Travel Photography in Southeast Asia

By Joel Collins

Southeast Asia’s intoxicating combination of ancient temples, colorful markets, beautiful landscapes, and friendly people make it one of the most exotic places in the world for travel.  The area is also the perfect destination for the photographer who wants to improve their travel photography skills and capture outstanding images of a unique culture.  To make the most of your journey, here are some tips to help improve your travel photos:

1. Pack Light – When traveling abroad, especially in a warm and humid climate, nothing slows you down more than a giant bag full of photo gear.  Bringing less equipment means that you are lighter and more agile, increasing your odds of finding and capturing great photos.  Carrying less gear also means that you will be less tired and less sore at the end of the day, letting you relax and enjoy your vacation.
2. Be Ready – Carrying less photo gear also means that you don’t need to make complex decisions about what equipment to use when a photo opportunity suddenly presents itself.  If you spend half of your day digging through your camera bag looking for a specific gizmo, there’s a good chance that you will miss some great shots.
3. Go Slow – Choose a trip itinerary that lets you spend more time in fewer places.  This allows you to take your time and immerse yourself in the culture.  Having more time also allows you to return to a favorite spot in case you missed a shot the first time or if you just want to capture it again in different light.
4. Get Closer – There are actually two meanings here.  The first is physical proximity.  Standing closer to your subject and filling the frame will often yield stronger, more engaging photos.  The second meaning of “get closer,” however, is much more important for taking great photos, especially when taking portraits.  When you find someone or something that is interesting, take the time to establish a closer relationship with your subject.  Learn about your subject and make a connection.  The resulting photos will be much more powerful and intimate.
5. Ask Permission – When taking a person’s portrait, it is always important to ask permission first.  It’s easy to do, even if you don’t speak the local language.  Just point to your camera, smile, and ask “Photo OK?”  Most people you meet in Southeast Asia are happy to pose for your camera.  Photography is especially loved in Thailand, in part because the King of Thailand is an avid photographer.  In fact, he wears a camera around his neck in many of his official royal portraits.
6. Share Your Photos – The LCD screen on the back of your camera offers a great way to share your photos with the people you photograph.  Instantly showing your results establishes trust between you and your subject.  Small children are especially excited to see photos of themselves.  In many parts of Southeast Asia you can quickly find yourself surrounded by happy, smiling faces when you take the time to share your photos.

I hope that these tips will help you in your journey toward becoming a better traveler and a better photographer.  For more specific photo instruction, I hope you will join me on one of my upcoming photography tours with Strabo Tours and Journeys Within, for more information you can see the full itinerary and description of our upcoming January tour here.