08.10.2021 Bert Stephani

Travel photography tips for memories worth printing

Bert Stephani

Bert Stephani is a commercial and editorial photographer from Belgium who specializes in creative portraits and lifestyle photography.

Bert aims to capture what makes someone unique in every portrait. In his lifestyle pictures, it’s all about authentic experiences rather than the fake glamour that is often associated with the genre. Although technical mastery is high on Bert’s priority list, his style is often a bit rough around the edges, just like life itself.

Bert is also passionate about sharing information and knowledge with others. Workshops, lectures and speaking engagements have taken him all over the world to meet inspiring fellow creatives.

Whether travelling near or far, Bert Stephani offers up his best advice on how to take good holiday photos

For many of us, travel has been both a source of pain and hope throughout the past year. In these difficult months, we’ve missed what we can’t have – and waited in anticipation for the day we can once again explore the world beyond our immediate vicinity.

Well, the time is now, and image makers worldwide are sure to be overjoyed at fresh opportunities. While journeying to foreign shores is challenging, potential for photos is still ripe locally.

Before you do go running off, camera in hand, take a moment to make the best of the situation. There are few better equipped to share insight than X-Photographer, Bert Stephani. His approach is unique – and his travel photography tips will teach you how to take good photos on holiday, on your own shores or otherwise.

FUJIFILM X-Pro2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR – F8, ISO 200, 1/1900 sec

The perfect location

Bert’s view on the ideal photography destination is very positive. In no uncertain terms, there’s an opportunity anywhere.

“With international travel, motivation is easier, which helps you rise early or hike somewhere far in bad weather just to get the shot. But you have to consider that tourists visit your home town and find the culture exciting from their own perspective,” he explains.

“There’s always something to explore nearby – sometimes it’s just harder and requires more time and effort. It’s about looking at your world with fresh eyes. If you can do that, you’ll find good photographs.

“Also, local knowledge allows you to dive deeper. You can come back to locations easily, build relationships with the people, and they’ll show you things no tourist would ever find. Work locally with dedication and I’m certain you’ll be rewarded with more nuanced pictures and new skills to use.”

FUJIFILM X100V – F5.6, ISO 160, 1/800 sec

Evidently, a lot can come from trying to see a location through the eyes of a visitor. It need only be an hour or two from your front door. If looking for specifics, though, Bert has found a great deal of success in being observant, considerate and – above all else – himself.

“I’m not a travel photographer,” he says. “I’m a photographer who likes to travel. I think those two things are very different.

“I don’t photograph for travel publications and rarely document a location’s landmarks as you might expect. For me, it’s all about feeling where I am, trying to understand the place, then translating that into pictures.”

FUJIFILM X100V – F5.6, ISO 160, 1/680 sec

Exploring Bert’s body of work, it’s easy to see this approach across many styles. Street scenes, portraits and landscapes all make an appearance, and build towards a complete image of any given place.

“Most very famous locations have been photographed so many times, it’s hard to bring your personal view, without producing a long series of photos. If it’s just one picture of the Taj Mahal or Eiffel Tower, the chances are high that someone has already captured it in better circumstances.

“So, I always tell a very personal story. The images I make illustrate how I see and experience the places I visit.”

FUJIFILM X-Pro3

Travel companions

Of course, in addition to intention, being able to take good photos when travelling comes down to kit – and how you use it. Many say the best camera for travel photography is the one you have with you, which is true to an extent, but there’s a little more to it, as Bert explains.  

“My camera and lens choice depend on what I’m expecting to shoot. I’ve harnessed the potential of the GFX System on minor projects close to home, but also made rare trips – like Tokyo – with only one X Series body and lens because they were discreet. On bikepacking trips, I usually take the X100V, which is amazingly compact. Space is limited on a bicycle and every kilogram you carry is costly.

FUJIFILM X100V – F2, ISO 160, 1/1250 sec

“Even on assignments when it’s typical to take a full kitbag, I like to keep things simple, with only one camera and lens on me at any time. I leave the rest in my hotel room, then switch my set-up between morning and afternoon – or from one day to the next,” Bert continues.

“I always find myself using the FUJIFILM X-Pro3 as my travel body, and it’s probably my favourite camera overall. Lens choice is the XF35mmF1.4 R, or the wider XF23mmF1.4 R in crowds.

“I like to stay within that fairly standard focal range where you don’t get any distortion or much compression in the images. Wider or longer optics have a wow factor, due to an unusual perspective. But with my lenses, I often have to work a bit harder to make a more interesting picture. My composition, light and subjects are always most compelling with these tools.”

FUJIFILM X100V – F8, ISO 160, 1/420 sec

Settings are also key to ensuring images aren’t missed. When travelling, the best moments are often fleeting, so be prepared.

“I usually use aperture priority, with my ISO and shutter speed on automatic. My ISO ranges from 160 up to 12,800 – and shutter speed is set at 1/60 sec minimum, because that’s fast enough to freeze most subjects. If appropriate, I’ll stop down to F8 to focus with a decent depth-of-field.

“I always advise that people know all the technical basics and establish a strong foundation as early as possible. Once you can do the little manual actions without thinking about them, that’s when you can fully focus on the photography.
“There’s nothing wrong with using the automatic camera functions because they’ve become so good. Also, if you’re aware of the story you want to tell, it’s easier to find the right settings to create that specific feeling or composition.”

FUJIFILM X-Pro3 + XF35mmF1.4 R – F2, ISO 2000, 1/160 sec

The secret to success

There’s no single method to guarantee returning from any trip with a selection of award-worthy images. But, there is a very simple way of striking a balance, taking joy in that time and getting images you truly love. This may just be one of the best travel photography tips: “There’s a difference between going on a photography trip, and going on a holiday then taking some photos,” says Bert. “On a family adventure, I want to make good images, but I also want to be a partner and father. It’s all about reminding yourself what you’re there for.

“If you’re with family or friends, and there’s a focus to the journey beyond your photography, you’ll still have small windows of time for image making – but it’s important to let those windows close naturally. Pick your moments.

“Success is also about accepting that there’s a difference between a strong picture and one that’s important to you. I think you have to learn how to be happy with a snapshot.

“A lot of photos have incredible value to me, even though they are not to my professional standard. Something a lot of photographers forget, especially amateurs, is that it’s also about the memories.”

FUJIFILM X-Pro2 + XF35mmF1.4 R – F2.8, ISO 200, 1/3000 sec

Bert’s sentiment couldn’t be truer… and when it comes to our most precious images, there’s no better outcome than a book full of prints. Tangible photos are still special, even in a digital era. For prints, photo books and more, see how you can print your art at myFUJIFILM.co.uk

“One way to make time for photography on family trips is to get others involved,” Bert continues. “Sometimes I give my kids assignments, allowing me the opportunity to photograph alongside them.

“Depending on where you are and who you’re with, sometimes this collaboration can last all day – other times, it’s a short moment of photographing them on the street or incorporating them in a landscape. Finding balance just means not forcing it.”

Bert’s parting sentiment is a good one to always keep in mind.

“Sometimes you get lucky with a scene and you’re happy that you’re lucky. Other times, you’re not, but it’s not a missed opportunity – because there was no opportunity to be had in that moment. There’s no point feeling bad about missing a picture that never could have been.”