The A-Z of Travel Photography

Here is the A to Z of Travel Photography that will help you get the most from your trip and camera.

A. Airports.

B. Buildings.

To capture a country its important to photograph buildings and architecture as well as people. Think of famous landmarks, for example the Eiffel tower, Taj Mahal or even peoples homes. Remember to compose your photograph from an unusual angle or even totally abstract to add interest. Zoom in on smaller details or photograph parts of the building for a more interesting image.

C. Candid photography.

You don't always have to look though the view finder when taking a photograph. Put the camera on Program automatic exposure setting and auto focus and try shooting from the waist candidly as you wander around. People won't be so wary or act contrived. Plus a 'child's eye' view on the world will give you photographs and fresh new look.

D. Documentary.

Remember when you spend some time in a really spectacular place you can really tell a story. Why not plan and make a series of photographs that can be made in to a slide show. Learn some facts about the place so you can make a soundtrack or commentary.

E. Extreme Angles.

Ditch your standard eye level tourist point of view and shoot at extreme angles for maximum impact. In cities, get high above the pavement and shoot down at people so they look like ants. For your landscapes go low and wide to take in all the details like flowers, grass and the sky.

F. Filters.

Whether you like to really experiment with extreme filters to completely change the colours in your photograph, or you like to opt for more subtle filters, always remember the two most important filters for travel: a polarizing filter for photographing amazing blue skies and enhancing contrasts and a UV filter to cut out haze and protect your lens. Learn more about polarizing and UV filters here.

G. Golden hour.

I have talked about this before and insist its the times when your photographs will come alive. The times when the sun just rises and just sets. These golden hours will give your photographs a wonderful glow. Research your destinations golden hours.

H. Have Fun!

Photography is so much fun, especially when your on holiday or travelling. Relax, don't feel to pressured to get the perfect shot. Relax, have fun, take lots of photos and that 'prize winner' will come.

I. Icons.

All country's and cultures have iconic representations. For example the Eiffel tower in Paris, yellow taxies in New York, Bangkok Tuk Tuks,...... Try and use different angles to capture those quintessential iconic images from the place you visit.

J. Journey.

Getting to the destination can sometimes be forgotten when photographing things. Remember to have your camera at hand when travelling in those city taxis, bumpy tuk tuks or traditional trains and take plenty of shots.

K. Keep it lightweight.

Carrying a heavy and bulky kit bag will tire you out. Plan your day bag around the things your hoping to photograph and leave the rest at your hotel. If you keep it lightweight you will be able to be more mobile and feel much more ready to get those 'in the second' shots.

L. Lens.

Make sure to suite your lens to the trip you are taking. For example if on safari, you would need a long lens and a wide angle zoom for landscapes. For an urban trip your more likely to need a wide angle.

M. Meeting places.

Places where local people get together are perfect for those amazing candid shots. For example parks at lunch times or beach fronts in the evening provide opportunities for great portrait snapshots. Remember your zoom lens.

N. Night photography.

When the sun goes down some destinations come to life. Built up cities are great for getting a really magical night shot. Remember you will need a long shutter speed so you will need some way of steadying your camera. If you don't have a tripod with you, get creative and use a wall or something at the right hight that will steady your camera. You might even want to use the shutter release timer to make sure you get a really crisp shot.

O. Oops!

When visiting another country we must always be aware of different customs and etiquette. In some cultures taking photographs is encouraged and locals love to have their photo taken, but in others you will cause offence to people if you photograph them or things. Research your destination and check out local customs. Its also a good idea to ask locals or other travellers, be sure to be friendly and polite. Lean how to say may I take your photograph in the language.

P. Portraits.

Its vital to photograph the people of the country in order to really capture a culture. Get a mix of portraits, for example the local café, villagers going about there life or people taking part in religious practices. Use a long lens to really capture every wrinkle and expression of a person or a wider angle to take in their environment. Learn more about portrait photography.

Q. Quality.

Take your time when setting up and composing your photograph. Make sure you get the correct white balance, focus, aperture and shutter speed. If your planning to edit your photograph after, use RAW so you can maximise the editing possibilities. Remember to use the lowest ISO you can in order to get the crispest image.

R. Remember!

Remember to write tips and tricks down in your photographers note book so you can remind yourself of things when in the field!

S. Stitching.

If you find a particularly breath taking landscape shoot lots of overlapping photos so you can stitch them together later. If you come across a bridge, for example, why not stand in the middle and continuously take shots as you rotate 360 degrees.

T. Travel Guides.

Before you visit an area the best thing you can do is to do your research. I love getting a new travel guide and immersing myself into it. When I get to the country I already know where I want to visit and what I want to photograph. Its also a great source of tips and tricks about a country's culture, How to travel, dress code, dangers and annoyances ect. Offten the cheapest place to buy travel guide is on Amazon.

U. Urban Photography.

Spend at least a day venturing off the beaten track and into the urban heart of your destination. Go where the locals go, eat where they eat, photograph what you see. Get into taking some great urban street photography, and reap the rewards. Go on, tear yourself away from that beach!!

V. Veiw finder.

I have said it before but its a great way to insantly descover new angles. For get your veiw finder, shoot from the hip! Hold your camrea high up or down low and just shoot.

W. wildlife.

local animals are sometimes so important to photograph when capturing a local culture. This includes the minor bird in a cage or the mangy dog roaming the street. If you want to get something more wild like the butter flies you see fluttering by, be patiant, use a fast shutter speed and be still! Remember to be safe and dont get to close to wild animals!

X. the X-factor.

If your trying to capture a landmark or an iconic monument make your photograph really stand out from the rest. Pay attention to your exposure settings and take time to plan your composition. Look at other images of what your photographing and try something completely different. Have fun and experiment and you will soon get that 'X-factor' shot.

Y. Your Style.

Rember everyone has there own style. Experiment with different tequices and your style will become stronger. Pay great attention to your style as it will give you consitancy in your images. Love your style and be proud to be an indivual photographer.

Z. Zeitgist.

Simply, capture 'the spirt of the times'. If your expectations of a country or place are different to the reality don't be dishartanded. Photograph places in their ture light, warts and all. Notice things that really make a place what it is today, the graffiti on the walls, the gum on the floor, the big ugly high rise buildings with people bustling around.

Have Fun!

Abby