In the world of travel photography, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of the perfect shot, but sometimes, it's the simple habits that can make the biggest difference. Sean Dalton, a travel photographer, shares five habits that can elevate your travel photos from forgettable to remarkable. These habits are not just about technical skills or gear; they're about mindset and approach. Let's dive into these habits and explore how they can transform your travel photography.
1. Having a Purpose Before You Leave
One of the most common pitfalls in travel photography is aimless shooting. You come back from a trip with hundreds of images, but when it's time to edit, you feel lost. Dalton suggests having a purpose for your photos before you leave. This could be creating a physical photo book, a series for a magazine, or simply a collection of specific themes. By having a clear purpose, you're more likely to shoot with intention and end up with a more cohesive and meaningful collection of images.
Personally, I think this is a crucial step that many photographers skip. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the trip and start shooting without a plan. But by taking the time to define your purpose, you can ensure that your photos have a clear direction and story to tell. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it can change your perspective on the trip itself. Instead of just seeing the sights, you're now actively seeking out images that align with your purpose.
2. Working a Scene, Not Just Grabbing Shots
Dalton emphasizes the importance of working a scene rather than just grabbing one obvious shot and moving on. He uses the example of Canal Saint-Martin in Paris during a heat wave. Instead of just capturing the iconic location, he shoots three distinct types of images: a wide establishing shot, medium shots that bring you closer to the people and action, and tight detail shots that capture texture, reflection, and feeling. This approach adds depth and context to his photos, creating a more compelling story.
From my perspective, this is a powerful reminder that travel photography is not just about the destination, but also about the people and experiences you encounter along the way. By taking the time to work a scene, you can capture the essence of the place and the people in a way that a single frame never could. What many people don't realize is that this technique can be applied to any location, not just iconic landmarks.
3. Editing with Context in Mind
Another common mistake Dalton points out is forcing one editing style across every location. Paris in summer and New York in winter are not the same place, and editing them identically can flatten what makes each one distinct. He encourages photographers to consider the context of each location and adjust their editing style accordingly. This allows for a more nuanced and authentic representation of the place.
If you take a step back and think about it, this makes perfect sense. Each location has its own unique character, and by respecting that, you can create images that are true to the place. What this really suggests is that travel photography is not just about the technical aspects, but also about the emotional connection you make with the place and its people. By editing with context in mind, you can enhance that connection and create images that resonate with viewers.
4. Rethinking the Foreground at Iconic Locations
When visiting famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, many photographers fall into the trap of treating the landmark itself as the subject. Dalton offers a fresh perspective by encouraging photographers to rethink the foreground and reframe what 'the photo' actually is. This approach can make you approach iconic locations differently and create more dynamic and engaging images.
One thing that immediately stands out is how this technique can add a new dimension to your photos. By focusing on the foreground, you can create images that are more intimate and personal, while still capturing the essence of the landmark. What many people don't realize is that this technique can be applied to any subject, not just iconic locations.
5. Shooting in Conditions That Aren't Ideal
Dalton also emphasizes the importance of shooting in conditions that aren't ideal, rather than waiting for perfect golden hour that may never come. He uses the example of hard midday light in a Paris summer, which is genuinely difficult to work with. However, his argument for shooting anyway and learning to use whatever light you have is one of the more practical things in the video.
In my opinion, this is a crucial lesson for any photographer. It's easy to get discouraged when the light isn't perfect, but by embracing the challenge, you can develop new skills and a deeper understanding of light. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it can push you out of your comfort zone and help you grow as a photographer. It also raises a deeper question: is the perfect light really necessary for great photography?
Conclusion
Sean Dalton's five habits for travel photography are not just tips and tricks; they're a mindset shift. By having a purpose, working a scene, editing with context, rethinking the foreground, and shooting in conditions that aren't ideal, you can elevate your travel photos from forgettable to remarkable. These habits are not just about the technical aspects of photography, but also about the emotional connection you make with the place and its people. So, the next time you're on a trip, remember these habits and see how they can transform your travel photography.
