Travel Photography Tips: Capturing Japan and Improving Your Skills
What is travel photography?
Food stand in Kyoto that sells small sharks on a stick.
Travel photography is a broad genre that captures the essence of a place, going beyond just a pretty picture. Imagine travel photography as a postcard come to life. It's not just a static image of a place but a window into its soul, capturing the sights, sounds, and emotions that make it special.
Travel and photography have always been a part of my life, but I had never combined them. When I found out I would be going to Japan for leisure earlier this year, I was thrilled. Japan! Literally Japan. Japan had never crossed my mind as a country I would like to visit. Why? I just never considered it.
View of Mt. Fuji from Chureito Pagoda.
Now, I can't wait to go back to Japan to:
Unearth more about the country and its culture
Go shopping
Get another chance to capture the country
Prior to visiting Japan, I told myself I would like to improve my travel photography shots. During previous travels, I captured photographs, but I felt they did not truly document my experience. On this trip, I wanted to change that. In this blog, I am going to share with you the lessons I learned in Japan about travel photography from my perspective.
Travel Photography Gear I Used in Japan:
Canon 6D Mark II | I traded this in for a mirrorless camera in Japan
Canon R6 Mark II | Bought this while in Japan
Canon 24-105 mm f/4 lens
Quick selfie with my new Canon R6 Mirror less :)
Okay, let’s dive into the lessons I learned about travel photography during my trip to Japan.
1.Research the country beforehand!
The trip was planned down to the "t" as I was traveling with a group. Prior to the trip, I told myself I wanted to be surprised by everything in Japan in person. With that mindset, I did not do any research on Japan at all.
Taking the time to learn and research about Japan prior to the trip would have provided early insights on the culture and the Japanese way of life compared to other countries. Basically, what makes this country unique, and this would have aligned with capturing authentic photos that conveyed the vibe and story of the country rather than just photos. Therefore, maximizing my photographic opportunities.
Quiet train station in Kyoto.
For example, if I had done simple research, I would have known that in Japan, sunrise is around 5 am daily. I did not learn of this until I was physically in Japan. Being an early riser, I could have taken advantage of this and explored the city while everyone was still in bed, pretty much having the city to myself.
2. Focus on Composition – Multiple Things Are Happening
While in Japan, I traveled back and forth between multiple cities including Tokyo, Hakone, Osaka, Kyoto, and the island of Okinawa. Each city had its own distinctive energy paired with multiple activities taking place in one spot. As I reviewed the photographs after returning to the United States, I realized I was more focused on taking the shots rather than focusing on the story/shot within the frame. Basically, just moving quickly to take the shot and move to the next one due to time constraints. Patience is key.
Night time in Tokyo!
Nighttime in Tokyo is pretty nice! The night I traded in my DSLR for a mirrorless camera, I hit the street. So excited to test out the capabilities of my R6 Mark II, I kept shooting everything, literally haha. When I sat down to review photos from the night, you would see random groups of people's heads at the bottom of the shot, the composition was off.
I could have avoided this by incorporating the rule of thirds, positioning the buildings at the intersection points for a more balanced and engaging composition.
3. Be comfortable as a Travel Photographer
Hakone-jinja Shrine in Hakone.
One thing I must say is that at times during the trip, I did not feel comfortable taking photos. Why? I think it’s because I did not want to appear touristy. But one thing I now need to understand is that I may not be able to visit the specific city/country again, and I need to take advantage of the time I am there. Being uncomfortable impacted my creativity and focus as well. I just need to remember to enjoy the experience and create a story to remember years from now.
What I’ve learned is that being confident as a photographer helps in being comfortable in uncomfortable situations overall as a photographer.
In summary….
My trip to Japan was not just an adventure but also a significant learning experience for my journey as a travel photographer. Through the bustling streets of Tokyo, the serene landscapes of Kyoto, and the cultural depth of Okinawa, I discovered the importance of preparation, composition, and confidence. By researching beforehand, focusing on the story within each frame, and embracing the experience despite initial discomfort, I was able to capture more authentic and meaningful photographs.
Top of the stairs that lead to Hakone Shrine.
Travel photography is about more than just snapping pictures; it's about telling the story of a place and its people. Japan taught me to approach photography with patience, mindfulness, and a willingness to learn from every moment. I hope these insights inspire you to capture your own travel experiences in a way that truly reflects the essence of your journey.
Thank you for joining me on this photographic exploration of Japan. I can't wait to share more adventures and lessons with you in the future.
Check out my travel photography at ShotsByJAB.com/travel