Everytime I go through the photos that I clicked during my first school trip, it makes me think of the very new passion and enthusiasm that was building within me for travel photography! From capturing scenic views of landscapes, nature, streets and architecture to documenting stories behind everyday moments, travel photography has enabled me to look at the world with a unique set of lense while also allowing me to create lasting memories. So, here is a beginner’s guide to help you get an overview of tips and tricks required to begin your travel photography journey, build a remarkable career and bring home photographs that tell stories beyond words.
With the rise of social media platforms, especially like Instagram, travel photography has also gained significant momentum as it has given an opportunity for people to share their travel journeys and experiences. To explore travel photography, we got in a conversation with Danish, a successful travel photographer and cinematographer known for his outstanding work, with thousands of followers on his Instagram page – @travelwithdanish.
As Danish mentioned, an increasing number of people are now inspired to document their journey and capture the aesthetics of life like the beauty, culture, and spirit of travel destinations across the world. Additionally, advancements in smartphone cameras and other photography equipment have also enabled amateurs and professionals to take good quality photos and serve their passion for travel photography and even build a career out of it. But many people are very much concerned about the kind of camera lens or other camera equipment to be used while ‘It’s not about having expensive gadgets; it is more about your perspective and how you make it your unique shot’ says Danish. An understanding of basic manual settings like ISO, Shutter speed, Aperture, Focus and Exposure, available in most of the smartphones can allow users to take greater control over the imagery mentions Danish. He guides us to understand how perspective behind every photograph is the secret ingredient for every stunning shot.
Travel photography brings along with it a unique set of challenges for example navigating crowded locations can be a problem while aiming for a clean, unobstructed shot. To tackle this, Danish added that one can consider visiting such popular sites during off peak hours like early mornings or weekdays, allowing for more serene images. Some places might also require necessary permissions to shoot, in this case, researching local regulations and interacting with natives can ensure compliance with regulations. Tying up with local tour guides can also help.
Respecting local customs and gaining insight into acceptable practices helps in beating cultural differences. One needs to be polite and respectful enough to be able to accept the differences and capture the perfect shot. Additionally budget constraint is a common problem especially for those just starting out. To manage cost, accommodations and transport should be preferably planned in advance. One can also travel in groups and explore free or low-cost locations to save some money.
Despite these challenges, travel photography has gained popularity with the rise of digital media. The key career paths in travel photography include freelance travel photographer, content creator and influencer, photojournalist and commercial photographer for travel brands among others. The earnings in this area vary significantly based on the photographer’s skills and experience and the project they take on.
Danish emphasises the importance of passion, starting small and using whatever equipment you have to hone your craft. “As any artist I would say don’t start thinking about money, start thinking about your love and passion for it, and once you ace it money won’t really be a factor”. Balancing travel with a stable income source is also advised, especially early on, as it provides financial security while pursuing the artistic side of photography. With experience, reputation and a strong portfolio, one can start to expect higher earnings.
Embarking on this journey as a travel photographer requires both passion and perseverance. In the interview, Danish added a piece of advice that resonates with him - “If your heart and mind is in the right place, and if you truly have what it takes to get there; nothing can stop you from achieving it.” Thus, continuous learning and experimentation can help in developing the skills required to be a successful travel photographer and capture photographs that tell a story and resonate with your audience.
For more invaluable insights into the world of travel photography, you can follow Danish's inspiring journey on Instagram (@travelwithdanish), where he regularly shares stunning captures and behind-the-scenes glimpses into his creative process. His work continues to inspire aspiring photographers and travel enthusiasts alike. Whether you're an aspiring photographer or simply someone who loves to document their travels, remember Danish's words: with the right perspective and passion, every journey can be transformed into a story worth sharing.
This guy has no ethics, totally rubbish person, only money cares for him.