A road trip may not appear like the most exciting trip. Interminable stretches of boring scenery, long hours of staring at the windows while the world moves through at 70 miles per hour. It’s a recipe for monotony, isn’t it?
Let me share with you a little-known secret: even the most boring car trip can be transformed into a treasure chest of photos. With a bit of planning and a pinch of imagination, those uninspiring countryside views can provide the backdrop to photos that turn your pals green with envy.
So, buckle up for a moment, as I’m about to reveal how to turn these seemingly boring roads into a paradise for photographers. Prepare to unleash your creativity and discover the hidden treasures to be found on the road. Be sure that every roadtrip you go on is sure be one to put in the scrapbook!
1. Choose the less traveled route
I’m around 400 miles away from my siblings and parents and siblings, which is why I am driving back to my former home at least once a year. The most efficient route is the turnpike, and miles of boring interstate driving. Sure, it allows me to skip small towns without slowed down for 20 minutes every now and then but it also strips me of amazing photography opportunities.
Interstates and other highways can bring you there in a flash but when it comes down to taking amazing images, they fail. So what’s your solution? Instead of choosing the easy and easy way take on the spirit of Yoda and explore alternatives to get there. They might not be as fast but I guarantee you that they’re filled with photogenic charm.
Use your favorite mapping application or get a good physical map from the past. Find charming 2-lane roads that run through breathtaking landscapes. While you travel these picturesque roads you’ll be able to see stunning sights that no interstate could ever offer!
I was driving along the highway and I saw this dirt road that ran off to the side and stopped, so I pulled up and snapped a photo.
And, even better, if you choose to take back roads, you can stop at any time without creating a traffic nightmare.
Take your time, slow down, discover and let the roads not traveled be your entry point to incredible photography opportunities.
2. Plan your photos in advance
If you’re planning an adventure on the road it is essential to prepare an idea of how to capture incredible photographs. Do not rely on chance encounters on the way; Instead, take a proactive approach and focus on capturing specific moments that are perfect for photography.
Let me introduce you to the Baader Meinhof phenomenon, a unique mental trick that works in your advantage. When you have an idea in your head, such as taking pictures of tractors, your mind is playing games. You’ll see the tractor everywhere, as if just waiting to see them.
Now, let me share my experience. While on an earlier road trip, I chose to concentrate on windmills. I researched and selected slower, but interesting routes that were marked on the map. I wanted to capture the splendor of these magnificent structures. Truthfully, I can’t remember ever having seen windmills before, however I knew that they were in the Midwestern United States would surprise me. And boy did I have it right!
As the hours passed on my way, the windmills appeared in succession, as an amazing conveyor belt of photo opportunities. I couldn’t resist taking some amazing shots that far exceeded my expectations.
This trick can be applied to your own travels. It’s simple, really. Before you set out on the road choose a specific theme or style of photography you’d like to capture. Be sure to keep an eye on those treasures that are hidden in the process. Older barns, weathered billboards and bridges from the past, towering rock formations, spectacular mountain views or even dirt roads that are dusty – these are all fascinating subjects waiting to be captured by your camera.
It’s time to do some planning. Consider what you would like to capture. In your head, then you’re sure to be awed by how they develop into intriguing photographs!
3. The time of day is crucial.
When it comes to taking stunning road trip pictures the time of day is essential. The sun’s rays can ruin any photo as is the case for the epic photos you’re planning to capture on your trip.
Imagine driving on the open road and you’ve got some stunning photographs of landscapes in your head. If you start your journey either in the morning or evening the results are likely to be stunning. However, If you start your journey in the afternoon then you’ll have to say goodbye to the stunning sunset and sunset shots goodbye! It might sound like normal sense, but knowing how the sun affects your photographs will have a significant impact on the time you leave and overall plan.
If you’re not sure what kind of images you’d like to take during your trip make sure you hit the road within 30 minutes of the sunrise. Why? Because magic can happen during the early hours of the day and you may discover something that truly enthralling.
However If you have a specific location for your photos that you’ve planned for your trip be sure to plan your journey in accordance with the location. This will increase the chances of getting the place in the most breathtaking lighting you can get.
Remember that timing is everything when it comes to photography and being aware of impact of sunlight will lift your travel photos to a new level of excellence. Do not overlook the importance of timing – make it a priority and watch your pictures take on life!
4. You should allow more time than you’ll will
One of the most devastating experiences for photographers on the road is to stumble upon an amazing image or a famous landmark and then realizing you’re through time and you can’t stop to take a photo. You can be sure that it’s an emotional experience. It’s the reason you should add an one or two hours to your driving schedule, in order to protect yourself. Don’t let time constrain your imagination.
If I choose to take the boring interstate route to go home, and I make a point of stopping just once, I could complete the journey in six and one-half hours. But I’m not a fan when it involves driving. I like taking the less traveled roads, stopping at least a dozen times for possible photographic opportunities. It’s true that it adds an additional one or two hours to my trip however, worth it!
The extra time you have isn’t just about snapping incredible photos; it’s an excellent excuse to move your legs and enjoy the beautiful landscape, even if not confident about the photo possibilities. While on the last of my trips to visit my family I was driving by an enormous field dotted with stunning sunflowers. The lighting wasn’t great but I stayed there and snapped a few photos. I made a note to go back as I headed back. In the dark about what time it would take me, I planned to allow an extra hour for my drive. And you know what? It was well-paid off! After a few hours I stopped and snapped a cool photo from an oil pump as well as an impressive wind turbine:
5. Don’t be concerned about your gear
While you are preparing for your next thrilling travel adventure, you may be wondering if your current equipment is suited to the job. Here’s the good news taking stunning road trip pictures isn’t a requirement for expensive equipment. In fact, you may already have everything you require in your reach. Even an phone camera can turn ordinary moments into stunning vistas and stunning landscapes.
Don’t let not having the most recent equipment keep you from making the most of those long hours behind the steering wheel. If you’re using the latest DSLR or use your phone, be confident that great photos are in your reach. And if you own an reliable tripod you should bring it with you, since you don’t know when it could be of use.
As you improve your skills, you could develop that you prefer a certain lens or camera that matches your style of photography. However, the real beauty is in mastering lighting strategies as well as strategic planning and stepping off the beaten track instead of getting the latest gadgets for your camera. Take advantage of the gear you already have and let your enthusiasm for exploration produce stunning photos that last for years to come.
Photography on the road: last words
Here it is We hope you enjoy it! We’ve come to the conclusion of our thrilling journey through the realm in road-trip photography. Who would have imagined that the endless highways could be so full of potential for stunning photos?
Grab your gear put on your seat and get ready for your amazing photo adventure. Take pictures of the beautiful landscapes, and unintentional surprise on the way. Keep in mind it’s your own canvas and the camera is your brush. So, go out and make photographic masterpieces that will leave people amazed. Enjoy taking pictures!
Here’s the next thing to do:
Are you aware of any top methods or tips to get great photos while driving? Comment below! comments below!