How to take frame-worthy photos while traveling

There's a reason everyone, even people who wouldn't call themselves photographers, loves taking photos on a trip. These experiences are unique, and photos help preserve them. With a little know-how, you can capture travel photos that actually reflect your adventure, not just document it.

Do a little homework first

Before you go, look into what your destination is known for and when it looks its best. Does a spot photograph better at sunrise, or is fog common in the afternoon? It's worth learning a bit about local customs too, since some places restrict photographing certain buildings, landmarks, or people. No shot is worth causing offense, or worse.

Plan your photos around the best light

The "golden hours" around sunrise and sunset offer the best natural light for photography, soft and diffused, versus the harsh shadows of midday sun. Planning your shots around these windows makes a noticeable difference in your results.

Use the rule of thirds

Imagine your photo divided into nine equal parts by two horizontal and two vertical lines, then place your subject along those lines or where they intersect. Most phone cameras have a grid option in settings to help you line this up.

Bring a lightweight travel tripod

It might feel like one more thing to pack, but a compact tripod lets you capture stable low-light shots, landscapes, and self-portraits without camera shake, and it folds down small enough for a backpack.

Experiment with height and angle

Shoot from a low angle to make a subject feel larger and more dramatic, or from up high for a bird's-eye view. Changing your perspective can turn an ordinary scene into a standout shot.

Skip the cliché shot

You've seen the photo of someone "holding up" a landmark a hundred times, so has everyone else. Move around, experiment with angles, and look for a different way into a well-known spot. Storage is cheap, so don't be afraid to take more than you need and edit down later.

Include a subject for scale

A sweeping landscape can look flat in a photo without something to anchor it. Include yourself, a travel companion, or a willing local in the frame to give the eye a focal point and the scene a sense of scale. Traveling solo? Your phone's timer comes in handy here.

Notice the small details

It's easy to get swept up in the big sights and miss the smaller ones. Textures, patterns, and colors, in food, architecture, or clothing, add variety to your album and often say as much about a place as the landmarks do.

Portray the local culture, respectfully

Some of the best travel photos come from the people you meet. A shot of a bustling market or a portrait of a local you've connected with can be more memorable than any landmark, just ask permission first.

Pack smart

High-resolution photos mean big files, so make sure you've got the storage for them. Keep your phone charged (or bring a portable charger), and carry a soft cloth to wipe down the lens. A little dust or grease is often the difference between a crisp shot and a foggy one.

Types of travel photos worth printing

• Landscape: Rolling hills, coastlines, and the scenery that stopped you in your tracks.
• Cityscape: The architecture and energy of the places you explored.
• Candid moments: The in-between shots that tell the real story of the trip.
• Iconic landmarks: The sites that make the destination instantly recognizable.

Turn your favorites into wall art

Instead of letting your travel photos sit on your phone or disappear into a social feed, print your favorites on canvas. At Canvaspop, our design team can help with edits and touch-ups to get the shot looking its best, so your favorite landscape, cityscape, or candid memory gets the display it deserves.

Ready to transform your travel photos into beautiful canvas prints or framed art? Click below to start creating unique and lasting reminders of your adventures.