Are you looking to create unique shots on your upcoming trip and avoid the typical clichés of travel photography? Take a look at these five expert tips below (all quick, too) that guarantee you’ll get fabulous photos and memories that’ll last a lifetime.

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5 expert tips for unique travel photography (2024)

These ideas help elevate the technical quality of your travel photos and add an element of creativity and storytelling that can make your travel memories unique and memorable:

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1 Find unusual angles & perspectives

One of the simplest ways to get a slightly different photo on your travels is to consider a different angle to the view. For example, if you want to photograph a well-known landmark, try photographing it differently from the thousands of other images out there by looking at it in a different way.

Here are some ideas for unusual angles:

- Get very low down & photograph from the floor
- Shoot from the hip
- Get a child’s eye view of the scene
- Look straight up
- Look down
- Fill the frame and leave out elements such as sky (as seen above)
- Raise the camera above your head
- Climb a building or use a drone to get even higher view over an area
- Take a photo of your subject in a reflection‍
- Try using a different ratio to the regular , like 1:1 (square) or 16:9 (panoramic)

All of these  will help you think more about the composition in your frame, and you’ll find yourself focusing on different elements of the scene, giving you a unique perspective.

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2 Take images through objects to get an atypical frame

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Use objects within the frame to give your images a unique edge. Here are some ideas of how you can incorporate objects.

You should consider taking pictures:

- Through a window of a train, plane or car
- Through architecture
- Through foliage
- With a subject in the foreground that is blurred
- With a moving element in the foreground

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You'll see them everywhere once you look for objects that could work in your frame. Before you know it, you’ll be well-versed in taking this type of picture, and it’ll be something completely different to what you would have otherwise captured.

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3 Give your camera to somebody else

If you find yourself in the company of locals, whether that's your host, some new friends, colleagues, or visiting a particular community, if you trust them, why not give your camera to one of them while in their company and invite them to take photos using your device? It’s a fantastic way to gain an unexpected insight into the place you’re at. Not only will you be getting their perspective on a place, but you’ll also no doubt get images you would have never seen.

I did a similar project in 2010, sending a disposable camera to a friend living in Azerbaijan. I had previously visited for a travel photo project, but thought it would be a great idea to send them a camera, along with some instructions on the types of images I would love for them to photograph from their perspective of being there, to add to my travelogue.

My favourite image is below:

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4 Incorporate a prop

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Do you carry a mascot or take a little object from home as a lucky companion on your travels? If so, incorporate it into the photo!

I always travel with a Lego Bigfoot, which I keep in my bag. It’s an instant reminder of all my adventures, and I love building up a personal collection of these types of shots. Here’s the latest one from a Madeira trip to the Banana Museum.

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5 Capture the mundane moments and places

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Sometimes, the best moments during your travels are when you’re doing something mundane, like sitting at a train station, people-watching while eating lunch in a park, or sitting out on the balcony enjoying a coffee. Take photos of these moments, as you’ll get images that don’t just show all the landmarks and pretty scenes from the trip; you get to remember those moments that made you feel so content in your travels, too.

Plus, you’ll remember more of your journey, not just the exciting parts. It also gives you another fresh perspective on a place, with images of places and moments that are otherwise unassuming.

Here are a few ideas of mundane places to get you started, but you’ll find more of these in time, too.

- In train stations and transit centres
- At your accommodation
- Local streets and buildings
- On the road
- Walls, doors and floors

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Final thoughts:

Travel photography is about more than just capturing beautiful landscapes and iconic landmarks—it's about telling the story of your journey through unique perspectives and creative techniques. By experimenting with unusual angles, framing your shots through objects, and even handing your camera to someone else, you can create images that are as memorable and distinct as the experiences behind them.

Don’t forget to document the mundane moments, too; these often overlooked scenes can evoke powerful memories long after your trip is over. With these tips, you’re not just taking photos—crafting lasting memories that truly reflect the essence of your travels.

And when you're back home, remember to upload your best shots to your Picfair Store to share your unique journey with the world and maybe even earn from your creativity!