I’ve been taking photos, video and travelling for many years now & I’ve made a ton of avoidable mistakes along the way. So, here are a few tips from me to you so you don’t find yourself in a sticky situation while you’re abroad and end up with the best vacation snaps possible.
Travel Light
By its very definition travel photography means being on the move. More often than not, the journey to your destination is riddled with challenges. If you're not spending long hours on the road in a car, racing to catch a flight, frantically hailing a taxi in the rain, queuing for a local bus in the sweltering heat, or rattling around inside a cramped cabin on a third-world milk train, you're not doing it right. These experiences, though harrowing, are unforgettable and can sometimes produce the best content. It's important to stay positive and be as mobile as possible. Try travelling with as little heavy, clunky gear so you can capture the beauty of fleeting moments.
The Mavic 2 Pro for droning is a good option.
Choose The Right Gear
When considering what gear to pack when travelling, the less is more approach should guide you in your decision-making. Opt for multi-purpose tools and lightweight gear that will assist in making you more mobile. A light and versatile lens vs. various bulky ones. A small but powerful camera etc. A combination of an 18mm-35mm kit lens and a 35mm fixed lens is light and effortlessly setup, making it a great choice to take on a trip.
Unless you’re getting timelapses etc it’s not always necessary to bring a tripod, it can weigh you down & stress you out while on the move.
Location Scout
Before leaving, it's worth researching your location to find out where the best spots are located, how to get to them, how long it would take and planning accordingly to get as many daylight hours in as you can. Check out Pinterest & Instagram and figure out some cool places to go before you leave
Plan for the Right Light
If you prefer to take pictures during ideal lighting conditions and you want to bask in the soft glowing hues of golden hour, you'd best plan ahead. It is but a small window in time that the earth is bathed in the glow of soft warm hues at the end of a day and being ready for it will increase your chances of catching it. For shooting in the middle of the day. bring down your ISO or use a polarizer to further filter harsh sunlight and avoid hard shadows.
Put it on The Cloud
It's highly recommended to clean your camera memory daily and back your images up on a separate device and/or to the cloud. That way, you don't run out of space while shooting the next day and keep your images safely stored. If you’re carrying a drive ( LACIE RUGGED DRIVE RECOMMENDED) it’s always good to back up on the cloud too in case you lose your luggage or drive on the journey home - almost happened to me!
Practice Good Photo Etiquette
When travelling it is very important to be aware and respectful of your surroundings, of fellow tourists but most of all, of the local people. When including strangers in your photos, always ensure you have their permission. In some places, it is not only frowned upon or disrespectful, but it may also infringe on someone’s religious beliefs. It's important to always inquire regarding the appropriateness of taking pictures when you are unsure.
Thanks for reading and I hope this helped! Let me know in the comments below.
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