A Beginner’s Guide to Travel Photography

A mirrorless camera - Choosing the right equipment starts with prioritising portability. A camera is, obviously, non-negotiable, and the best camera for travel photography is a mirrorless model. Thanks to their sensor size and optical image stabilisation (OIS), high-end mirrorless cameras snap smooth, blur-free photos and adapt well to all lighting conditions. They rival the quality and usability of DSLRs, but they’re smaller and lighter, making them the best lightweight camera for travel photography. A bigger camera isn’t necessarily a better camera!

Ted’s mirrorless camera for travel recommendations include the Fujifilm X-T50, which is the first mirrorless camera from Fujifilm to feature a dedicated film simulation dial, perfect for any best mirrorless camera for travel bloggers list, as you can capture high-quality images with no edits needed, and the portable Canon EOS R50.

A travel tripod - When you’re travelling, a travel tripod is non-negotiable. It helps to level out your horizon, improve your composition, and eliminate camera shake for clearer photos. Tripods are also great for shooting landscapes and long exposures, which blur the moving elements of your photo while sharpening everything else. When looking for the best long exposure settings for travel photography results, you'll need a solid base. Look for compact and lightweight tripods for travel that are sturdy enough to hold a mirrorless camera and fold down easily.

Ted’s travel tripod recommendations include the Manfrotto Befree Advanced Lever Tripod, Manfrotto MK Element Small Travel Tripod, and the Joby Gorillapod 3K Kit.

A travel photography lens - For optics, an all-in-one zoom lens is often cited as the best lens for travel photography. These lenses allow you to play around with focal lengths, capturing subjects both up close and further away without needing to scramble to change lenses out in the field. Ted’s all-in-one zoom lens recommendations are the Nikon Z 24-200mm f4-6.3 VR Zoom, Fuji 18-135mm WR, and the Olympus 12-200mm WP.

Don't forget the small essentials - Spare memory cards, two spare batteries (charged whenever you can), and a charger. Also, invest in an essential camera cleaning kit for travel, like the Lenspen Cleaning Kit, to easily wipe away dirt and grime.

Use a safe camera bag for travel - When considering how to travel with photography gear safely, a lightweight and durable camera bag is crucial. Look for a bag with customisable, padded dividers, and ensure it’s waterproof and comfortable, such as a sling bag for easy access. If you're using a tripod, buy a bag with a dedicated tripod holder to keep your hands free. Ted’s camera bag recommendations include the Vanguard Vesta Aspire 25 and the PGYTECH OneMo Lite 22L Backpack.

Use an external hard drive for travel - Finally, don’t forget to back up your photos! We swear by the ‘just in case’ method. After a day of shooting, download your photos to your computer and an external hard drive. Finding the best external hard drive for travel photo backup is key to securing your memories.

Do Your Research: Before you set off on your trip, learn about the places you’re planning to photograph. This is especially true when seeking the best travel photography tips for capturing cityscapes. Scroll through travel blogs and social media for inspiration, and scout shooting locations on Google Images to understand the terrain. While you’re researching, remember to check the weather and tides so you can plan your shooting days accordingly.

Plan your travel photography for the golden hour: When you can, schedule your shoots around the 'golden hours’, the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset. This is the best time to shoot landscapes in golden hour, as the soft, warm light makes every destination more photogenic. While travelling can be tiring, adjusting your schedule for this light will be rewarded with stunning photos. If you find yourself having to shoot during the day, learning how to take better photos during harsh midday light will be invaluable.

Get to know the locals: While landscapes are beautiful, the power of travel photography lies in capturing the people who live in those scenes. As tempting as it is to snap candid shots, the best ethical travel portrait photography tips centre on being confident, friendly, and respectful by asking people for permission to take their portraits.

Challenge yourself to think outside the box: After you snap the postcard-worthy pictures, survey the scene and try to make your photos stand out. By shooting from a different angle or waiting for the right moment, you'll create unique photos. For inspiration, check out unique travel photography composition ideas. Don’t be afraid to ditch the ‘popular’ spots and venture off the beaten path!

You don’t need much – but you do need the photography essentials. Whether you’re looking for a new camera, travel photography lens, tripod, or accessories, pop into your local Ted’s Cameras store for expert advice and recommendations.