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“Fine art” photography is one of the most creative forms of photography, and it is different from other styles. Some photographers say Fine art photography is “not about what your camera sees, but it’s about capturing what the artist see as a reflection of his/her creativity.” I totally agree 100%. No matter what photography style you are an expert in, you must explore the world of fine art photography once in your lifetime! It gives you the authority to showcase your ideas and vision as an artist.
Moreover, the concept of “Fine art travel photography” could be different for others. For me, it’s merely about capturing the beauty of the world around us. Through this genre, I get to share my vision of the beauty of different culture, people, and landscape beyond our borders.
Here are a few tips I’ve learned in the past that made me a more effective fine art travel photographer:
#1 Explore People And Culture
One of the most incredible things about traveling is you get to see and encounter different people and their culture. This is a great opportunity to capture images that tells story of those people you come across along the way. As a documentary photographer by trade, I love telling stories through my photographs. I use mostly natural and ambient light. I try to capture genuine emotions to add drama into my images. Equipments of course play a big part in executing these techniques. I love using my Canon 70-200 mm zoom lens, that way I place myself afar from my subject to make sure I am not noticed when I capture them in their most natural moments.
And last but not least, make sure to use the rules of composition in photography – framing, rule-of-thirds, leading lines etc., to get make your images more interesting to your viewers. And when you move around locations, try to find and capture vibrant colors and details to add into your stories. I believe sharing such artistic photos with your audience through your travel photographs lets them see the outstanding beauty of the world that’s beyond every border.
#2 Capture Landscapes
When traveling I always follow this rule – “Take only memories, Leave only footprints”. As a travel photographer, I feel it’s my responsibility as an artist to echo the “memories” of these beautiful landscapes that I just witnessed and give them life in a photograph. You can pretty much shoot at any time of the day to manifest the beauty of nature around you, but for me the best time to capture any landscape is either early in the morning during sunrise, or during the “golden hour” of sunset. Sometimes a little sacrifice, like waking up really early in the morning, can go a long way and produce awesome results.
Make sure you also have the right equipments with you. Aside from your camera and lenses, a very good (light and sturdy) tripod will be very beneficial in capturing very sharp landscape photographs. The go to lenses for me when I travel are – the Canon RF 15-35mm, Canon RF 70-200 mm, or the Canon EF 24-70mm. I use Canon EOS R5 as my main camera.
#3 Be different and Break the Rules
Let’s face it, there are plenty of talented photographers out there who may have photographed the same destination or location you are photographing. Their photos may have been on the cover of National Geographic or Travel magazines. You may have used them as your inspiration, but you don’t seem to get the same result on your first try photographing the same spot. Do not be discouraged. Instead, try to be different. As you create you fine art photographs, your work has to reflect your vision and your creativity.
The best way to make your work look fantastic and unique is to try different perspectives. Do some movements on your photos, using slow shutter speed. Change your angles to give a different look and perspective to your subject. Use a wide angle lens, and sometimes a macro lens to tell a story. Try to break the traditional rules of photography and be creative. And above all have fun along the process.
Below are some images from my fine art travel photography work. These photographs are here for the purpose of inspiring you to take your travel photographs to the next level. Good luck and have fun!
