What are the best lighting techniques for travel photography?

1 Natural lighting

Natural lighting is the most common and versatile source of light for travel photography. It can create different effects depending on the time of day, the weather, and the location. The golden hour, which is the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset, is ideal for creating warm and soft tones, enhancing textures and shadows, and adding drama and depth to your photos. The blue hour, which is the period before sunrise or after sunset, is perfect for capturing the contrast between the cool sky and the warm artificial lights, creating a sense of atmosphere and mystery. The midday sun, which is often harsh and bright, can be used to create dramatic silhouettes, emphasize shapes and patterns, and highlight vibrant colors.

2 Artificial lighting

Artificial lighting is any source of light that is not natural, such as street lamps, neon signs, candles, or flashlights. It can be used to complement or contrast natural lighting, or to create your own lighting effects. For example, you can use artificial lighting to fill in the shadows, create a backlight, or add a color cast to your photos. You can also use artificial lighting to create interesting light trails, starbursts, or bokeh effects by using a slow shutter speed, a small aperture, or a wide aperture, respectively. Artificial lighting can also help you to capture the mood and character of a place at night, such as a busy market, a cozy restaurant, or a festive celebration.

3 Direct lighting

Direct lighting is when the light source is shining directly on your subject, creating strong contrasts, sharp edges, and clear details. It can also create harsh shadows, highlights, and reflections, which can be desirable or undesirable depending on your intention and style. Direct lighting can be used to draw attention to your subject, create a sense of drama and intensity, or emphasize the texture and shape of your subject. However, direct lighting can also cause problems such as overexposure, underexposure, or glare, which can be solved by using a filter, a reflector, or a diffuser.

4 Diffused lighting

Diffused lighting is when the light source is scattered or softened by an object, such as a cloud, a window, or an umbrella. It creates even and gentle illumination, smooth transitions, and subtle shadows. It can also reduce the contrast, saturation, and depth of your photos, which can be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on your purpose and preference. Diffused lighting can be used to create a natural and flattering look for your subject, create a calm and serene mood, or capture the subtle tones and colors of your subject. However, diffused lighting can also cause problems such as flatness, dullness, or noise, which can be solved by using a flash, a polarizer, or a higher ISO.

5 Front lighting

Front lighting is when the light source is in front of your subject, facing the same direction as your camera. It creates even and bright illumination, clear and vivid colors, and minimal shadows. It can also make your subject stand out from the background, create a sense of realism and clarity, or highlight the expression and emotion of your subject. However, front lighting can also cause problems such as lack of depth, dimension, and drama, which can be solved by using a different angle, a different time of day, or a different light source.

6 Back lighting

Back lighting is when the light source is behind your subject, facing the opposite direction as your camera. It creates dark and silhouetted shapes, bright and glowing edges, and dramatic and contrasty effects. It can also create a sense of mystery, romance, or drama, or highlight the shape and outline of your subject. However, back lighting can also cause problems such as underexposure, overexposure, or lens flare, which can be solved by using a metering mode, an exposure compensation, or a lens hood.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?