TRAVEL

The essence of travel photography, as opposed to just concentrating on the show-stopping photos, is to think outside the box and document the experience. Because you are photographing rusty snowshoes, or an Expedition Leader taking a breather after hauling up a Zodiac on the shore of Antarctica, the elements of photography like composition, proper focus and lighting are as important if not MORE important. It’s the art behind the photograph that must shine, as the photo doesn’t readily sell itself as a rare shot of wild dogs on a hunt in Botswana would.

Often, taking risks and adding an unnatural tilt to the camera can provide a sense of intrigue in the photo.

Sometimes, deliberately making the photo dark or “under-exposed” can add to the mystery of an already mystifying scene before you.

And don’t forget about interesting angles when you can get close to things. Here, a local beekeeper in Bali shows off his wares at a market.

And don’t forget to get a shot of your fellow travelers! After all, they were a significant part of your trip and the overall story.

Ultimately, documenting your adventure is what we’re all after when photographing during travel. Whether you are trying to preserve the memory of the capuchin monkey you saw in the canopy trees of Costa Rica, or the charming villa you stayed at in the mountains of Central Mexico, your photographs are a permanent record of your trip. By looking for those special opportunities to document aspects of the adventure that aren’t the photo highlight, your memories and photo album will be much richer. Certainly, you don’t want to forgo the amazing vistas on your journey, like the view at sunrise in Bryce Canyon, but after taking a few shots of those, why not look around and tell the rest of the story?