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 truly 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.
Purpose Before You Go
One of the most crucial habits Dalton emphasizes is having a purpose for your photos before you leave home. Many photographers, myself included, often shoot aimlessly, hoping to capture the perfect shot. However, without a clear purpose, these images can end up as random shots on your hard drive, never truly reaching their potential. Dalton's shift from shooting for Instagram to creating physical photo books for himself and his partner was a game-changer. It gave him a clear direction and a reason to capture not just the grand vistas but also the small details, candid moments, and food that make a place truly come alive. This simple shift in mindset can make a world of difference in the quality and impact of your travel photos.
Work the Scene
Another critical habit is working a scene rather than just grabbing one obvious shot and moving on. Dalton demonstrates this by shooting three distinct types of images at Canal Saint-Martin during a Paris heat wave: 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. By combining these layers, he creates a story that a single frame never could. This approach not only adds depth and dimension to your photos but also makes for a more engaging and immersive viewing experience.
Editing with Context
Dalton also stresses the importance of editing with context. He warns against the mistake of forcing one editing style across every location, regardless of where the photos were taken. Paris in summer and New York in winter are not the same place, and editing them identically can flatten what makes each one distinct. This is a crucial lesson in understanding the unique character of each location and allowing that to shine through in your editing. It's about capturing the essence of a place and letting it speak for itself.
Rethink the Foreground
A common trap that almost everyone falls into is visiting a famous landmark like the Eiffel Tower and treating the landmark itself as the subject. Dalton's take on how to rethink the foreground and reframe what 'the photo' actually is will make you approach iconic locations differently. By focusing on the foreground and using the landmark as a backdrop, you can create images that are both powerful and unique. This simple shift in perspective can help you stand out from the crowd and capture images that truly make a statement.
Embrace the Light
The final habit Dalton shares is about embracing the light, even when it's not ideal. He acknowledges that hard midday light in a Paris summer is genuinely difficult, but his argument for shooting anyway and learning to use whatever light you have is one of the more practical things in the video. By embracing the light, you can learn to work with what you have and develop a more versatile and adaptable approach to photography. This habit not only helps you improve your technical skills but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the beauty in everyday light conditions.
Slowing Down is the Key
In a world where we're constantly on the move, Dalton's final tip is to slow down, both in your shooting pace and your travel pace overall. He and his partner spent a full month in Paris specifically so he could give the city the attention it takes to find something worth photographing. This commitment shows in the footage throughout the video and reframes how you think about planning a trip around photography in the first place. By slowing down, you can truly immerse yourself in the place and capture the essence of it in a way that rushing through would never allow.
In conclusion, these five habits can transform your travel photography from forgettable to truly remarkable. By having a purpose, working the scene, editing with context, embracing the light, and slowing down, you can elevate your travel photos to new heights. So, the next time you're planning a trip, remember these habits and watch as your travel photos come to life in ways you never thought possible.
