They are part of every trip like your backpack: Photos! Let me teach you some basics of travel photography to take better shots of your travels in no time. Pimp your photos and create the wow effect.

#1 The Equipment

For my travel photos, I most of all use my DSLR. I bought a wide-angle lense and a tele lense, that allows me zoom in to any scene that I like (I mostly use it for animal photography). With those two lenses , I can take great photos of close and far objects alike. Additionally, I use a tripod, so my shots don’t get blurry and I am able to take photos of myself with the help of others.

Additionally, I own a GoPro with a Gimbal and an iPhone SE. Very soon I will get my first drone and then I will be able to take photos from a totally new perspective, too.

Of course, you do not necessarily need a DSLR and three lenses to take a nice shot. Especially modern smartphones have great, high-resolution cameras. This is enough for great shots with lots of light. In the case of poor light conditions, it’s getting more complicated to get a good shot. Here is a panorama photo, which I took with my mobile phone:

#2 The Motif or Theme

The most beautiful travel photos have a clear theme or motif. Try to get an eye for special motifs and when you walk through the streets, forests and through the world, in general, keep your eyes open. A special motif is not always what everyone took a photo of. On the contrary! A motif carries a message.

#3 The Perspective

It is important for travel photos that you don’t just run around clicking. Once you’ve found a suitable motif, think of how to take the best possible photo of it. What angle or what perspective is best suited? Do not be afraid to lie down on the floor or climb up somewhere. For both of the following photos I have crouched on the ground (the first one was at the temple Tanah Lot on Bali, the second in Monreal):

#4 The Light

The light is essential for a beautiful photo. Basically, around sunrise or sunset, the light is best for photos, as it is much softer at this time. The light around noon is harsh. My favorite time is actually two hours before sunset. I love how the setting sun throws its rays at the chosen object. The first photo is a sunrise (in Masada) and the second one is a sunset (from a cruise ship between Stockholm and Helsinki):

#5 Patience

There are mainly two photos of my travels, for which I waited exceptionally long to take a photo without people and in pure splendor. For this photo in one of the beautiful metro stations in Stockholm I was waiting almost an entire hour. For the photo in the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi I had to wait half an hour for the people to leave. During that time I took photos of myself using my tripod.

#6 The Photo Editing

The right perspective and the perfect moment are really important, but the final cut is made when editing the photo on the computer. For a long time I used free online tools until I realized: That is just not enough! Apart from the fact that I was very often forced by slow internet to spend hours in front of the computer in order to edit a few pictures, it occurred to me at some point that the quality was drastically different. Since I decided to use Adobe Tool Lightroom, people tell me regularly that they love my photos. Best decision ever!

Travel Photography: 6 Steps for Great Travel Photos?

I too had to learn the basics of travel photography! But now I think I master them quite easily and wherever I am, I always search for the ideal motif for the perfect travel photo! With these tips, you can also make wonderful travel photos!

Do you have more tips and tricks for the perfect travel photo? Then tell me about it in the comments!