11 Travel Photography Tips That Instantly Make Your Photos Look Better

Remember that feeling when you’re standing in front of something gorgeous maybe it’s the Amalfi Coast at sunset or a quiet temple in Bali and you pull out your phone, snap a photo, and then look at it feeling… underwhelmed? I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit.

Photography isn’t something you master overnight. It took me years of experimentation, countless blurry shots, and a whole lot of trial and error before I started capturing images that actually felt like the moments I was experiencing. With each trip, I learned something new about light, about angles, about patience.

In this guide, I’m sharing the travel photography tips that genuinely made a difference for me. Whether you’re shooting with a professional camera or just your smartphone, these are the techniques that helped me move from disappointing snapshots to photos I’m genuinely proud to share.

Upgrade Your Camera Equipment (But Start Where You Are)

Here’s the truth: phone cameras have improved dramatically. When I’m filming Instagram stories or capturing quick moments, my iPhone honestly impresses me. But if you’re serious about better travel photography, investing in a dedicated camera changes everything.

You don’t need to jump straight to a professional DSLR with ten different lenses. When I started upgrading from my phone, I went with a mirrorless camera first. They’re lighter than DSLRs, easier to pack when you’re traveling, and honestly less stressful to carry around crowded markets or busy streets.

My Camera Setup

I currently travel with two cameras, and each serves a different purpose:

Mirrorless Option: I use the Sony a7 II with a 35mm lens. It’s a full-frame camera, but if you’re just starting out, the Sony a6300 or a6500 are excellent beginner options that won’t overwhelm you.

DSLR Option: My Canon 6D with a Canon 35mm f1.4L lens has been a workhorse, though it’s quite dated now. If you’re looking at Canon DSLRs today, the 5D Mark IV is what I’d recommend for a full-frame camera. For something more budget-friendly, the Canon Rebel t7i paired with a Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens is a solid starting point.

The most important thing? Actually carry your camera with you. I’ve never once regretted having it in my bag, but I’ve kicked myself countless times for leaving it behind like that incredible street party in Budapest or the sunset concert at Music on the Rocks in Positano.

If you prefer shooting with your phone, that’s completely fine. Everything else I’m sharing still applies to you.

Edit Every Single Photo (Yes, Every One)

I’ll be honest: I never post a photo without editing it first. Does it add extra time? Sure. But it’s completely worth it and probably the most important step in my entire photography process.

Once you develop your editing style, it becomes much faster and almost automatic. My personal style leans toward bright and colorful images you’ll notice that consistency if you scroll through my feed.

My Editing Tools

For Desktop: Adobe Lightroom is hands down the best option if you travel with a laptop. The control and precision you get are unmatched.

For Mobile: VSCO remains my go-to app despite the dozens of editing apps available now. When I do use filters, I keep them minimal, usually around level 3 in VSCO to maintain photo quality.

Here’s what I avoid: Instagram’s built-in filters. They tend to compromise image quality, and the results look generic. Instead, I manually adjust brightness, contrast, and temperature to get exactly the look I want.

The Importance of Consistency

Whether you’re building an Instagram presence or creating content for a blog, consistency matters. Choose a signature style and stick with it. Your collection of images should feel cohesive rather than scattered across different moods and tones.

I’ve looked back at photos I edited years ago and cringed a little but that’s actually a good sign. It means I’m improving, learning, and refining my eye over time.

Master the Magic of Golden Hour

If there’s one thing that instantly elevated my travel photos, it was understanding golden hour. This is the period right after sunrise and just before sunset when the sunlight becomes softer, warmer, and infinitely more flattering.

I’m definitely a sunrise person (much to the annoyance of friends I’ve dragged out of bed at 4 AM for photo shoots). But trust me, getting up early is always worth it. Not only do you get that gorgeous light, but you also avoid the crowds of tourists who show up later.

Shooting Throughout the Day

Golden hour doesn’t mean you should only shoot during those times. I photograph all day long, but I pay close attention to how the lighting affects what I’m capturing.

Midday sun directly overhead? That’s not the time for portrait shots you’ll end up with harsh shadows across faces and overexposed backgrounds. Instead, I focus on architecture details, colorful doorways, or anything that works with strong light.

The key is being intentional about what you’re photographing based on the available light.

Apply the Rule of Thirds for Better Composition

The rule of thirds completely changed how I frame my shots. It’s a simple technique that makes photos feel more balanced and visually interesting.

Imagine dividing your photo into nine equal sections using two horizontal and two vertical lines (like a tic-tac-toe grid). The four points where these lines intersect are where you should place your main subject.

I use this technique constantly, especially for portraits or photos with a single focal point. Instead of centering everything, I position my subject along one of these lines, and suddenly the composition feels more dynamic and professional.

It sounds simple, but the difference it makes is remarkable.

Research and Plan Your Locations Ahead of Time

Before I visit a new destination, I spend time researching photography opportunities beyond just restaurants and hotels. I look for unique vantage points that might not be obvious.

Is there a clock tower I can shoot from? A hilltop with panoramic sunset views? An unusual attraction that most tourists miss?

When I was planning my Stockholm trip, my research led me to discover their incredibly colorful subway stations. Ten minutes underground later, I had some of the most unique shots from that entire trip all because I’d done a little homework beforehand.

Finding Inspiration from Other Photographers

I follow travelers whose work inspires me, and I don’t limit myself to just the ones with perfect photography or exotic destinations. Sometimes the most inspiration comes from the stories people tell, even if their technical skills are still developing.

The goal is to spark ideas, not to copy exactly what someone else has done.

Develop Your Own Creative Eye

Yes, I’ve posted that famous Bellagio fountain shot. Guilty as charged. But most of the time, I try to find angles and perspectives that feel uniquely mine rather than recreating what I’ve seen on everyone else’s feed.

Take the standard Eiffel Tower shot if you must (we all do it), but then challenge yourself to find something different a reflection, an unusual angle, a detail most people walk right past.

Everyone sees the world differently. Your most successful photos will be the ones that reflect what you’re naturally drawn to, not just what performed well on someone else’s Instagram.

Practical Tips for Finding Unique Shots

Keep your eyes open for small details. Pay attention to patterns, textures, colors that catch your attention. Shoot way more than you think you need to. When you’re reviewing images later at home, you’ll often notice things you didn’t see in the moment and you’ll be grateful you captured plenty of options.

Include Yourself in Your Photos

For years, I avoided being in my own travel photos. The result? A boring collection of landscapes that lacked any personal connection or sense of scale.

Adding a human element helps viewers imagine themselves in that location. It creates context and emotion that empty landscapes just can’t achieve.

Ways to Get in the Frame

If you’re not comfortable with fashion-blogger-style posing (no judgment, but it’s not my thing either), there are plenty of other options:

• From behind or far away: Show yourself looking at a view, walking down a street, or sitting on a wall from a distance where you’re more silhouette than subject
• Hands in the shot: The classic “follow me to” style can be cheesy but also effective
• Candid moments: Laughing with friends, exploring a market, genuinely experiencing something

If you truly don’t want to be in photos, include other people friends, locals, fellow travelers. That human element makes all the difference.

Capture Candid, Natural Moments

One advantage of using a DSLR is the ability to shoot continuously with virtually no lag time. This makes capturing genuine, candid moments so much easier than trying to nail one perfect posed shot.

Whenever someone offers to take a photo of my friend and me, I always say the same thing: “Just take a bunch.” The result is natural expressions, real laughter, and authentic moments instead of stiff, forced smiles.

Getting Photos When Traveling Solo

Don’t be afraid to ask strangers to take your photo. Yes, they won’t always turn out perfectly, but sometimes you’ll be pleasantly surprised. And always offer to take their photo in return.

Another option I use frequently: my cameras have wifi connectivity, which means I can control the shutter through an app on my phone. If I’m somewhere with limited foot traffic (like that one empty street I found in Venice), I can set my camera on a stable surface and shoot remotely. The app even works as a viewfinder.

Timer mode works too, though it requires a bit more patience and trial and error.

Embrace Spontaneous Adventures

As much as I love planning, some of my absolute favorite photos came from completely unplanned moments. Sometimes the best thing you can do is grab your camera and just wander.

Lose your map. Put your phone away. Forget your itinerary for a few hours and see where you end up.

That incredible afternoon when we randomly joined a group of locals on their boat in Venice? None of that was planned. We ended up with a free tour of the canals, champagne in hand, and some of my best Venice shots, far better than the expensive gondola ride we took later.

Have a plan, absolutely. But leave room for the unexpected. That’s often where the magic happens.

Practice Consistently (And Then Practice More)

Here’s what nobody tells beginners: you won’t become a great photographer overnight. It takes months and years of consistent practice. Even after all this time, I’m still learning new techniques and experimenting with different approaches.

The more you shoot, the better you’ll become. The same goes for editing. When I look back at my early work, I sometimes cringe at my editing choices but that’s actually encouraging. It means I’ve grown and improved.

If you’re passionate about travel photography and willing to put in the time, you’ll see progress. I promise.

Conclusion

Travel photography transformed the way I experience destinations. It made me more observant, more patient, more present in each moment. These tips aren’t about achieving technical perfection they’re about capturing images that genuinely reflect your experiences and the places that moved you.

Start where you are with whatever equipment you have. Focus on light, composition, and finding your unique perspective. Edit consistently. Practice constantly. And most importantly, enjoy the journey of learning and improving.

Your photography style will evolve over time, just like mine has. Embrace that evolution and keep shooting.

Ready to explore more photography tips or plan your next adventure? Check out more travel guides and destination tips on the homepage, or share your own photography journey in the comments below.