3 tips for not overthinking photo creation on your next trip

I know I talk a lot about all the components that go into photography, like camera settings, exposure, focus, lighting, composition, creativity.... But in this blog post I’m going to tell you why not to overthink it all. And yes I realize that sounds counterintuitive. I mean how can there be THAT much stuff to think about, and you NOT think about it? It will make sense soon...I promise.

Some of the most common responses I get from my students...my community...is that they don’t have time to figure all of that photography stuff when they’re traveling. Setting up for the perfect shot, getting the exposure just right for whatever light you’re dealing with at that particular moment in time. Carrying a bunch of equipment…

Let’s face it, most of us are probably traveling with someone else or many someones for that matter. Someones who may or may not be willing to hang out while you squat down (and possibly tip over - I’m not saying it didn’t happen) to get just the right angle. Or hop up on that bench to get THAT most interesting perspective. Oh come on...you know if you haven’t actually done it, you’ve at least thought about it! 

While I was making this photo in Caen, France, I was waaayyy down on the ground. I thought the reflections on the cobblestone would be interesting from that perspective, so my camera (and therefore me) were pretty much on the ground.

It’s easy to get caught up in and overwhelmed by the art of photography. Because as I’ve mentioned before (remember that last blog post?) it can seem complicated. So what’s the solution? Just give up on the fancy camera and grab your phone? 

Bite your tongue!

But that’s another thing I’ve heard from a lot of you...that sometimes it’s “easier” just to grab your phone and move on with your life.

I’m not judging. Many(ish) years ago I went through a phase where I was really struggling with my camera, so I went out and bought a simple point-and-shoot. It was smaller, “easier”... but the photos? Just not what I was used to. Not what I wanted.

So eventually I decided that it wasn’t enough, and I hauled out my “fancy” camera and decided to figure it out.

Maybe you’re not quite at the point where you HAVE figured out your camera, or maybe you’re even happy using your phone…Either way, you can take pictures when you travel without overthinking the bajeebies out of the process. Or the results. I’m going to give you some tips to help with your peace of mind when you’re on the road and want to create some fabulous memories and tell your story. Without getting yourself all stressed out about it.

During our visit to Mont-Saint-Michel, there was SO much to see - it’s such an unusual place. So did I take photos like crazy? I sure did. Would I have liked to have more? Always. But I enjoyed the visit, and that’s the most important….right?

TIP #1

First of all, WHEN you’re on that trip of a lifetime is NOT the time to learn how to use your camera. You should have done that waaaayyy before you boarded the plane. And if you didn’t? Well don’t beat yourself up over it, because now it’s too late. All you can do is control what you do now...not what you did yesterday. 

It’s the equivalent of me beating myself up for eating those chocolate chip cookies. Can I change it now? Nope (and they sure were good). But I can choose not to eat them tomorrow. Are you with me? No regrets. No beating yourself up. 

But here’s what you can do when you’re in the moment, on your trip. IF you went ahead and brought that fancy camera that you’re not all that familiar with...ask yourself what you DO feel comfortable with. Is that automatic mode? Then shoot in that. The whole trip. 

Yep you heard it right. I just recommended automatic mode. If you’ve picked yourself up off the floor and you’re back, let me tell you why.

Because you’re on a nice trip. The purpose is to experience wherever you are. And travel is stressful. So you don’t want to 1) distract from your experience or 2) add more stress to your trip by worrying about whether all of your photos are going to turn out or not.

So put it in the mode that feels comfortable, the one that gives you enough assurance that your photos will be okay. Maybe not great, by okay.

And then decide right then and there to schedule some time after this trip to learn how to use your camera better. Deal?

This is a whole other perspective at Mont-Saint-Michel. Different perspectives, different viewpoints…all while enjoying the experience. That’s what stress-free travel photography is all about.

TIP #2

Take way more photos that you think you’ll want. And do this in a zen, ‘you’re just enjoying your trip not worrying about anything’ kind of way. 

I used to put a lot of pressure on myself to get ALL the right shots. And then stress about it, and get mad at myself when I didn’t. So sometimes when I traveled I wouldn’t enjoy photography as much. It felt more like an obligation.

Don’t do that!

Travel is what you love to do. Photography is what you love to do (I’m making some assumptions here). So love both of them!

As you approach a scene, or are wandering down some cobblestone street in an ancient village somewhere...just take it all in. Breathe, relax, enjoy. Think about the sights, sounds, colors, textures, people, smells. And periodically lift up your camera and capture it all. 

If you give yourself permission to enjoy the experience, chances are you’ll end up with a whole lot more photos. A whole lot more good photos.

And as you’re leisurely strolling around, also think about what the story is here. Is it raining or sunny? Is it quiet or lively? Is it hot or cold? Are people friendly, busy, laughing...Really allow yourself to process all of that.

And then photograph it. Photograph what? All of it. How it feels. How it looks. Different angles, perspectives, moments, people, details.

And when you’re ready to move on? Then move on. Don’t worry about missing anything. Just take lots of photos and move on to the next opportunity.

Ahhh…the sparkle of a lovely glass of Cava in Barcelona, Spain.

TIP #3

Allow time for not taking photos. Yep you heard that right. There are all kinds of shockers in this blog post, aren’t there?? 

I’m a big fan of giving yourself some space. 

I learned this the hard way - pushing myself too hard, and never allowing for downtime. And then when I took it, I felt lazy, guilty...any of this sounding familiar? 

Age (and lots of mindfulness work) has taught me that it’s okay to relax, have down time, and just freakin’ enjoy yourself. And yes, even when you’re traveling. You don’t have to see it all. Sitting at a cafe, watching the people walk by can be just as much a part of the experience...of your story, as rushing to the next museum, the next cathedral, the next…

And when you’re relaxing? Put that camera down. It’s okay, you can do it.

But you know what will probably happen? You’ll put your camera down and then pick it right back up again. Because that glass of Cava is SO beautiful with those sparkling bubbles floating up. Or that woman sitting next to you at the cafe is incredibly fascinating! 

Or those tapas the waiter just brought out...gorgeous!

If you give yourself permission not to do something, then suddenly it doesn’t seem like such a burden to do it anymore. And once it seems fun and more carefree...then you’ll want to do it even more. It’s psychology (no I’m not a psychologist, but remember all that mindfulness work? Yeah, I’m qualified).

To summarize, yes I do truly think that you’ll benefit from practicing and learning how to create better photos. That you’ll like them better when you get back. That you’ll end up with a more cohesive set of storytelling photos when you get back. So that’s my #1 recommendation.

But I also get that you’re busy. And have the best intentions. And then you’re packing for your trip...you leave tomorrow...and you still don’t know what the hell ‘the exposure triangle’ means.

Some of the stuff that you learned is still in there. But this isn’t a test - it’s a vacation. An experience worth savoring, not torturing yourself over.

So just relax, breathe, enjoy, take it all in and take lots and lots of pictures.

I couldn’t help but photograph these tapas in Barcelona, Spain. I mean just look at those colors!

**If you ARE interested in my #1 recommendation - to learn and practice BEFORE your next trip, then this is a good place to start: my free Camera Creativity Guide. Click to download that here.