How to shoot like a pro: 5 travel photography tips from Journi’s expert, Alex

We sat down with Alex to steal the five simple rules she uses to ensure her travel photos are "print-perfect" before she even heads to the airport.

Whether you’re looking for travel photography ideas for beginners or specific landscape photography tips for beginners, Alex has you covered.

Tip #1: Use natural framing to guide the eye

One of the best travel photography tips for beginners is to look for "frames within the frame." 

Use windows, doorways, overhanging trees, or even shadows to create a border around your subject. This technique doesn't just add depth; it acts as a visual guide, leading the viewer’s eye exactly where you want it to go. 

This is a great way to make your landscape photography feel more intentional and professional.

"Think of a natural frame as a spotlight for your subject; it cuts out the noise and tells the viewer exactly where the magic is happening," says Alex.

Tip #2: Chase the right light, not just the view

If you’re wondering how to do travel photography like a seasoned pro, the secret is almost always the light. 

Alex suggests shooting during the "golden hours", just after sunrise or before sunset, to get that soft, warm glow. 

Avoid harsh overhead sun, which creates squinting eyes and deep shadows. Soft, natural light ensures the colors in your Photo Book look vibrant and true to life.

Alex notes:

"You can have the most beautiful view in the world, but if the light is flat, the photo will be too. Wait for that glow; your printer will thank you."

Tip #3: Keep your background simple and clean

When you're looking for tips for better travel photography, remember that less is often more. 

A cluttered background can distract from the person or landmark you’re trying to capture. 

Before you click the shutter, take a second to check the edges of your frame. Stepping a few inches to the left or right can hide a trash can or a stray tourist, making your subject stand out clearly.

Alex explains:

"A busy background is the fastest way to ruin a great moment. If it doesn't add to the story, move your feet until it's out of the shot."

Tip #4: Change your perspective for unique results

Most people take photos from eye level, but how to start travel photography that actually stands out? Change your height! 

Get low to the ground for dramatic types of travel photography, or find a high vantage point to capture the scale of a city. 

Stepping back or getting up close to textures can offer a fresh take on a familiar sight, giving your project a creative edge.

"The world looks different when you're not just standing still. Crouch down or climb a step; a tiny shift in perspective makes a huge impact on the final print," says Alex.

Tip #5: Focus on the small, emotional details

While it's tempting to only photograph the "big" sights, the most stunning travel photography tips often involve the quiet moments in between. 

A close-up of a local meal, a ticket stub, or an unposed laugh often carries more emotional weight than a perfectly posed shot in front of a monument. 

These details tell the "real" story of your trip and add a personal touch that makes flipping through your memories feel like reliving the journey.

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Turn your "photo chaos" into a timeless keepsake

You’ve followed the tips, captured the light, and avoided the crowds, now what? Don't let those beautiful shots sit forgotten in your phone’s gallery.

At Journi, we love turning your digital memories into something you can hold. Whether you’re showcasing vast horizons or intimate family moments, our smart AI handles the heavy lifting by arranging your photos into a beautiful Photo Book in just a few minutes.

It’s the fastest way to turn your hard work into a high-quality masterpiece that will last a lifetime.