How to Become a Travel Photographer

Ever thought about leaving your 9-to-5 and swapping it for a job that pays you to travel the globe and capture incredible images? While it may sound like a dream come true, thriving in the world of travel photography takes more than just wanderlust and a knack for snapping the perfect shot.

Travel photography ranks among the most beloved photography genres. It’s easy to see why—you get to earn money while having a blast. Who wouldn’t enjoy traveling to far-flung destinations and doing something you’d likely be doing anyway—taking photos? However, before diving into this competitive field, there are important things to consider.

For all the beginners out there, we’ve created a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know to get started as a travel photographer. From honing your skills to scouting ideal locations for those breathtaking shots, here’s how you can embark on your travel photography journey.

Steps to Becoming a Successful Travel Photographer

Travel photographers work incredibly hard to land gigs and make enough money to cover their expenses. In today’s world, where photography is increasingly accessible to everyone, standing out can be challenging. But if you’re confident you’ve got what it takes, the following steps will help you begin your journey.

1. Master Your Camera

It may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be amazed at how many aspiring photographers fail to explore all the features of their cameras. Watching tutorials online can be helpful, but hands-on experimentation is key.

Take shots of the same subject using various settings to understand how they affect the final image. This way, when you’re out in the field, you’ll be ready to capture the shots you want without wasting time adjusting settings while the perfect lighting slips away.

2. Practice Makes Perfect

If you’re serious about pursuing a career in travel photography, practicing is essential. Get to know your camera inside and out. You don’t need a high-end camera to learn how to master light and composition. Practice until your skills are sharp both technically and creatively.

Competition is fierce, and you’ll need to be at the top of your game to make it. How do you practice? It’s simpler than you might think.

Consider the town you live in. If a visitor asked where the best photo spots are, where would you take them? Where do you bring friends when they visit?

These locations are ideal for practicing your photography skills. Whether you’re capturing stunning landscapes or bustling street scenes, both are crucial for travel photography. Experiment with lighting and angles, preparing yourself for the challenges of shooting while traveling.

3. Scout Locations in Advance

When you know where you’re headed, it’s essential to scout the locations you plan to shoot. Search social media and the web for common images from the area, and then challenge yourself to capture the scene in a unique way.

Consider shooting from an unusual angle or at a different time of day. How can you create a photo that stands out from the typical shots? It could be as simple as shifting your perspective, such as photographing from the left instead of the right like most others do, or finding a reflection in a fountain for a more creative composition.

Doing some pre-scouting will also help you stay organized, allowing you to plan where to stay in relation to your desired shooting spots. Additionally, thinking ahead about the shots you want will help you choose the right gear.

4. Stay Flexible and Explore Beyond the Map

Sometimes, the most exciting spots for photos and adventure aren’t marked on the map. Be open to straying off the beaten path to explore less-traveled areas around your destination. You never know when you might stumble upon a charming village that offers incredible photo opportunities. This applies to areas within your location as well. Visiting local shops or restaurants off the main streets can yield some fantastic people photography.

Ask locals for their favorite hidden gems for both exploration and photography. Their suggestions often won’t appear in online searches but can lead to amazing discoveries. Most locals will be happy to offer their advice, knowing you’re interested in their insights.

If the region speaks a different language, learn a few phrases—especially how to ask for photography recommendations. Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, the locals will appreciate your effort and likely reward you with valuable tips.

5. Choose the Right Equipment

When traveling as a photographer, selecting the right gear is crucial. You need to balance bringing enough equipment while keeping things light and portable. Here’s a checklist of essential items to pack:

• Camera body
• Lenses (including versatile options like zoom and prime)
• Tripod (compact and lightweight)
• Polarizing filter (to enhance colors)
• Batteries (and extras)
• Charging cords
• Memory cards (plus backups)
• A sturdy camera bag (for organization and ease of transport)

Lenses for Versatility

The lens you choose will depend on the type of photography you plan to do. A versatile option like the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens is a great all-around lens. It’s effective for action shots, performs well in low light, and allows manual focus control. Alternatively, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a popular and affordable option known for its sharpness, ideal for portrait and everyday photography.

For many travel photographers, a 50mm prime lens (or 35mm for APS-C sensors) is essential. Its sharpness and simplicity allow you to capture quick, in-the-moment shots without the distraction of zooming, making it a go-to for capturing life as it happens.

Lightweight Tripods

When choosing a tripod, go for something small and lightweight. A portable tripod ensures you can bring it along on long hikes or up mountains without it weighing you down.

Backup Essentials: Batteries and Memory Cards

Always carry extra batteries and memory cards. You may think you’ll have enough, but photography sessions, especially when capturing high-resolution images or videos, can drain both your battery and storage faster than expected. Even if you intend to charge your gear every night, it’s wise to carry backups to avoid missing shots.

Universal Plug Adapter

Many camera setups and battery chargers are dual voltage, but it’s still a good idea to bring a universal plug adapter for different outlet types. This small, lightweight item ensures you can charge your gear no matter where you travel.

Polarizing Filter

A polarizing filter is a great addition, especially for sunny conditions. It can reduce glare and bring out vibrant colors in landscapes, such as deep blue skies and the rich hues of lakes and oceans. They’re small, inexpensive, and make a significant difference in your photos.

The Camera Bag

Your camera bag is a key item. It needs to fit all your gear, provide proper protection, and offer compartments for organization. A good bag will help you stay prepared and efficient while on the go. Look for one that balances storage capacity with comfort and portability.

Packing the right equipment will ensure you’re ready to capture beautiful images while traveling without being weighed down by unnecessary gear.

6. Master the Art of Pre-focusing

Pre-focusing is a valuable technique in photography, particularly for street and wildlife photographers who need to capture fast-moving subjects or spontaneous moments. This method involves manually focusing on a specific point in your frame in advance, anticipating when your subject will enter that area. It allows you to frame your shot ahead of time and then wait for the right moment to press the shutter, ensuring you get the shot at the perfect instant.

By pre-focusing, you eliminate the need for your camera to autofocus at the last minute, which can be slow or imprecise in certain conditions. This technique is especially useful when you’re photographing subjects in motion, such as a cyclist on a busy street or an animal in the wild. The key is to anticipate the action and prepare your shot so that you can capture the moment as it happens—often within seconds.

Some tips to help you learn how to Pre-focus

To pre-focus, switch your camera to manual focus mode and select a point where you anticipate the action will occur. Focus on that spot, and then compose your shot around it. Once your subject enters the frame, all you need to do is press the shutter button to capture the image.

For example, if you’re photographing a busy street and want to capture a pedestrian walking through a particular part of the frame, you would pre-focus on that spot and wait for the right subject to pass by. This way, you don’t have to rely on your camera’s autofocus to keep up, which may struggle in low-light or fast-paced environments.

Advantages of Pre-focusing

• Faster response: Pre-focusing helps you react quickly to fleeting moments, reducing the time it takes to capture the shot.
• Sharper images: By eliminating the need for autofocus, you reduce the risk of blurry shots, especially when working in unpredictable environments.
• Discreet photography: Since you’re not constantly adjusting your focus and composing the shot on the fly, you can remain discreet, which is crucial in genres like street photography.

Using Pre-focusing in Street Photography

Street photography, in particular, benefits greatly from pre-focusing because it allows the photographer to blend into the environment and capture candid moments. You’ll often want to take pictures without drawing attention to yourself or disturbing the scene. By pre-focusing on an area where interesting activity is happening, you can be ready to snap a photo the second something significant occurs, like a child chasing a ball or an elderly couple crossing the street.

The legendary street photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson was a master of this technique. Known for capturing candid and unposed moments, he would often pre-focus his Leica camera, enabling him to react quickly to the scene unfolding before him. Cartier-Bresson even went as far as painting the shiny metallic parts of his camera black to avoid drawing attention to himself, allowing him to blend in and capture the most natural, authentic moments. His method was about being present in the moment, yet invisible—waiting for the right person to step into the frame and click, without hesitation.

Perfecting Pre-focus for Portraits and Wildlife

Pre-focusing is also useful in portrait and wildlife photography, where the subject may be moving or unpredictable. For portraits, you can pre-focus on the spot where you expect your subject to be, allowing you to concentrate on capturing expressions and emotions instead of worrying about focus. In wildlife photography, pre-focusing on a perch, waterhole, or path where animals frequently pass can result in a sharp, well-composed image when the action happens.

Learning how to pre-focus gives you more control over your photography, enabling you to capture those once-in-a-lifetime shots with precision and speed. It’s a simple but powerful skill that can make all the difference in getting the perfect shot.

7. Promote and Sell Your Travel Photographs

Selling your travel photography can be both exciting and challenging. It’s not just about taking stunning images but also learning how to effectively market them to the right audience. With the right approach, you can turn your passion into a source of income, whether through stock photography, selling prints, or working with brands.

Here’s a detailed guide to help you promote and sell your travel photos:

1. Build an Impressive Portfolio

Before you start selling your photos, make sure you have a curated portfolio of your best work. A well-organized and professional-looking portfolio is essential for attracting clients, potential buyers, or gallery curators. It gives people a glimpse into your style and the kind of images they can expect from you.

• Action Tip: Select a range of images that show off your versatility—landscapes, portraits, cultural shots, wildlife, and architecture. Organize them by themes or locations.
• Bonus: Include a blog or behind-the-scenes content to give more context to your photography and the stories behind the images.

2. Utilize Stock Photography Platforms

Stock photography is a popular way for travel photographers to sell their work. Platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Getty Images allow you to upload and license your photos to a global audience. You can earn royalties whenever someone purchases or downloads one of your images.

• Action Tip: Research the types of travel images that sell well on stock photography sites. Look for gaps in the market, such as unique destinations or lesser-known landmarks, and upload high-quality, well-composed images.
• Bonus: Include keywords and detailed descriptions to make your photos easily searchable. For instance, describe the location, weather conditions, and subjects in the image.

3. Sell Prints Online

There’s a large market for physical prints of travel photography, especially for home décor and office spaces. You can sell prints of your work on platforms like Etsy, SmugMug, or Fine Art America, or create your own e-commerce site.

• Action Tip: Offer multiple print sizes and formats, such as framed prints, canvas wraps, or digital downloads. Make sure to include professional mock-ups to help buyers visualize how the prints will look on their walls.
• Bonus: Offer limited edition prints to create a sense of exclusivity and increase their perceived value.

4. Pitch to Travel Magazines and Blogs

Travel publications are constantly looking for fresh, high-quality images. You can reach out to editors of travel magazines, newspapers, and online travel blogs with a pitch and sample of your work. Many travel websites are also open to guest photographers contributing visual content.

• Action Tip: Do your research on the publications that align with your photography style. When pitching, be clear about how your photos match their editorial style, and include a small selection of images tailored to their needs.
• Bonus: Offer to write accompanying articles or travel guides with your photography to make your pitch more appealing to editors.

8. Building Up Your Travel Photography Portfolio 

Building a solid travel photography portfolio is essential for showcasing your skills, style, and versatility. It’s your calling card—what potential clients, agencies, and even followers will look at when deciding whether to work with you or follow your journey. A well-curated portfolio highlights your best work and shows that you can capture diverse environments and subjects, from bustling city streets to serene landscapes.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build up an impressive travel photography portfolio.

Step 1: Define Your Niche

Before you start, it’s crucial to identify your niche within travel photography. Do you want to focus on landscapes, wildlife, street scenes, or cultural portraits? You may want to specialize in capturing a specific region, such as tropical beaches or historical cities. Having a clear niche helps define your style and makes your portfolio more cohesive and targeted.

• Example niches: Adventure travel, urban exploration, food and culture, wildlife photography, landscapes, or luxury travel.

Step 2: Capture Diverse Locations and Subjects

A great travel photography portfolio demonstrates your ability to capture a wide range of subjects in different environments. When you travel, aim to photograph more than just the obvious tourist spots. Capture hidden gems, candid moments, and various elements of local life, such as architecture, food, and festivals. Show your versatility by photographing both wide-angle landscapes and intimate close-ups of people or details.

• Action Tip: Each time you visit a new location, create a shot list that includes iconic landmarks, everyday scenes, local cuisine, and portraits of people. This will ensure variety in your portfolio.

Step 3: Focus on Quality Over Quantity

When building your portfolio, less is more. Instead of overwhelming viewers with hundreds of images, select 15-30 of your best shots that truly showcase your skills. Choose photos that are sharp, well-composed, and visually striking. Remember, your portfolio is a reflection of your professionalism, so every image should represent your best work.

• Action Tip: Go through your images carefully and ruthlessly cut out any that don’t match the level of quality you want to present. Only choose photos that you’re proud of.

Step 4: Tell a Story with Your Photos

Your portfolio should flow like a visual journey. When curating your images, think about how they can be arranged to tell a story. Group similar themes or locations together, and include a mix of wide shots, mid-range shots, and close-ups. This helps your viewer experience the journey you’ve captured, immersing them in each location.

• Action Tip: Create mini-series or collections that highlight different trips, such as “Exploring Southeast Asia” or “Cultural Festivals Around the World.”

Step 5: Edit and Polish Your Work

Editing is a vital part of travel photography. A well-edited photo can transform an image and elevate the overall feel of your portfolio. Use software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to enhance colors, adjust exposure, and fine-tune the details of your images. Consistent editing across your portfolio will give it a cohesive look and make it feel polished and professional.

• Action Tip: Develop a signature editing style, whether it’s vibrant colors, muted tones, or black and white. This helps create a distinct aesthetic.

Step 6: Create a Professional Portfolio Website

In today’s digital age, having an online portfolio is a must. A professional website gives your work a polished platform and makes it easy for potential clients to browse your images. Choose a website builder like Squarespace, Wix, or WordPress that allows you to showcase your work in a clean and user-friendly way. Ensure the design is minimal and lets the photos be the focal point.

• Key Elements of Your Portfolio Site:
  • Home page with a few standout images.
  • About page with a brief biography and your unique approach to photography.
  • Contact page with an easy way for clients to reach out.
  • Galleries organized by destination, theme, or niche.

Step 7: Include a Strong “About Me” Section

Your portfolio isn’t just about photos—it’s also about you. The “About Me” section of your portfolio is where you can introduce yourself, share your background, and explain what drives your passion for travel photography. This is an opportunity to connect with potential clients on a personal level and give them insight into your creative process.

• Action Tip: Write a short bio that explains your journey, your passion for travel, and why you love capturing the world through your lens. Be authentic and approachable.

Step 8: Seek Feedback and Refine

Once you’ve built your portfolio, it’s important to get feedback from others. Ask for input from fellow photographers, mentors, or even friends who can offer a fresh perspective. Are there any weak spots? Does the portfolio flow well? Feedback helps you fine-tune and ensure that your portfolio is as strong as possible.

• Action Tip: Regularly review and update your portfolio with fresh content. Remove older, less relevant work and replace it with new images as your skills evolve.

Step 9: Promote Your Portfolio

Now that you’ve built your portfolio, it’s time to share it with the world! Promote it across social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Engage with other photographers, travelers, and influencers in the industry to increase visibility. You can also reach out to potential clients, agencies, or travel brands, providing them with your portfolio as proof of your expertise.

• Action Tip: Create a professional Instagram account showcasing your best work and link your portfolio website in your bio. Join travel photography communities to network and gain exposure.

Step 10: Keep Expanding Your Portfolio

A portfolio is never truly finished. As you continue to grow as a photographer, your portfolio should evolve with you. Always be on the lookout for new destinations, experiences, and techniques to add to your work. The more you practice, the better you’ll get, and the more diverse and impressive your portfolio will become.

• Action Tip: Plan trips specifically for portfolio-building, where your sole focus is capturing stunning, portfolio-worthy shots.

Building a travel photography portfolio takes time, effort, and dedication. By defining your niche, focusing on quality, and telling a compelling visual story, you can create a portfolio that not only showcases your skills but also opens doors to new opportunities. Whether you’re looking to attract clients, work with travel brands, or simply share your passion with the world, your portfolio is the key to making a lasting impression. Here is a step by step guide on how to setup a travel blog.

9. Build a Social Media Portfolio Instead of a Website

If creating a full website isn’t in your immediate plans or budget, you can still effectively showcase your work using social media platforms. Many successful travel photographers use platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, or even YouTube to curate their portfolios and build a following. These platforms allow you to reach a global audience quickly, and their visual nature is perfect for displaying your travel photography.

Here’s how you can use social media to build your travel photography portfolio:

1. Instagram Portfolio

Instagram is one of the best platforms for photographers due to its image-centric format. You can curate your travel photography portfolio by organizing your posts, using specific hashtags, and creating story highlights for different locations or themes.

• Action Tip: Use a consistent aesthetic by applying similar editing styles to your photos. Utilize Instagram’s grid format to tell visual stories, and organize highlights by country, city, or photography style.
• Bonus: Create “carousel posts” that allow you to feature multiple images in a single post, giving you a mini-gallery format.

2. Pinterest

Pinterest is another excellent platform for travel photography. It’s a visual search engine, and many users browse Pinterest for travel inspiration, making it a great place to showcase your work.

• Action Tip: Create themed boards for each destination or type of travel photography, such as “Urban Adventures,” “Wilderness Expeditions,” or “Cultural Portraits.” You can also include behind-the-scenes tips, linking them to your photos for an added storytelling element.
• Bonus: Pinterest allows for easy sharing, so your work can gain exposure organically through pins.

3. YouTube

If you’re also interested in travel vlogging, YouTube is a fantastic platform to showcase not only your photography but the journey behind it. You can create videos or slideshows of your portfolio, discuss your process, and offer tips for aspiring photographers.

• Action Tip: Start a travel photography vlog where you document your shoots and give viewers insight into how you capture each image. You can also create “portfolio tours” where you discuss your favorite images and what inspired them.
• Bonus: YouTube’s longer format gives you the ability to tell a deeper story about your experiences in the field.

4. Behance or 500px

For a more professional photography-oriented audience, platforms like Behance or 500px can serve as your online portfolio. These platforms allow you to present high-quality images in a clean, minimalistic design without needing to build an entire website.

• Action Tip: Use Behance for in-depth photography projects that allow you to describe each series and its context, while 500px is excellent for individual image showcases and gaining recognition from the photography community.
• Bonus: Both platforms have strong communities that can help you network with other professionals or potential clients.

5. Flickr

Flickr is another platform popular among photographers for its high-quality image support and community. You can create albums for different trips or projects, share your photos with relevant groups, and gain exposure from fellow photographers and clients looking for specific types of imagery.

• Action Tip: Organize your photos into well-labeled albums based on destinations or themes, and engage with Flickr’s groups to increase visibility.
• Bonus: Flickr’s licensing options allow you to potentially sell your images to interested clients or stock photo sites.

10. Register Your Business and Obtain General Liability Insurance

Registering Your Photography Business

If you haven’t yet registered your travel photography business, now is the time to take this important step. A formal registration establishes your business as a legal entity, which can help you build credibility and trust with clients. Here’s how to go about it:

1. Choose Your Business Structure: Decide on a legal structure for your business. Common options include sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. Each structure has different tax implications and liability protections, so consider consulting a legal or financial advisor.
2. Select a Business Name: Choose a name that reflects your brand and services. Ensure it is unique and not already in use by another business. A memorable name can help you stand out in the competitive travel photography market.
3. Register Your Business Name: Once you’ve settled on a name, you’ll need to register it with the appropriate state and local government agencies. This process may involve filing a “Doing Business As” (DBA) form if you’re operating under a name other than your legal name.
4. Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits: Research any specific licenses or permits you may need to operate legally in your area. This can include a business license, sales tax permit, or any required photography permits for public locations.
5. Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN): If you plan to hire employees or operate as an LLC or corporation, apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS. This number is necessary for tax purposes.

Securing General Liability Insurance

Travel photography can be unpredictable, with a range of potential risks and accidents. To protect yourself and your business, obtaining General Liability insurance is essential. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Understanding General Liability Insurance: This type of insurance provides coverage for claims related to bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury that may occur during your photography sessions. For instance, if a client or bystander is injured while you’re on location, this insurance can help cover legal fees and medical expenses.
2. Research Insurance Providers: Shop around for insurance providers that specialize in coverage for photographers. Look for policies that specifically include provisions for travel photography, as these may offer better protection for your unique needs.
3. Assess Your Coverage Needs: Consider the scale of your photography business, the types of projects you undertake, and the locations you work in. This will help you determine how much coverage you need. Discuss your specific requirements with your insurance agent to tailor the policy to your business.
4. Obtain a Certificate of Insurance: After securing your General Liability insurance, request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from your provider. This document serves as proof of your coverage and may be required by clients or venues before you begin work.
5. Stay Informed About Your Policy: Regularly review your insurance policy to ensure it meets your evolving business needs. As your travel photography business grows or shifts focus, you may need to adjust your coverage accordingly.

By registering your business and obtaining General Liability insurance, you create a solid foundation for your travel photography career, ensuring you are protected against unexpected challenges while focusing on capturing stunning images.

Bonus tips for a successful Travel Photography journey

Here are some crucial tips for capturing captivating and unique travel photos:

1. Pack Light, Dress Right:
   Choose appropriate clothing for various terrains and weather but avoid overpacking. Wear comfortable walking shoes and avoid loud or distracting clothing if you’ll be in your shots.
2. Embrace All Weather:
   Variable weather can enhance your photos. Overcast skies diffuse light, and rain or snow provides creative opportunities, like macro shots of raindrops or wet street reflections.
3. Use Burst Mode:
   When shooting moving subjects, like animals, burst mode helps capture the perfect moment. It’s also great for ensuring group shots are on point.
4. Experiment with Composition:
   Try different angles and positions for your subjects. Sometimes the most compelling shots come from unique perspectives, like shooting from the ground.
5. Focus on Small Details:
   Beyond big landmarks, capture the finer details, like a closeup of a flower, an architectural feature, or a street vendor. These add depth to your visual storytelling.
6. Keep Your Camera Handy:
   Be ready for spontaneous shots. Ensure your camera is accessible with charged batteries and a memory card that has ample space.
7. Find the Best Light:
   Take advantage of the “golden hour” around sunrise or sunset for soft, beautiful light. Throughout the day, use shade or creatively work with direct sunlight for dynamic photos.
8. Mix Landscape and Portrait Shots:
   Capture a range of views by alternating between landscape for wide scenes and portrait for tall structures, adding variety to your collection.
9. Include People:
   Incorporating locals or travelers adds life and context to your photos, offering a richer cultural representation.
10. Capture the Unseen:
    Look beyond tourist hotspots and capture hidden gems, like quiet alleyways or a local cafe, to showcase the true essence of a place.
11. Unique Framing:
    Experiment with different framing techniques to create distinctive compositions that reflect your unique perspective.
12. Pay Attention to Design:
    Use natural lines and architectural designs to add depth and structure to your photos. Both manmade and natural environments offer great framing opportunities.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to craft travel photos that not only capture the beauty of a destination but also tell a compelling story.

Conclusion

Becoming a travel photographer is a rewarding journey that combines your passion for photography with the thrill of exploration. By honing your skills, investing in the right gear, building a strong portfolio, and understanding the business side of photography, you can turn your dream into reality. Embrace the challenges, stay motivated, and let your unique perspective shine through your work. The world is waiting for you to capture its beauty, one photograph at a time.