Nigel Charman began his career as a photojournalist before discovering that he preferred telling stories through pictures rather than words.

He went on to train alongside some of the UK's leading advertising photographers, developing the technical and creative skills that have shaped his career. Since then, Nigel has worked as a professional photographer for corporate and editorial clients, creating images of people, places and architecture.

https://www.nigelcharman.com/

Travel and photography have always gone hand in hand. The following ten tips are drawn from years of exploring remarkable destinations and are designed to help you make stronger, more memorable photographs.

Phone or camera? It doesn't really matter.

Modern phones have incredible cameras now, and for most travel photography they are more than good enough. A dedicated camera gives you more control and flexibility, but it won't automatically give you better photographs.

After all the best camera is always the one you have with you!

The things that make a photograph work — light, composition, timing, perspective and storytelling — are available to everyone.

1. Slow down and really look

Don’t immediately start taking pictures. Take a moment to look around, notice the light, people, colours, shapes and details. Often the best image is something you notice after the initial excitement of arriving.

2. Don't just photograph the postcard view

Everyone photographs the famous landmark. Try finding a different angle, viewpoint or composition. Walk around it, get closer, step back—or photograph the way people interact with it.

3. Include people

People give a travel photograph scale, atmosphere and a sense of place. Someone walking through a market, sitting in a café or passing an interesting building can make the image much more interesting.

If you want a portrait then ask – you’ll be surprised how many people are delighted!

Top tip: If you’re photographing someone in the dark – turn on your flash (not auto) it’ll look so much better!

4. Tell the story with details

A good travel story isn't just wide establishing shots. Photograph the small things: food, signs, textures, doors, street details, hands, transport and local life. These are often the photographs that bring the memories back.

5. Look for depth

Try to build depth into your images with something interesting in the foreground, your main subject in the middle and something happening in the background. Windows, doorways, arches and reflections are brilliant for this.

6. Move your Feet! (Changing your viewpoint)

Don't take every photograph from eye level. Get low, shoot from above, photograph through something or find a higher viewpoint. Moving your feet is often more effective than changing your lens.

7. Great Landscapes

A location can look completely different at 7am, midday and after dark. If somewhere really interests you, return to it. Different light, weather and people can produce completely different photographs.

Try not to shoot at midday – the light is harsh and unpleasant.

8. Composition.

Really think about your composition by looking in the corners of your picture and not just at the subject – i.e. all of it.

Try the rule of thirds – professionals use this to add dynamism and balance. place the subject a third in, or up, or try both.

9. Leave room for spontaneity

Don't make every photograph perfectly planned. Some of the best travel images happen unexpectedly—a person walking into the light, an unusual interaction or a fleeting moment. Always have your camera/phone ready!

10. Take fewer photographs—but better ones

It's easy to come home with 2,000 photographs that all look roughly the same. Before pressing the shutter, ask yourself: “What is it about this scene that caught my attention?” Then try to photograph that.

Oh and don’t forget to edit out all your samey shots!

So that’s my 10 tips. Try them on your next holiday, see if they help and above all have fun!

Nigel Charman

https://www.nigelcharman.com/

All photos © Nigel Charman