” My life is shaped by the urgent need to wander and observe, and my camera is my passport”
– Steve McCurry

Travel and photography go hand in hand, an ideal match that complement each other and allow the traveller to share their experiences creatively.  Although I feel I came to travel quite late, I was an avid early photographer, receiving my first camera for my 12th birthday and never looking back. Years of happy snaps of friends and family followed, although I wouldn’t exactly say they were quality photos. Fun to look back on though, if I don’t mind cringing at those 90’s hairstyles!

When I first went travelling I was using a basic point and shoot film camera, which lasted for about two years. I upgraded to my first SLR (film) for an 8 week safari in East Africa. I knew nothing then of shutter speed, aperture, or ISO. I have a few favourite photos from that safari, but I had no idea how I’d taken them. I was the accidental photographer. It was those photos though that led me to take a more serious interest in photography. I wanted to know how I could replicate these images.

I’m now onto my third DSLR, have done many community college and online courses, and used my travels to practice practice practice. You can view some of my more recent travel galleries here, and below are the top 5 things I’ve learnt on the road and from others about travel photography.

1. The photographer is the tool, not the camera

The one thing I hate to hear when someone is admiring a photo of mine is “you must have a good camera”. Gah! No matter if you are using an iPhone, a point and shoot, a basic DSLR or top of the range, you can take good photos if you have an eye for composition. However, for ultimate control and creative influence over your photography you will need to understand and use the manual functionality on a DSLR.

2. Ask permission when photographing people

I’ve broken this ‘rule’ many times, and I admit my people photos have suffered for it. The best photos are always those where I’ve engaged with the subject, and feel that there is some connection there before snapping away at them. Capturing people unawares through a telephoto lens loses that connection, and it’s also a little creepy.

3. Lighting is key

No matter what time you arrive at Uluru, this giant rock in the middle of an immense flat landscape is a sight to behold, one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. But to get the best photos you need the best light, and for Uluru this is at sunset. Just as the sun is about to dip below the horizon behind you, in front of you the rock turns a deep spectacular red. The right lighting is important for all photos, and the best natural light is at sunrise and sunset. So get up early, or be late to dinner, and make sure you take your photos during these ‘magic hours’.

4. Take your time

In our rush to see and fit in as much as possible while travelling it can often become a case of snap, move on, snap, move on. The best photos however are usually the ones where you’ve taken the time to slow down, observe the scene, and find a different angle. Anyone who has been to Paris has a photo of the Eiffel Tower, but there are still unique shots waiting to happen, waiting for your individual eye to see it differently.

5. Know when to put the camera down

Photos are a wonderful momento and can help when reminiscing about a particular experience. However you don’t want to experience an entire adventure through a viewfinder. Travel is about the experience, and although it is great to capture it, you need to know when to put the camera down and savour the moment.