Over the past six years, photography has been my main way of leaving a place with souvenirs. I usually don’t have room for anything in my bag except for the bare essentials and don’t have room in my head for more than the situation at hand, so my photos have become a very important part of documenting and remembering my travels.
When I first started out, I loved some of my photos but couldn’t figure out why most of them came out strangely or didn’t reflect what I’d seen in person. In the years that followed I’ve watched countless tutorial videos and poured thousands of hours into getting better. It turned out that it was never about the equipment, it was about the photographer – me!
Photography has been hugely important for this blog and my career. Since I focus on travel, pleasing photos have been a major contributor to the growth of this website. I’ve also been hired for projects, like in Hawaii and Mexico, where I was told the style of my photography was what made them pick me for the job. It’s been an indispensable skill.
Here are the main things I did to become a better photographer that you can implement easily, too, broken down into 10 easy tips:
1. Consider how the light is hitting you/your subject
Lighting plays a huge role in photography. It can be the difference between a grainy photo and a crisp, clear one. Or the difference between a plate of food looking beautiful and appetizing to yellow and unappealing. I’m sure you can think of a time when you tried to take a photo and it was just too dark or way too bright and nothing you did would make it look nice.
Conventional photography instruction advises not to shoot in the middle of the day when the light is the harshest and least flattering. However as someone who does the bulk of her photography on hikes which are a daytime activity, this is far too limiting and disappointing advice. So let’s rewrite it: It’s all about making light work for you.
If it’s dark, is there a way to make light hit your subject in a flattering way? Is there the possibility of getting in the shade if it’s super bright, or making the sun part of your photo? Golden hour (the hour before sunset), sunrise, and sunset are almost always going to be more ideal conditions than midday or cloudy skies, but as long as you have light hitting your subject in a nice way, it can still turn out beautiful.
2. Expose for highlights
Let’s say you’re shooting on aperture priority or manual mode and you’ve got dark and light parts of your photo. When we say expose for highlights, I mean shoot the photo for the brightest parts and then you can adjust the contrast and shadows later when you edit. However if the entire photo is too bright because you’ve exposed for the dark parts, then there’s almost nothing you can do to fix it in editing later.
3. Remember that less is more
Which photos are the most pleasing to look at? Sometimes photos with a lot going on can be entertaining, but they can also be stressful, even if only on a subconscious level. Before you take that shot, ask yourself what you want your viewer to focus on. What kind of story do you want to tell? The fewer things competing with your story, the better.
It can be difficult to visit a popular or busy place without having other people around, but not impossible. Could you go very early in the morning? That’s usually my trick, like in the photo above which was taken at one of the most popular cenotes in Mexico, however by going early I had it almost entirely to myself.
When the viewer doesn’t have to decide what to look at, because it’s already very clear from the photo, it’s simply more pleasing to look at.
4. Get in your photos!
For the first couple years of my travels, I was absent from almost all of my photos. I came to feel kind of sad when I looked back at them and thought, “this could have been anyone’s trip.”
I started putting myself and my friends in the photos more and it made all the difference. Sometimes, a photo just looks way better with a person or animal in it. It shows scale, allows the viewer to imagine him or herself there, and allows you to come home with awesome travel photos. Besides, people want to know who they’re following.
Though it doesn’t look like it, my photos are mainly selfies shot with a timer, or are situations where I figured out exactly how I wanted it to look, and asked whoever I was with or a passer-by to hold it right in that position and take the photo for me. It’s still my photo, I’m just in it more. For more tips on taking travel selfies I went into detail here.
5. Do a little research first
Knowing what time to expect sunset and sunrise and knowing what part of the sky it’s going to set/rise in can go a long way to help you to take better photos. For the example of Horseshoe Bend above, I just quickly googled whether the sunrise or sunset was better there and found out that the sun sets right behind the bend, which meant it was the perfect time to go and photograph it. Any other time of day would have still been beautiful but it would’ve been missing that special touch.
6. Don’t cut your subject in half
Sometimes when you look back at your photos they’re somehow off but you can’t quite tell why, right? It could be that the person or the subject was somehow awkwardly obstructed by the horizon. In the example above, it would have been better if I could’ve gotten the water line above my head rather than through it. For this I would have needed the tripod to be a little bit higher (it was a selfie). It’s still a nice photo, but it would’ve been much better without the horizon cutting through my head!
7. Examine your favorite photographers’ photos
One of the best ways to improve is to pick some people whose work speaks to your soul and to examine what they do. I recommend selecting several different styles that you like and seeing how you can incorporate them to make your own style.
It’s important not to outright copy anyone, but rather to draw inspiration while you’re learning. Then at some point, the best thing to do is to focus entirely on your craft and stop paying as much attention to what anyone else is doing. That’s how you really stand out!
8. Don’t overdo new tricks and techniques you find
When you do discover a new technique, like how to shoot HDR, or in my case when I learned how to do a sunburst pictured above (which you can do at an f18+ in the middle of the day), it can be really exciting and you might want to do it all the time, but resist the urge because otherwise you’ll have a bunch of photos that look the same or using a technique that is probably only appropriate in some situations.
9. Learn to edit
Trust me on this one: Learn how to edit your photos. I know this is a bold statement but I’d venture to say that there are no professional photographers out there who never edit their photos. In fact, editing usually takes even more time than the photo shoot. This doesn’t mean that you completely change the photo and make it fake, it just means that you make it look more like it did in real life. The most user-friendly program I’m aware of is Lightroom and most of your favorite professional photographers are most likely using this program. I have a full tutorial here to help you get started.
10. Never stop practicing and experimenting
Never stop practicing! Perhaps you’re familiar with the 10,000 hour rule, which states that for anyone to be an expert in any field, they must practice for at least 10,000 hours. Most of your favorite photographers were not overnight successes and the reason why they do so well is because they’re passionate about their art. To get good at anything, you’ve got to put in the work, and photography is absolutely one of those mediums.
Thankfully photography is an art that anyone can get good at (trust me, scroll back to circa 2012 on my Instagram and you’ll see how horrible and oversaturated my photos used to be!), and that anyone can keep improving upon. That’s what makes it so much fun – you can always get better.
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Enjoy this journey, it’s the most inspiring one I’ve ever embarked on.
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Jimmy Dau says
The pursuit of a great shot does require more effort, but sometimes requires more patience. I see so many people leave as soon as the sun goes down, but that’s when the real magic happens.
Izy Berry says
Thanks for this tips !! i love your blog you are an amazing writer
Scott says
You take gorgeous photos, and I especially love the Singapore shot! If only it was a little bigger, it would be my new desktop photo!
Kristin says
You can get any size you want of it here 🙂
https://www.flickr.com/photos/avaapollo/17425563402/sizes/l
Paul says
Nice tips… the wide-angel shot of London looks amazing!
Cest La Vibe says
I use a Sony NEX-6 with a wide-angle lens. Your camera is the successor to mine! I did a post on travel photography tips as well but I kept it really basic. Glad to know you use a Sony mirrorless cause I like your pics.
Kristin says
Thanks! Yes it’s a great camera and I’m so in love with it.
Deanna says
These are great suggestions. Love the wide angle lens. I need to invest in one. The pic from Singapore is absolutely gorgeous.
Kristin says
Thank you! Yep the wide-angle is a game changer.
Michelle says
I got the Sony a5100 and am new to taking photos with a compact camera, so I’m really trying to find my way around this. So far I love it! Glad to see that you (and apparently other travel bloggers as well) are using a Sony compact camera. Do you have any recommendations for apps that I can download for the a5100? Especially the remote app?
Kristin says
Do some searching in play memories and you should be able to find some good apps 🙂
CrazyTravelista says
I love you pictures and you’ve inspired me to buy the Sony mirror less camera you use!! I used your Amazon link too :). I had a Canon 60D and it was just WAY too bulky for all the traveling I do so I just sold it and bought this one. I’m excited to receive this camera and start playing with it as I’m going to Iceland at the end of this month! I’m hoping it’s not too difficult to use, I’m the worst when it comes to tech hehe. Wish me luck! And keep on posting badass pics! 😉
Kristin says
Wow thank you so much for purchasing through the link! I saw you commented on the Iceland post so hopefully you lift some good tips from that for your Iceland trip! Let me know how it goes and I’d love to see your pics after! It should be a snowy wonderland.
Kristin says
There are SO MANY features! There’s a time-lapse one I might start playing with as well. There’s an IGer I follow (@mattglastonbury) who does the coolest nighttime ones and seeing those makes me want to try them out too. Next level!
Mae Miller says
Hello! I recently got an A6000 for taking photos while traveling. So far, it works amazing and I am loving it! Out of curiosity, do you using any editing software for your photos? Thanks!!
Kristin says
Yes I use lightroom. It’s user-friendly and really makes a big difference: http://amzn.to/1VJgxnk
Rebecca says
Great article! I’ve been thinking about a new camera – one that doesn’t break my back! – and this could be the one… Thanks for sharing your tips! 🙂
Serhat Engul says
After browsing your several blog posts, I am definitely convinced that you are an excellent photographer. So I will certainly follow your advices about photography. I think I am longing for being in the nature these days. I am impressed by your nature photos. Thank you for sharing.
Kristen says
My brother sent me your website link and told me this reminds me of you. You can do this. I’m / wondering, what about photo editing? What program did you use and how long did it take you to learn it? Do you spend much time editing your photos?
Kristin says
I definitely edit my photos and I use Lightroom: http://amzn.to/1UdJZCc (affiliate link)
Another reader asked me to do a post on my editing techniques which I may do soon! 🙂
Abélia says
Like you, I would really like to improve my efforts to take better pictures and to become somewhat of a photography junkie. I absolutely love your camera! I think it all starts with a good camera. Thanks for sharing your knowledge about a good start up camera and the functions available.
Ethan says
London long exposure + wide angle lens pic is so awesome. How do you take it in detail ? 😀
Kristin says
By having a really nice camera and lens 🙂
Crystal Le says
This has to be one of the most helpful articles I’ve read lately! I know nothing (I mean it…zilch, nada, zerozero) about photography and I know more than ever that I need to bolster my camera game if I ever want to move the needle with my travel blog. I don’t own a professional camera at all so I’m starting completely fresh. Do you think the Sony A6000 an ultra-newb such as me can learn on?
Kristin says
yeah definitely. It’s pretty user-friendly and you can watch YouTube videos to learn where the settings are. Even in automatic mode you’ll get some great stuff!
Micki says
I’ve been traveling for the past year or so and am finally at the point where I’m sick of having mediocre pictures (and like you said, none of myself!). I’ve been contemplating the a6000 myself so was happy to see your positive remarks about it, but in the process of research have started to get sucked down the pro-photography review wormhole. I definitely want a wide angle, but I was wondering — do you like and use the 2 kit lenses that you bought with the camera?
Kristin says
The telephoto, yes all the time. The original kit lens, no, not anymore. I am too in love with the wide-angle!
Vanda says
Hi Kristin, thank you so much for this article! Really helpful! I just bought a Sony a6000 too and, although I’m still learning, I’m very happy with it. But I was wondering, what kind of bag do you use to carry your photo gear while traveling? I want to buy one, but I find all the photo bags I’ve seen so ugly and unfeminine… LOL
Kristin says
I use the backpack on this gear page but it’s not a very feminine look: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/gear/
Vanda says
Thanks a lot! I’ll have a look 😉
Heather says
Your newer camera definitely created some stunning images! I like that you emphasize that photographs are about evoking a certain emotion, and that can change depending on how you take the photo. Thanks for sharing!
Naomi says
Hi !
Thank you so much for your post !!! You make it sound so nice and exciting and
your photos are gorgeous ! Which wide angle lens do you use ?
Best of adventures on ur travels x
Kristin says
Got all my gear listed here https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/bemytravelmuse-camera/
GG says
Hi Kristin. Thanks for this update. You are so good about updating posts with new ideas as this website is dynamic and fluid. Also this is a good summary of tips and honest advice including how you need to practice a lot to master a skill. In this day and age sometimes people want the quick and easy way, but you really do get out what you put into things. I have some family friends who are into photography and with this I can understand more their attention to detail, such as the cutting a person in half in terms of the background colors or features.
As a layperson looking at your gorgeous photos, I also agree that “editing” a photograph is about making the effort to make the photograph truly show what you saw and sharing it with others, fixing anything that takes away from this goal. As a proofreader, I try to do this with editing written works. It is something else if someone tries to enhance it or making it “better” than what you saw. I would use a different word for that. Would you agree?
For what it is worth, your photos look natural. The world isn’t perfect and the beauty of photography to me is the honest capture of a moment in time, warts and all (although it helps to capture it in such beautiful places at beautiful times like sunrise/sunset!!!), which you can revisit anytime you want, like traveling back in time (minus the tastes and smells although if your photos, it might trigger that memory).
TRAVELMEOUT says
Never stop practising and experimenting is the best advice that contains the essence of all other tips in travel photography. The article is much more detailed and thanks for that..!
Bon voyage… 🙂
Elizabeth Higgins says
Thank you for this wonderful post, Kristin. I am not a professional photographer and find it difficult at times to take amazing shots just like yours. It pays to know that with practice and dedication, I can look forward to improving my skills and have photos that look as great as yours do. I also like the list you put out for the top cameras we can use. But in this day and age, even phones could make a wonderful shot already. But I am definitely checking out the list.
Kristin says
Definitely agreed! I just upgraded to an iPhone 8 and the photos are awesome with it. Still not great in a lot of lighting situations but it’s a great place to start!
Mozairshaukat says
Thank you for this wonderful post, Kristin. I am not a professional photographer and find it difficult at times to take amazing shots just like yours. It pays to know that with practice and dedication, I can look forward to improving my skills and have photos that look as great as yours do. I also like the list you put out for the top cameras we can use. But in this day and age, even phones could make a wonderful shot already. But I am definitely checking out the list.
Kristin says
True phones are great in a lot of situations. However once it’s dark, or something is far away, or you just want to capture more depth and color, it’s harder to get as much with a phone.
Christine Foucault says
How helpful! I want to improve my photos overseas but I’m always afraid of setting up my tripod in a popular tourist spot and looking like a total tourist who only cares about getting the right picture. How do you get over this fear?
Kristin says
Well if you’re worried about the safety of your camera then ask someone to take it for you – Ideally someone who also has a camera and knows how to use one. If what you’re worrying about is people judging you just remember you will most likely never see them again, and honestly, nobody cares. They’re trying to get their own photos too!
Tina Libardi says
What kind of camera do you use?
Kristin says
These days a Sony A7III