You’re about to embark on an awe-inspiring travel adventure and want to make sure you have the means to capture the highlights on camera. Travel photography can result in profound and powerful images if you are equipped with a little knowledge and a sharp eye.

Harness the opportunities you have to create profound travel photography by considering some of these influential factors.

Setting

To enhance to composition of your photos, seek out the most photogenic settings in the area you are visiting. If you find yourself in a more rural location, find out if there are any accessible viewpoints, vistas, waterfalls, or other natural wonders. In a more urban setting, reference a guide book or ask the locals to recommend notable neighborhoods, historic landmarks, or radiant restaurants. Finding these unique spots will provide you with some of the best backdrops for the perfect shot.

Train your eye and find inspiration by browsing Instagram and Pinterest for other exemplary travel photos. Lonely Planet, GoPro, and National Geographic all offer awe-inspiring travel photography, from which you’re sure to draw inspiration.

Transportation & Activities

Take some time to consider your transportation options, deciding which means of transport will be the most photo-friendly. For example, rather than roar through the picturesque countryside on a bus, rent a bicycle to ride instead. This will allow you the ability to stop for snapshots whenever you please.

If you find yourself at a lake, don’t limit yourself to only taking photos from the shore – rent a canoe or kayak and get out into the middle of the magnificent waters for some unexpected, creative shots. The Dish recommends trying out some of the more unusual ways to travel, including a hot air balloon, a ride that can yield some amazing aerial views!

Events

Do your research before you embark on your travels. Learn about which events will take place near your destination – whether it’s a weekly farmer’s market, annual music event, community harvest, or cultural festival. Attending local events will allow you to capture the spirit of the place you are visiting.

Keep in mind some tips and tricks for shooting candids, like shoot from the hip, add context to your photo subject, use a telephoto lens, and shoot in burst mode.

Lighting

Timing is everything, especially when it comes to getting the best photo. Be sure to take the amount of natural lighting available into consideration, as well as the time of day. The best times of day to shoot are one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset when the sun is low in the sky – these times are referred to as the golden hours.

At restaurants, request a table near a window, so you can utilize the light to get some great photos of your delectable dishes. Photograph your human subjects in the shade or low-light to reduce squinting and harsh shadows. Try to not use your flash, as it can be disruptive to others; if you harness the natural light, you can get clear, crisp images that capture the natural beauty of your settings and subjects.