How to Take Better Travel Photos & Videos: Expert Tips on Timing, Light & Video

Balance Photography with Being Present

One of the most interesting parts of our conversation wasn’t about cameras at all.

It was about finding the balance between documenting your trip and actually experiencing it.

Expert Tip: “Don’t be afraid to put the camera down and enjoy the place.”

It’s easy to spend an entire vacation looking through a viewfinder instead of appreciating what’s happening around you.

Ralph admits he’s learned to accept that he won’t capture every perfect shot—and that mindset has actually helped him enjoy traveling even more.

This really resonated with me. Photography is one of the ways I experience travel, but I’ve also learned there are moments worth simply enjoying without worrying about documenting every second.

Finding that balance makes both the trip and the photos more meaningful, but I have to admit, it isn’t easy for me. I approach every destination as somewhere I may never visit again so I like to document as much as possible.

Get Out Early

If you’re traveling with someone who isn’t as interested in photography, Ralph has a simple solution.

Go exploring early in the morning by yourself.

Benefits include:

• Beautiful morning light
• Fewer tourists
• Cooler temperatures
• More local activity
• Less feeling of being rushed

Then meet back up later for breakfast and enjoy the rest of the day together.

Shoot During Golden Hour

One of the best-known photography terms is Golden Hour—the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset.

During this time you’ll often find:

• Softer light
• Warmer colors
• Longer shadows
• More flattering portraits

It’s one of the easiest ways to improve your travel photography.

Don’t Forget Blue Hour

Many travelers pack up their cameras as soon as the sun disappears.

According to Ralph, that’s a mistake.

Expert Tip: Wait a little longer after sunset.

The period just after sunset (and just before sunrise) is known as Blue Hour, when the sky turns a rich blue and city lights begin to glow.

This is one of Ralph’s favorite times to photograph destinations because it creates dramatic images many visitors miss.

Photograph What the Sun Is Lighting

When photographing a sunrise or sunset, many people instinctively point their camera directly at the sun.

Instead, Ralph recommends looking behind you.

Often the real photo opportunity is the warm light illuminating mountains, buildings, or landscapes rather than the sun itself.

This also helps avoid exposure problems caused by photographing directly into bright sunlight.

Tips for Better Travel Videos

Photography isn’t the only way to preserve memories.

Here are Ralph’s recommendations for shooting better travel videos.

Keep the Camera Steady

Rather than constantly following the action, let the action happen within your frame.

If possible:

• Lean against a wall or tree.
• Hold your camera steady.
• Pan slowly only when necessary.
• Avoid jerky movements.

Steady footage almost always looks more professional.

Don’t Forget About Audio

Poor audio can ruin an otherwise great video.

Ralph recommends investing in an inexpensive lavalier microphone, many of which connect directly to your smartphone.

Good sound often makes a bigger difference than upgrading your camera.

Amy’s 2026 Update

Since recording this interview, one thing that’s changed dramatically is how we consume video.

Vertical video has become the norm on platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. If you’re creating content specifically for those platforms, filming vertically often makes the most sense.

For YouTube videos or videos you plan to watch on a TV or computer, I still prefer filming horizontally because it fills the entire screen.

The important takeaway is to think about where your video will be viewed before you press Record.

My Biggest Takeaways

After talking with Ralph, these were the lessons that stuck with me most:

• Don’t spend your entire trip behind the camera.
• Early mornings offer the best light and fewer crowds.
• Stay after sunset for Blue Hour.
• Photograph what the sunlight is illuminating—not always the sun itself.
• Keep your camera as steady as possible.
• Good audio is just as important as good video.

Watch the Full Interview

If you’d like to hear Ralph explain these techniques in more detail, watch our complete conversation below.