1.Travel photography is Street photography.
Yes ! You read it right. There are several aspects of Travel photography, some of which are similar to street photography, especially in case of portraits. But of course it is NOT the same.
In Street photography, most photographers try to tell their story in a series. They prefer black & white format for impact and to avoid distraction from the focus of the story.
The challenges of Travel photography are different. You essentially have to tell the whole story in just one photograph; the essence of that place, the culture of the city or that particular nook, the mood of that person or the moment. You have to be able to trigger the imagination and curiosity of the viewer, and make the unseen very subtly visible.
Travel photography is more like story telling, by being there as a traveler; not a tourist... like opening a window in the mind of the viewer.
2. Good travel portraits need a lot of Luck.
Often, when someone is attempting photography by beginning with Travel photography portraits, the first doubt that crosses their mind is, "Would people like it... or may be they are not comfortable with the idea of some stranger clicking their pictures."
We all have one favourite family photo or a school alumni photograph; right? Who do we look for first in any such photograph?
Our own self!
Obviously everyone wishes to look good in their photo. Everyone is ready to get photographed. But the question remains, how does one conquer their fear and awkwardness. I am letting you in on that one secret.. (Finally I am revealing my favourite trick for the perfect and happy street portrait shot) ... And that is.... S-M-I-L-E.
Keep smiling as you click. It is most easy language and it is universal.
And while clicking, keep conveying with your manner: Trust me. Sweet words, Smiling face and a Good Shot is a deadly cocktail... and its charm cannot fail.
So all you need is to have a smile on your face while shooting pictures of strangers.
3. It is a famous place; so no need to plan.
The time tested adage: "Good planing is half the work done"., is applicable here too. So when you want to go on your next travel photography assignment, you must read all the information about the destination (which is easily available on internet). It is equally vital to avoid getting influenced by the photos of other photographers.
At times it may help to know the mood of that place; but if one spends more time on 500px or facebook checking out other photographers' work, than with your own camera on the field, one subconsciously tends to copy them. There is a thin line between copying and getting inspired.
No matter where you are visiting, Spiti, Kutch or Pushkar, all you need to do is to find the best time for the sunrise and sunset of that place, the most suitable hotel, the kind of food available; whether it is safe for a solo traveler... etc etc. If it is seascapes that interest you, find the moonrise time, full moon dates, high tide - low tide and such information.
Be like an iceberg my friend; an iceberg that shows only its tip above the water, but it runs very deep below the surface. Photography, after all, is hard work, almost like intense meditation. Brings on the glow from within.
