How to do travel photography/videography?

“No place is boring if you had a good night's sleep and a pocket full of unexposed film.”

(Source: smartertravel.com)

Photography and videography are similar. Photographers capture a moment in a single image whereas a videographer covers an event or a series of moments with audio.

If you have an eye for creativity and a love for travelling, you could become a travel photographer/videographer. But remember that it isn't as simple as picking up a camera and moving to different destinations. It requires a lot of practice, patience, time and effort, and skills. It isn't everyone’s cup of tea.

If you want to make it to the industry, make it a priority, know your subjects and settings, use simple techniques in the beginning then gradually you’ll improve. Lighting is key, know the importance of lighting in taking pictures or video.

How to become one?

• You should be passionate about what you do. Fame, money, success, everything comes eventually. Just travelling to two or three places and filming is not going to work, this should be your chosen lifestyle.

• Watch and observe another travel videographer/photographer’s works, find your mentor. Only practice and experience can make you better. Never let other’s comments bother you, show what you’re capable of with your desire and hard work.

• The world should see your work. Start a youtube channel or Instagram page and share your creativity. Some people may criticize you but it is only from that you get to be better at your work. Work hard, take things positively and just do your thing.

• Once you get your video/photograph, then you need to learn some editing skills which make your work look professional. It is a competitive world and you should give your 100% in everything you do. Some of the mainstream editing apps are Lightroom, Adobe Premiere, and Final Cut.

• Never give up! Sometimes you just don't get what you wish for but don't lose hope. Only practice and consistency make you better at it. Travel to nearby places, take road trips and capture its beauty. Make as many videos as you can.

• You have to invest in the best camera, quality matters. You can become a travel videographer/photographer with just a phone but not with any phone. For instance, with an iPhone, you could become successful at your work. Yes, quality camera equipment matters, with it you get better picture quality, audio quality, etc. It is expensive, but maybe you could start with basics, show it to the world, and buy the best from its money.

Is travel photography/videography a good career?

Travel photography/videography offers a wide range of opportunities and it is an ideal career for you if you’re interested in it. It is a highly creative job. The best part is you get to visit beautiful destinations all over the world, endless adventures and can enjoy your heart out.

There are various job opportunities for this depending upon your interests, skills, and availability. Here are some of them;

1. Freelance photography/videography can work with other brands/companies as their travel photographer/videographer. Also, you can help other travel photographers/videographers with their work.

1. Freelance editor - this is a very good opportunity but you should be good at editing and know how this works. It’s a tough job and requires time and effort, not everybody is willing or has the patience to do it. If they send you the videos, showcase your talent in them.

1. Own brand - start your brand. It is not that easy but not impossible. Making money using your brand by sharing your works through social media or companies/tourism boards inviting you to collaborate with them.

What makes a video great/interesting?

The answer is quite simple, make videos that are enjoyed by your audience. The people who follow you on your social media platforms and your family and friends. To be successful and your videos to be liked by others, know your audience well. Get to know what kind of videos they're interested in, also make videos that make you happy.

How much does a travel photographer/videographer earn in India?

As a starting salary, a travel photographer’s earnings range from 2 lakhs to 3.4 lakhs. We never know how much a videographer earns next month or the month after that. It all depends on how good and well your work reached the audience, quality matters.

Some of the travel photographers from India are Saurabh Gandhi, George Koruth, Siddhartha Joshi and some of the travel videographers/bloggers from India are Varun Vagish, Sudesh Kumar, Kritika Goel.

(Source: thelondoneconomic.com)

On the whole, travel photography/videography is a fun, loving, adventurous, and enjoyable job. Travelling the world, visiting beautiful destinations, enjoying every culture and food, different items of clothing, meeting new people, learning new languages, capturing all your favourite moments, showing your talent to the world, and earning money. If you're happy doing this, you surely will succeed in this. At first, you may face difficulties but with time and practice, you’ll become a professional.

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Author - Fiza Fathima

Content Writer at Escribo