The Beginner’s Guide to Photographing
Every day, I get questions about my travel gear and photography equipment for travel. I want to disclose that I am not a professional photographer but we do love sharing or travel experiences through beautiful photos, videos, and vlogs.
Over the years I’ve tried a number of things, improved upon my photography and editing skills, and found some favorites along the way.
In today’s world, the landscape of photography has evolved, shifting away from traditional cameras to the convenience of our mobile phones. This transition opens up myriad opportunities for learning and refining our skills, as we delve into the vast array of features and settings offered by our smartphones or digital cameras.
Are you ready to elevate your photography skills to new heights? There’s no better way to level up than by mastering Manual Mode. I know, the thought of diving into technical terms like “bokeh,” “aperture,” “ISO,” and “meter reading” can be overwhelming, but fear not—I’ve crafted the perfect beginner’s guide just for you!
Believe me, it’s not as intimidating as it sounds. It’s all about taking it one step at a time.
Switching to Manual Mode empowers you with unparalleled control over your shots. When I first transitioned to an interchangeable lens camera, I was apprehensive about delving into the intricacies of technical photography and ended up sticking with Auto mode for far too long.
While post-processing plays a significant role in refining your images, honing your photography skills is paramount.
Are you ready to embark on this journey? Join me as I guide you through the fundamentals of shooting in Manual Mode with your camera. It’s time to unlock your full creative potential!
So, here is the best photography equipment for travel blogging
Unlock the full potential of your camera smartphone or GoPro with these invaluable settings tips!
When it comes to image file types, shooting in RAW can be a game-changer, especially for beginners. RAW files preserve all the data captured by your camera sensor, giving you unparalleled flexibility during the editing process. With programs like Adobe Lightroom for Desktop, you can make significant adjustments to your photos without compromising quality.
While shooting in JPG may save a bit of storage space, it pales in comparison to the editing capabilities of RAW files.
Here’s a heads-up: If you opt for RAW, you’ll need to convert your files to JPG before sharing them online or transferring them to your phone. Unfortunately, RAW files typically can’t be transferred directly to mobile devices.
However, many cameras offer the option to shoot in RAW + JPG simultaneously. If your camera can connect to your phone for easy photo transfers, and you plan to do this frequently, this setting is your best bet.
Keep in mind: Shooting in RAW + JPG consumes a significant amount of space on your SD card. Ensure you have multiple high-capacity SD cards on hand to accommodate your shooting needs.
With these camera settings tips, you’ll be well-equipped to capture stunning images and unleash your creativity like never before!
The Best Camera Bodies
For the Beginner Blogger
Fujifilm X-T30
This camera is great for people that are just starting to get their feet wet in photography and will mostly be shooting on automatic settings!
This mirrorless digital camera is one of my favorite to shoot with when I’m out exploring for the day. Of all the cameras I have used over the past few years, I’ve found that it has the best automatic settings. In addition to the pretty vintage style, the body is super lightweight and small in size, making it more discreet than other models.
If you want to test your skills at manual shooting, you are able to easily adjust the combination of aperture, shutter speed, and shooting functions while concentrating on picture taking- so you have options! The X-T30 also features a handy touch screen so it’s super easy to use!
More details on Fujifilm X-T30!
For the Aspiring or Advanced Photographer
Fujifilm X-T4
This is my favorite Fujifilm camera to date! The image quality is amazing—perfect for capturing my travels—and the X-T4 has an updated design for improved handling and shooting efficiency. My favorite update is that the rear 3.0″ 1.62m-dot touchscreen LCD now features a vari-angle design to suit working from high, low, and front-facing angles. The body is also weather-resistant and the external dials are a trademark FUJIFILM feature that I love.
The autofocus on X-T4 is impressively fast and accurate for both photographers and videographers alike. For video, in addition to the Full HD/240p high-speed recording which gives you a maximum 10x slow-motion effect, the X-T4 features digital image stabilization and image stabilization Boost mode.
This camera is perfect for professional photographers and for those looking to take their photography to the next level.
More details on Fujifilm X-T4!
For the Travel Vlogger
Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera
This is my favorite point and shoot camera for video! Inside its compact body the RX100 VII is packed with everything it takes to deliver gorgeous
What makes it so awesome for vlogging is the preview screen’s tilt option of 180 Degree up and 45 Degree down, so you can always see your frame, even when you’re shooting yourself. You can check out some of the vlogs I’ve shot on the camera HERE!
More details on the Sony RX100 VII Compact Camera!
For the Adventure Traveler
GoPro HERO12 Black
The new GoPro HERO12 Black perfect for on-the-go travel and outdoor
From shooting sunrise time lapses in Indonesia to diving deep into the Blue Hole off the coast of Belize, I don’t go anywhere without my GoPro, the 3-way
Mount, and extra GoPro batteries.
More details on GoPro HERO12 Black! And GoPro Max Lens Mod 2.0
For Any Traveler
Apple iPhone Unlocked SmartPhone
If an SLR camera isn’t in the budget for your next trip, snapping photos on your iPhone is a great alternative for taking travel photos.
A smartphone is not only good for taking photos and editing apps but also as a WiFi remote for your camera!
More details on Apple Unlocked iPhone!
Discover the magic of perfect lighting for your photography endeavors!
For optimal results, harness the natural light of daylight hours. With ample light available, you can set your ISO and forget about it for the entire day. However, navigating the trickier times of dawn, dusk, and post-sunset moments, or areas with dense shadows, requires finesse.
Enter the enchanting realms of the “golden hour” and the “blue hour.” Occurring just before and after sunrise and sunset, the golden hour bathes your subjects in a warm, ethereal glow. Meanwhile, the blue hour, when the sun dips below the horizon, casts a serene blue hue with indirect sunlight.
While I don’t exclusively shoot during the golden hour due to scheduling constraints, I’ve learned to adapt to challenging lighting conditions. Sometimes, you simply have to work with what you have!
As a general guideline, planning your shoots around favorable lighting—such as early mornings or just before sunset—yields softer, more flattering light. This delicate illumination lends a dreamy quality to your photographs, enhancing their visual appeal.
Embrace the nuances of lighting in photography, and watch as your images come to life with unparalleled beauty and allure.