15 tips for better travel photos
The best ideas from our community competition
We asked you what tips you have for travel photography and you delivered! From lighting moods and perspectives to technical insights: You shared your knowledge and showed how versatile the topic of travel photography is. In this post, we present the 15 best tips from our #choicefortravel competition with Sony.
The winning entry
Moritz (@moritzfraenkel) did a great job of presenting his tips with photo results in his creative entry. Our winner's tips show what really matters when it comes to travel photography: observation, creativity and a good sense for the right moment.
Tip 1: Visit spots at times when the light is at its best - in the morning and evening. Sunrises and sunsets provide soft light and creative scope!
Tip 2: Work with your surroundings! Look for light pockets, leading lines or natural contrasts to make your picture more exciting.
Tip 3: Keep your point of view! Don't try to bluntly copy photos, but photograph the subjects as you see them.
Tip 4: Different Lens can help you achieve new results! Try a focal length that you don't normally use that often. If you work a lot with zoom Lens, then try a fixed focal length!
Tip 5: Don't try to force a picture! Enjoy your trip and capture the moments that arise.
General tips on travel photography
You have also shared many inspiring tips on image composition and how to approach a scene. These tips show that good travel photography doesn't just depend on technique, but on creative thinking.
Tip 6: Play with perspectives
Lea (@grimm.travelstories) recommends choosing unusual angles: Crouch down, take photos from above or move closer to the subject. A different perspective can turn an everyday scene into something special.
Tip 7: Don't just take photos, but also videos
Lea also advises supplementing photos with short videos. Moving images can emphasize the mood and complete a series of pictures, even simple cell phone videos are sufficient.
Tip 8: Use bad weather to your advantage
Jessica (@jessi.fon) reminds us that fog, rain and clouds are no reason to pack your camera. That's when the warm autumn colors like yellow, orange and red really shine.
Tips on photo spots
Anyone who has ever traveled in a foreign city knows how difficult it can be to find the really interesting places - especially off the beaten track.
Tip 9: Search for hidden places
"Untouched nature is rare, many places are overcrowded," explains Sören (@chronisch_reisen) in his Instagram post: "Look for inconspicuous green spots on the map or get inspiration from unconventional sources, ask locals or an AI."
Tip 10: Use public transportation
Julia (@_julboe_) shows that you don't always have to travel far to take good street photos. Many of her favorite shots were taken on the go, for example on trains or ferries. Those who use public transport experience authentic moments and get an insight into real local life.
Tips on equipment
There was also valuable advice on the subject of equipment. One of these came from Alexander (@alexande.lehmbecker), who showed that modern cameras can withstand far more than you might think.
Tip 11: Trust your equipment
"Many people underestimate how robust modern cameras are. My camera was standing in icy Lapland at -18°C, the focusing mechanism was frozen and I was still able to take breathtaking photos of the Northern Lights. Incidentally, the Sony A7III didn't mind at all"
Tips for special photo results
Some of you have focused on special photographic themes when traveling - from portraits to starry skies to waterfalls. These tips show how much variety there is in travel photography.
Tip 12: Take photos with models
Julia (@_julboe_) recommends making contacts in new cities: if you find local models via platforms such as Instagram, you will discover new places, get creative inspiration and who knows, maybe new friendships will develop along the way.
Tip 13: Photographing waterfalls
For your next trip to destinations such as Iceland or New Zealand, Timo (@timofarsch) has put together some suitable tips for photographing waterfalls:
- Find a beautiful waterfall, for example Skógafoss in Iceland or Gollum's Pool in New Zealand.
- Tripod: Don't rely on stones - believe me, a sturdy tripod is worth its weight in gold.
- Long exposure (2-30 seconds): Adjust the exposure time depending on the light conditions.
- ND filter: Prevents overexposure with long exposure times.
- Low ISO: Keeps image noise to a minimum and ensures clear images.
- Aperture from f/10: Adjust depending on the situation to achieve the desired depth of field.
For equipment, he recommends the Sony A7 III with 24-105mm Lens as his first choice for travel photography.
Tip 14: Photographing the starry sky
"With a small tripod, a wide-angle lens (you can also use the travel zoom if necessary) and the right settings, your camera will capture worlds that we could never see like this." Sören (@chronisch_reisen) advises starting with these settings:
- short focal length
- Focus on infinity
- open aperture
- 20s exposure
- ISO 2500
â¦and then adjust step by step.
Tip 15: Capturing auroras
Alexander (@alexande.lehmbecker) shares a small checklist of the most important things for successful aurora images:
- Tripod: mandatory for long exposures.
- Remote shutter release: not mandatory but your fingers will thank you for it.
- Aperture: as open as possible (f/1.4 - f/2.8).
- SO: high enough (1600-6400) to capture details without too much noise.
- Shutter speed: between 2-10 seconds - depending on the strength and movement of the lights.
- Focus: manually to infinity, best to focus on a star via Live View. Deactivate image stabilization.
- Extra Sony tip: set the white balance to cold white, then the lights come out particularly well.
"And the most important thing: don't just focus on the technology, but also enjoy the moment. Because auroras are more than just a photo - they are an experience."
More tips from Paul Hüttemann
Now you're well equipped with tips and tricks for your next trip with your camera! If you would also like to learn a few tips on travel photography from Paul Hüttermann, you can watch our livestream of the live talk at the Travel Experience Day.
Don't miss a thing!
If you try one of the tips, we look forward to seeing your results. Share your photos on Instagram and tag @fotokochde - maybe we'll show your picture in our story soon. You can also follow us on our social media channels to take part in the next competition and never miss any more exciting events or posts.
