Holidays are all about discovery. New places, different cultures, special moments. You not only want to experience them, but also take them home. In images. Photos that make you feel again what it was like to be there. But why then are most holiday photos nothing more than a quick click?
It's not down to your camera or phone. It lies in how you look. Good photography is not just technique, but above all seeing. What makes a street in Rome, a market in Marrakech or an alley in Paris really interesting? How do you capture atmosphere, movement and stillness in one image?
The basics of street photography will help you do just that. It teaches you to look, react and see compositions before they disappear. Because holiday photos are essentially street photography: telling a story with what is in front of you.
Why holiday photos often disappoint
You've probably experienced it. You stand in a beautiful square, take a picture... and back home it turns out to be a boring picture. It feels flat. The magic you felt is not in it.
This is often due to three things:
- No clear composition - Your image lacks direction, making it look cluttered.
- Not daring to photograph - You feel watched and make a quick shot without really looking.
- Too many pictures, too few choices - Everything seems important, but nothing stands out.
Good photography is about making choices. What do you show? What do you leave out? This applies on the street, but certainly also when travelling.
The power of composition and tranquillity
Photography is more than pressing a button. It is thinking about what you capture. And that starts with composition.
A simple rule: if everything is important, nothing is important. Choose your subject and give it space. Use lines to guide the eye. Play with shadow and light. And above all: dare to stand still.
Especially in crowded cities, this helps enormously. You don't always have to make people disappear from the picture. On the contrary, a good holiday photo is alive. But by adding calmness to your image, you make it stronger.
Street photography makes you a better travel photographer
Street Photography is the ultimate holiday photography training course. It teaches you:
- Looking instead of clicking - You wait for the right moment, instead of choosing afterwards.
- Fast, unobtrusive work - You photograph without disrupting the moment.
- Using composition instinctively - The more often you practise, the easier you will see it.
Moreover, it helps you become more confident. Many people find it exciting to take photos while travelling, especially of strangers. But with the right mindset and technique, you feel more comfortable. And it shows in your images.
Get rid of the standard photos
Everyone has those photos of a familiar square, a sunset or a plate of pasta. Nice for memory, but not very distinctive.
What makes your journey unique? Those are the unexpected moments. The old man reading a newspaper in the shadows. The light falling perfectly on a quiet street. The contrasts between tourists and locals.
You don't have to travel far to see it. But you do have to look differently.
My experience: from street photography to travel photography
Holiday photos are not about perfection. They are about feeling. As a photographer, I have captured thousands of moments. On the streets, in studios and while travelling. I know how to tell a story in one image. How to add tension. How to make a busy place feel calm, and a quiet place feel alive.
In 2023, I took a master class at National Geographic. You always have to keep learning. In several master classes by well-known photographers like Jasper Doest, Linnele Deunk and Ilvy Njiokiktjien, I learnt to read the story accompanying the photo. Looking a layer further than just the outside. It lit a fire.
I have been sharing my acquired knowledge and experience in my workshops, books and lectures for several years. Not with complicated theories, but with practical tips you can apply immediately. Whether you shoot with a professional camera or a smartphone. But rather with the camera. You look different with that thing anyway.
Three tips for better holiday photos
- Think in layers - Foreground, middle, background. This gives depth to your photo.
- Be patient - Wait for the right moment instead of taking hundreds of photos.
- Dare to get close - Photos become stronger when you really connect with your subject.
With these basics, you will start looking differently. And that is the key to better holiday photos. I will teach you the rest in my workshops.
Want to take better holiday photos too?
Want more control over your holiday photos? Learn how to really use composition and light? In my workshops, I teach you the techniques and handy tricks that make all the difference. So that you come home with images that really make your holidays come alive.
📩 Curious? Get in touch. I am happy to help you.