Take Care Of The Little Things First: My Travel Photography Tips To Get Stunning Shots Abroad
I’ve been very blessed to be born into a family that enjoys to travel. I’ve gotten to see some amazing places in my life, and fortunately I brought my camera along for some of those excursions, and I’ve developed some experience on how manage all that gear, travel with it, and get some great pictures along the way. The purpose of this article is not to teach you how to get great pictures abroad; the laws of photogaphy apply just as much in America as they do abroad. The purpose of this blog post is to take care of the little things first in order to allow you to focus on capturing those memorable moments without anything else being a hindrance on your mind. Physical comfort and peace of mind go hand-in-hand when documenting your trip. It’s no fun taking pictures when your shoulders are raw from the weight of your backpack or when you’re worrying about preserving the last juice in your battery because it’s the only one you brought (speaking from personal experience, here). So to help you prepare and save you the stress, here are some tips that I’d like to share that you may find helpful on your next trip:
1. Invest in a Sturdy Backpack (or a Comfortable Shoulder Bag)
Your bag is your mobile studio, and choosing the right one can make or break your travel photography experience. Look for the following features:
Waterproof or water-resistant materials to protect your gear in unpredictable weather.
Well-padded compartments to keep your camera, lenses, and accessories safe.
Comfortable straps—especially if you’ll be walking long distances.
For lighter gear or city strolls, consider a cross-body shoulder bag with at least 6-8 liters of capacity. It’s easier to access your camera quickly while still distributing weight comfortably.Nomatic brand has some really great products that are tailored directly to traveling photographers. I have backpack and a 8L sling from them
2. Wear Comfortable Shoes (Leave the Sandals at Home)
You’re not just a photographer; you’re also a traveler. Uncomfortable footwear will ruin your experience faster than anything else. Opt for shoes with excellent arch support, breathable materials, and enough durability for uneven terrain.
If you’re hiking, then of course you’ll be wearing what you’re supposed to. But if you’re in a city, then use a your fashion’s eye and opt for shoes that will be comfortable all day long but match with your outfit’s aesthetic.
I dress pretty conservatively, so I’m usually wearing lightweight jeans or chinos with desert boots, and a short sleeve button down or polo— overseas casual corporate kind of vibe. I look professional but am really comfortable and my feet generally don’t ache after the day is done
3. Plan for Cleaning and Maintenance
Traveling exposes your gear to dust, sand, and moisture, which can wreak havoc on your equipment. Here’s how to prepare:
Buy a cleaning kit: Include a blower, lens cleaning solution, microfiber cloths, and lens brushes. This is a MUST. Take care of your gear… you’ve invested in it.
Change lenses carefully: Minimize dust exposure by avoiding lens changes in windy or dusty areas. I always expect to change lenses in a dusty or windy areas, so I pack with me a 2.5 Jumbo Ziploc, and change lenses inside of it.
Use weather-resistant covers: These can keep rain or sand off your camera during rough conditions.
4. Pack Spare Gear Thoughtfully
Avoid the frustration of missing the perfect shot because of dead batteries or full memory cards. Always bring:
Multiple memory cards: Go for high-speed cards with plenty of storage. Rotating cards daily reduces the risk of losing all your images at once. For my Sony camera, I invested in the Cfexpress Type A’s. They’re amazing little things, and make uploading a lot faster.
Memory card case: This is a MUST. Don’t be the guy who buys a new memory card every week because he lost his the previous week. That’s lame. You’ve invested in this gear, so take care of it accordingly. That’s what cool people do.
Extra batteries: Depending on the length of your trip, two to three spares should suffice. For extended outings, consider a portable power bank that can charge your camera and phone. Personally, because I’m a nut, I have four batteries; two for my photography camera, and one for my FX3 if I want to take some video
Two versatile lenses: A wide-angle for landscapes and architecture, and a prime or telephoto for portraits or details. Having two lenses with lots of versatility is great advantage if you can let go of the extra f-stops you lose.
5. Think About the Weather
Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate. Be prepared for whatever she throws at you:
Collapsible umbrella: Great for sudden rain showers.
Rain covers for your gear: A must-have for tropical destinations or unpredictable climates.
Layered clothing: Dress for the climate, but always pack a lightweight jacket or scarf—it can double as protection for your gear in a pinch.
6. Scout Locations in Advance
Research your destination to identify the best photography spots and plan your shots.
Check local regulations: Some landmarks restrict tripod use or require permits for professional-looking cameras.
Use apps: Tools like Google Earth, The Photographer’s Ephemeris, or PhotoPills can help you plan shots based on lighting conditions, golden hours, and composition angles.
Talk to locals: They often know hidden gems that don’t make it into guidebooks.
7. Shoot With Intention
The packing and travel processes are exhausting enough. Do yourself a favor and decide beforehand what story you want to tell with your images. Thinking of it more like a science and less of an art helps you strategically plan out the kinds of images you’re seeking to make no matter the location. Organization is a key skill that is directly applicable to many parts of traveling overseas.
Are you highlighting vibrant street life, serene landscapes, or architectural details? Having a clear focus will help you make better creative decisions and make you a happier person overall during your trip. Even if your pictures don’t turn out quite how you imagined them in your mind’s eye, you can at least learn from that and, most importantly, pat yourself on the back for being intentional with your trip’s photographs.
8. Use Filters to Elevate Your Shots
Filters can add depth and drama to your photos:
Variable ND (Neutral Density) filters: Perfect for capturing silky-smooth waterfalls or reducing glare in bright sunlight. There are many brands to choose from. I got sold on the Peter McKinnon brand VND’s, and I think they’re awesome.
Polarizing filters: Enhance the vibrancy of skies and water by reducing reflections. This isn’t necessarily a must-have if you plan on shooting mostly during dawn or dusk, but a good-to-have nontheless.
9. Carry a Travel Tripod
While bulky tripods can be a pain to carry (and serve as an eyesore), a lightweight travel tripod is worth the extra effort for long-exposure shots, astrophotography, or steady compositions in low light. Look for carbon fiber models—they’re strong yet lightweight.
10. Back Up Your Photos Daily
Losing your photos is every photographer’s nightmare. Protect your work by:
Backing up to a laptop, external hard drive, or cloud storage daily.
Using dual memory cards (if your camera supports it) to record every shot simultaneously.
11. Respect Local Cultures and Customs
Photographing people and places requires sensitivity.
Always ask permission before photographing someone up close.
Avoid entering sacred sites or private areas without explicit consent.
Learn a few basic phrases in the local language—it can go a long way in building trust.
12. Pack Snacks and Stay Hydrated
It might not sound like a photography tip, but trust me, hunger and dehydration can drain your creativity and patience. Keep a reusable water bottle. In my experience, a container that is tall and skinny is going to serve you better.
I know everyone has their own dietary habits, but for me, relying less on carbs and more on fats and high protein intake has been a game-changer, especially for days where I know I’ll be away from where I’m staying. If I eat steak and eggs for breakfast (or just something high-fat, high-protein) my stomach will not want another full meal until after 7pm, or the next day if I have nuts or seeds for lunch. If you’re going to pack snacks, then I really recommend all sorts of nuts and seeds (but I won’t ever recommend peanuts). You get a ton of nutrients and minerals and electrolytes from nuts and seeds, and that’s really important to take into consideration.
I LOVE BREAD, don’t get me wrong. But keeping your blood sugar low during most of your trip is going to have immediate positive impacts on your mental clarity and physical stamina throughout the day, which, as a result, you will be able to enjoy your trip even more. Which leads me to my final tip…
13. Be Present
It’s easy to get so focused on capturing the perfect shot that you forget to enjoy the moment. Take breaks from the camera to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Your memories will feel more vibrant, and your photos might even reflect that joy.
By taking care of these little details before and during your trip, you’ll free up mental space to focus on the art of photography and ensure that nothing distracts you from capturing the magic of your travels.
Where will your camera take you next?