Some professions can lead you into a monotonous routine where you're stuck doing the same tasks day after day. Conversely, other careers may inspire exploration, self-improvement, and innovative problem-solving. This perfectly describes the life of a travel photographer. There's never a dull moment, while every culture you encounter becomes even more vibrant through the lens of your camera.
Are you thinking about becoming a travel photographer? Then, it's time to take a serious step toward pursuing this profession. This article can help you through it all, from understanding basic photography terms to building your portfolio and making a profit from your work. Read on!
How to become a travel photographer in 6 steps
To become a travel photographer, you need a strong combination of commitment, artistic vision, and adaptability. While many may see this profession as romantic, it entails many risks, such as uncertainty, constant relocation, challenging weather conditions, and unstable income. But for some, it's a calling. For example, the renowned American photographer Steve McCurry, who captured “Afghan Girl” and contributed numerous works to National Geographic, wanted to travel to tell stories of ordinary people. The author covered various armed conflicts, such as the Iran-Iraq War and the Lebanese Civil War. He even escaped drowning in India while also surviving a plane crash in Yugoslavia.
FAQ: How do you become a travel photographer?
First and foremost, ask yourself, “Why do I want to be a travel photographer?” even before picking up a camera. Perhaps you aspire to see your images grace the cover of a renowned magazine. Or, maybe you desire to travel extensively for work. Dreams materialize only when you pursue clear goals.
If you're prepared for such challenges, then a travel photographer career may be for you. But how exactly do you get started?
Master photography rules and techniques
Just like any other profession, mastering travel photography requires understanding the basics. Without these fundamentals, capturing truly striking shots can be challenging.
Here is essential photography terminology:
- ISO—determines your camera sensor's sensitivity to light. Higher ISO values result in brighter photos.
- Shutter speed—measures how long your camera's shutter remains open. A short value freezes fast-moving subjects like splashing water, while a longer one creates motion blur, such as with cars on a highway.
- Aperture—the opening inside your camera that controls the amount of light hitting the sensor or film. A wider aperture (lower f-number) blurs the background, while a narrower one makes the image sharper.
- Rule of thirds—a composition technique that divides a frame into nine equal parts. Placing your subject at the intersections of these lines often creates a more visually appealing image.
- Leading lines—elements in your shot that draw the viewer's eye towards the main subject. They can be anything from roads and rivers to fences and railings.
- Storytelling—a method of communicating ideas through narratives and emotions. Achieving this involves mastering composition, color, light, shadows, and visual metaphors.
If delving into these concepts feels overwhelming, consider enrolling in photography courses. However, you can always find information online—the key is to practice consistently.
FAQ: What skills are needed for travel photography?
This direction isn't drastically different from regular photography work, but there are some unique aspects to consider. Besides mastering technical skills like camera settings, composition rules, and understanding lighting conditions, you also need to be a good planner. For example, certain culturally specific subjects may only be captured in particular countries, so every detail matters, from choosing a shooting location to the conceptualization of your ideas. Besides, you might need to be proficient in multiple genres, such as street, landscape, and wildlife photography.
Invest in gear
Quality photography relies on reliable equipment. However, if you're just starting, there's no need to splurge on expensive gear right away; begin with a simple camera and gradually hone your skills. Also, travel photography demands constant location changes, so your equipment should be compact and versatile.
In addition to a camera, consider other essential equipment, such as:
- Lenses. You never know what subject you'll be shooting next, so invest in different lens types. For example, wide-angle lenses for architecture and telephoto lenses for wildlife photography.
- Extra camera batteries. Sometimes, travelers involved in photography may spend several weeks in remote locations to capture remarkable shots. Your camera should always be ready.
- Tripod. Essential for stabilizing your camera during long exposure shots.
- Portable hard drive. You can store your work on one without worrying about losing your materials.
Start locally
In the beginning, traveling to a particular country and taking photos may require paying from your pocket. Plus, it's unlikely that you'll be able to cover these costs with your photographs. That's why the easiest approach is to start shooting in your local area. You can delve into the history of your region and craft intriguing storylines from there.
Develop your portfolio
Your portfolio is a reflection of your professionalism. Therefore, aim to fill it with various photos showcasing different subjects and genres. You can explore multiple locations, cultures, and narratives to keep your travel photographer portfolio engaging. Check out The Times' selection of the best tourist photos from 2023 to see how vibrant and emotive such shots can be.
Embrace the business side
Working as a travel photographer often means dealing with an unstable income. However, you can take steps to mitigate this by promoting your work and services online. Connect with other photographers, establish an Instagram page to showcase your portfolio, and consider creating your own website.
Ways to become a paid travel photographer: 4 profitable paths
Professional travel photographers rarely find themselves out of work since they have a lot of propositions from magazines. However, if you're new to the field, finding venues for monetization can be challenging. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Selling pictures on stock content marketplaces. This is the best choice for beginners, as stock content marketplaces have no stringent quality requirements for images. Their principle is simple: you upload your photos on a platform and get income based on the number of user purchases.
- Pitching photos to magazines and newspapers. Consider seeking out a niche publishing agency and arranging to produce unique content for it. This could potentially provide you with a consistent source of income.
- Selling photos directly to clients. Do you specialize in a particular region or travel style? Then, sell photo art online to tourist boards, travel agencies, or hotels to use imagery in their advertising materials. Research shows that 20.7% of photographers make money from selling photos online.
- Conducting guided travel tours. If you are strongly familiar with a particular area and can suggest picturesque shooting locations, this could serve as another income stream.
FAQ: How much do travel photographers make?
The earnings depend on your skills and location. As a beginner travel photographer, you might start by selling your shots at a lower price to build up your portfolio. But once you've gained experience, your earning potential becomes unlimited and is solely determined by your abilities and creativity. For example, according to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly wage for a travel photographer in America is around $20.
Conclusion
Photography and travel can make a good combination for a promising career path. This direction offers the chance to immerse yourself in diverse cultures, capture unique narratives, and experience a sense of freedom. While this profession also carries its risks, it's truly rewarding for people seeking liberation and creative expression. To become a professional travel photographer, grasp the fundamentals of composition, upgrade your equipment, master self-promotion tactics, and enrich your portfolio.