Travel photography is all about capturing the essence of your adventures—whether it's through the lens of a high-end DSLR or the camera on your smartphone. Luckily, today’s phones can produce stunning images, and with a few key tips, both phone and DSLR users can take beautiful travel photos that perfectly capture the moment. Let’s dive into ten essential tips for getting the best shots while traveling, regardless of the gear you use.

1. Know your gear

Familiarising yourself with your camera, whether it's a DSLR or a smartphone, is crucial to getting great travel shots. For DSLR users, practice using manual settings (like adjusting ISO, aperture, and shutter speed) so you can adapt to changing light conditions. Phone photographers, on the other hand, should explore their camera's features like portrait mode, night mode. Many smartphones have "Pro" or "Manual" modes that allow you to tweak settings like exposure, ISO, and white balance. This can give you more control over your shots, just like a DSLR!

2. Shoot during golden and blue hours

Light is the most important element in photography, and for both phone and DSLR users, the best natural light occurs during the golden hour (just after sunrise and before sunset) and the blue hour (just before sunrise and after sunset). The warm, soft tones during the golden hour or the cool, atmospheric light of the blue hour add depth and emotion to your shots.

Use your phone’s HDR mode during golden hour to balance the bright and shadowy areas in your photo for more dramatic, well-lit images.

3. Composition matters

Composition is key to creating visually interesting photos. Use the "rule of thirds" by dividing your frame into nine equal parts and placing your subject along one of these lines, or at their intersections, for a more balanced shot. Leading lines, like roads, rivers, or bridges, can guide the viewer’s eye through the photo, creating depth and interest.

Turn on your phone’s grid overlay to help align your shots according to the rule of thirds.

4. Natural light

Both phone and DSLR users should take advantage of natural light, which is often the most flattering. Try to avoid using flash, which can wash out details and create harsh shadows. Instead, position your subject to make the best use of natural light. For portrait photography, soft window light or light filtering through trees can add a beautiful, diffused effect.

If you're shooting in low light, stabilize your phone by resting it on a solid surface or using a portable tripod. Most phones have great night modes, but keeping steady will drastically improve image quality.

5. Zoom with your feet

While DSLR users have the advantage of using different lenses, phone users often rely on digital zoom, which can degrade image quality. The best way to zoom in is by physically getting closer to your subject rather than relying on your phone’s zoom feature.

6. Embrace editing

Editing can make a good photo great, but subtlety is key. For DSLR users, programs like Lightroom or Photoshop offer powerful tools for enhancing your images. Phone photographers can use mobile apps like VSCO or Snapseed to tweak brightness, contrast, saturation, and sharpness. The goal is to enhance the photo, not make it look over-processed.

Many smartphones come with built-in editing tools, including filters and auto-enhance options. Try to keep your edits minimal—sometimes a small tweak in exposure or contrast is all you need.

7. Use portrait mode for depth

If you're shooting people or objects with your phone, portrait mode is your best friend. This mode mimics the shallow depth of field you get from a DSLR with a wide aperture, beautifully blurring the background and keeping your subject sharp.

DSLR Users:

Use a lens with a wide aperture (like f/1.8 or f/2.8) to achieve a similar shallow depth of field effect. This helps isolate your subject and make it stand out.

8. Tell a story with your shots

Don’t just aim to capture pretty landscapes—think about how your photos can tell a story. Document your journey by capturing not just the destination but the details along the way: the local food, the architecture, the people. Think of each shot as a piece of a larger narrative about the culture and experience of the place you're visiting.

Whether you're using a phone or a DSLR, capture a mix of wide shots, medium shots, and close-ups to provide context and details in your travel story.

9. Allow spontaneity

Spontaneity is a big part of travel, and you never know when a great photo opportunity might arise. Keep your camera easily accessible so you don’t miss fleeting moments. For DSLR users, have your camera in a ready-to-shoot mode with a versatile lens attached. Phone photographers should keep their phone within reach, with quick access to the camera app.

Use your phone’s shortcut to open the camera quickly (like double-tapping the power button) so you can be ready for those unexpected moments.

10. Battery

While it’s important to capture beautiful shots, you don’t want to be caught in a situation where your camera dies, or your memory is full. For DSLR users, carry extra memory cards and batteries. Phone users should invest in a portable charger to keep their phone powered throughout the day.

Back up your photos regularly!

With these 10 tips, you’ll be able to make the most of your phone or DSLR camera and capture stunning travel photos. Remember, it’s not the gear that takes a great photo—it’s your creativity, curiosity, and ability to see the world in a unique way. Whether you’re snapping with your phone or a DSLR, get out there, explore, and capture your adventures!

Travel insurance

Total Travel Protection travel insurance has no upper age limits and can provide cover for declared pre-existing medical conditions. You can cover your phone, tablet, or smartwatch whilst you are away with our Phones, tablets and gadgets option. A DSLR would be covered under the personal possessions section. All cover is subject to the terms and conditions of the policy, including a single item limit.

Remember Total Travel Protection do medical screening differently so you may get a better price.

10 Essential Travel photography tips