FIVE TIPS TO Take Your Travel Photography to The Next Level

Get the most out of your camera equipment on your next adventure in South Africa

- MICKY BAKER

Photography has come a long way in the last 20 years or so. Not too long ago, digital cameras were relatively inaccessible, but the advent of the smartphone and mirrorless camera technology has put world-class equipment in the hands of everyday adventurers.

And, with so many incredibly photogenic travel destinations scattered around our country, there’s never been a better time to sharpen your camera skills. With a few small tweaks and a baseline of rudimentary knowledge, I’ll show you how to take print-worthy snaps wherever you go.

Grab your smartphone, DSLR, or mirrorless camera, and let’s go!

1. Use the Gear You Already Have 

There’s no doubt that photography is an expensive hobby – but only if you descend down the slippery slope of professional gear. In reality, you likely already have all you need right in your pocket: your smartphone.

The first camera phones began to emerge at the end of the 20th century, featuring tiny camera sensors that could just barely manage to compile an image worth saving. Today, 16th-generation smartphones boast sensors of up to 50megapixels – far larger than many entry-level digital cameras.

Camera-phone technology has also evolved beyond measurements of megapixels alone. In fact, premium manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung and Huawei have developed innovative software that enables smartphones to capture highquality pictures in low-light conditions, which has traditionally been an area where dedicated digital cameras dominate. Put simply, there’s a good chance you paid a pretty penny for your smartphone. Before you go investing in expensive camera equipment, play around with the gear you’ve got.