Top Tips for Capturing the Perfect Holiday Photos

Travel is all about making memories, and what better way to preserve those moments than with stunning holiday photos?

1. Chase the Golden Hour

Lighting is everything in photography. The best times to shoot are during the "golden hour"— shortly after sunrise and just before sunset. During these times, the sun casts a soft, golden glow that makes everything look warm and dreamy. If you’re up for an early adventure, sunrise also offers fewer crowds and a peaceful atmosphere.

Sunset in Arnhem Land

2. Tell a Story Through Your Shots

The best holiday photos tell a story. Don’t just take pictures of landmarks—capture the small moments that bring your trip to life. Photograph your morning coffee at a charming café, the view from your train window, or street performers adding music to the city. These candid moments help create a richer travel narrative.

The perfect morning coffee in the south of Spain

3. Use the Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is a classic photography technique that adds balance to your composition. Imagine your frame divided into a 3x3 grid. Instead of placing your subject in the center, position it along one of the grid lines or at an intersection point. Most smartphones and cameras even have a grid overlay to help you perfect this.

Using the lower third of the grid for this shot of an elephant family in Tarangire National Park in Tanzania

4. Play with Perspectives

Avoid taking all your photos from eye level—experiment with different angles and perspectives. Crouch down for a ground-level shot of cobblestone streets, or climb to higher ground for panoramic views. Sometimes, looking up at ornate ceilings or getting a close-up of intricate details can create a dramatic effect.

Looking up at the staircase in the hidden traboules of Lyon, France

5. Make Use of Leading Lines

Leading lines—such as roads, rivers, fences, or pathways—draw the viewer’s eye into the frame and create depth. Use natural or man-made lines in your surroundings to guide the focus of your photo, making it more visually engaging.

Following elephants down a path during Mahut training in Thailand

6. Focus on Portraits and Candids

Some of the most memorable travel photos are portraits of people—whether it’s travel companions, friendly locals, or candid shots of someone immersed in the moment. Instead of staged poses, aim for natural expressions and interactions. Capturing someone mid-laugh or deep in conversation adds authenticity to your travel memories.

Some local Maasai children are excited to see visitors near Ngorongoro crater

7. Frame Your Subject Creatively

Framing your subject can add layers and context to your photo. Use natural frames like windows, arches, or doorways to create a frame-within-a-frame effect. For example, a shot of the Eiffel Tower framed by trees in the foreground can make the scene feel more intimate and unique.

View of Tallinn, Estonia from the city wall window

8. Don’t Forget the Details

Some of the best travel photos focus on small, intricate details that are easy to overlook. Take close-ups of colorful flowers, decorative tiles, street signs, or your plate of food at a local restaurant. These detail shots complement your wide-angle landscapes and provide texture to your travel album.

Street signs in the white towns of southern Spain

9. Master Reflections and Silhouettes

Water, mirrors, and glass create opportunities for stunning reflections, while silhouettes at sunset can add a dramatic flair. Position your subject between the light source and the camera to create a beautiful shadowy outline for an ethereal effect.

Silhouette of kayaking in Dubrovnik, Croatia

10. Edit, but Don’t Overdo It

Editing apps like Lightroom, Snapseed, or VSCO can enhance your travel photos, but be careful not to overdo the filters. Subtle adjustments to brightness, contrast, and color balance can make your shots pop while still looking natural. Aim for edits that highlight the beauty of the scene without making it look artificial.

Dark and broody settings for the vultures

11. Respect the Moment

It’s easy to get caught up in snapping photos and forget to enjoy the moment. Be mindful of your surroundings—respect cultural sites and the privacy of locals. Sometimes, the best memories happen when you put the camera down and take it all in.

12. Create a Signature Shot

Think about creating a signature shot that defines your travel style—whether it’s a particular angle, pose, or setting. It could be jumping shots at famous landmarks, feet-in-the-sand photos at the beach, or dreamy coffee shop scenes. Your signature shot adds a personal touch to your travel album.

A whiskey with a view from every place we ever visit - here in Big Sur, California

Final Thought

Travel photography is as much about experiencing a place as it is about documenting it. With a mix of creativity, patience, and a sense of adventure, you’ll capture holiday photos that transport you back to your favorite destinations for years to come. So grab your camera, explore with an open heart, and let your photos tell the story of your journey.