10 Essential Travel Photography Tips for Beginners & Pros
What’s poppin, people? It’s Dante. This morning, I’m giving you some advice for traveling and photography. These two things go hand in hand and honestly are at the forefront of what I do.
An Adventurer’s Mindset
I consider myself more of an adventurer. I’ve been to a lot of different places, and through photography, I’ve become more intimate with life itself. What’s interesting about photography, in my opinion, is that it has nothing to do with photography, but everything to do with how you engage with life and humanity.
“The camera is the passport that allows me to experience different things.”
Through my travels, I’ve lived in a mud hut in Zambia, drawn water from a well, and experienced life under a thatched roof. I’ve volunteered on a kibbutz in Israel, milking cows and working in gardens. I’ve lived in a Palestinian city, slept on the floors of mosques in Jericho, and learned about Islam firsthand. But all of this was driven by curiosity—no agenda, no grand goal—just a desire to experience life and capture it through my camera.
Tip #1: Pack Light
When you travel, travel light. The last thing you want is to be burdened by heavy bags. I personally use the Peak Design 45L backpack, which is perfect because:
- It includes packing cubes to keep things organized.
- It has space for an iPad or laptop.
- It’s compact yet spacious, allowing for an extended stay with minimal gear.
When it comes to cameras and equipment, keep it simple. Bring one camera, one lens. If you have a backup, that’s great. I personally carry the Ricoh GR III and Ricoh GR IIIx. But beyond that, you don’t need much.
“You’d be surprised how much you can fit in a 45L backpack—simplify everything.”
Tip #2: Travel with Intention
When I traveled to Rome, I had a specific plan:
- Mornings: Learn Italian at a local school.
- Evenings: Photograph the streets and immerse myself in the culture.
Sometimes I travel to learn something specific, other times I just go for the joy of making photographs. When I spent time in Mumbai, I had no plan at all—I just followed my gut and my camera.
Tip #3: Stay Longer in One Place
If you want to really experience a place, stay for at least two to four weeks. A month is ideal.
For example:
- Mumbai, India – Chaotic, dynamic, an explosion of life. The real Mecca of street photography.
- Hanoi, Vietnam – Walkable, peaceful, and affordable. A great balance of tranquility and energy.
- Mexico City – Close to the U.S., vibrant, and full of life.
“Once you have a month in a place, you don’t need a strict itinerary. Just wake up, grab your camera, and go.”
Tip #4: Be Open to the Unexpected
When I traveled to Mumbai, I had no idea I’d be there for Holi Festival. I didn’t plan it. I just went.
“Stop waiting, stop planning—just go.”
Tip #5: Choose Walkable Cities
Avoid the hassle of daily transportation. Pick cities where you can walk everywhere:
- Hanoi – Stay near Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Mexico City – Stay in the central district.
- Mumbai – Use tuk-tuks sparingly; otherwise, walk and explore.
The best experiences happen on foot.
Tip #6: Use an Instax Camera for Connection
One of my biggest secrets for integrating into communities is carrying a Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo. This allows you to:
- Gift prints to strangers.
- Gain trust and access for deeper photography.
- Engage with locals in a more meaningful way.
I learned this in Israel and the West Bank. Gifting prints to elders and children opened doors for me.
Tip #7: Travel Solo or Choose the Right Partner
I prefer traveling alone. It gives me complete freedom. If you travel with someone, make sure:
- You have the same goals and rhythm.
- You both enjoy photography in a similar way.
For me, my friend Matthew is one of the only people I’m comfortable shooting with. We’ve traveled through Mexico City, New York, and the West Bank together.
“If you have a travel partner, great. If not, go alone. It’s better that way.”
Tip #8: Capture Video Without Disrupting the Moment
I love using a GoPro Mini for capturing quick memories. The best part? No screen. Just snap it onto a magnetic mount on my chest and forget about it. Use video as a memory tool, not a distraction.
Tip #9: Engage with the Culture
- Visit temples, mosques, churches.
- Eat with locals.
- Participate in traditions.
I once spent two weeks sleeping in mosques in Jericho, learning about Islam, fasting during Ramadan, and praying five times a day. These are the experiences that deepen your photography and storytelling.
Tip #10: Trust Your Instincts & Avoid Overplanning
When I traveled to East Jerusalem, I looked up information about the separation wall and saw warnings online. It almost discouraged me. But then I remembered:
“Never do prior research before entering new places. Just go. Immerse yourself in the moment.”
I don’t read books about a place before I go. I don’t research hotspots. I just show up and explore.
Final Thoughts
Photography and traveling are my greatest passions. If you’re looking for inspiration, just go. Stop overthinking. The world is out there, waiting.
- Travel light.
- Stay longer.
- Go with the flow.
- Engage with people.
- Capture the experience.
Thanks for reading. Peace.