Whether youre trying to escape the winter blues and are jetting off to the tropics, or youre an adrenaline junkie thats venturing into the cold to hit the slopes, travel fills us with excitement and a sense of adventure. Its the perfect chance to capture photos of new, unique places or experiences. Were often more aware of our surroundings when we travel, so dont miss the opportunity to pull out your camera and take captivating photos.Travel photography is a genre of photography that captures the culture, people, and landscapes of a specific location. It can be used to document a tripor to create a narrative about a placeand every click tells a unique story. If you arent sure where or how to begin, these travel photography tips will be a good starting point.1. Invest in a camera that suits your aesthetic and is easy to carry with you2. Plan your shots3. Get creative with the composition to help your image stand out4. Tell a storythis makes an impact and ensures the image is thought out5. Use leading lines6. Search for the details7. Shoot in RAW8. Use a tripod for stability9. Incorporate the local culture10. Edit your photosNow, lets dive into more detail for each tip.Invest in a cameraYour device of choice doesnt need to break the bankwe hope it doesnt! When making your choice, think about the functionality that you are looking for. For example, if youre an experienced photographer, you might want a newer DSLR with advanced settings that lets you shoot in manual mode, and makes the most of a diverse range of lighting scenarios. Another thing to consider is the weight of your device. Gone are the days when bigger meant better when it came to your camera. Mirrorless cameras are a great alternative to a DSLR, as they dont compromise quality but are lighter, and easy to travel with.Plan your shotsAs the saying goesif you fail to prepare, prepare to fail. That saying applies to photography, as there are many variables to consider when capturing a moment in a place you know, and they are doubled when in a new place. Dont panic, thoughthe unknown is half the excitement of travel photography!When planning your shots, consider the time of day and what the light will be like, how busy the location will be, and what gear you might need to get the architecture or people from the right angle with the best framing. As you start to shoot, you will be grateful that you planned, and were prepared for the new terrain. Get creative with compositionsExperiment with angles. Try shooting from the ground up to capture a towers soaring height, or get an aerial view from a nearby hill. These tactics will help your final image stand out from the clichs, whether youre capturing the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt or La Sagrada Familia in Spain. Its all about how you see it. Tell a storyYour photos should convey a narrative or evoke emotions. Try to capture the atmosphere, mood, and the essence of the place youre visiting.Use leading linesDirect your viewers eye with leading lines. Look for things like roads, railways, rivers, etc. Anything that leads the eye towards your subject will work to create a path for your viewer to follow. Search for the detailsGet up close and personal with your subject, or use objects in the foreground to add detail and dimension within the frame. When you pay attention to details in travel photos, it can take your image from boring to amazing by adding depth. Shoot in RAWWhen you shoot in RAW, youre giving yourself more wiggle room for post-production. This will be a huge help if some of your images turn out to be over or underexposed Use a tripod for stabilityNothing ruins a good picture quite like a shaky hand. Capture the culturePhotograph local people, customs, and traditions. Ask for permission before taking photos of individuals, and try to capture candid moments that reveal the essence of the culture. Edit to perfectionExperiment with your editing software to push your images to new levels. The goal is always to achieve perfect lighting and sharpness in the camera, but sometimes, its that extra tweak in post-production that gets us to that level of perfection. Have the travel bug and want to check out more articles?[Travel Photography] A Beginners Guide to Learning Travel PhotographySeven ways to create wanderlust in your travel photographyWhats Trending in Licensing: Travel photography and the freedom of solo travelNot on 500px yet? Click here to learn about Licensing with 500px.The post How to take jaw-dropping travel images appeared first on 500px.