Key Takeaways
- Taking better travel photos doesn’t have to be complicated. I’m not an expert photographer so I decided to reach out to my friend Beth, who is! In th
- Everyone wants to take good travel photos, but most people are frustrated when what they see doesn’t translate accurately onto film or into pixels. Ta
- However, there are some quick tips that can be used to make your photos better right away. It doesn’t matter if you’re taking photos with your phone,
Taking better travel photos doesn’t have to be complicated. While we’re not professional photographers, we reached out to Bethany Salvon — photographer and creator of Beers and Beans — to share practical, beginner-friendly advice. In this guest post, she outlines four straightforward techniques that elevate your images instantly — whether you're using a smartphone, compact camera, or DSLR.
Most travelers want compelling photos that reflect the emotion and energy of their experiences — yet many feel disappointed when their shots fall flat. While skill improves with time and practice, small adjustments can yield dramatic improvements right away.
These foundational principles apply across all devices and experience levels, helping you create more intentional, evocative images you’ll be proud to share.
1. Composition
Sometimes the only difference between an ordinary photo and a captivating one lies in composition — and it’s among the easiest elements to refine.
Many default to centering their subject, but strong composition guides the viewer’s eye through the frame. A proven starting point is the rule of thirds.
Strawberries at a Paris market. Example of a static, centered composition.
Same subject, repositioned using the rule of thirds.
To apply it: Imagine dividing your viewfinder into a 3x3 grid (two vertical and two horizontal lines). Place key elements — like a person’s eyes, a horizon line, or architectural focal points — along those lines or at their intersections. This creates balance and visual interest. With repetition, framing intuitively becomes second nature.
2. Turn Around/Sidestep the Obvious
Iconic landmarks often come with crowds — and identical photos. You’ll rarely find originality where everyone else points their lens.
Instead of joining the queue for the “postcard shot,” pause and observe what surrounds you. Shift perspective: step sideways, look up or down, or simply turn around. The most memorable moments are often hiding just outside the frame of expectation.
Across the street from the Moulin Rouge, Paris in HDR. After capturing the landmark, turning around revealed dramatic cloud light and bustling energy — a far more expressive scene than the standard front-facing angle.
Putting it into practice: Visit the famous spot — then move. Explore adjacent alleys, peer through doorways, or capture reflections in puddles or windows. These subtle shifts help you tell a richer, more personal story — and often lead to unexpectedly powerful images.
3. Shoot in Black and White
Terminal love – street photos, Paris. Harsh lighting and competing colors distract from the human moment.
Color adds vibrancy — but sometimes it overwhelms. Busy scenes, low-light interiors, or chaotic urban environments can benefit immensely from simplification. Black and white strips away visual noise, emphasizing texture, contrast, expression, and geometry.
Same scene, converted to black and white — now focused on gesture, light, and mood.
