Travelling gives you the opportunity to capture memorable moments and locations using your camera. However, with so many subjects to choose from, you might spend more time thinking about what to take photos of instead of actually snapping a picture. To help move things along in your travel photography adventures, here’s a list of interesting things that can become the main subjects for your compositions.
What’s great is that all of them can be taken using any device, whether you’re using your smart device’s camera or high-end equipment you rented from a camera rental store.
Historic Landmarks
Historic landmarks tell stories of colourful cultures and civilizations long gone, making them compelling photography subjects. Every country in the world has a handful of them, from the majestic pyramids of Egypt to the ancient temples of Kyoto—and photographing them not only preserves their grandeur, but also allows you to share their cultural significance with others. To add interest to your shots, experiment with different angles and distances to highlight unique features or perspectives that offer a fresh take on well-known landmarks. You can also incorporate elements of the surrounding environment or people to provide scale and context.
Gorgeous Architecture
Architectural photography allows you to appreciate the craftsmanship and creativity of different cultures around the world. Capturing the intricate details of Gothic cathedrals, the sleek lines of contemporary buildings, or the charm of traditional houses can evoke a sense of place and time. There are several photography techniques you can use to make your architectural compositions stand out. For instance, you can look for symmetrical buildings or repeating patterns that create visual interest and harmony in your photographs. Another is to use architectural elements like roads, fences, or columns to guide the viewer’s eye through the composition.
Vibrant Cityscapes
Cityscapes offer a dynamic blend of architecture, culture, and human activity, making them perfect subjects that can convey the daily rhythm of urban life. Whether it’s the bustling streets of New York City, the neon-lit skyline of Tokyo, or the historic squares of Prague, each cityscape has its own character and energy. To capture the uniqueness of each one, consider taking panoramic shots of the skyline. Viewpoints such as rooftop bars, hills, or observation decks typically offer unobstructed views of the cityscape. It’s also a fun idea to take photos during the evening, when a place comes alive at night with illuminated buildings and bustling streets.
Picturesque Nature Scenes
Nature offers an endless array of captivating scenes, from serene lakes and dense forests to rugged mountains and pristine beaches. As such, photographing natural landscapes allows you to capture the beauty of the outdoors, evoking emotions and connecting viewers with the natural world. To give your compositions a more natural touch, use weather and light to your advantage. Things like rain and fog can greatly affect the mood of nature photography, with stormy weather adding drama to your photograph; meanwhile, soft light on overcast days captures details without harsh shadows. If you want to take sharp images, especially in low light or when using slow shutter speeds for waterfall or star photography, use a sturdy tripod to help capture all the details in one shot. You can also experiment with long exposures to add a dynamic element to your nature photos.
Scrumptious Food
Taking photos of local delicacies is more than just documenting your meals. It’s also a great way to preserve the destination’s culinary masterpieces and share them with others. Food photography enables you to capture the beautiful textures, colours, and flavours that define a culture’s culinary identity. If you’re able to highlight the stunning details of the food in your compositions, you may even remember the delicious aromas and flavours of the things you ate, inspiring you to learn more about the destination’s food. To give your food photos an edge, use props, like cutlery, napkins, or ingredients related to the dish to enhance the storytelling aspect of your food photos. Consider using soft, diffused natural light from a window or outdoors to keep the foods’ natural colours.
Everyday Life of the Locals
Photographing the everyday life of locals in your travel destinations provides insight into their customs, traditions, and common routines, offering a more intimate view of a place beyond its tourist appeal. Whether it’s a fisherman mending nets, children playing in a village square, or artisans crafting pottery, capturing these moments allows you to create a visual narrative of local culture and community.
Before taking photos of people, always ask for permission, especially in intimate or private settings. If they say no, respect their request and thank them for their time. For candid moments, be patient and observant. Authentic moments that reflect the essence of daily life look better than staged or posed scenes.
When you travel, it’s easy to get lost in the new sights, sounds, and scents the destination you’re visiting offers. With your senses in overdrive, it can make it difficult to focus on what to photograph. However, if you keep this list in mind, you can capture stunning photos that can encapsulate your travel experience.
