Travel Photography and Visual Storytelling
Introduction
First of all, it is not essential to be a photographer or visual storyteller. You can make a living as a travel writer without these skills, for example, guidebook writing, or literary travel books don’t require photography or visual storytelling.
However, having these additional skills is valuable and can enrich your offering to editors, clients and business partners. If you can offer photographs that could potentially run alongside a newspaper article or magazine feature, then that can help the editor and strengthens your pitch.
If you are focusing on building a career around your own travel blog (or Vlog) then excellent photography and visual storytelling is a must.
Take the time to learn photography skills. You don’t need to be an expert, but understanding composition, lighting, and editing, will all elevate your work. Once you’ve mastered these skills and have photography and film to share, then the next step is learning how to sell travel images to publications.
Being able to craft beautiful, evocative visual storytelling, can also be really helpful when a magazine or client is on a budget for a project – if they only need to send the writer then that can result in a better paid gig for you.
Beginner Tools:
Camera: Your phone or DSLR (e.g. Sony, Canon, Fujifilm)
Editing: Lightroom, Snapseed, VSCO
Top Tip: Take a short course (there are many good photography and visual storytelling courses available online). Do your research on those that get results and that best suit your budget and needs, and get started. Remember, any kit that you need to use for your travel writing business, including investments like a camera or editing programmes, and any training you undertake, should all be tax-deductible so hold on to those receipts!
Basics of travel photography for writers
As a travel writer, travel photography skills are not essential. That said, strong visuals can really elevate your storytelling, capture the essence of a destination, and increase the appeal of your work. You don’t need to be a professional photographer, but learning the basics of travel photography will help you create compelling content that complements your writing.
Why Travel Writers Need Good Photography
- Good photography will enhance your articles & blog posts. Many publications and blogs prefer stories with high-quality images.
- It increases engagement – Social media posts with stunning visuals get more clicks and shares.
- Boosts earning potential – You can sell photos to stock websites, travel brands, or pitch to editors along with your articles.
Top Tip: A great photo can sometimes sell a story before the words do!
1. Choosing the Right Camera
You don’t need an expensive DSLR to take great photos. Here are some alternative options:
- Smartphones – The latest iPhones, Samsungs, and Google Pixels have pro-level cameras.
- Mirrorless Cameras – Compact, lightweight, and great for high-quality travel shots.
- DSLR Cameras – Best for professionals, but bulky for travel.
- Action Cameras (GoPro, DJI Osmo) – Ideal for adventure travel.
Top Tip: The best camera is the one you have with you! Learn how to get the best shots with whatever gear you own.
2. Mastering Composition & Framing
Great travel photos follow key composition rules:
- Rule of Thirds – Imagine a 3×3 grid; place key subjects at intersections.
- Leading Lines – Use roads, bridges, or paths to draw the viewer’s eye.
- Foreground Interest – Add depth by including elements in the foreground.
- Framing – Use doorways, windows, or arches to frame a scene.
- Minimalism – Sometimes, less is more. A clean composition stands out.
Top Tip: Experiment with different angles and perspectives – shoot low, high, or through objects for unique results.
3. Capturing the Best Light
Lighting makes or breaks a photo. Here’s when to shoot:
- Golden Hour (Sunrise & Sunset) – Soft, warm, and perfect for landscapes & portraits.
- Blue Hour (Before Sunrise & After Sunset) – Dreamy cityscapes and twilight skies.
- Midday Light – Harsh shadows; use shade or adjust exposure.
- Night Photography – Use a tripod and long exposure for crisp shots.
Top Tip: Overcast days create soft, even lighting—perfect for portraits and markets.
4. Editing Your Travel Photos
Even a good photo can be improved with editing. Use these tools:
- Lightroom – Professional but beginner-friendly.
- Snapseed – Free and powerful for mobile editing.
- VSCO & Adobe Photoshop Express – Great for filters and quick tweaks.
- Canva – Easy editing for blog and social media graphics.
Top Tip: Keep edits natural—avoid over-saturation and excessive filters and make sure you capture images at a high enough resolution for publication.
5. Best Practices for Travel Writers Using Photography
- Shoot in High Resolution – Most publications require 300 dpi images.
- Always Take Extra Shots – Capture multiple angles and variations.
- Tell a Story – Think beyond landscapes; capture people, details, and local life.
- Respect Local Cultures – Always ask permission before photographing people.
- Organise Your Photos – Use folders and backup drives to store your work.
Top Tip: A mix of wide shots, close-up details, and action shots makes for a dynamic travel story.
How to take great travel photos with your phone/camera
Remember you don’t need an expensive camera to capture stunning travel photos. Whether you’re using a smartphone, mirrorless, or DSLR, understanding composition, lighting, and basic editing can make a huge difference.
Equipment – Pros & Cons
When it comes to equipment, smartphones are excellent for quick, candid shots, and many advanced models offer night mode and manual controls. In fact, you should be able to take amazing photographs just by using your smartphone. But if you want a sharper image quality opt either for a compact mirror less camera or a DSLR (if you don’t mind carrying a heavier camera on the go). If you’re into adventure travel or want to capture underwater shots then opt for a GoPro or Action Camera.
Mastering Composition
A well-composed photo tells a better story. Play around with angles, perspectives. Shoot far, shoot near. Always look for a story in the images you capture. Follow the tips above on composition, framing, choosing the best light and editing your images.
Top Tip: Overcast days are great for portraits and street photography, as the diffused light prevents harsh shadows.
How to Take Sharp, High-Quality Photos
- Clean Your Lens – A smudged lens ruins even the best shots.
- Use Two Hands or a Tripod – Stabilise your phone or camera to avoid blur.
- Tap to Focus – On smartphones, tap the subject to ensure sharp focus.
- Adjust Exposure – Swipe up or down on your phone screen to brighten/darken an image.
- Use Burst Mode – Capture fast-moving subjects and select the best shot later.
Top Tip: Avoid digital zoom on smartphones; instead, move closer or crop later for better quality.
Travel Photography Best Practices
- Shoot in High Resolution – Use RAW format if possible for better editing flexibility.
- Capture Candid Moments – Authenticity makes travel photography powerful.
- Tell a Story – Photograph landscapes, people, food, and details to bring a destination to life.
- Respect Local Cultures – Always ask for permission before taking portraits of locals.
- Back Up Your Photos – Use Google Photos, Dropbox, or an external hard drive to avoid losing memories.
Top Tip: Take multiple shots from different angles—later, you can choose the best one!
Capture the World Like a Pro
Remember, the best travel photos are not just about expensive gear but about how you see the world. Just as you write in your distinctive voice, seek to bring your unique sensibility to the travel photography you capture. By mastering composition, lighting, and editing, you can take stunning images with any device.
Now, grab your phone or camera and start capturing unforgettable travel moments!
Introduction to Travel Vlogging
Travel vlogging is an exciting way to document and share your journeys with a global audience. Whether you want to inspire travellers, showcase hidden locations, or monetise your content, vlogging can be both a creative outlet and a business opportunity.
Why Start a Travel Vlog?
Perhaps you are more of a visual storyteller than someone who likes to craft articles. If so, visual storytelling through video can be one of the most engaging and rewarding ways to share travel experiences.
Creating a travel vlog (a YouTube Channel, TikTok, or even Instagram Reels) allows you to build a personal brand and become a recognised voice in the travel community. In terms of monetising your work, travel vlogging enables you to earn from YouTube ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
All you need to get started is a smartphone and an eye for visual storytelling.
Top Tips for Travel Vlogging
All storytelling, whether written or visual, starts with story. What is the story you are trying to tell? Plan your shots before you start filming. Both long-form and short-form content will find an audience online, so shoot for both if that’s what you are interested in doing. But make sure you have plenty of shots that can be used for short clips – attention spans are increasingly short, especially on social media.
No-one likes to watch blurry footage, or a camera that jolts. Stabilise your footage – use a tripod or a gimbal for smooth shots, and always check 1. That you are actually recording 2. That the shot is in focus.
Next to image quality is audio quality. Invest in a small clip on or hand held microphone for better sound quality. Think about the audio conditions when you film (is it very windy for example, or is there an echo or a lot of road traffic).
Natural lighting is best. Shoot during the golden hour for beautiful images. Use editing tools like Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Rush or CapCut to edit and shape your videos. Think about the role of music (make sure you have the right to use it!), editing cuts and captions to make your vlogs more engaging.
There is an entire art dedicated to effective thumbnail images for YouTube videos – the brand you create, the type of image, the title you choose for the video. Study Channels that you enjoy watching and see how they approach this.
Don’t forget subtitles – making your content available in a range of subtitled languages can expand your audience reach.
Remember, YouTube is like a billboard for your travel storytelling. If you have digital products, run a course, have a travel shop – use your YouTube Channel as a way to direct viewers to the work you have to offer elsewhere.
Top Tip: There are literally hundreds of videos online on how to film for YouTube. Invest some time in learning from others – it will save you time in the long run.
How to create engaging travel content for social media
Social media is a powerful tool for travel creators. Whether you’re posting on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or Facebook, here’s how to make your content stand out:
1. Know Your Platform
- Instagram & TikTok – Short, eye-catching videos (Reels, Stories, and TikToks).
- YouTube – Longer, storytelling-based content (vlogs, guides, documentaries).
- Facebook – Travel storytelling with engaging captions and community-building.
- Pinterest – Optimised images and videos for search-driven discovery.
Top Tip: Repurpose content—turn one vlog into multiple short-form clips for different platforms. But remember – you don’t have to have a presence on all platforms. Choose the ones that work best for you.
2. Create Scroll-Stopping Visuals
- Use High-Quality Footage – Avoid blurry or shaky videos.
- Start with a Hook – The first 3 seconds determine if people keep watching.
- Tell a Story – Structure content with a beginning, middle, and end.
- Include People & Emotions – Audiences connect with human experiences.
- Keep Text Minimal but Powerful – Use captions to reinforce key messages.
Top Tip: Use bold fonts, fast cuts, and trending music to keep engagement high or go the other direction and just post what you want, how you want – have your own style rather than copying trends. Your growth will be slower but you will build a more loyal audience.
3. Optimise for Engagement
Use Hashtags & Geotags – Helps people discover your content.
Ask Questions in Captions – Encourages comments and interaction.
Post at Peak Times – Research when your audience is most active.
Engage with Followers – Reply to comments and DMs to build community.
Experiment with Trends – Stay updated with viral formats and challenges.
Top Tip: Post consistently—at least 3-5 times a week for social media growth but don’t beat yourself up if you don’t see fast growth. Social media algorithms are constantly changing – not always to the benefit of the content creator – so stay up to date on what is happening with the platforms you are choosing to focus on, and don’t be afraid to change if you find a platform is no longer performing for you.