How To Take Better Travel Photos

A scenic coastal view with clear blue skies, rocky cliffs, and white waves crashing against the shoreline resembles some of the world's most beautiful wine regions. The landscape features grassy hills and a few small structures near the cliffs, under a sky dotted with fluffy clouds.
by Makenzie Carden

5 Photography Tips To Capture Amazing Moments

Capturing incredible photos is one of the best souvenirs you can bring back from an unforgettable trip to share with friends and family. Not only do these snapshots help you relive your adventures, but they can also inspire your next journey! To help you get the most out of your camera and surroundings, we’ve gathered some expert tips. Melissa Cahill, Product Manager at smarTours, has traveled the world and offers valuable insights on how to perfectly capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments.

A collage of two images: on the left, a large mosque with white domes and a tall minaret against a blue sky; on the right, a coastal landscape reminiscent of famed wine regions, with rocky cliffs, rolling hills, and waves crashing on a beach under a bright blue sky.

1. Lighting & Time of Day

Any experienced photographer will agree that light matters, and good light matters even more. Whether you’re using natural or artificial light, too much of it or lack of it can greatly affect how your pictures come out. How you position and use light also matters greatly. In general, you should try to avoid aiming your camera directly into the source of light being used in your photo, especially direct sunlight. Doing so creates intense shadows and hazy images that can make your pictures look flat and washed out. Many photographers also choose to avoid taking photos during peak sunlight hours such as 12 noon and around then. They often love to shoot pictures during “Magic Hour” which is typically considered to be the last hour before sunset and the first hour after sunrise. Pictures taken during this time tend to have deeper, more saturated color, striking light and far less intense shadows.

A blue tuk-tuk is parked on a wet street in a bustling city with vibrant signs in various languages, reminiscent of varied wine regions. A yellow taxi is nearby, and people stroll under red umbrellas. The atmosphere is lively and colorful.

2. Choose a Focal Point

Travel photos can benefit greatly from choosing a focal point or one predominant thing that you want the viewer to focus on. Choosing the most important element of the photo that you want the picture to focus on will enhance it. Focal points are typically a specific item such as a person, landmark/building/site or an animal. Focal points can also be more specific: a person’s eyes, a particular part of a landmark that speaks to you, or a specific kind of food in a market for example. When choosing a focal point, think about the story you’re trying to tell with your picture and how you want the viewer to feel.

Two images of a person wearing a straw hat and pink shirt, picking leaves in a lush green tea garden reminiscent of scenic wine regions. They have a woven basket on their back, with trees and a clear sky in the background.

3. Take Multiple shots

Taking multiple shots of a subject leaves you with more choices to choose from later on. In addition, an image can be affected at a moment’s notice by the subject moving, someone or something moving into the frame, or even a slight shaking of your hand while taking a picture. Capturing multiple shots, especially of a famous landmark or must-see site or even an off-the-beaten path moment will give you more options and chances to capture that moment or tell that story as best as possible.

The image shows two scenes: on the left, a narrow, sunlit alleyway reminiscent of quaint wine regions with sandy-colored walls; on the right, a rugged coastline with rocky cliffs and waves crashing under a partly cloudy blue sky.

4. Heights & Angles

Don’t be afraid to play with heights and angles, especially with travel photos. Focal points can often be better amplified when captured at different angles, which also gives you more options to choose from. Crouching down, walking back several feet or climbing up a few extra steps can often make a huge difference with accentuating focal points. Have fun playing with angles and trying out new heights and you may even discover other focal points while doing so!

A woman sits weaving on a loom with purple fabric, her traditional attire echoing the vibrant colors of renowned wine regions. Beside her, a black-and-white photo captures a woman in historical clothing, holding an umbrella.

5. Ask Permission & Show Respect

Capturing images of local people in destination can often result in some of the most striking and meaningful photos from a trip. Many cultures have different beliefs on taking photos of locals; while most are open and receptive to it, some cultures are more restrictive and can find it intrusive. Asking permission to take someone or something’s photo is a wonderful way to not only demonstrate respect but can often result in better pictures if the subject feels more at ease after being asked. In addition, if a local vendor or site indicates that they do not want any pictures taken of themselves or their items, please respect their wishes and move on.

All photos taken by Melissa Cahill on her travels around the world. Melissa, who designs and manages our Asia tours, suggests Thailand as an incredible destination for your next picture-perfect adventure. “Thailand is a photographer’s dream—everywhere you look, there’s a story waiting to be captured.”