Common Travel Photography Mistakes (+ how to fix them)

Last Updated on 28th February 2022 by Sophie Nadeau

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From capturing the moment to having snaps to reminisce over, taking travel photography snapshots is one of the best souvenirs you can create for yourself. Here are some travel photography mistakes you’re probably making (and how to actually fix them!).

Yay! So you’ve bought your first camera! Now what? Well, when I bought my first camera, the Sony A6000, there were a number of things I didn’t do; either because I was too lazy or thought that they would be too difficult to manage.

Now, I realise that had I implemented certain techniques and practices right from the start, then those early photos would be so much easier to edit, manipulate and use now! If only I’d done a few things right from the beginning of my photography, then I’d be able to save a lot of my now defunct, and over pixellated snapshots today (especially my Parisian sunrise ones)…

Common Travel Photography Mistakes

#1 Thinking you’re now ‘good enough‘ and no longer need to practice!

When it comes to any artistic endeavour, there are always ways to improve your craft. As a result, you should never stop learning, honing your skills and trying to get better. Constantly look for new angles, new ways to edit and always ask for feedback from friends, family and fellow photographers!

The only way you’re going to improve is if you dedicate time to improving and honing your skills! Even if it’s just dedicating ten minutes a day to your new hobby, this can really add up to quite a large chunk of time by the end of the year. (Over three days worth of time, in fact). It’s often said that it takes 10,000 hours to master a new skill. So what are you waiting for?

#2 Not taking photos in RAW format (if you’re able to)

Even if you’re just going to be using JPEGs for the moment (for example, if you’re only going to edit photos on your smartphone), then it’s still worthwhile taking photos in RAW.

This way, if you want to edit the photos more professionally in the future, then editing will be so much easier! Also, if you end up with a problem with the photo (tourist in the background etc.), then you can manipulate the photo more easily in RAW then you’d be able to in JPEG.

If your camera supports taking photos in RAW format (as opposed to JPEG), then make sure you switch this feature on! After all, editing in RAW is so much easier and simpler since the photo simply has more information you can manipulate after the event. Both Lightroom and the free app, Snapseed, support editing photos in RAW.

#3 Not taking enough photos

Even when you think you’ve got the ‘perfect capture’, make sure to keep snapping away, especially experimenting with different angles. Who knows what you might come up with. 

If there’s one piece of advice I’d give you in terms of equipment, it’s to make sure you have multiple memory cards on you.  After all, technology has a way of failing when you least expect it.

That and memory cards seem to fill up a lot quicker than you might have anticipated when you’re snapping away. If possible, have more than one device on which to capture the moment. 

I typically carry around a camera and my smartphone. When I was visiting Poland, my camera lens broke and I was thankful to have to phone on me to take some snaps.

#4 Not being creative enough

There’s a whole world’s worth of photos out there, just waiting to be taken. There’s also an unlimited amount of creativity in the world. In order to build your brand (or even just take more impressive holiday snaps), you need to get creative and snap away as much as possible when you’re behind the camera.

#5 Buying a fancy camera (and then not learning to use it properly)

One of the best pieces of advice a friend ever gave me was “the best camera you have is the one you’ve got at the time”. I’ve seen better photos taken with an iPhone than some taken with thousands of dollars worth of equipment- it’s all about the framing, the moment and the edit.

If you do buy a good camera, then teach yourself how to use it manually, step by step. Luckily, with the invention of the internet, there are plenty of tutorials and videos available online. Wondering what camera to buy? Here’s a guide to buying a camera for travel photography!

# 6 Not taking the time to learn how to edit your photos properly

Of all the travel photography mistakes you’re probably making, this may well be the one that hasn’t even crossed your mind. After all, editing is one of those processes that will likely take place after you’ve left the destination and are back home!

However, bear in mind that even the best travel photos need a quick touch up to take them from ‘great’ to ‘awesome.’ Wondering where to start when it comes to editing? Here’s how I easily edit photos with my smartphone!

#7 Not using your camera manually

If there’s one thing I wish I’d done when I’d bought my first camera, it’s that I wish I had learned to use my camera manually from the get go. The only way you’ll ever actually learn to take photos is by teaching yourself to use the camera manually.

This means learning how to correctly implement ISO, the shutter speed you should use for different situations and the aperture number you should be using. Using these three functions from the very beginning will mean that you’ll get used to the camera more easily and find it easier to manipulate your lens in low light and intense light situations. After all, photography is all about drawing with the light.

#8 Being afraid to take bad photos

If there’s one thing that you should do when you buy your first camera, is not be afraid to make mistakes.

You’ll never know if you don’t try. And besides, it’s certain that when you’re starting out, and even later on down the line, not every photo you take will be a Monet-worthy masterpiece. Nobody’s perfect and everyone makes mistakes; especially in creative endeavours like photography.

If you think you can see a good shot, then go for it! One of the best things about shooting photos in the digital age is that pixels can be erased, just with a click of a button.

You don’t have to worry about wasting expensive film because.. you’re not wasting it. On that note, also don’t be afraid to try new things; a new angle, a different ISO or shutter speed. Experiment and you’ll learn what works best for your artwork and for you.

#9 Being afraid to show your photos to other people!

The best way to improve your photography is by receiving feedback from others. Of course, you should like your photos, but getting feedback about your work is a surefire way to understand what can be improved in your photos. When you look at your own photos, you’re sure to be biased.

Getting someone to review your photography can be anything from setting up a public Instagram account to letting your partner sneak a peek at the end of the day…

A final note on travel photography

If you’re taking photos with the view to post them on a blog or similar platform, be sure to check out our blogging guides. Otherwise, if you’re looking to post your photos on social media, here’s how to find your Instagram Niche, here’s how to edit your Instagram photos, and here’s how to increase Instagram engagement.

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