Skip to main content

5 tips on how to make your travel photos stand out

Travel photography is the best way to share your experiences via Instagram or Facebook. But with the abundance of social media users who post thousands of images online every minute every day, how would you make your images stand out?

The advent of less expensive cameras and low-cost travel destinations has allowed travel photography to become easier and easier. Smartphone cameras have evolved tremendously in the past 5 years, and full-time cameras like point-and-shoots and DSLRs have become affordable for everyone. In retrospective, it has allowed regular consumers to blend with professional photographers -- and they're equally competitive.

If you have your hands on these nifty camera equipments and you're out there on location, it's about time to step up your photo game.


TIP #1 ANGLES

Camera angles is one of the quickest ways to add interest and variety to your photos. Angles are really easy - even if you don’t know how to use your camera very well. All you have to do is move your camera higher or lower to dramatically change the angle of your photo. It doesn’t matter whether you're using a DSLR or your smartphone, you can always make more creative photos by changing the camera or shooting angle. I took this photo of a street sign in Kuala Lumpur during my Malaysian trip. Instead of a face-to-face angle taken at eye level, I opted to shoot it at a low dutch angle to emphasize a more vibrant city look.

Travel photography tip #1 Angle



TIP #2 ADD A FOREGROUND TO YOUR SUBJECT

Shooting through elements in the foreground is a better way to suck viewers into your photos. It gives your photos an illusion of depth and makes your audience feel like they can step into the image. One way of achieving this effect is to open your lens as wide as possible to get a shallow depth of field - to get that creamy, blurry foreground. This photo of a guitar performer was taken along Jalan Alor, Kuala Lumpur. Notice that I placed a few blurry people in front of the guitarman to get enough depth effect for my image.

Travel photography tip #1 add foreground to your subject



TIP #3 THINK 3-DIMENSIONAL

Everybody's tired of those boring sunsets and landscapes - try googling "SUNSET" or "MOUNTAINS" or "LANDSCAPES" and you'll know what I mean. Instead, think outside the box and be 3-dimensional. If you love sunsets and beaches, shoot those images from the opposite direction. Shoot at people and use that sunset as backdrop or shoot a mountain from the left or from its right. It's all about perspective. The idea is to compose your shot in a way different from what most people commonly see. It's not necessarily sunsets and landscapes, but it also applies to inanimate objects like a building or even in food photography. When I shot at a food plate in a restaurant in Kuala Lumpur, I stopped for 10 seconds to think about my composition. I thought if I use the bird's eye view angle, this would look exactly like what every food subject looks like - a bird's eye view of a food. So I took the shot differently. I placed my food plate sandwiched between two blurry images.

Travel photography tip #3 think 3 dimensional



TIP #4 LIGHTING

Get enough light for your subject or else nobody will be able to see it. Even dark themed portraits utilize light to illuminate their subjects. Use a fill flash or if you don't have the equipment, try to get your subject as close to a window as possible. Find the light. Make your subject bright enough for everyone to see it, especially when indoors. If you can't get sufficient lighting, there's no point making the shot - unless you're going for night photography. Here's a photo of a restaurant food handler who I posed near an open window. If I made the shot away from the window, the image won't be as vibrant as this one.

Travel photography tip #4 lighting in indoors


Then, in Jalan Alor - night photography. I composed the shot of the male folk singer in an angle where he faces the light coming from a food stall. Look at how the light was illuminating him, as if there was a soft box in front of him. Notice also how I used the lights from the lamp posts in his background as I turned those lights into bokeh balls.

Travel photography tip #4 lighting in night photography


TIP #5 FRAMING AND COMPOSITION

There's nothing technical about a good frame or a good composition. Everybody can do it. all you have to do is to keep your subject surrounded by multiple elements to simulate a frame. Your subject won't look good if he's all alone in the frame. You have to add up things to create interest and depth. In this photo, I used the metal trusses and a roof to frame my subjects who were approaching my front. Just imagine the photo without these trusses, and you'll get my point.

Travel photography tip #5 framing and composition



Learn these five photography tips, and practice them whenever possible. When you find yourself stuck in a boring or predictable environment, spice up your photos by applying these methods and choosing which technique is best for the shot.

Boost your creativity skills and break out from the everyday perspectives.


WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS POST?
Share your ideas by commenting.

Comments

Popular Posts

What to do when you get a HIT on your NBI clearance

A "Hit" on your NBI clearance after your long queue at the NBI satellite office. UPDATED January 2020 Department of Justice (DOJ) Circular 017, or the multi-purpose clearance does  away with the usual separate applications for domestic employment, travel abroad, gun licensing and many others, thereby making it easier for people to obtain and use an NBI clearance. Are you applying for your NBI clearance? The National Bureau of Investigation office has stopped entertaining walk-ins after the implementation of the fully online application process for NBI clearance. The registration and appointment system for the NBI clearance are done online nationwide. Applicants may accomplish the application form at www.doj.gov.ph/nbi , www.nbi.gov.ph , and clearance.nbi.gov.ph . READ: Complete Guide To nCoV: How Not To Misinform Yourself About The Coronapocalypse After registering online, applicants may proceed to any of the NBI sites nationwide for the payment and biom...

How much is the penalty for 5 years late registration of motorcycles?

UPDATED December, 2020 Got late in your motorcycle registration renewal? Driving an unregistered motor vehicle carries with it a fine of P3,000 if apprehended by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) officers and P10,000 if by LTO traffic personnel. Worse, if the non-registration exceeded one month, the vehicle will be impounded and released only once the vehicle has been registered and the corresponding fines and penalties have been paid. To help you prepare for your visit at the LTO, here's a brief guide on how much money you're going to spend on your motorcycle registration renewal. READ: Complete Guide To nCoV: How Not To Misinform Yourself About The Coronapocalypse What's covered in this guide? 1. LTO penalty formula by weeks 2. Sample computation (if 5 years late) 3. How to renew your motorcycle registration  - Requirements  - 5 step guide YOU MAY WANT TO WATCH:  Motorcycle Transfer of Ownership and Renewal of Registration ...

What the LTO says about changing mag wheels, rims and tires of your car, motorcycle

The new LTO PMVIC, or the Land Transportation Office - Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers, has started operations in some parts of the country for inspections of cars and motorcycles due for registration renewal. Dubbed as MVIS (Motor Vehicle Inspection System), it aims to test the roadworthiness of private and commercial vehicles prior to their registration. This also includes the checking of modifications, upgrades and accessories that have been installed on your vehicles - whether factory or aftermarket. If they don't meet LTO standards, you fail the test. Failing the MVIS test means you have to retake the inspection and worse, you can't register your vehicle any more. For purposes of discussion, I chose to talk about wheels and tires because they are the most frequently modified parts of our cars and motorcycles. Now comes the question: Is it considered illegal to replace your wheels with aftermarket mag wheels? Can those u...

McDonald’s Brings Encantadia Magic with Sang’gre Meal and Sang’gre McFloats

It’s time to take a magical mealtime journey into Encantadia, as McDonald’s launches its Sang’gre-inspired McFloat flavors that are now available nationwide for a limited time. The Sang’gre Meal and McFloat flavors are part of the ongoing collaboration between McDonald’s and GMA Network to celebrate the Much Malaki, Much Juicier and Much Crispier Chicken McDo and the success of the Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre, the much-awaited continuation of the primetime telefantasya saga that has captivated viewers across different generations.  Fans can say “Avisala” to the four refreshingly adventurous McFloat flavors inspired by the top-rated series that celebrates the courage, honor, and heroism of the Sang’gres Flamarra, Deia, Adamus, and Terra.  Each Sang’gre McFloat offers a unique taste experience.  From Sang’gre Deia’s sweet and sugary charm to Sang’gre Flamarra’s fruity and tangy burst, Sang’gre Adamus’ refreshing coolness, ...

Krispy Kreme brings back its Holiday Biscoff® Collection – now with a sweet new twist!

As the world’s longest holiday celebration kicks off in true Filipino spirit, Krispy Kreme Philippines is bringing back one of its most-loved collections—now with a sweet new flavor to make the season even brighter! Say hello once again to the Holiday Biscoff® Collection—a festive lineup of comforting doughnuts and beverages crafted with the iconic Biscoff® spread. This year, the collection comes with a delicious new addition that will surely get every Biscoff® fan buzzing. Meet the Holiday Biscoff® lineup: NEW! Biscoff® S’mores – A ring doughnut dipped in Biscoff® spread, drizzled with torched marshmallow fluff, topped with dark chocolate and Biscoff® cookie bits. Biscoff® Cheesecake – A ring doughnut, making its comeback by popular demand, filled with cheesecake kreme, dipped in Biscoff® spread, topped with cheesecake powder and a Biscoff® cookie. Biscoff® Glaze – The crowd-favorite ring doughnut dipped in Lotus Biscoff® glaz...

Maging handa sa tag-ulan at school needs with Maya Easy Credit

Payong ready, baon check. Pero minsan, kahit handa at kompleto ka na sa gamit, kulang pa rin ang budget, lalo na kapag sabay-sabay ang gastos sa school at may biglaang emergency ngayong tag-ulan. Dito mo talaga kailangan ng partner na maaasahan pagdating sa pera. Buti na lang, may Maya Easy Credit! Instant access sa pera kapag kailangan mo, diretso sa Maya app, para sa kahit anong emergency o biglaang gastos. Sa ilang click lang, puwede mo nang gamitin ang pera pangbayad sa stores gamit ang QR scan, o ilipat agad sa Maya Wallet para magamit sa iba pang kailangan mo. Mabilis, Madali, at Ready sa Bawat Gastos Mo Para sa quick fixes sa rainy day emergencies. May revolving credit line na hanggang ₱30,000[1]—perfect para sa kuryente, bills, emergency repair sa bahay, o panggamot ngayong tag-ulan. Flexible ang repayment, kaya anytime puwede kang humiram ulit kapag kailangan. Planuhin lang ang repayment schedule para iwas late fees at dagdag gasto...

Let’s crunch it with 7-Eleven Crunch Time’s new hype man, Crunchito

In a fried food-loving country like the Philippines, fried chicken is more than just a craving. It’s a source of comfort—like a coping mechanism to turn the day around or a way to celebrate small wins in the hustle of everyday life. As a brand that’s ever in tune with its customers, 7-Eleven serves Crunch Time as every kapitbahay’s daily power-up. From satisfying crunchy cravings in the neighborhood with Crunch Time’s tasty and crunchy offerings, such as fried chicken, chicken fillet, siomai, Crunchy Pan, and more, 7-Eleven did not stop at simply providing the ultimate fried food fix for less. The Crunch Time FRYmily is getting a boost in the form of its newest brand character, Crunchito. Dressed in an adorable fried chicken suit, he is every 7-Eleven customer’s go-to hype man and Crunchy Motivator made to make ordinary moments FRY-nalo. His presence amps up the Crunch Time experience, where every bite is a well-earned victory be...

Meet POCO C85, an eye-catching entry-level entertainer

POCO, a leading brand among young technology enthusiasts, launched POCO C85 last August 30, a new device developed for reliability, aesthetic appeal, and day-to-day performance. In line with the characteristics of POCO C Series, POCO C85 empowers users through technology and design, meeting their needs for everyday communication, self-expression, and entertainment. Modern Design Meets Natural Aesthetics POCO C85 blends good looks with practical features, redefining smartphone design for a generation that values both affordability and style. Inspired by the flowing energy and beauty of the aurora, its unique segmented back showcases subtle shifts of light, making everyday interactions more exciting. Despite its large 6000mAh (typ) battery, POCO C85 features a slim¹ body paired with a 3D quad-curved back, which is rounded on all sides, fitting perfectly in your hand, making it comfortable and easy to hold. Taking POCO’s signature aest...

realme FanFest Payday Sale offers up to P5,000 off on select smartphones

As part of its ongoing FanFest 2025 celebration, realme Philippines is giving fans more reasons to celebrate payday with exciting deals on some of its best-selling smartphones. From August 28 to 31, shoppers can enjoy exclusive markdowns of up to P5,000 off on select devices ranging from entry-level like the realme C71 to premium models such as the realme 14 Pro Series 5G. The realme C71 is designed for those who need reliability for everyday use. Certified with MIL-STD-810H Military-Grade Shock Resistance and an IP54 rating for dust and water protection, the realme C71 can withstand unexpected slips and weather.  Meanwhile, the realme Note 70 offers both durability and efficiency with its military-grade toughness and a 90Hz Eye Comfort Display that makes viewing smooth and easy on the eyes. With its 6,300 mAh battery, the realme Note 70 is an excellent companion for students, commuters, and anyone on the go who values both resi...

Angeles City: Yakimix Restaurant to close down over food poisoning issue

POPULAR buffet restaurant Yakimix located inside the Ayala Marquee Mall in Angeles City, Pampanga may have to close down after the city government ordered its temporary closure when some 25 people were hospitalized after allegedly dining at the Japanese restaurant. According to a report from Sun Star, the Notice of Temporary Closure dated August 7 was signed by City Administrator Dennis Pamintuan pending the result of the test on food, water supply, additives, ingredients collected from the restaurant. The City Health Office and the Department of Health (DOH) Central Luzon Office are conducting separate investigations and examinations to determine the cause of the alleged food poisoning. Pamintuan said that the closure order was issued following numerous complaints and confirmed incidents of gastroenteritis and amoebiasis on people who claimed dining in the said restaurant. The victims of the incident were reportedly admitted in various hospitals including Angeles Univers...