Summer is just around the corner, and for many of us, it’s time to think about our summer travel plans, but we also need to think about how we want to preserve those memories.
Capturing the essence of our vacation through photography can be rewarding as well as fun.
Photos to Take Every Time You Travel
Once we return from that vacation, it’s always nice to have a few photographs showcasing the trip. It doesn’t really matter where we go. Whether it’s a stay-cation or an epic trip halfway around the world, capturing those memories via photographs should always be a priority.
Here are a few things I think about when preserving those memories via photos.
1. The Big Picture
Photographing an entire skyline or epic vista helps capture a destination in its entirety. Trying to do so might be the perfect excuse to hike to the top of a hill or visit the tallest building in a city. So, let’s make sure we take the time to really capture those locations in their entirety showcasing the big picture.
2. You and your travel companions
Since I’m always the one behind the camera, it’s amazing how few photographs I have of myself on our travel adventures, especially during our family vacations from many years ago. Obviously, this was long before any of us heard the word selfie.
These days, I make it a point to either use my travel tripod
Don’t forget to include friends you’ve made along the way and be sure to take multiple shots!
3. An Iconic Landmark
Don’t shy away from taking the same photograph of an iconic landmark that thousands have already taken. Who cares! These are your memories and you deserve to capture the moment. So, take that photograph from your perspective and add your own flair.
Just remember to be patient. Timing can make a huge difference in the overall image. If there is someone blocking the view, wait for them to move. If there are clouds you want or don’t want in your photograph, wait for the right moment. If the weather is bad, consider returning another time or another day. Use your feet to move around and capture the subject from a unique angle. Make it yours!
4. Hidden Gems & Roadside Attractions
One of the best things about travel is discovering those off-the-beaten-path hidden gems. Maybe that’s a secret garden, a beautiful neighborhood, a remote beach, a unique shop, or a wildlife refuge.
I love stumbling upon unique roadside attractions. Be sure to photograph these gems and consider the little details.
5. Activities
You’ll definitely want to capture a few photos of you and your friends engaging in a unique activity such as zip-lining, off-roading, or and epic hike. The adventures are endless. Have fun!
6. Local Food & Culture
One of my favorite things about travel is discovering the local cuisine and culture. Each region of America (and the world) offers its own uniqueness. I love visiting New Mexico during the chile season (August/September).
The aroma and foods are so incredibly delicious that I’d make a special trip to Santa Fe just for the food, but I feel the same way about northern Wisconsin during blueberry season. 😋
7. Lighting
Wake up early, stay out late. The soft, warm light seen around sunrise and sunset can give your photos a magical quality. And who doesn’t love watching a beautiful sunset with someone special while enjoying a cocktail? Although personally, I’m partial to sunrise and coffee. Regardless, golden hour/ blue hour offer some of the most stunning skies.
8. List of Ideas
Do some pre-trip location scouting by doing some research on your destination. Blog posts, YouTube videos, and Instagram can provide a wealth of information and ideas for sights to see, things to do, and great photo-op stops.
If you’re on a road trip, research the journey as well. Be sure and jot down these ideas either in your phone or in a small notebook so you can plan your days accordingly.
Final thoughts
Remember it’s all about photographing something special that you will associate with your vacation and the people that helped make the trip a time to remember. Don’t worry if the images aren’t perfect and don’t over-edit them. Keep it real… perfectly imperfect. These are your photographs and your memories.
Capture life … remember the moments!
Live Laugh RV 
43 responses to “Vacation Photography Tips”
Travel and photography just seem to go together!💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
I totally agree and two of my favorite things to do! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A terrific post and anyone seeing your photos will definitely agree that you are a gifted photographer.
LikeLike
Awe, thank you so much Karen. Many times the sights I see are so perfect that they jump into the camera with not much effort on my part. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful post, Ingrid. I love your tips & photos. We were on the same page this week with our posts, huh?! ☀️
LikeLike
Absolutely! Perhaps this summer, we should plan a blogger meet up and photography outing in the cooler temps found in Flagstaff. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds like so much fun! Do you have a “contact me” email on your blog site? If so, let’s exchange phone numbers!☀️
LikeLike
You’re friends with Marsha and Janet, right? I think I already have your number from a group text. I’ll shoot you a text message so you have my number.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ingrid,
I saw your second comment on EA. There’s no reason to buy new and you should find your birding lens without committing a fortune toward one. Please do a post on birding for us newbies on the skill and techniques. I’m a long way from being good at it. After all, your bird pictures are what attracted me to Live, Laugh, RV. All our best! Joe
LikeLike
Well, I’m not sure I’m qualified to make any recommendations on bird photography. My simple answer is shoot on shutter priority, burst mode, then point and pray. 😁📷🐦
LikeLike
Great advice along with great photos! The Four Corners picture is quite cute!
LikeLike
Fortunately when we visited the Four Corners we practically had the place to ourselves giving us plenty of time to mess around. I certainly wouldn’t go out of my way to visit Four Corners, but since it was along our route, we stopped. Quirky roadside attractions can be entertaining.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh. My Gosh I loved this post! Beautiful photos! And I love the part about not over editing. I am not patient with the editing. And I use the auto setting most of the time! But I have fun and I love taking photos. (I want to learn more and need to take the time to do so…) Your post inspired me!
LikeLike
Thank you, Lisa. I’m glad I could provide a little inspiration. I tend to enjoy editing, but like to keep the edits simple for photos intended for preserving memories. Photography is all about having fun, and there are so many great YouTube videos providing lots of inspiration and help. Happy shooting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ingrid,
We’re one week into a road trip and carrying a backpack of new equipment. You’re post is very timely because I’m eager to get on with it. I love the picture of you and your daughter as well as the picture of the Dragonfly. We’ll spend four nights in Arizona, but probably too far south to get together. We’ll be back through in September. Have a great week and keep the camera handy. Joe
LikeLike
A backpack of new equipment? Hmm, you’ll need to share. Yeah, I figured you guys weren’t traveling anywhere near us. Next time. Enjoy your trip!
LikeLike
Good tips and all ones that I try to follow, although these days we’re not so good at remembering to get photos of the two of us!
LikeLike
I know, we always seem to get caught up in the moment and forget to take those people pics. Regardless, I’m so glad I do have tons of photos from our travels whether we’re included or not.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well unfortunately I can’t figure out how to leave a new comment, so here it is. What a wonderful collage of photos that really illustrate the points that you made. So fortunate to have experienced some of these with you and Al. I’m toying with the idea of visiting briefly around the first part of October. It all depends, of course, on a few things. Maybe we can grab ML and try some Milky Way photos.
LikeLike
Hi TBG, we too enjoyed our meetups. Do keep us up to date if you visit our neck of the woods. We’ll be here and I’d love to try a Milky Way shoot. I think I have just the lens.
LikeLike
Ingrid, we are, indeed, kindred spirits. Alan and I are on a waterfront site at our favorite lake. Shortly before reading your post, I watched the sunrise with both my camera and my coffee at hand. A delightful way to start the day. This is quite the eclectic assortment of photos. You do realize that you could start your own stock photo company, don’t you?!
LikeLike
Haha Mary, you are too kind. However, I do have more photos than I can count from our travels. More than half need to be deleted though. 😁
Aaahhh, a waterfront site/sight…. so jealous. What a perfect way to start the day.
LikeLike
Great post Ingrid. What camera and lens do you use.
LikeLike
Thanks! I currently shoot a Panasonic Lumix GX8 and my main lens is an Olympus 14-150. I’m super happy with this setup but I’ve only had it less than 3 years. Most of the images in this post were taken with a Lumix FZ300 which I loved using until it broke.
LikeLike
Excellent suggestions, Ingrid.
LikeLike
Thanks Curt, and I know you could probably add a recommendation or two to this list. You do such a fabulous job of documenting your excursions.
LikeLike
Thanks, Ingrid. Laughing, I thought about it. Like when you take a photo, look behind you to see if another one is lurking. Or, always carry a camera, especially if you have blogs to produce. I’ve been caught on that one a few times.
LikeLike
Haha, I think many of us can relate … we’re always looking for blog material. 📷
LikeLike
Not a bad thing. Grin. Especially when it takes us into beautiful areas!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ingrid, these are great tips for all travelers! Your photos are beautiful as always. I will often see a group posing for a picture and ask them if they would like me to take it so they can all be in the photo. Then I ask them to take ours. We’ve met some interesting people and had fun conversations doing that. And I never pass up an unusual roadside attraction or a good sign.
LikeLike
Thank you, Beth and I do the same – asking folks if they’d like me to take their picture. It usually turns into a fun interaction. My most favorite and unusual roadside attraction was the one I featured here in Nebraska; Carhenge. So funny!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful and informative post!
LikeLike
Thank you Egidio. I hope you have some upcoming summer travels or at least some local outings with the camera planned.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Companions: We’re celebrating our upcoming 55th Wedding Anniversary by meeting with a few friends at a time for a visit rather than having a big party with many people. At our second get together, hubby took 8 photos with his camera on a tripod that had a remote shutter thingie. Amazing how a group of people can not all smile or look at the camera at the same time, etc, etc. In the end, it is a memory that will take 8 photos to tell one story!
LikeLike
Haha, how funny that it took 8 takes. Congrats on the anniversary. It’ll be 41 for us next month. Makes ya wonder where the time has gone. Sounds like a fun time with friends. 🌵
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are going on a big trip soon. Thanks for the tips and the inspiration.
LikeLike
I’m jealous! We haven’t been a big adventure in quite some time. We have an extended weekend planned for June, but that’s about it for us this summer. Safe travels and have a wonderful time.
LikeLike
Beautiful and fun photos. It’s been a long while since I’ve been to Four Corners.
LikeLike
Thanks Tim. Writing this post has me wanting to revisit Santa Fe. It has been a while since our last trip. I still think New Mexico is underrated and offers some of the most beautiful and unique experiences. I regret not having spent more time meandering around the state during our RVing days.
LikeLiked by 1 person
NM does offer a lot of unique beauty. It truly is the Land of Enchantment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it most definitely is the “Land of Enchantment” and a hidden gem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A beautiful and useful post,Ingrid. I loved the photos and the tips. 🥰
LikeLike
Thank you, Janet. It’s always fun going down memory lane.
LikeLiked by 1 person