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Photo Shoot List For Bloggers & Influencers (Travel Edition)

If you’re planning to write a travel blog or take photos for a company whilst you are travelling and want to be more prepared for your next trip, this is the blog post for you! We’ve listed all our best recommendations on what to travel with and how to make the most of the location you’re visiting.

We’ve also included a checklist to help you get prepared for your next trip, so let’s get started!

 

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Who are the photos for?

The success of your travel photography begins with a clear vision of what you’re trying to achieve. Different purposes require different approaches, equipment choices, and planning strategies.  Are you taking photos for your personal travel blog/social media, or are you creating content for a specific client like a hotel or restaurant?

For a Travel Blog

Plan ahead to ensure you’re equipped for inspirational shots. Research your destination to find photogenic locations and take lightweight props like stationery, sunglasses, or a laptop to create varied content.  Choose props that serve multiple purposes, i.e. items you might already have with you such as a stylish hat or iPad so you are not overloading your luggage with things you won’t otherwise use. When planning your photo itinerary, focus on the following:

  • Creating storytelling photos that reflect your personal brand
  • Planning shots that align with your usual content style
  • Including yourself in images so people connect with your travel story
  • Props for flatlay photos with unique backgrounds
  • Developing a series or themes that could span over multiple posts, i.e. local cuisine, markets, culture
  • Scout out unique locations which are not typically shown on travel blogs

 

For a Brand

  • Get detailed brief requirements beforehand, including brand and style guidelines
  • Understand specific shots or angles needed so that you have the right lenses
  • Consider backup plans for must-have shots regardless of the weather
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    Ideas for Photo Locations

    Your choice of location can make or break a photo shoot. Use the following ideas for inspiration:

    • Landmarks: Capture iconic spots unique to your destination.
    • Nature Scenes: Beaches, pools, mountains, or parks make stunning backdrops.
    • Local Life: Explore markets, cafes, ice-cream parlors, and street art and capture everyday life.
    • Galleries and Museums: Show images that reflect history and culture.
    • Hidden Gems: Look for off-the-beaten-path locations to stand out from the crowd.

    If you are taking street documentary photos, remember to check the laws regarding photographing people in public spaces.

    A handy tip for keeping track of your locations is to take a quick photo of street signs, storefront names, or landmark plaques at each spot you photograph. When you’re visiting multiple locations, these reference shots become invaluable for remembering exactly where each photo was taken. This is also helpful when writing blog posts or creating location tags weeks after your trip.

     

    Pre-Trip Preparation

    Make the most of your time by prioritizing your location list and mapping out an efficient route between them. Research and note down travel times and transport options in advance, whether you’ll be using public transport or exploring on foot. While planning is essential, be sure to leave some flexible time slots in your schedule for spontaneity and unexpected photo opportunities that often make for the most authentic travel content.

    You should research if there are any restrictions for photographing areas due to religious, copyright or security reasons and be respectful of local customs and private property. Before you go:

    • Create a rough storyboard of must-have shots: landscapes, candid moments, and detailed close-ups.
    • Look up Instagrammable spots, iconic landmarks, or hidden gems in your destination.
    • Use apps like Google Maps, Pinterest, and Instagram to scout locations.
    • Find out the best times for lighting and crowd levels.

     

    Lighting

    Light is perhaps the most crucial element in photography, and understanding how to work with natural light at your destination can take your images from good to extraordinary.   Make the most of these golden opportunities and, if possible,  practice before your real shoot so that you can familiarize yourself with your camera settings and the changes you need to make.

    • Golden Hour: This is known for its warm tones and soft shadows and occurs just after sunrise or before sunset.  It’s perfect for portraits and landscapes.   Remember to check local sunrise/sunset times before your trip so you don’t miss them.
    • Blue Hour: A short window after sunset or before sunrise which results in cooler tones ideal for atmospheric or moody shots.
    • Working with Midday Light: While many photographers avoid shooting during in harsh midday sun, this time can offer creative opportunities.  I always like to seek out shaded spots under trees or buildings for softer portraits but experiment with the strong sunlight too to capture shadows and high-contrast compositions.

     

    Travel Checklist

    To avoid a lost luggage scenario, I recommend keeping your camera equipment to a minimum and ensuring that it all fits in your carry-on luggage along with your laptop. Heavy camera bags can quickly become exhausting, particularly in warm weather when you’re exploring for hours.   Consider using your smartphone as a backup camera for spontaneous shots or when carrying full camera equipment isn’t practical.  Finally, before you start packing, check your airline’s weight and size restrictions for carry-on luggage. Here’s a list of equipment to consider for your trip:

    Camera Equipment

    • Camera or phone – whatever camera you have access to is the best one to use!
    • Lenses.  Depending on what I was planning to photograph, I would take two lenses, one to cover wide-angle shots and a longer lens for zoom shots
    • Camera batteries and charger (remember that lithium batteries cannot be checked in)
    • Memory cards
    • Speedlight.   Only necessary if you think the places you’re photographing will require additional light, otherwise I would use natural light
    • Tripod/selfie stick
    • Camera bag

     
    Computer/Tech Items

    • Laptop
    • iPad
    • Headphones
    • Universal power adaptor
    • Portable hard drive for backup
    • Cloud storage backup solution
    • Portable power bank
    • Local SIM card plan

     
    Props:

    • Stationery: Notebooks, Pens, Pencils
    • Sunglasses
    • Hats, scarves
    • Book
    • Small mirror (can be used for reflections)
    • Clear umbrella (can be used in sun or rain)
    • Vacation souvenirs: Make use of all the local stores, markets or beach vendors for unique props
    • Drinks and food you purchase in cafes make great props

     
    Preparing for a travel photo shoot doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By planning your shots and packing light, you’ll be ready to capture stunning visuals while enjoying the journey.

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    Photo Shoot List For Bloggers & Influencers (Travel Edition)

    Alison Edwards
    Author's Website
    Alison has been a photographer at Alison Edwards Photography since 2009. She is a mum to one young man, and a cute little dog and rarely says no to chocolate!

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