Being a travel photographer is more than just snapping pictures of striking destinations and stunning landscapes; it’s about capturing the essence of a place and sharing those experiences through captivating images. However, to ensure you like what you do and improve in your field of work, it’s essential to learn the basics of photography travels and the necessary technical skills.
In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of photo travel logistics, discover the main types of travel photography, and explore aspects of portfolio building. Read on to learn how you can profit from being a travel photographer.
How to get into photography as a traveler
Becoming a travel photographer might seem like a complex process, but if it’s truly your passion, the journey will be incredibly rewarding. Follow these steps to kickstart your photography career.
- Discover different travel photography types
There are currently over 40 different photography types, which you can explore in detail in the following Depositphotos blog article. While not all of them are directly related to travel photography, you still need to understand them and choose the ones that appeal to you the most. After all, a travel photographer’s career isn’t limited to shooting landscapes.
There are travel photographers who work in resorts or on cruise ships, offering portrait sessions. There are travel wedding photographers who make their way across the globe with their clients or relocate to popular venues. There are also wildlife photographers who take pictures of animals and birds, and travel bloggers who capture all the details of their journeys and share them on social media. The niche is quite big, and there’s a place for everyone, so start by picking a direction that interests you the most.
- Master the basics and equipment
Start with exploring and mastering the fundamentals, including photography terminology, composition tips, and lighting tricks. Learn how to use the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing to create visually appealing images. Understand the importance of natural light, how to use it to your advantage, and how to work with artificial lighting when necessary. Practice various techniques, e.g., long exposure and HDR photography, to expand your skill set.
Furthermore, do your research before you start assembling your equipment. There are so many brands available on the market these days, from Canon, which became the market leader in 2023, to its no less efficient competitors, such as Sony and Nikon. Think about additional things you might need, such as lenses, tripods, extra batteries, and memory cards.
- Build your portfolio
After you’ve mastered the fundamentals and assembled your photography kit, you might need to spend some time practicing and building your portfolio. A strong portfolio should include your best works and be diverse and high-quality.
To receive feedback and gain visibility, consider building an online presence. Depending on the amount of time and effort you can invest in the process, you can focus on a professional website or blog, opt for social media accounts instead, or combine all of these.
To get an idea of what your portfolio might look like, research famous travel photographers or list your favorite ones and follow them online. Experienced creators have mastered the art of creating an online portfolio and can offer some insight into proper content organization. For example, by checking out the portfolio website of renowned Australian travel photographer Lisa Michele Burns, you can see how she sectioned her work and delivered her content details, including clients, destinations, projects, etc.
- Figure out the business details
To ensure that photographs taken during your travels can be used legally and help your personal brand grow, you need to figure out all the business and legal aspects of this profession. Start with learning about image licensing, contracts, and copyright laws. For example, familiarize yourself with the different types of licenses, such as royalty-free and rights-managed, and understand how to draft and negotiate contracts that protect your rights and outline usage terms.
Also, research the market to determine the pricing for different types of work, such as photoshoots, prints, and licensing, and determine your compensation level. You can also attend industry events, join photography groups, and connect with other photographers and potential clients to find job opportunities.
How to earn a living as a travel photographer
So, how do you make money as a travel photographer? This is one of the most desirable yet challenging steps for many. The digital era has changed things a lot for travel photographers. Years ago, they used to work for magazines to showcase different places across the globe to readers, but nowadays, this is less common. Photographers often offer their pictures to magazines for free for exposure.
At the same time, it doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to sell photos or monetize them otherwise. These days, there are several most common ways for photographers to make money, including:
- Selling photos on stock websites or directly to clients who need specific travel images. You can upload your visuals to image stocks and earn royalty fees each time someone purchases your files. For example, Depositphotos is a perfect marketplace for aspiring creators who want to get into stock content. You simply have to create a contributor account, pass a brief examination, and start uploading your visuals after approval. Remember that you have to provide relevant keywords and descriptions for your visuals to ensure users can find your content in a library of over 250 million files. You can also make money by selling your photos to travel agencies, magazines, websites, or businesses looking for authentic travel content.
- Collaborating with brands to create visual content for their marketing campaigns. You can feature their products or services in striking travel settings with high-quality images that emphasize their features, benefits, and evoke the desired emotions. Compelling storytelling will help you create narratives that resonate with their audience, enhancing the relatability and appeal of the brand’s offerings.
- Organizing and guiding photography tours. You can lead tourists to picturesque spots and viewpoints. Your tour fees may include you taking pictures of your clients, providing valuable insights into photo techniques and composition, and sharing destination knowledge.
- Becoming a travel influencer and getting paid for it. First, you can monetize content that showcases destinations, accommodations, tours, and travel-related products. Second, you can collaborate with brands through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, or partnerships, endorsing products that align with your personal brand and values
Summing up
It takes time, effort, and dedication to build a successful career as a travel photographer. The evolving digital landscape has changed the way photographers earn a living but has also introduced many new opportunities, from making money selling photos online to influencing through social media. To pursue this career, explore different types of travel photography, learn the basics, practice, and hone your skills.
James is the head of marketing at Tamoco
