Five Mistakes to Avoid in Travel Photography
During my extensive travels in 2024, I learnt a lot—especially about what not to do. Whether you're capturing bustling streets, serene landscapes, or vibrant cultures, avoiding these mistakes can help you improve your travel photography and make your journey smoother.
1. Choosing Style Over Comfort in Footwear
When you’re walking 30,000+ steps a day to find the perfect shot, comfort beats style every time. No one cares what shoes you’re wearing, but your feet definitely will. If your feet are sore, blistered, or aching, you’ll be miserable, and that discomfort will affect your photography. Pick something supportive with good cushioning, and make sure to break them in before your trip. Waterproofing is also a great bonus, especially if you’re shooting in unpredictable weather conditions.
2. Carrying Too Much Gear
It’s tempting to bring every lens and gadget, but trust me, you won’t need it all. Over time, I’ve reduced my kit to just one camera and one lens for photography. Carrying too much not only weighs you down physically but also slows down your creative process. You’ll waste time switching lenses, setting up gear, and worrying about theft or damage. The less you carry, the more you can focus on composition, lighting, and storytelling. Your creativity is what makes great images—not the gear. Travel light and let your instincts guide you.
3. Not Backing Up Your Photos Daily
One corrupted SD card taught me this lesson the hard way. Losing a day’s work is painful, and prevention is easy. Always carry a hard drive or SSD and back up your photos daily. If possible, keep multiple backups—one on an external drive and another in cloud storage. Accidents, theft, or technical failures can happen at any time, and having a proper backup system ensures you don’t lose valuable shots from your travels. A simple habit like transferring your files every night before bed can save you from heartbreak.
4. Ignoring Mobile Connectivity
Roaming fees can add up fast, and being unable to access maps, translations, or emergency contacts can be stressful. Get a local SIM or an eSIM before you travel. I personally use Holafly, and it’s been a game-changer for staying connected without unexpected charges. Having reliable internet access also helps with navigation, staying in touch with fellow travellers, and even quickly researching locations to plan your shoots. Don’t let connectivity issues leave you stranded—sort out your mobile data before you go.
5. Shooting Too Fast Without a Plan
When arriving in a new location, it’s easy to shoot everything in sight. The excitement of a new place can lead to trigger-happy photography, but this often results in a collection of random images with no strong narrative. Slow down. Find your scene, be patient, and let the subjects come to you. This approach, often called the “fishing technique,” leads to stronger, more intentional storytelling. Observe how people move, how the light changes, and what makes the location unique. Take your time to compose meaningful shots rather than just capturing everything in a rush. Quality over quantity always wins.
Conclusion
Travel photography is an incredible way to document your journeys, immerse yourself in different cultures, and capture unforgettable moments. However, avoiding these common mistakes can make your experience smoother and your photos stronger. Prioritise comfort, travel light, back up your work, stay connected, and slow down to truly absorb your surroundings. By doing so, you'll create images that are not just visually appealing but also meaningful.
