Make More Than Just Holiday Snaps

Great travel photography does more than just show beautiful scenes in beautiful light, it tells the story of the destination and the personal journey the photographer took to get there. Here are a few tips on how you can do the same

For many of us, travelling is one of the most exciting and enjoyable things we do. From two weeks of relaxation in sun-kissed beachside bliss right through to a perilous expedition into the extreme mountain wilderness, every holiday is unique – but the thing that makes it that way is you.

It’s for this reason that in order to document your travels in a way that is compelling for viewers, you need to convey your experience, rather than the experience that everyone who ever went there has had. Of course, you can use your FUJIFILM camera’s self-timer or vari-angle LCD screen to make amazing selfies in all the beautiful places you visit – in fact, we encourage it – but we’re talking about more than that. We’re talking about telling the whole story.

As much as your friends and family love you, even a doting grandparent will grow tired of looking at photos of your toothy grin blocking out half of an awesome view. Therefore, instead, try to focus on the experience of being there.

In this article, we have outlined a few ways that you can convey the whole story of your holiday. This will not only make your photographs more compelling for others, but it will help you remember all the tiny details that made your trip so unique.

Wider Scenes

Any great tale always begins by setting the scene, and telling the story of your travels is no different. We’re talking about the big, wide panoramic landscapes or cityscapes that will put everything into context.

Maybe you’re travelling from an out-of-town airport to your hotel and turn a corner to catch your first glimpse of the city skyline in all its glory. By making an image of that view, you’re preserving the feeling of excitement at the adventure that lies ahead.

The exact same principle could apply on a hiking holiday. In a situation where you are preparing for the ascent of a mountain, make an image of the peak’s awesome majesty to encapsulate the anticipation and determination you are feeling in that moment before you hit the trail.

Photo © Elia Locardi

Photo © Patricia Davidson

Photo © Afton Almaraz

Photo © Ryan Budhu

Details

While wider, scene-setting images are important, if that’s all you see, it can feel a little impersonal. This is why it is really important to also make images of the details of an area. After all, they are what give the place its character.

These details can come in many forms. It could be the unique architectural design that is present around every street corner. Or the exotic plants and flowers that look like something out of a science fiction film to you. Or even imagining the food that creates the distinctive aromas that fill the air every evening.

Photo © Dan Hogman

Photo © Afton Almaraz

Photo © Alison Conklin

Photo © Rafael Concepcion

Culture

A huge part of the excitement that comes with travelling is the culture shock. In fact, this immersion into sights, sounds, and daily rituals that feel so alien to our own is possibly the biggest reason why the vast majority of us like to travel.

The culture of a place can completely change after a journey of just a few miles, so it’s extremely important to frame it wherever you can. The best place to start is where culture itself starts: the local people.

Look for any unique practices that interest you. These could span from day-to-day life, such as local dress, food or modes of transport, to deeply important customs and rituals such as commemoration, worship or social etiquette.

Having said this, it is extremely important to be respectful when photographing local people. Without realising it, you could be causing extreme offence just by raising your camera to your eye. A decent guidebook can help as it will outline what’s culturally acceptable and what isn’t. Otherwise, there is nothing wrong with asking permission. Every situation is different, so always be sensitive to the atmosphere, but you’ll be surprised what you can achieve with eye contact and a smile.

Photo © Daniel Malikyar

Photo © Braden Gunem

Personal Experiences

So far, we have paid a lot of attention to framing all the things that make your destination unique, but we can’t forget what makes your trip special. It’s essential that you document your own personal experiences, too.

Tell the story of your preparation for the trip with an image of your packed bags at home before you leave; memorialise afternoons at the beach bar with images of the waiter mixing your favourite drink; or remember the vehicle and driver that took you on a nail-biting journey between mountain villages. But most importantly, make lots of photos of yourself having fun with the people you meet.

Photo © Braden Gunem

Photo © Gary Tyson

Photo © Bryan Minear

How Do You Feel?

By following the guidelines above, your travel photos will undoubtedly tell a more compelling visual story, but the most important thing to remember is that it is all about emotion. And that always begins with you.

When you are visiting a new location, don’t get caught up with making images just because you think you should. Instead, be led by the way you feel. Whether it is excitement, anger, awe or downright fear, as soon as you connect with a scene, the image you make becomes more powerful. Not just powerful for you, but for anyone else who sees it.

The Best Tools for the Job

The key to travel photography is to always be ready. Throughout this article, we have touched on many different scenarios and photography genres, so in order tell an effective story, it is extremely important to ensure you are carrying a versatile setup.

For this reason, zoom lenses are often the best option as they can provide everything from wide-angle expansive views, to beautifully framed portraits, to faraway telephoto details.

The FUJIFILM X Series offers a wide range of zoom lenses that are perfect for travel photography. Compare our favourites below, or explore the full lineup here.