If you want to capture amazing photos on your next trip, make sure to use these four tips for travel photography from professional photographer Karya Schanilec!
Travel Photography Tip #1 – Do your Research!
One of my top travel photography tips do your research before you travel! Definitely seek out the iconic and picture-perfect sights, but I always recommend searching for off-the-beaten path spots. Whenever I travel to a new place (or even a place I’ve been to many times!), I always scour Instagram and Pinterest for new spots to shoot. On Instagram, I search through local hashtags and influencers, and on Pinterest, I search for specific neighborhoods/areas and go from there. You never know what you will find! When looking for locations, I specifically look for bright colors and interesting architecture that will catch the eye.
Travel Photography Tip #2 – Go Early
Avoid waiting for strangers to get out of your shot and go early. For public places, go a half hour after sunrise for the best light, and for places that have an opening time, be the first in line to get in. You will (hopefully) have full control of the spot and more time to work your magic. If you’re going to a private location, book your entry ticket in advance (and also make sure to check their photography policy).
If you can’t avoid the crowds during your shoot, opt to remove them and other distracting elements post production. This will give your shots that magical, wanderlust feel we all love.
Travel Photography Tip #3 – Step Back
Fight the urge to stand right next to, under, or in front of the monument, sign etc. you want in the shot. If you’re shooting with a subject, have them stand a couple yards away and make sure it’s framing their body. For really large monuments and sites, opt to shoot from a look out area, like The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
Travel Photography Tip #4 – Find a Different Perspective
Go against the grain and take the picture no one else is taking! Experiment with angles by getting on the ground or trekking up high! Avoid where other tourists are taking photos from, and seek out the vantage point less traveled. You could wind up with fantastically unique shots.
