HOW TO CAPTURE THE ESSENCE OF A PLACE DURING YOUR TRAVELS
When looking for spectacular landscape photographs we tend to think that a great landscape will give us an amazing shot. We take our savings and book a ticket to that destination that we love and are looking forward to photographing. We have a great few weeks, we go back home, download the pictures from SD and... "Oh, wait, it has nothing to do with what I remember seeing there" Have you ever been there? If so, you will have come to the conclusion that spectacular destinations don't give the results we expect, that something is wrong... and this, my friends, is for a simple reason: photography is more than just clicking, travel photography is about feeling a place and knowing how to capture it.
Machapuchre, Annapurnas Conservation Area
To train this skill so that you don't come back from a trip with this bittersweet feeling, here are some tips that will make your life easier your next holidays:
Research before you travel:
Before you arrive at your destination, research the culture, history and traditions of the place, urban & nature spots, when is sunrise & sunset… This will help you better understand its essence and give you ideas for capturing meaningful moments.
Explore local nooks and crannies:
Instead of sticking to the tourist areas, venture into the local neighbourhoods or non truly known natural spaces. Wander the streets, observe the people and discover the lesser-known places. These are the places where you'll find real local life and be able to capture authentic images.
Interact with the locals:
Don't be afraid to engage in conversation with the locals. Ask them about their culture, their traditions and ask them for recommendations of interesting places to visit.This interaction will allow you to get a deeper and more authentic view of the place, as well as allow you to take some very interesting portraits (If you don't know how to do this, here is an article where you can get some ideas to get started).
Lolcals during our trip to Nepal
Photograph the details:
In addition to photographing the main tourist spots, pay attention to the small details that make a place unique. It could be a colourful local market, an old door or a charming café. These images capture the atmosphere and essence of the place in a special way.
Experience the local food:
One of the most authentic ways to capture the essence of a place is through its cuisine. Try local dishes and visit local food markets. In addition to photographing the food, you can also take pictures of vendors preparing it and people enjoying their meals.
Observe landscapes and nature:
Take the time to look for the best angles and wait patiently for the perfect shot that captures the natural beauty of the place. Take advantage of sunrise and sunset to go to places where they can look perfect in this light.
Sunrises & sunsets in Switzerland
Tell a story:
Instead of taking isolated photos, try to tell a story through your images. See how the different people, architecture and landscapes relate to each other. This will help convey the essence of the place more effectively.
Remember, capturing the essence of a place during your travels is not just about taking photos, it's about connecting with the place, its people and culture. These photographs will not only be a keepsake for you, but you will also share the essence of the place with others and inspire them to travel and discover it for themselves. Good luck on your next adventures and don't forget to capture the essence of every place you visit!