16 Photoshoot ideas to try not only while traveling 

Since this blog focuses on travel and photography this article will give you some photoshoot ideas, and tips to try and explore with your camera whether it’s a mobile, DSLR, or mirror-less. Some of the ideas are suitable also for non-travelers and people who spend a lot of time in one place.

Emotion through color

Pick one color and take into account how it is connected to the emotions you want to explore or entice through your photography. For example, the red color is usually associated with passion, energy, and love, but also with danger, anger, and aggression. Or you can choose to work with primary colors, or color harmonies and complementary colors. 

Another approach is to focus on the color temperatures and explore the emotional impact of warm and cool colors. 

Some colors in different cultures have deeper symbolic or mythological meanings that you can incorporate into your photography work.

Or you can just go with monochromatic studies of shades and tints of a single color.

Usually, in pre-production and editing, you can add some experimental layers with chromatic aberration and create some dreamlike atmospheres that can evoke heightened emotional responses.

Minimalism in architecture

Instead of taking pictures of the well-known historical monumental buildings try to find something less notable with minimalist design elements. For example bridges, skyscrapers, or just walls, or even fences. When taking the pictures try to use negative space to emphasize the simplicity of the structure. Also soft and diffuse light can make the lines and shapes stand out more. But if your goal is to create something more dramatic then go for the harsh light which will grant you strong shadows and contrasts.

Try to keep your composition as simple as possible, remove anything distracting, and use leading lines to capture the viewer’s eye. You can also focus more on the symmetrical lines to enhance the harmony of the structure or patterns like geometric elements to make your photos more visually interesting.

Keep it simple not only with the simple lines, and shapes but also with colors. Choose monochromatic, or neutral color schemes. Or just use black and white to make the structure and form more dominant.

Water in motion

When taking pictures of water you can experiment with long exposures, freeze frames, or even abstract compositions. You can either use the fast shutter speeds of 1/500 or higher or the slower ones of 1/10 to create that smooth silky effect. But for the smooth one, you will be better with a tripod to prevent the camera shake. Alternatively, you can try the ND filters and achieve a silky smooth surface without overexposure. Some of the latest mobile phones come with cameras capable of doing the long exposure too. For example, iPhone users can turn on Live mode when shooting and then just select long exposure from the Live menu on the image.

Found objects

Pay more attention to your indoor and outdoor surroundings and try to look for items that are unique in shapes, colors, or textures. You can collect them and make some arrangements and try to make some story of it. Consider their metaphorical or symbolic meaning and try to communicate it. Do not be afraid to show any imperfections the objects might have. It can also be a good idea to document the process of your journey with the objects and set it in comparison with the final shots.

Signs

This photoshoot idea is a little bit similar to the found objects. But in this case, focus on interesting or weird signs around you. Most graphic designers enjoy looking at all the typefaces at the windows, doors, or any imaginable place. Try to be like them for a day. The signs may also include interesting stickers on signs as well. You can end up making your own story of it too like with the previous case of found objects.

Patterns in nature

If visiting nature, parks and hiking plays a big role in your travel itinerary you can focus on studying natural patterns and materials. Pay attention to repetitions in plants, landscapes, or animals if you encounter some. You can utilize macro photography techniques and give the viewer insight into the local fauna and flora. 

Sometimes you will need to be very patient and wait for the right moment. For example when trying to capture motion in nature such as swirling patterns, rippling patterns, or if you want to shoot in weather conditions not very common in certain areas, like rains and thunders in deserts.

Duality

Try to capture the conflicting moments, moments of tension but also harmony that juxtaposes two opposite concepts, emotions, materials, colors, etc. Use double exposure or reflective surfaces such as water, glass, and mirrors. You do not need to be concrete in your duality photography storytelling. You can stay more ambiguous and leave some room for layers of interpretation. 

Urban decay

When visiting foreign countries many people will usually land in big cities. Take some time to get to know some of the less visited districts of such cities and try to incorporate abandoned places or neglected streets into your photoshoot ideas. In many cases, you will have to step inside a building illegally and bypass the “no trespassing” sign.

Cinematic storyboards or photo essays

Choose a subject, or a theme, and stay focused on it when shooting. It can be something personal to you or something even more abstract. Try to make a narrative of it and allow viewers to immerse themselves in your visual story.

Social justice movements

Sometimes you can become part of some social movement in the form of a protest when visiting a foreign country. It can give you a better perspective of the current situation of the country and maybe some emotionally charged images. Since the majority of protests usually take place somewhere in historical centers on big squares it is not easy to miss them when they are happening. 

For example in the capital of the country where I am from, Bratislava, the protests usually happen on Freedom Square, in front of the Presidential Palace on Hodžovo Square, near Bratislava castle in front of the National Council of SR, or on SNP Square near McDonald’s.

Shoot only in one neighborhood 

If you are visiting a city try to find interesting districts. Explore not only the touristy hotspots but maybe follow your intuition if you are attracted somewhere. I bet every city or town has some districts that are known for something like higher criminal rates, poverty, etc. But that necessarily means you need to go exactly where to secure great shots. Or you can make it even more narrow and focus only on one street. (You can check out my article about Camden clubs for such photos)

Natural light product photography 

As somebody who has done a lot of product photography indoors in a studio, shooting products outside in natural light can become a really exciting activity on my list of photoshoot ideas. Since you will probably not have all the light equipment with you, maybe some reflectors, it can be more challenging. You need to find some suitable surface but also make sure the light is great too. But on the other hand, you can have a lot of free and natural props available around you. Green leaves, flowers, rocks, wood, water, and many more to incorporate into your shot.

Photograph from a rooftop or far away

Instead of trying to get the best shot in front of some old cathedral try to find some stairs that will take you a few floors up. Then you may have the chance to capture some of the architectonic details that you would probably miss otherwise. Or when photographing people get further and use a wide angle to capture the dominant and intimidating surroundings around. 

Public transportation

Whether you staying in your hometown, or village, or you are on the road, the theme of transport is present everywhere. You can capture some interesting portraits, chaotic moments, rhythms, and diversity, as well as some interesting architectonic structures as well.

Choose one aesthetic

This one is a little bit similar to the color approach. At the beginning before your trip try to choose one aesthetic and stick to it to the end.

Use film camera

Film cameras are still popular although they may end up being sort of more expensive and also time-consuming. Unfortunately, I do not have a lot of experience with this kind of photography (you can check some of my latest attempts with Yashica D camera). Although, my photo journey started with a 35 mm film camera. I didn’t have any other opportunity back when I spent time abroad so I ended up with a couple of rolls. According to people who like to shoot with film cameras, if you going to spend 7 days traveling you should take 3 rolls of 35 mm film for each day, so 21 rolls for 7 days. Although you will only need 1-2 rolls per day, it is nice to have some as backup.