Travel Photography

Ever look through travel magazines and books and envy the photographer who took the images? There is no doubt that travel photography is one of the most popular types of photography. In fact how many can raise their hands and admit their camera collects dust between trips? If there was a vote it would probably be a substantial amount.

It is obvious why this is the case. We wouldn't think twice about photographing our own surroundings, we take it for granted and because we see our local area so often, it doesn't inspire us. This is even true for people who live in parts of the world that are very photogenic such as Venice as shown in Fig T1 taken by SOP tutor Douglas Mann (aka: Photomann). You can see a very extensive travelogue from all parts of the world that Photomann has travelled on his website. http://www.photomann.com/

Once we go outside familiar surroundings everything looks fresh and the impact of seeing something different inspires us to photograph it. When we travel, we like to document our travels through photographs, mainly to show others on our return. Also when travelling, people are usually accompanied by family and friends and it gives us a chance to photograph them, which we rarely seem to have time to do at home.

Travel photographs aren't just about photographing places and the people you are with, but also the people who live there and the events that may take place in your destination. In fact travel photos can be broken down into three categories; People, places and events.

Photographing People

Images of people are an important part of documenting a visit. To many people, travel is about visiting strange and exotic locations. Don't forget though that it's the people who live in these locations that often add the "strange and exotic" to the location.

Sometimes it's not always the locals who add this element to a location, the visitors can often put in their share of the "strange and exotic".

Traditional fashions are often popular in travel portraiture. The image in fig T2 shows a Portuguese Gypsy in traditional black dress. She is also doing what most European Gypsies are famous for; selling goods at a market.

Photographing Places

There may be a number of reasons why we travel to a particular location. It could be to enjoy some fine weather, to visit well known attractions such as theme parks, to explore its history and historical landmarks, to enjoy its natural beauty or to visit friends and family.

Whatever the reason there will probably be well known landmarks or just scenes that immediately identify the location. Some would be very well known and others less so.

One well known natural landmark is the Rhine River in Germany shown in fig T3. The Rhine is steeped in history both ancient and modern. Today it is still a major thoroughfare for barges carrying cargo as well as tourist traffic. No photo of the Rhine is complete without a castle nestled near its shore.

Photographing Events

An event is often the reason for a visit to a specific place. These could be festivals, fairs, religious occasions or rituals. This may be your main reason for visiting. When planning a trip to any sort of destination, find out when these events are on and try to plan your trip during that time, even if its not your sole reason for visiting the locality.

Most popular destinations are done up to look their best for special events or occasions. What better event is a parade?

St. Patrick's Day parades take place all over the world, the more famous parades actually take place in the United States. But there is nothing to match the real thing; a St. Patrick's Day Parade in Ireland, home of St. Patrick (Fig T4).

More info...

If you want to learn more about all kinds of photography, take a look at our complete full length courses. All are tutor assisted with examples, full text and projects.

• Basic Photography Course For the beginner, this tutor assisted level 1 course assumes you have little or no knowledge of photography. Suitable for both digital and film users.
• Digital Photography Course This course shows how to capture digital images, use manipulation programs to add effects and enhancements, and print and display your work. Includes image restoration.
• Glamour Photography Course This level 2 course assumes you know your way around a camera. It takes you further with studio lighting setups, home studio, model portfolios, posing guide, multiple lighting guide, model releases, make up and more.
• Freelance Photography Course This level 2 course is essential if you want to make money with your camera. Imagine being paid to be do something you love doing, well you can now with School of Photography.com.
• Black and White Photography Course Have you ever wanted to learn how to develop film at home? Then go on to make your own prints using an enlarger in a darkroom? Then this level 2 course is the right start for you.
• Landscape Photography Course Find out how to improve your landscapes with this level 2 course. Packed full of illustrations, examples, full text and projects.

To search our site and free tips easier we have added MSN search.

Subscribe! Enter your email to join SOP News 2 today!

If you have an RSS reader, you can get updates automatically sent to your computer via our RSS feed.

Copyright

There are no 'public domain' images or content on this site. All original images, diagrams and content on this website, brochures and newsletters are © School of Photography.com and/or its contributors and MAY NOT be copied or reproduced in any form or medium whatsoever, with the exception of the RSS feed , without prior written agreement from School of Photography.com

School of Photography.com is registered in the Republic of Ireland. E&OE.