Ever come home from an amazing trip only to realize your vacation photos didn’t capture the experience the way you remembered it?
The good news is you don’t need expensive camera gear to take better travel photos.
In Part 1 of my travel photography series, I sat down with professional travel photographer Ralph Velasco, who has led more than 100 photography tours around the world, to learn his best advice for capturing memorable travel photos and videos. Here are the biggest lessons I took away from our conversation.
Start with the Camera You Already Have
One of Ralph’s biggest pieces of advice surprised me.
Expert Tip: “The best camera is the one that’s with you.”
Many travelers assume they need an expensive DSLR or mirrorless camera before they can take great photos. Ralph says that’s simply not true.
Today’s smartphones have incredibly capable cameras, and because they’re always within reach, they’re often the best tool for capturing unexpected travel moments.
Instead of focusing on buying new equipment, spend time learning how to get the most from the camera you already have.
Amy’s 2026 Update
Since interviewing Ralph, I’ve added a DJI Osmo Pocket 3 to my travel gear, but his advice still holds true. My iPhone and Osmo are now the cameras I use most because they’re lightweight, always accessible, and encourage me to capture more moments. The best camera really is the one you’ll actually carry.
Learn Your Gear Before You Travel
One mistake Ralph sees all the time is travelers purchasing a new camera just days before leaving on an important trip.
While it can be tempting to upgrade before a vacation, your once-in-a-lifetime trip isn’t the best place to learn how your camera works.
Practice close to home instead.
- Photograph your neighborhood.
- Experiment with different settings.
- Learn how quickly you can access the camera.
- Practice changing exposure and focus.
The more comfortable you become with your equipment, the easier it will be to capture great moments while traveling.
Get More From Your Smartphone Camera
If your smartphone is your primary camera, Ralph recommends taking advantage of all the features it offers.
Most phones today can do much more than take still photos.
Try experimenting with:
- Video
- Slow motion
- Time-lapse
- Panorama mode
- Portrait mode (if available)
These features can add variety to your travel memories without requiring additional equipment.
Keep Your Lens Clean
This may be the simplest travel photography tip you’ll ever receive and one I often forget.
Your phone spends the day in your pocket, purse, backpack, or cup holder collecting fingerprints, lint, and dust.
Before heading out each morning, take a few seconds to wipe the camera lens with a microfiber cloth or clean shirt.
It’s amazing how much sharper your photos can become.
Edit Photos Right on Your Phone
You don’t need expensive editing software to improve your vacation photos.
Ralph recommends Snapseed, a free mobile photo editing app that makes it easy to:
- Adjust brightness
- Improve contrast
- Crop images
- Straighten horizons
- Fine-tune color
Once you’re finished, you can immediately share your photos with family, friends, or social media.
DSLR vs. Mirrorless Cameras
If you’re thinking about upgrading beyond a smartphone, you may be wondering whether to choose a DSLR or a mirrorless camera.
According to Ralph, many professional photographers have been moving toward mirrorless systems in recent years.
Some advantages include:
- Smaller size
- Lighter weight
- Excellent image quality
- Less bulky for travel
For many travelers, carrying a lighter camera means they’re more likely to bring it along—and actually use it.
My Biggest Takeaways
After talking with Ralph, a few lessons really stood out to me:
- Great travel photos aren’t about owning expensive gear.
- Practice before your trip—not during it.
- Smartphones are incredibly capable travel cameras.
- Keep your camera lens clean.
- Learn every feature your camera offers.
- The more comfortable you are with your equipment, the better your photos will become.
Watch the Full Interview
If you’d like to hear Ralph explain these tips in more detail, you can watch our complete interview below.
Meet the Expert
Ralph Velasco is a professional travel photographer, author, and international tour leader who has organized and led more than 100 photography tours around the world. He shares travel photography tips, educational resources, and guided photography experiences through his websites and social media channels.
