How to Tell a Story Through Travel Photography? A great travel photograph can make you stop scrolling, lean closer to the screen, and feel something – curiosity, nostalgia, wonder. But the images that linger in your mind days or weeks later? Those are the ones that tell a story.
When I first started traveling with my camera, I focused almost entirely on “the big shots”
The postcard views, the famous landmarks, the grand panoramas. They looked good, but something was missing. I realized my albums felt like collections of beautiful but disconnected moments.
Now, my approach is different: I think in stories, not snapshots. Here’s how you can do the same.
And, if you are German speaking, join my presentation.
Start with a Narrative in Mind
Every good story has a beginning, middle, and end – and so can a photo series.
If I’m photographing a fishing village, the beginning might be the road leading in, the middle could be the market bustling with locals, and the end could be a sunset over the harbor. Thinking this way helps me look for connective tissue between shots.
Capture the Details, Not Just the Landmarks
Landmarks draw people in, but details make them stay.
In Cartagena, Colombia, I photographed the famous city walls – but my favorite shots came from the cracks in the plaster, the tangle of electrical wires, the vendor arranging mango slices in a perfect circle. These details carry the texture of a place, making your audience feel like they’re walking alongside you.
Use Sequencing to Your Advantage
Think of your gallery or photo essay as a short film. Open with an establishing shot to set the scene. Follow with medium shots to show context, and close-ups for intimacy. End with an image that leaves a lingering mood – maybe a quiet street after the market closes, or a coastline fading into twilight.
Shoot for Yourself First
This is maybe the most important tip: before you think about Instagram likes or portfolio value, shoot the photos you want for yourself. Your personal connection to a subject will shine through, making the final story feel authentic and alive.
