Material & motif recommendations – How to take impressive travel photos

From WhiteWall expert Katharina Wergen

Travel photography thrives on unique moments, atmospheric lighting moods and the variety of new impressions. But to ensure that the images don't just disappear into the digital archive, it's worth thinking about the choice of material and planning the motif before the trip. Which sources of inspiration will help you create your images? Which motifs are suitable? And which print products will perfectly showcase the resulting images?

The type of trip largely determines the photographic challenges that await you. A city trip requires a completely different approach than a safari or a trip to the sea. While the choice of perspective is crucial in narrow alleyways, in nature it's all about lighting and dynamics. Technical factors such as exposure time, aperture and focal length also play a major role in the creative realization.

In this article, you will learn which materials serve as a source of inspiration, which types of travel require special image strategies and how you can immortalize your most beautiful travel memories with the right print presentation.

1. Sources of inspiration for travel photography

Before using your camera while traveling, it's worth gathering inspiration. High-quality Coffee Table Books, social networks or historical research can help you discover new perspectives and select motifs that go beyond classic vacation snapshots.

1.1 Coffee Table Books and Fine Art Photography

Printed photo books offer a more intensive examination of motifs and image compositions than digital image galleries. Many renowned travel photographers publish works that show iconic landscapes, impressive architecture or atmospheric street photography.

• Coffee Table Books train the eye for lighting moods, compositions and color design

• Fine Art travel photography teaches how emotions and depth can be integrated into a shot

• High-quality image series help you to develop your own photographic signature

Tip: When leafing through Coffee Table Books, consciously pay attention to the perspectives, lighting and image composition. Which elements attract the eye? How do you use colors and contrasts?

1.2 Online platforms and social networks

Digital media offer a quick and versatile source of inspiration. Platforms such as Instagram, 500px and National Geographic show current trends and provide insights into the work of international travel photographers.

• Instagram: Perfect for spontaneous, creative travel shots and urban photography

• 500px: High-quality travel photography with a focus on landscape, architecture and Fine Art

• National Geographic: Documentary and artistic travel photography at the highest level

It is important to not just be guided by trends, but to develop your own ideas. Many of the best travel pictures are not taken at well-known photo spots, but where you can find an individual perspective.

1.3 Historical and cultural research

Those who study the history and culture of a destination often discover special motifs that are not obvious at first glance.

• Historic buildings or traditional ceremonies offer impressive photographic opportunities

• Researching local artists or street art scenes can provide inspiring image ideas

• Regional festivals or markets offer exciting motifs with intense colors and dynamic scenes

Tip: Look for lesser-known places in travel blogs or documentaries to discover unique photo motifs off the beaten tourist track.

Summary: How to find inspiration for travel photography

• Coffee Table Books and Fine Art photography train the eye for aesthetics and image composition

• Online platforms offer the latest trends, but your own creativity should take center stage

• Historical and cultural research helps to discover special motifs and backgrounds

2. Types of travel and their photographic characteristics

The type of trip largely determines which motifs present themselves and which photographic challenges arise. While the focus in a vibrant metropolis is primarily on dynamics and architecture, a nature trip requires a deep understanding of light moods and vastness. Each type of trip requires an individual approach - from image composition and technical settings to the right perspective.

2.1 City trips - architecture, street photography and urban details

Cities offer a wealth of photographic opportunities, from modern skylines and historic buildings to lively street scenes. The choice of perspective, lines and lighting moods are particularly important here.

• Skylines look particularly impressive in the blue hour, when the natural residual light merges with the artificial lighting of the city

• Street scenes gain dynamism through targeted movement effects, such as tracking shots or long exposures

• Architectural shots benefit from symmetry and clear lines, which can be emphasized by a low camera position

Technical recommendations:

• Wide-angle lenses for narrow streets and imposing buildings

• Long exposures for light trails and reflections at night

• Aperture f/8 to f/11 for maximum depth of field in architectural shots

2.2 Nature and adventure travel - landscapes, wildlife and extremes

When traveling outdoors and in nature, it is important to capture light, weather and vastness in impressive images. Moods change depending on the time of day - the best time for landscape photography is usually the golden hour shortly after sunrise or shortly before sunset.

• Wide-angle shots create an epic image effect, while telephoto lenses emphasize details in the distance

• Long exposures allow clouds or water to flow softly, creating a meditative image aesthetic

• Wild animals should be photographed with longer focal lengths so as not to disturb their natural behavior

Technical recommendations:

• Aperture f/11 to f/16 for maximum sharpness in landscape shots

• ND filter for long exposures in daylight

• Continuous shooting mode and fast shutter speeds for wildlife photography

2.3 Cultural travel - people, traditions and festivals

Photographing people and traditions requires respect and sensitivity. A genuine, unposed portrait can tell a whole story - but not everyone wants to be photographed.

• A friendly conversation before taking the photo can gain the person's trust

• Telephoto lenses help to capture authentic moments from an unobtrusive distance

• Colorful markets or traditional festivals benefit from an intense color scheme and open aperture to separate subjects from the background

Technical recommendations:

• Aperture f/2.8 to f/5.6 for cropping people in busy scenes

• Higher ISO values for dark interiors or moving scenes

• Black and white as a stylistic device for timeless, emotional portraits

2.4 Traveling to the sea - water, movement and reflections

The coast offers countless photographic opportunities, from gentle sunsets to roaring waves. Exposure time and the use of filters are particularly important here.

• Long exposures transform moving water into a soft, almost mystical surface

• Reflections in sand or on a wet surface make pictures look more interesting

• Backlit shots during sunsets create an intense color mood

Technical recommendations:

• ND filters for long exposures on the water

• Polarization filters to reduce reflections and make colors appear stronger

• Fast shutter speeds for dynamic wave movements

• A tripod is essential for longer exposure times

Summary: Which type of travel requires which technology

• City trips require precise lines and perspectives, often with wide angles and long exposures

• Nature trips benefit from the right lighting mood and long exposures for water and clouds

• Cultural trips rely on sensitive portrait photography and authentic street scenes

• Coastal landscapes are particularly effective with reflections, long exposures and warm-toned light

3. Important motifs and their photographic realization

Every journey offers a multitude of possible motifs. But not every scene can be transformed into an impressive picture without further ado. Light, perspective and technical settings play a decisive role here.

3.1 Architecture and urban structures

Architecture thrives on clear lines and structures, which can be specifically staged using the right perspective. A harmonious image composition that avoids distortion and emphasizes the aesthetic effect of a building is particularly important here.

Tips for implementation:

• Symmetrical compositions for a balanced image effect

• Wide-angle lens for monumental buildings and narrow alleyways

• Telephoto lens for architectural details and patterns

• Blue hour for a balanced lighting mood between natural and artificial light

• Tripod and long exposure times for night shots

Technical recommendations:

• Aperture: f/8 to f/11 for maximum sharpness

• ISO: 100 to 400 for low-noise images

• Shutter speed: Variable, depending on lighting conditions and desired effect

3.2 Landscape photography while traveling

Landscapes often unfold their full effect through the choice of the right light and a well thought-out composition. The golden and blue hours are particularly attractive, as they create warm and cool lighting moods respectively.

Tips for implementation:

• Golden hour for soft lighting moods and warm colors

• Wide-angle lens for expansive panoramas with depth

• Pay attention to the foreground to make the image composition more exciting

• Long exposures for dynamic clouds or water movements

• Use ND filters to control light and enable long exposures during the day

Technical recommendations:

• Aperture: f/11 to f/16 for continuous sharpness

• ISO: 100 for best image quality

• Shutter speed: 1/1000 s for dynamic scenes, several seconds for long exposures

3.3 Portrait photography on the move

Travel portraits can tell a story and provide authentic insights into cultures. Light, proximity and respectful treatment of the subject are particularly important here.

Tips for implementation:

• Use natural light, e.g. soft light in the shade or window light

• Open aperture for a soft background blur

• Interact with people to capture natural expressions

• Black and white as a creative choice for expressive, timeless portraits

Technical recommendations:

• Aperture: f/2.8 to f/5.6 for targeted cropping

• ISO: 200 to 800 depending on the lighting situation

• Shutter speed: At least 1/200 s for sharp results

3.4 Night photography while traveling

The night offers a special atmosphere for travel photography. Cities shine in artificial light, while impressive starry skies can be captured in remote regions.

Tips for implementation:

• Long exposures for light trails from cars or moving water

• High ISO values and open aperture for hand-held night shots

• Using the blue hour as a transition between day and night

• Stabilization through fixed surfaces or mini tripods

Technical recommendations:

• Aperture: f/2.8 to f/8 for optimum light management

• ISO: 800 to 3200 for stars and weak light sources

• Shutter speed: 10 to 30 seconds for long exposures

Summary: The perfect implementation for popular travel motifs

• Architecture: Symmetrical lines and long exposure for night shots

• Landscapes: Golden hour and foreground design for more depth

• Portraits: Natural light and open apertures for authentic shots

• Night photography: long exposure for lighting effects or high ISO values for stars

4. Printing and presentation recommendations for travel photos

The most beautiful travel photos deserve a high-quality presentation that enhances their impact. Depending on the motif and the desired aesthetics, we offer a variety of printing materials - from brilliant acrylic glass prints and elegant Fine Art Prints to creative special formats.

4.1 Large-format prints for landscape and architectural photography

Landscapes and architectural images benefit from large-format prints, which enhance their depth of detail and spatial effect.

Recommended materials:

• Acrylic glass pictures for brilliant colors and an impressive depth effect

• Photo print on aluminum Dibond for a timeless design with high durability and long-lasting UV protection film

Suitable for:

• Expansive landscapes with subtle color gradients

• Skyline and city shots with many architectural details

• Minimalist architectural photography with clear lines

4.2 Fine Art Prints for artistic travel photos

For atmospheric travel photography with an artistic touch, high-quality Fine Art Prints are suitable, which impress with their paper structure and excellent tonal gradations.

Recommended materials:

• Fine Art paper for a matte, elegant surface and excellent detail drawing

• Shadow gap frame for a stylish gallery presentation with a floating look

Suitable for:

• Black and white photographs with fine contrasts

• Atmospheric city and landscape scenes with soft light gradients

• Minimalist travel motifs with a focus on textures and structures

4.3 Creative presentations for travel memories

In addition to classic prints, there are also creative forms of presentation that showcase travel images in a special way.

Recommended materials:

• Round format & creative shapes for an extraordinary image effect and a modern look - and for presenting several small images

• Photo albums and Coffee Table Books as a narrative travel chronicle to document an entire trip in a high-quality book

Suitable for:

• Dynamic, experimental shots with artistic design

• Mementos of special moments or individual photo projects

• Personal gift ideas for travel partners or family members

Summary: The best presentation for travel photography

• Large format prints: Acrylic glass and aluminum Dibond for brilliant colors and modern aesthetics

• Fine Art Prints: Hahnemühle paper and shadow gap frames for artistic photographs

• Creative presentations: Round formats or Coffee Table Books for individual staging

5. Conclusion: How to take impressive travel photos

Travel photography is much more than just capturing memories - it is an artistic exploration of places, cultures and moods. By choosing the right materials and consciously planning your motifs, you can create images that will retain their fascination long after the trip.

The photographic challenges vary depending on the type of trip: While city trips score with architecture and street scenes, nature photography thrives on light and vastness. Portraits and cultural scenes require sensitivity and authenticity, while night photography plays with exposure times and creative effects. The choice of the right print medium further enhances the effect of an image.

With the right preparation, conscious image composition and high-quality presentation, travel photos become real works of art - and always bring back the magic of past experiences.