A Different View: Travel Photography Tips

Have you seen this brand new ad by Celebrity Cruises?

I love it, in large part because it sums up my own journey with cruising. I was sceptical to begin with, but my first Celebrity Cruises voyage gave me a different view of this way of travelling, and I was quickly hooked. If you don’t believe me, take a look at my collection of cruise posts.

I’m really excited to be working with Celebrity Cruises on an upcoming project, which I’ll be able to share with you very soon, but in the meantime I have been thinking about the concept of a different view.

When I’m visiting a new destination, it’s my mission to find something new: a unique angle, an unusual activity, a hidden gem. In short, a different view. To help you find a different view on your next holiday, I’m sharing my top travel photography tips:

Add interest to the foreground of landscapes

The view of Table Mountain from Lion’s Head is stunning, but the greenery in the foreground adds depth and interest. 

Looking at a spectacular landscape is breathtaking, but it can be difficult to capture such majestic beauty through a camera lens. Adding something interesting to the foreground of your photo helps to show depth and scale, as well as drawing the viewer’s eye to the main focus: the beautiful scenery.

Flowers, people, rocks or even a passing cat – there aren’t any rules about what should be in your foreground – take a look around and work with what’s closeby.

Try a new angle of an oft-captured view

Amsterdam’s famous canal houses are one of the city’s most photographed sights, but capturing them in this bike’s reflection is a brand new perspective.

It’s hard to find a different view of a sight that’s been photographed over and over again. It seems like every possible angle of the Eiffel Tower has already been captured, but finding a new angle isn’t as hard as it sounds.

Try shooting from the ground, from below, from above, from up close. Look for water that is reflecting the view you’re trying to capture. Use surfaces around you to rest your camera on. Play around, have fun, and you’ll soon find a different view.

Get up early and stay up late

This photo was taken at dawn on the Asian side of Istanbul

I’m not a morning person, but some of my favourite photos I’ve ever taken were snapped at the break of dawn. It’s also a great time to take photos without crowds. In busy cities, early morning may be the only time you’ll be able to capture popular sights without thousands of other people in the frame.

In the same way, night time can offer a new and unique perspective to a scene. Be sure to pack a tripod for night photography though – in low light, you’ll need to keep your camera steady.

Use the rule of thirds

She’s looking at the ocean, but you’re looking at her!

It can be tempting to snap a photo as soon as you see something amazing, but if you take the time to set up the picture correctly, using the rule of thirds for example, you’ll end up with better results every time.

The rule of thirds works like this: imagine that your frame is divided into 9 equal squares (like the face of a Rubik’s Cube). When you’re taking a photograph, make sure that the most important element of your photo is placed along one of these lines, or at a point where the lines intersect. Composing a photograph in this way will draw the viewer’s eye to the subject of your image.

Always be ready for a photo-ready moment

I captured these two locals watching the Tour de France in the French Alps earlier this year. 

Many of the best photographs are taken when a spontaneous moment happens. Someone laughing, a dolphin leaping from the water, a local going about their day-to-day life…

Be prepared by keeping your eyes peeled for photographic moments to capture. Look around you – don’t forget to look up – and keep your camera charged and handy in a new destination.

What are your top travel photography tips?

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