Travel Photo Tips for Amateurs

I like taking photos and I want to create visual memories of my life and travels. While I truly recognize and admire the talent and knowledge that professional photographers are able to create with their art, I have no aspirations to that level. That doesn't mean that I don't want to improve. On the contrary, I am always looking at ways that I can improve my minor photographic talents however my main goal is that my photos are clear, interesting and share my experiences in an aesthetically pleasing way. This post is intended for beginners with equally modest goals. With today's technology, taking clear images has never been easier. Our phones and cameras can automatically focus and adjust to different lighting techniques without any effort from the user. Pre-sets are available to create more vivid sunsets and soft-focus portraits. Both include advanced settings with more precise options for photographers wanting more control.

Camera or Phone?

As a strict amateur, the equipment to choose is whatever works for you and your budget. For many, our phones work well. The quality of images and available functions are remarkable. No additional equipment is needed. The device is small and lightweight. As phone camera quality improves, more and more amateurs are choosing to use phones phone as their primary cameras.

I use a Nikon DSLR mainly because I like bird and wildlife photography and I want to be able to use a telephoto zoom lens to get detailed photos. Fancy DSLR cameras are expensive and every additional lens or accessory is an additional expense. They take up more space, tend to be heavy and attract the attention of thieves. However, there is generally greater versatility and range of options and adjustments for more knowledgeable users.

Whether using a phone or camera, it's pretty easy to take clear photos. Our phones and cameras automatically adjust lighting and focus as we capture the image. For most of us to improve our travel shots, we need to focus on the way the image "fits" the space... which is much different than the space in which we are actually viewing the scene.