Travel photography is one of the many forms of photography. It involves documenting pictures of places, cultures, art, people, etc. The best part about being a travel photographer is that you get to make others experience travel through your lenses!
When you travel, you gain a new experience and perspective. With travel photography, you can capture these experiences and relive them for a long time. Additionally, you can also share your experience with people.
In this blog, we will explore the art of capturing the world through your lenses through travel photography.
The History Of Travel Photography
Photography is the art of capturing pictures that tell a story. It encapsulates the essence of a place and moment. Photography was first introduced in the early 1800s when Louis Daguerre invented a box camera that was known as the Daguerreotype. It was known to be a magic box that created black-and-white pictures.
Later, Kodak cameras were launched in the late 1800s. These were more portable and easy to use. All that people had to do was press a button and get the films developed. Later, in the late 1900s, digital photography was introduced which used pixels to capture images instead of films.
Photography is often seen as an expensive passion as it requires expensive equipment such as cameras, lenses, lighting, etc. However, now it has become more accessible through smartphones. Phone photography has also started to emerge. Nonetheless, there is still a major difference between images captured by a smartphone and a digital camera.
Also read: Fun Hobbies Reimagined: Rediscovering Forgotten Hobbies
Understanding Travel Photography
Ideally, photographers often specialise in one particular genre of photography. However, travel photographers need to have a diverse specialisation of landscape, portrait, architectural, and street photography.
Often people think that it’s simply about taking pictures of destinations. However, it requires a lot more effort. Travel photographers prepare by researching the destination well and understanding what they are known for.
Apart from knowing the destination well, they have to prepare their equipment according to the weather conditions. A good photographer is someone who can adapt to difficult situations easily.
How To Get Into Travel Photography?
Since social media has grown exponentially, people such as travel bloggers have started to share photos and videos of places they visit.
Nonetheless, it doesn’t mean you can simply pick up a camera and click photos. It requires fine skills that take time, practice, dedication, and patience to learn and master.
Let’s take a look at how to get into the travel photography field!
1. Learn About The Art
Photography is a form of art. Hence, you need to learn about it and practise it to really get good at it. If you especially want to get into travel photography, you can start with your city or town. Understand what your hometown is famous for and try to capture the essence of it.
However, it is also important to learn about the basics of photography such as the IOS, Aperture, Shutter speed, etc.
You can also ask family and friends for feedback. Feedback will help you get healthy criticism and work on refining your skills.
2. Build Your Portfolio
One thing no one tells you about being a photographer is that clicking pictures is just the half of it, editing is what helps bring life to your images. Hence, learn to edit and practise it along with your photography skills.
Once you have mastered these skills, start building a portfolio. This will help you attract more clients and get paid for your work.
Also read: How to build a strong photography portfolio to attract more clients
3. Network
One of the most important aspects to grow as a professional photographer is to network with people.
Remember that the beginning of your photography career can be slow as it takes time to build a portfolio and grow your network. However, growing your network will help you gain more opportunities.
If you need to learn how to start networking, you can try joining photography communities and participating in photo walks, and photography tours. These will help you connect with more like-minded people who share the same interests, and you may learn a lot from them.
4. Create An Online Presence
Creating an online presence will help people notice your work and your talent. You can opt to create a website or build a social media presence. This allows people to notice your work and find you easily.
Ensure that you upload your portfolio so that people can see your work. Moreover, leave your contact details such as your email address and phone number so that a client can easily get in touch with you.
5. Gain Experience
Gain experience by working with other people. You can start by working as an assistant photographer with well-known companies or even work as a freelancer. This will help improve your portfolio and also help build trust with potential clients.
6. Market Yourself
Market yourself by approaching potential clients. You can either try to search for clients who are looking for a photographer or approach people offering your services. This will help you get more clients.
Conclusion
Travel photography is the art of capturing the essence of a place. The first camera to come into existence was in the early 1800s. and was a box camera built by Louis Daguerre, then came Kodak who introduced film cameras, and today we have grown to digital cameras.
To become a professional travel photographer you must learn about the art, network with people, build your portfolio, gain experience, and market yourself to reach potential clients.
While the beginning of your photography career may be slow, stay patient as your hard work will pay off. Remember to be consistent and keep working on your skills.
Anshuman