on display.  By name similarity only, I’d expected Komsolskaya Station to deliver some kosmonaut décor; instead, it was Chkalovskaya that took us up to the space station.

Elektrozavodskaya Station

Elektrozavodskaya is full of marble reliefs of workers, men and women, laboring through the different stages of industry.  The superhuman figures are round with muscles, Hollywood fit, and seemingly undeterred by each Herculean task they respectively perform.  The station is chocked with brass, from hammer and sickle light fixtures to beautiful, angular framework up the innards of the columns.  The station’s art pieces are less clever or extravagant than others, but identifying the different stages of industry is entertaining.

Baumanskaya Statio

Baumanskaya Station is the only stop that wasn’t suggested by the students.  Pulling in, the network of statues was just too enticing: Out of half-circle depressions in the platform’s columns, the USSR’s proud and powerful labor force again flaunts its success.  Pilots, blacksmiths, politicians, and artists have all congregated, posing amongst more Art Deco framing.  At the far end, a massive Soviet flag dons the face of Lenin and banners for ’05, ’17, and ‘45.  Standing in front of the flag, you can play with the echoing roof.

Ploshchad Revolutsii Station

Novokuznetskaya Station

Novokuznetskaya Station finishes off this tour, more or less, where it started: beautiful mosaics.  This station recalls the skyward-facing pieces from Mayakovskaya (Station #2), only with a little larger pictures in a more cramped, very trafficked area.  Due to a line of street lamps in the center of the platform, it has the atmosphere of a bustling market.  The more inventive sky scenes include a man on a ladder, women picking fruit, and a tank-dozer being craned in.  The station’s also has a handsome black-and-white stone mural.

Here is a map and a brief description of our route:

Start at (1)Kievskaya on the “ring line” (look for the squares at the bottom of the platform signs to help you navigate—the ring line is #5, brown line) and go north to Belorusskaya, make a quick switch to the Dark Green/#2 line, and go south one stop to (2)Mayakovskaya.  Backtrack to the ring line—Brown/#5—and continue north, getting off at (3)Novosblodskaya and (4)Komsolskaya.  At Komsolskaya Station, transfer to the Red/#1 line, go south for two stops to Chistye Prudy, and get on the Light Green/#10 line going north.  Take a look at (5)Dostoevskaya Station on the northern segment of Light Green/#10 line then change directions and head south to (6)Chkalovskaya, which offers a transfer to the Dark Blue/#3 line, going west, away from the city center.  Have a look (7)Elektroskaya Station before backtracking into the center of Moscow, stopping off at (8)Baumskaya, getting off the Dark Blue/#3 line at (9)Ploschad Revolyutsii.  Change to the Dark Green/#2 line and go south one stop to see (10)Novokuznetskaya Station.

Check out our new Moscow Indie Travel Guide , book a flight to Moscow and read 10 Bars with Views Worth Blowing the Budget For

Jonathon Engels, formerly a patron saint of misadventure, has been stumbling his way across cultural borders since 2005 and is currently volunteering in the mountains outside of Antigua, Guatemala.  For more of his work, visit his website and blog .

Photo credits:   SergeyRod , all others courtesy of the author and may not be used without permission

University of Michigan Athletics

Johns Hopkins

Michigan to Travel to No. 8 Johns Hopkins for Top-15 Showdown

3/26/2024 10:35:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse

By: Scott Kemps

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The No. 14-ranked University of Michigan men's lacrosse team (6-3, 1-0 Big Ten) travels to Baltimore, Md., to take on No. 8-ranked Johns Hopkins (6-1, 1-0 Big Ten) on Saturday (March 30) at noon at Homewood Field. The contest will be broadcast live on ESPN2.

• The Wolverines enter the week ranked No. 14 in the Inside Lacrosse Media poll and No. 15 in the USILA Coaches Poll. Each of U-M's defeats this season have come against ranked teams, with No. 1 Notre Dame, No. 2 Virginia and No. 16 Harvard sporting a combined record of 19-4.

• The Michigan attack unit of senior Michael Boehm (19 goals, 21 assists), junior Ryan Cohen (19G, 19A), and graduate student Justin Tiernan (37G, 3A) combine to form one of the top attack trios in the NCAA with 118 points amongst the group. Tiernan continues to lead the country in goals per game (4.11 per contest), while Boehm and Tiernan are tied for No. 24 nationally in points-per-game (4.44).

• Tiernan's 37 goals are eight away from Boehm's single-season record of 45, set last season. He has registered a hat trick in every game as a Wolverine, and has scored at least one goal in 21 straight contests, the 11th-longest streak in the NCAA.

• With a goal and two assists against Maryland (March 23), Boehm is up to 212 career points, two shy of breaking the U-M career scoring record of 213 held by Josh Zawada . Boehm also is two goals shy of the program record for career goals (119, Zawada) and is tied for the career assist record (94, Zawada).

• Cohen's five points (1G, 4A) against the Terps moved him into third in the all-time points category, surpassing Ian King (2014-17). He now owns 73 goals and 74 assists in his Wolverines career (147 points).

• U-M is No. 11 in the country in scoring offense (14.22 goals per game) and points per game (23.11), No. 8 in assists per game (8.89) and No. 9 in extra-man offense (48 percent).

• Graduate close defender Cathal Roberts leads the Big Ten and is No. 18 nationally in caused turnovers per contest with 1.89 per game. As a team, U-M is No. 1 in the conference and No. 10 nationally in caused turnovers per contest with 9.56 per game.

• Senior faceoff man Justin Wietfeldt ranks No. 14 nationally in faceoff win percentage (62 percent) and No. 5 in the country in ground balls per game (9.33). Over the last five contests, he was won 96 of 134 draws (72 percent) with 65 ground balls.

• Freshman Rowan Clay has earned a starting nod on close defense each of the last two contests and is the first freshman to start multiple games on close defense since teammate Jack Whitney during the 2021 season. With seven ground balls and six caused turnovers, the No. 27 recruit in the country per Inside Lacrosse continues the legacy of Clays at Michigan. He is the brother or former U-M captain Bryce Clay (2019-23).

• Michigan head coach Kevin Conry and assistant coach Joel Tinney each played collegiately for the Blue Jays. Conry played at Johns Hopkins from 2001-04, while Tinney was a two-time first team All-American and team captain during the 2015-18 seasons in Baltimore.

• U-M is 1-11 all-time against Johns Hopkins, with the lone win coming during the 2021 season, 13-10 on April 4, 2021, at Homewood Field. Last season, U-M fell to the Blue Jays 15-11 in a contest that saw the Wolverines lead on three separate occasions but were outscored 7-2 over the last 22 minutes.

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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