8 Ways to Become a More Confident Travel Photographer

Confidences is key in becoming a great Travel Photographer. We have all been to weddings and witnessed the bolshie and assertive photographer, in almost all cases the out come of their confidence is amazing photographs.

Confidence is worth so much to you as a Travel Photographer. 

Here is a quick 8 step guide to help you get the optimum confidence.

1. Know and be comfortable with your camera. Understand the cameras settings and be confident using them. Even if that means just simply knowing how to turn the flash on and off or how to set the ISO. Its a great idea to read your manual and take it on your trip. To be a confident photographer you first have to start with being confident with your camera.
2. Research. Research the place that your travelling to and have an idea about the sort of things that you want to photograph. Its a really good idea to own a photographers notebook and to make a list of ideas before you travel. Having an idea of the things your going to photograph will give you extra confidence and drive.
3. Shoot frequently. Become and during your holiday or travels use your camera everyday and take lots of photographs. The best way to learn and grow more confident is to shoot frequently. Take as many photos as you can and use your camera as much as possible. Shoot in different lighting conditions, for example in the morning and mid day sun and at night.
4. Set projects and goals, use your photographers note book to write down ideas and tittles. Is there anything that you would like to learn, for example learning the basics of exposure? Maybe you have seen a particular photograph taken in the country your travelling to and you want to achieve similar results? Make your goals realistic and achieve them. Achieving your goals will gave you bags of confidence
5. Read. There are so many books to help photographs pop in to your local book shop or library. Its also great to read books about your travel destination, get clued up and just by reading about photography you will learn and your confidence will grow.
6. Ask questions. My Grandpa once said, 'Don't ever stop asking questions.' And I haven't! Speak to fellow photographers an travellers and ask questions. Get on photography or travel forum and chat to people. You will probably be able to help and answer some questions for people. Remember to ask Travel Photography School too, after all we are here to help and answer questions.
7. Get feedback. Show your photos to friends, family or other photographers. Ask them what the like or dislike. Choose a selection of your favourite photographs and get their feedback. Knowing what other people like and see in your photography is so important in growing as a photographer. Everyone knows what happens to your confidence when people pay you a compliment!
8. Look at others work. Not only have people look at yours but its equally, if not more, important to research and look at other traveller photographers work. Don't let other photography be a knock to your confidence but allow it to inspire and give you ideas. Don't forget to use your photographers note book when looking at others work, write down ideas and inspirations about your work.

Summary;

Read. Read books about Photography and Travel. Learn from books.

Ask Questions and don't be afraid to ask. Ask other photographers, ask Travel Photography School and join a photography forum.

Get feedback. Get others opinions about your photographs, understand what makes them good or not so good.

Look at others work. Let other photographers inspire you and give you ideas and drive. Understand what it is that makes you like their photos.

Finally be kind to yourself. DON”T be to critical, so may people are and this won't help you grow as a photographer at all. Even if you take 1 good photograph out of 100 this still amazing and something to be really proud of. Please have fun, its what its all about!