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11 Types of Travel Photography Every Traveller Should Explore

BySteffan and Emma 27 January 202527 January 2025 Updated on27 January 2025

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Table of Contents

Toggle
  • 1. Landscape Travel Photography
    • Waterfalls
    • Mountains & Volcanoes
    • Beaches
    • Lighthouses
  • 2. Aerial Travel Photography
  • 3. Travel Portrait Photography
    • Traditional Portraits
    • Candid Portraits
    • Cultural Portraits
    • Environmental Portraits
  • 4. Street Travel Photography
  • 5. Cultural Event Photography
  • 6. Wildlife Travel Photography
  • 7. Adventure travel Photography
  • 8. Travel Cityscape Photography
  • 9. Non-Traditional Travel Photography
    • Model-Driven Travel Photography
    • Small Person in a Vast Landscape
    • Point of View (POV) Travel Photography
  • 10. Travel Food Photography
  • 11. Travel Documentary Photography
  • Final Thoughts
  • Tips to elevate your photography
  • Beautiful Photography Destinations

Have you been looking at all the different types of travel photography from amazing destinations and thought to yourself, “I want to be a travel photographer?”

Or maybe you just want some inspiration to take some cool photos while on vacation.

With all the different types of travel photography, it’s easy to get overwhelmed thinking, “How the heck am I going to do all of this?”

It’s ok, you don’t have to do them all.

Most travel photographers specialise in a few subjects, and it’s usually based on what they prefer to do.

Over the last 5 years, we’ve had to learn all the travel photography tips and tricks to be able to capture our experiences. We’ve tried just about every different style so you don’t have to.

We’re about to guide you through all of the different types of travel photography so you can pick which you prefer and start developing your skills today!


1. Landscape Travel Photography

Landscape travel photography is absolutely our favourite type of travel photography, perfectly combining our love for the outdoors, travel, and photography.

It’s also an incredibly broad category, encompassing everything from vast desert plains to dense forests and coastal cliffs.

Wide-angle lenses are often used in Landscape photography. Using a wide angle will allow you to photograph expansive landscapes without restriction.

To make it easier to explore and take inspiration, we’re going to break it down into smaller subcategories.

Let’s explore some travel photography examples of landscape photography to inspire you with some unique travel picture ideas.

An expansive view of the Jatiluwih rice terraces in Bali, showcasing vibrant green, cascading fields under the warm light of sunrise. The terraces are surrounded by scattered palm trees and small huts, with winding pathways weaving through the landscape. In the distance, majestic volcanoes rise against a golden sky, adding depth and grandeur to this captivating example of landscape travel photography
The sun rising over volcanoes in Bali and lighting up the sweeping terraced rice fields in the foreground
Mavic 3 – Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/11, 1/125sec, 12mm

Waterfalls

Waterfalls are iconic and universally loved subjects for landscape travel photography. They’re popular with travellers and easy to photograph beautifully.

By experimenting with waterfall photography techniques like long exposures, you can turn rushing water into a silky flow, making your waterfall shots stand out from the average travel pic.

Another effective technique for photographing waterfalls is to have someone stand at the base. This adds a sense of scale and highlights the sheer size of the waterfall.

Emma from inwanderment standing in front of Kapas Biru waterfall in East Java. The force of the waterfall is blowing Emma's clothing showing the force of the waterfall. Green leafy plants surround the person and the foreground. The waterfall is cascading down an orange cliff face with some spotty greenery
Emma getting blown around by the drafts created by this huge waterfall in Java
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-500, f/10, 1/125 sec, 22mm

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Mountains & Volcanoes

Mountains define many destinations, often acting as their most prominent natural feature. Think of the dramatic peaks of the Alps or the striking beauty of Mount Bromo in Java.

Volcanic landscapes, with their unique terrain and distinct geological features, draw adventurers and photographers alike.

Photographing mountains requires an understanding of light, angles, and weather conditions to truly capture their scale and character.

Photographing a mountain on its own can sometimes feel incomplete, so incorporating an element in the foreground that complements the scene can enhance the composition.

A dramatic view of Mount Bromo and its surrounding volcanic landscape, framed by the silhouettes of tree branches in the foreground. The rugged terrain of the volcanoes is bathed in soft morning light, emphasizing the ridges and textures of the craters. In the background, the majestic Mount Semeru rises against a clear sky, completing this compelling example of landscape travel photography.
The world famous Mt Bromo framed by trees in the foreground
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-400, f/13, 1/60sec, 40mm


Beaches

Beaches offer endless possibilities for creative photography. During golden hour, soft light enhances the beauty of the waves, sand, and sky.

From tropical paradises to windswept shores, beaches are a staple for inspiring travel photos.

To ensure the perfect sunset shot, you can use Google Earth Pro to check if the sun will be setting on the horizon the beach is facing.

This can guarantee stunning colours in the sky as the sun dips below the horizon.

A tranquil image capturing a sunset over the ocean, with smooth waves gently flowing around rocks on the shoreline, photographed using a slow shutter speed of 0.8 seconds. The extended exposure produces a soft, ethereal effect on the water, complemented by the vibrant hues of the sunset and the reflections of clouds in the sky. The wet sand in the foreground mirrors the soft light and motion of the waves, adding depth and texture to the scene. This photograph is featured in a blog to illustrate the technical and artistic effects of using a slow shutter speed to expose an image in low light conditions
Caracitos Beach near Puerto Vallarta in Mexico
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-125, f/14, 0.8sec, 20mm

Lighthouses

While lighthouses might be considered architectural subjects, their coastal locations often make them perfect for landscape shots.

Positioned against rocky cliffs or sandy beaches, they evoke both history and natural beauty.

When photographing lighthouses, include some of their surrounding landscape in the composition.

These settings are often more striking than the lighthouse itself and create a compelling contrast between nature and the manmade structure.

A rugged coastal landscape featuring a towering cliffside covered in patches of green grass, with steep, rocky edges descending into the dark blue waters of the sea. In the distance, Neist Point Lighthouse on the Isle of Skye stands on a narrow peninsula, surrounded by jagged rock formations and crashing waves. The sky is filled with soft, textured clouds, casting diffused light over the scene, while the foreground is dotted with windswept ferns and weathered stones. This image highlights how lighthouse photography emphasizes not just the structure itself but also the dramatic surrounding scenery to create a captivating visual composition.
Neist Point lighthouse on the Isle of Sky in Scotland is often photographed to emphasise the cliff faces with the lighthouse sat on the edge barely visible

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2. Aerial Travel Photography

Aerial photography has revolutionized travel photography since drones like the Mavic Pro by DJI became widely available. These fold-up drones with high-spec cameras meant people could carry them in their backpacks while travelling. 

An aerial photography shot of an extinct volcanic crater near Banyuwangi, Indonesia, showcasing its smooth, grass-covered slopes surrounded by winding roads. Misty clouds hover low over the landscape, blending into the dramatic backdrop of distant mountains and a golden sunset. The perspective highlights the unique topography and serene beauty of the volcanic terrain. The image showcases images that could not be acquired without the use of a drone
A dramatic drone shot of an extinct volcano in Java
Mavic 3 – Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/10, 1/40sec, 12mm

Drone photography lets you capture landscapes, landmarks, and cities from a bird’s-eye view, providing a fresh perspective on often-photographed destinations. 

Aerial shots highlight the defining features of a location, leading to especially unique travel photographs. 

We use a DJI Mavic 3 Pro due to its fantastic Hasselblad 4/3 camera. It allows us to take photos of landscapes in golden hour without worrying if the image will be too dark or blown out in the bright areas.

An aerial photo of Tumpak Sewu waterfall in East Java. The circular rock formation shows the waterfalls cascading down its circumference. Behind the waterfall Semeru volcano looms in the background with a colourful cloudy sky surrounding it. A jungle forest surrounds the volcano.
Sunrise at Tumpak Sewu waterfall in East Java Mavic 3 – Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/11, 1/8 sec, 12mm

3. Travel Portrait Photography

Some of the most famous travel photos are portraits. Think of The Afghan Girl by Steve McCurry, one of the most iconic covers in the history of National Geographic magazine.

Portraits capture the heart and soul of a place through its people, making them essential for any travel photography portfolio.

Some of the most enriching experiences while traveling come from meeting people whose lives are so different from ours yet finding common ground to bond over.

These shared moments often lead to meaningful connections and lasting friendships, adding depth to the stories behind the portraits.


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A collage of six vibrant photographs capturing cultural and natural beauty. The top left showcases lush green rice terraces bathed in golden sunlight, with a mountain in the background. The top right features a baby orangutan clinging to its mother against a blurred jungle backdrop. The middle left displays a collection of colorful traditional hand fans arranged in an intricate pattern. The middle right shows people waving massive, rainbow-colored kites under a clear blue sky. The bottom left highlights terraced rice fields with rich greenery, palm trees, and soft lighting. The bottom right portrays an elderly craftsman seated at a wooden table, surrounded by intricate shadow puppets, as his work casts a silhouette on the wall.

Traditional Portraits

These focus solely on the subject, often with a neutral background to avoid distractions, highlighting the person’s expressions and features.

You can enhance the focus of the image by using a wide aperture and selecting a low Fstop number. It will sharpen the details of the subject’s face while blurring the background.

A malaysian man looks directly at the camera in this travel portrait taken on the colourful steps of Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur. The man's expression is warm and friendly. Behind you can see the leg of a person with no shoes on their feet showing the devotion of walking up the many stairs barefoot
An example of using a shallow depth of field in a portrait to blur the background.

Usually, engaging in conversation with your subject helps them feel at ease, but this can be challenging while travelling due to language barriers.

We always make an effort to learn a few key phrases in the local language to connect with the subject.

This small gesture not only helps establish trust but also leads to more authentic and compelling portraits.

Candid Portraits

Candid shots capture unposed, authentic moments. Whether it’s a street vendor working or a child playing, these images tell genuine stories.

However, there is some controversy surrounding candid photography and its ethical implications.

We find the best approach is to ensure the person has seen you with your camera pointing towards them.

If they acknowledge you with a smile, it’s a good indication they don’t mind being included in your photo.

What you should avoid is intentionally hiding from the subject, as this can feel intrusive and disrespectful.

A Mayan shaman bare chested with a large beaded tribal necklace, tribal patterns on his face and smoke drifting up around his face taken in Mexico at a mayan cleansing ritual
We asked this Mayan shaman to perform a cleansing ritual on Emma and checked if it was ok to take his photo while he did it.
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-500, f/2.8, 1/640 sec, 130mm

Cultural Portraits

These portraits dive deeper into local traditions, showcasing people in traditional clothing, participating in festivals, or creating handmade crafts.

They offer a glimpse into the cultural richness of a destination. Capturing these types of photos often requires careful planning and communication with local communities.

A great tip for travel photography is to connect with a local photographer who speaks the language. They can help you find models, arrange times, and ensure everything is culturally appropriate.

This collaboration not only makes the process smoother but also enriches the experience and authenticity of the portraits as well as supports local businesses.

A portrait of a young woman holding a vibrant green parasol, standing in front of a colorful backdrop featuring intricately designed umbrellas and traditional patterns. She wears a red and black striped blouse with a patterned skirt, and her expression is calm and poised. The image demonstrates proper shutter speed for capturing sharp details and natural lighting in portraits, ensuring clarity and a well-balanced exposure
A girl surrounded by the umbrellas she paints in Surakarta, Java
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-1250, f/4.5, 1/160sec, 70mm

Environmental Portraits

Environmental portraits combine people with their surroundings, like a fisherman casting nets on the Mekong Delta. These images tell a story by connecting the person to their environment.

An environmental portrait of two locals navigating a tranquil river in Ninh Bình, Vietnam, on a small wooden boat. One stands holding a long pole while the other sits, surrounded by lush green vegetation and towering limestone karsts partially shrouded in mist. The serene atmosphere highlights the connection between people and their natural surroundings in this picturesque setting.
A stunning environmental portrait in Ninh Binh Vietnam by Aneta Zaniewska one of our travel photography Facebook group members!

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4. Street Travel Photography

Travel Street Photography combines the art of street photography with the unique cultural and visual elements found in popular tourist destinations or lesser-known locales.

At its core, street photography is about taking photos of daily life and moments that reflect the authenticity and rhythm of a place.

A street food vendor grilling skewers at a bustling food stall in Chinatown, Bangkok. The vendor, wearing a face mask, gloves, and a cap, tends to the sizzling skewers under bright lights, surrounded by colorful signage and a busy crowd in the background. This image is used to demonstrate travel street photography, capturing the vibrant and authentic atmosphere of local street food culture.
A street vendor in the busy nighttime atmosphere of China Town in Bangkok
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-400, f/2.8, 1/160sec, 25mm

In travel street photography, these moments often include interactions that highlight the culture, traditions, or atmosphere of a destination.

Most street photography is candid, relying on a keen sense of observation and awareness. To excel, photographers must be attuned to their surroundings, spotting fleeting interactions or moments that tell a story.

A candid scene of a young girl walking toward an ornate altar inside a temple, surrounded by intricate decorations and glowing incense burners. The photo features golden pillars with Chinese calligraphy in the foreground, drawing attention to cultural details. This image is used to showcase travel street photography, capturing an authentic moment of daily life and spirituality.
A young girl playing in front of a Taoist shrine in Kuala Lumpur
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-250, f/2.8, 1/200sec, 70mm

It’s about being present and patient—many street photographers scout a location, carefully framing their shot, and then wait for the perfect subject or moment to complete the composition.

Beyond technical skills, success in this genre often requires sensitivity and respect for the people and places being photographed.

Capturing someone’s daily life in a meaningful way involves balancing spontaneity with ethical considerations, such as seeking permission in sensitive situations or respecting cultural norms.

For travellers, street photography is a way to create a visual diary of a destination—capturing not just how it looks but how it feels.

A woman dressed in white sitting cross-legged on a blue mat, meditating near a closed shop shutter in Kuala Lumpur. She wears earphones and appears calm and focused, with her hands slightly raised as part of her meditation. This image is used to demonstrate travel street photography, capturing a serene and candid moment of personal reflection amidst an urban environment.
A lady meditates in a back alleyway in Kuala Lumpur
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-250, f/2.8, 1/250sec, 70mm

5. Cultural Event Photography

Cultural Event Photography is all about capturing the vibrant energy and unique traditions of cultural festivals, showcasing their beauty and joy to people all over the world.

This type of photography not only highlights the excitement and fun of these events but also draws attention to cultures that many may not have heard of, celebrating the incredible diversity of our planet.

A vibrant photograph of a woman in motion during a traditional dance, dressed in colorful attire featuring intricate floral embroidery and adorned with bright flowers in her hair. Her hands and those of others in the background are slightly raised, indicating active movement. The image demonstrates the use of a faster shutter speed, such as 1/250, to freeze motion and capture sharp details of the dancer’s expressions and elaborate costume
Folkloric dance in Valladolid Mexico

Through our travels, we’ve attended many cultural events and festivals, and they’ve been some of the most emotional and unforgettable experiences we’ve ever had.

There’s a profound sense of togetherness during these celebrations, and we’ve always felt warmly accepted by the locals.

Boy wearing purple shirt with hands in prayer on shoulders of father with bald head painted gold at Thaipusam festival at Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur
A young boy holding his hands in prayer as he sits on his father’s shoulders at Thaipusam Festival in Kuala Lumpur.
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-250, f/2.8, 1/500 sec, 180mm

The locals go out of their way to include us, welcoming us with big smiles. They give us instruments to play, and food and drinks to enjoy, and always seem happy to have us there.

These moments are not just about photographing the event but about fully immersing ourselves in the culture, creating connections, and capturing the spirit of humanity at its most joyful.

A lively scene of locals dancing and celebrating with tourists at the Boun Bang Fai festival in Vang Vieng, demonstrating cultural event photography. A tourist holding traditional cymbals joins in the festivities, surrounded by smiling locals and vibrant festival attire. This image captures the warm and joyful atmosphere of how local people welcome tourists to their cultural celebration.
Locals dancing with tourists at the Boun Bang Fai Festival in Laos

6. Wildlife Travel Photography

While capturing animals might seem like classic wildlife photography, adding their habitats makes the image more travel-oriented.

From safaris in Africa to volunteering at wildlife sanctuaries, wildlife photography is both rewarding and inspiring.

A close-up wildlife photography shot of a green viper coiled around a leafy branch in the jungle of Bako National Park, Borneo. The snake's vibrant green color blends seamlessly with its surroundings, showcasing its camouflage ability. The detailed focus highlights the texture of the snake’s scales and the lush greenery of its habitat
A green viper wraps itself around a jungle plant in Bako National Park in Borneo
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-800, f/2.8, 1/250sec, 180mm

Including the animal’s environment in your shot—like a lion in the African savannah or a bird perched in a rainforest—adds context and tells a richer story about the place.

A langur monkey perched high in a mangrove tree at sunset along the Kinabatangan River in Borneo. The soft pink and orange hues of the evening sky contrast with the dense green foliage, creating a serene and captivating wildlife photography scene. The langur's long tail and relaxed pose add a sense of tranquility to the image
A langur in the mangrove trees in Borneo with a colourful sky at sunset
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-2500, f/2.8, 1/250sec, 180mm

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7. Adventure travel Photography

Adventure travel photography blends landscape travel photography with action, such as hikers in majestic landscapes or kayakers navigating rivers.

It captures the thrill of outdoor activities, inspiring others to explore and experience the world actively.

This style of photography is also highly sought after by tour companies, and you can often join tours for free while travelling in exchange for providing them with photographs.

However, it’s important to remember that you’ll be working, which can make the experience different from simply enjoying a tour. That said, we still find it incredibly rewarding and a fantastic way to combine adventure with creativity.

Emma peeping around a white cottage looking on at a grey mountain in the background with a cloudy sky
Clouds covering the epic mountains of Glencoe

8. Travel Cityscape Photography

Cityscape photography highlights the beauty of urban environments.

Wide-angle shots capture the scale and majesty of cities, while night photography brings out the glow of illuminated buildings and car light trails.

Although our main focus is nature photography, we can’t resist the allure of capturing sprawling cityscapes when we visit a big city.

The contrast between towering skyscrapers, vibrant streets, and the interplay of light and shadow offers endless opportunities for stunning shots.

A dazzling cityscape of Kuala Lumpur at night, featuring the iconic Petronas Twin Towers illuminated with bright white lights. Surrounding skyscrapers showcase colorful lighting and vibrant architecture, while the city's sprawling urban landscape glows with bustling activity. The photo captures the modern essence and dynamic energy of Malaysia's capital city.
A nightime cityscpe taken from the KL Tower building in Kuala Lumpur
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-200, f/13, 13sec, 40mm

9. Non-Traditional Travel Photography

Travel photographers on Instagram are developing new trends in travel photography, often incorporating the traveller themselves into the frame.

This approach helps the viewer imagine themselves in that destination, creating a more personal and aspirational connection to the location. Including a person in the evokes emotions and tells a story, making the image more relatable and engaging.

Emma from inwanderment stands on a rock next to a tree in front of Susung waterfall in Sarawak in Borneo. A jungle surrounds her with a thick jungle vine in the foreground. Emma wears a white dress which is juxtaposed against the wild surroundings. The waterfall in the background highlighted by the early morning light.
Emma wearing a dress in the Jungle in Borneo. A juxtaposition between modern people and an unchanged natural environment
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-250, f/4, 1/100 sec, 54mm

This style of photography is highly desirable for clients like tourist boards and travel brands, as it aligns with their goal of inspiring potential visitors.

Additionally, showcasing authentic experiences, from hiking trails to relaxing at local cafes, has become a key trend, as it resonates with the audience’s desire for immersive and unique travel experiences.

There are so many different new types of travel photography that we won’t mention here. But here are some of the most popular ones at the moment.

Model-Driven Travel Photography

In this style, the model is the focal point, dressed to complement the surroundings. Whether it’s flowing dresses in the desert or adventure gear in the mountains, these photos evoke a curated, artistic vibe.

Models in these photos often spend a lot of time perfecting different poses, which is an art form in itself and a key element in creating visually stunning images. This type of content is definitely easier to produce when travelling with a friend or as a couple.

Many Instagram accounts that focus on the model are truly the work of two people, while one is in front of the camera, the other is behind it, capturing the vision and bringing the composition to life.

A woman in a flowing white dress poses gracefully under a massive, golden-hued rock arch illuminated by warm sunlight. She stands amidst a rugged landscape of rocky terrain and sparse greenery, with soft hills visible in the background. The image captures the essence of model-driven travel photography, where the subject enhances the dramatic natural setting, creating a visually striking and artistic composition.
A member of our Travel Photography Facebook Group – Ellinor Branders, showcasing her posing talents.

Small Person in a Vast Landscape

This travel photography style, where a person appears small compared to their surroundings, has become incredibly popular on Instagram and with the younger generation of travel photographers.

It’s often used to create a striking sense of scale, emphasizing the grandeur of the environment, whether it’s towering mountains, expansive deserts, or monumental cityscapes.

A beautiful sunset with orange skys as its getting darker and a rocky outcrop with the ocean in the background. Three small brick buildings are to the right and a path along a cliff infront with Emma stood there looking out to sea. Taken at Botallack Mine in Cornwall
Emma stands on a cliff in front of the Botallack Mines in Cornwall – UK

Photographers sometimes enhance this effect by using telephoto lenses, which compress the background and make the subject appear even smaller in relation to their surroundings.

This style isn’t limited to natural settings; it works just as well with iconic landmarks or sprawling urban landscapes, adding drama and perspective to the image.

Wat Phra That Santitham Temple in Mae Salong - a wide orange sweeping staircase with white bannisters on each side and a white and golden pagoda at the top. Emma is stood on the stairs wearing a red skirt and white shirt.
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-125, f/16, 1/2500sec, 16mm

Point of View (POV) Travel Photography

POV photography captures the scene as if through your own eyes—a hand reaching toward a mountain or holding a compass in the wilderness. It’s an immersive way to invite viewers into your journey.


10. Travel Food Photography

Food photography plays a significant role in travel photography because food is an essential part of every travel experience. Everyone eats out when they travel!

It’s no surprise that travel magazines often dedicate considerable attention to showcasing local cuisines, as food is deeply tied to culture and destination appeal.

For our style of photography, where we chase sunrise and sunset, we typically settle for whatever food is available at the time. Which means food photography isn’t a major focus for us.

However, we do enjoy capturing the vibrant atmosphere of night markets, combining food photography with elements of street photography to highlight the lively energy and unique culinary offerings of these settings.

Close-up of grilled prawns neatly arranged in plastic trays at a local market, their shells glistening with a golden-orange hue. The prawns are set on a bed of artificial green grass, with a woven basket partially visible in the background. This image showcases travel food photography, highlighting the vibrant presentation of fresh, local seafood at markets, capturing the culinary essence of a destination.
Grilled prawns at a local market in Kanchanaburi – Thailand
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-1600, f/2.8, 1/1600sec, 70mm

11. Travel Documentary Photography

Travel Documentary Photography is not just about capturing stunning images. It captures moments that hold significant meaning, often tied to cultural, social, or political events happening at a specific point in time.

This genre has the power to bring attention to global issues that might otherwise go unnoticed, offering a window into challenges and triumphs experienced in different countries.

A group of individuals measuring a juvenile crocodile with a yellow tape measure, while one person holds the reptile steady. The scene takes place outdoors on a sunlit surface, with the crocodile's detailed patterned scales clearly visible. Hands of the participants, some wearing gloves, highlight a careful and collaborative effort, emphasizing the documentation of wildlife conservation activities at the Cikananga Wildlife Center in Java. This image demonstrates travel documentary photography by capturing authentic moments of environmental care and fieldwork
Crocodile being tagged at Cikananga Wildlife Conservation Centre

By creating a narrative through a series of carefully composed images, travel documentary photography tells compelling stories that inform and evoke emotion in the viewer.

At InWanderment, we feel especially passionate about wildlife conservation and protecting the environment. As we travel, we actively volunteer at animal welfare projects, using our photography and social media platforms to help raise awareness for these incredible initiatives.

A local student learning regenerative farming techniques at the Cikananga Wildlife Center in Java, demonstrating travel documentary photography by capturing educational and environmental practices. The student, wearing a black hijab and gloves, is crouched in a lush garden tending to rows of leafy greens, while another person works nearby. The vibrant greenery and hands-on activity highlight sustainable agriculture and its role in conservation efforts.
A local student learning regenerative farming techniques at Cikananga

These experiences have been some of the most rewarding of our travels, offering not only a deeper connection to our work but also a meaningful way to give back.

For aspiring documentary travel photographers, we highly recommend volunteering. It’s an opportunity to hone your storytelling skills while contributing to causes that truly make a difference.

Three individuals carefully tagging a hornbill at the Cikananga Wildlife Center in Java, demonstrating travel documentary photography through conservation work. One person holds the bird steady while another applies a tag with pink equipment, surrounded by green foliage in an outdoor enclosure. The hornbill’s distinctive yellow beak and black feathers stand out, with the scene capturing an intimate and authentic moment of wildlife care and monitoring.
Hornbill being tagged before being relocated to another enclosure

Final Thoughts

Travel photography offers a diverse range of opportunities to document and capture stunning images of the unique experiences of your journeys.

From expansive landscapes and bustling cityscapes to intimate cultural portraits and dynamic wildlife shots, there’s a style to suit every photographer’s interests and strengths.

By understanding the different types of travel photography, you can identify what resonates with you and begin to refine your skills.

Feeling overwhelmed by where to start or how to improve? Don’t worry—photography is a journey, not a race.

Start small, experiment with techniques, and focus on the types of photography that excite you the most. Remember, the key is to keep learning, practising, and finding inspiration along the way.

To help you on your journey, we’d love for you to join our Travel Photography Facebook Group.

It’s a vibrant community of like-minded photographers who share tips, inspiration, and feedback on their work. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, you’ll find plenty of support and inspiration to take your skills to the next level.

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Emma and Steffan from Inwanderment standing side by side with lots of large colourful umberellas behind them painted in various ways. taken at a cultural photography location in Java.
Steffan and Emma

Steffan and Emma, a husband-and-wife team from the UK, are the founders of InWanderment, a Travel and Photography blog dedicated to sharing their experiences and insights from around the world.

Steffan is a self-taught photographer who enjoys helping others explore the outdoors through photography. He shares his knowledge to make capturing the beauty of nature accessible to everyone.

Emma is a seasoned traveler and writer who has visited over 40 countries. She uses her love of storytelling to share practical advice and personal experiences, aiming to inspire others to explore new places.

Now back in the UK, they are focusing on creating content from their 18 months of travel across Asia.

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Emma and Steffan from Inwanderment doing the peace sign and one hand in the air with a rice terrace and mountain the background smiling at the camera
Hello!

We're Steffan and Emma!

Photographers, nature lovers, and avid travellers!

We love sharing beautiful places, unique travel spots, and tips to help you take better photos!

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New On The Blog
  • 2 Week Northern Thailand Itinerary for Travel Photographers
  • 11 Best Places to Visit in Northern Thailand for Photography
  • Unique 4-Day Chiang Mai Itinerary: A photographer’s guide
  • Must-Have Travel Photography Gear For Your Next Adventure
  • Chiang Mai Lantern Festival: Is It Worth It? An Honest Guide

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A collage of six vibrant photographs capturing cultural and natural beauty. The top left showcases lush green rice terraces bathed in golden sunlight, with a mountain in the background. The top right features a baby orangutan clinging to its mother against a blurred jungle backdrop. The middle left displays a collection of colorful traditional hand fans arranged in an intricate pattern. The middle right shows people waving massive, rainbow-colored kites under a clear blue sky. The bottom left highlights terraced rice fields with rich greenery, palm trees, and soft lighting. The bottom right portrays an elderly craftsman seated at a wooden table, surrounded by intricate shadow puppets, as his work casts a silhouette on the wall.

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