Photograph as It Is, Not How You Thought It Would Be
I’ve had the opportunity to travel regularly for some time now. I am very fortunate to have been able to do so. Over the years, through travel to many destinations, I believe my photography has improved. And that’s not just how the photos are presented, it’s the mentality I have going into these photographic situations. My focus has changed, and my concerns and worries have decreased. As a result, with less worry, I feel more prepared to immerse myself in these destinations.
Dubrovnik - 2025
More Capturing, Less Editing
Some people seem to loathe post-processing. They don’t enjoy sorting and organizing, or sitting down to go through what could be thousands of photos. I understand. It can be a big undertaking. I, however, have always enjoyed sitting down at my desk on a peaceful evening, putting on some lounge music, and delving into what I’ve created. I love seeing what I have captured and exploring how editing techniques can enhance it.
However, over the past few years, that has changed dramatically for me. I still enjoy the process, yes, but since I have been capturing RAW + JPEG during travel, I honestly barely even glance at the RAW files. I’ve been considering abandoning RAWs on my travels, but I haven’t gotten there just yet.
Fujifilm JPEGs have transformed my entire process. I’m no longer thinking about how I would process an image, as I am almost sure that the JPEG will be the preferred file format anyway. Finding the right recipe or simulation is key, but I have a much better idea of what to expect based on the settings I am shooting with. It’s transformative.
Focus on the Experience
While I used to be overly prepared (or so I thought) for anything put in front of me subject-wise, my minimalist setup has led to a much more relaxed approach to the limitations. There are certain situations where I absolutely benefited from a longer lens, such as when visiting Iceland or South Africa. Still, I feel that most of the time it’s just not necessary. In fact, with one or two lens options, I feel it’s a tool that helps me establish my own style.
I’m much more invested in my travels when I’m relaxed; gear choice is no longer a consideration. Since I’m not worrying about lens choice, post-processing, tripods, filters, etc., I feel I am much more focused. The mental energy is set on being in the moment, not on a backpack full of gear and options.
It’s How I Experienced It
It’s easy to get caught up in expectations when travelling, especially in a location with beautiful scenery and many public photos that capture the awe of it all. Still, those expectations are usually difficult to match. I’m continuing to move towards realizing this and experiencing a location as I experienced it, not the expectations of what I thought it would be for me. Being disappointed can really hamper my drive and intuition when it comes to the photography I capture.
Capturing what’s in front of me, and the feelings and intentions behind it, is the most essential part of my travel photography. Capture the photos that have meaning to me.
Photography is what is in front of you as it is, not what you want it to be. It will never be precisely what you expected, and it’s best to embrace that and capture your experience. Trust me, those photos will mean the most to you when you look back and remember your travels. You’ll never remember the choice of lens, the processing you used, or how lucky you were to have had the equipment you had; it will only be about what you are looking at, who you experienced it with, if that’s the case, and how that makes you feel about the moment as you continue to appreciate it moving forward.
Conclusion
Looking back on travel memories through photography is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a reminder that the focus should be on the experience, rather than on the gear to use or the expectations for photos. Your photos should not be like everyone else’s; these are your experiences. Visiting the landmarks, main spots, and the best areas is something I definitely encourage. If you get that amazing photo that you envisioned, that’s great! However, it’s essential not to get caught up in replicating; instead, recognize where you are and what lies before you. Travel is amazing! It’s a privilege.
When you travel, you can see how many people around you are taking iPhone photos, replicating what they’ve seen on social media. It’s a copy of an experience, rarely one of their own. Make sure you are identifying what matters most when travelling and why you travel in the first place. Capture what is, instead of what you thought it would be.