Ever notice how some travel photos feel flat, while others instantly take you back to the moment? The difference isn’t the destination — it’s the way the scene is seen and captured. After years of traveling with my camera, I’ve realized great photos almost always come down to three simple things.
After reading this post you’ll know how to take amazing travel photos.
Step 1: Find the Light (Not Just the Location)
I shoot with a Canon EOS R6, but honestly, this works with any camera or phone. What matters most is light direction. If the sun is high and harsh, I look for shade or wait. If it’s early morning or sunset, I position myself so the light hits my subject from the side — that’s when photos start to look cinematic instead of flat.
Step 2: Compose With Intention
I usually travel with two lenses: a Sigma 35mm f/1.4 and an 11–22mm wide-angle.
The 35mm is my favorite because it forces me to slow down and really think about composition. Instead of zooming, I move around and look for layers — a foreground, a subject, and a background. That extra effort adds depth and makes the image feel more immersive.
I love the 11–22mm for a different reason. A wide lens lets me include more of the environment, which is perfect for travel photography. It helps tell the story of a place, not just show a person standing in it.
These lenses are for a professional camera, of course — but don’t be fooled. You can take incredible photos with a phone these days, or even get creative with something like a film camera. In the end, it’s not about the gear you have, but what you’re able to do with it.
Train your creative eye. Pause before you press the shutter. Try different angles. Move your feet. Most importantly — have fun with it.
Step 3: Capture the Moment, Not Just the Place
I keep my camera settings ready so I don’t miss moments, because photos truly come alive when they tell a story. Where are you? Who are you with? What’s happening in that moment?
Kelvin and I actually use a tripod a lot and it surprises people. One of the biggest questions we get is, “Who takes your photos?” The answer: we do. I set up my camera with a timer or interval shooting so it captures multiple frames automatically. Then we place the camera where we love the view, create a small scene, and simply exist in that moment while the photos are being taken. No photographer, no pressure, just us.
For more spontaneous days, especially when we’re backpacking or out on a day trip without our main camera, I love using a smaller GorillaPod with a phone mount. It’s lightweight, fits easily in a bag, and makes it so much easier to capture natural moments with your phone, not just quick selfies.
Insider tip
The best tripod photos happen after you think the photo is already taken. Instead of standing still and smiling at the camera, start walking, talk to each other, fix your hair, look at the view, laugh about something random. Movement creates natural body language, and those in-between frames almost always look better than the “posed” one.
What I Use to Take Our Travel Photos
You don’t need expensive gear to take great photos — but here’s what I personally travel with. I don’t bring every single item on every trip; for example, I always check whether a drone is allowed before packing it. These are simply the tools I love exploring with and using to capture moments and places along the way.
I’ve listed the camera I currently use here — the Canon EOS R6 — but it definitely wasn’t where I started. My first camera was the Canon M50, which is a great, budget-friendly option if you’re just getting into photography. It’s proof that you don’t need the latest or most expensive camera to start creating images you’re proud of.
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This post is all about how to take amazing travel photos in 3 steps
At the end of the day, travel photography isn’t about ticking off famous spots or owning the latest gear. It’s about slowing down, paying attention, and telling the story of where you are and who you’re with. Light, composition, and moments — master those, and your photos will naturally improve.
So take your time. Look around before you click. Move your feet, try new angles, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Whether you’re shooting with a professional camera, a phone, or something in between, the best photos are the ones that make you feel something when you look back at them.
And most importantly — enjoy the journey. The memories come first. The photos are just the bonus.
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