1. Home
  2. »
  3. Blog
  4. »
  5. Improving your Travel Photography: Scott’s Top Tips

Improving your Travel Photography: Scott’s Top Tips

Travel photography is no longer just for the pros! If you’re embarking on a bucket list trip, there’s no better way to document your memories than by capturing them through photos.

Many folks assume that the best way to capture amazing shots is by having the best gear and lenses.

But that’s far from the truth!

Good travel photography is more than just having an arsenal of expensive cameras and lenses. It’s about capturing the world from a different perspective.

Our Adventure Travel Specialist and resident Travel Photographer, Scott has been documenting his travels for years.

He’s learned a thing or two about how to take the best travel photos and is sharing his insights with us!

Whether it’d be a camera or a mobile phone, here are just some simple tips that can level-up your photography game:

travel photography lens

Give love to your Camera Lens

This tip is especially true if you’re taking photos with your mobile phone! These small gadgets are prone to getting dirty, due to the daily wear-and-tear it receives.

You’ll know quickly if your camera lens need a quick wipe (the photos often come out blurry or appear to have a “filmy” look to it). You don’t even need a fancy cloth for your mobile phone camera lens. Even a quick wipe from a t-shirt will do!

using grid lines

Turn on the Grid Lines

Turning the grid line settings on your phone is useful when composing your images.

This also comes in handy when you’re applying the “rule of thirds.” This means capturing your subject off-centre.

beat the tourists

Beat the Tourists

It’s worth capturing large crowds to highlight the uniqueness of a destination (think, Shinjuku Crossing or Times Square).

But in general, there’s nothing worse than capturing a photo with hoards of tourists in the background.

If you’re looking to photograph a popular tourist location, it’s worth getting up extra-early to beat the crowds.

Get in Front of the Camera

It’s a common mistake that even the best photographers are guilty of doing.

You may be capturing the best shots of landmarks, but it’s worthwhile to get in front of the camera!

tell your photography story - travel photography

Tell your Vacation Story

It’s one thing to capture photos of your travels, but telling a story is a great way to enhance the meaning of your experience.

Telling a story through photos is the best ways to elevate your travel photography skills.

Want to put these tips to good use? Scott is hosting a very special photography-focused guided tour through the rolling emerald hills of Ireland!

Join him from September 24 – October 3, 2020, exploring and capturing the beautiful sights and sounds of the destination. Learn more about this exclusive travel experience by visiting our official page HERE.

You can also get more tips on his travel blog! Here are a few more insights on taking better travel photos. We also love this post on how to take better photos using your mobile phone!


Are you new at photography AND travelling? Check out our blog post for first-time travellers.

Contact Us

For over 30 years, our Travel Professionals have been creating inspirational tailor-made holidays and are proud of our reputation as one of the leading travel providers in Canada. With Journeys by Escapes, you can reach even the most distant corners of the world, in any travel style you desire.

We reply within 24 hours (Mon-Fri). NOTE: Replies may go to Junk folder.