Van life: Tips for travel photographers & content creators

The lifestyle of road trips, beautiful sights and rural towns is intriguing to many content creators. (How could it not be?!) Being an explorer or ex-pat with landscape and travel photography to show for it sounds like a dream.

Before you opt in for this experience, short-term or long-term, be sure to brush up on some skills so you’re prepared for anything. Whether it’s #VanLife or backpacking through foreign lands for the summer, document your travels thoughtfully and sustainably with these tips.

What content can you create while travelling?

Creating photography and videography pieces for sharing can be anything from tourist attractions, hikes, photojournalism, climate change issues, street photography, and portraiture of strangers. Simply documenting your time as a traveller is highly popular content on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Think outside of the box and strategically about how to optimise your time and content. Life’s an adventure on the road! Challenge yourself and create something totally new.

1. Be ready for any weather

On the road, anything goes. Weather reports aren’t as accurate months out, so you might just get stuck in a storm. Be prepared for inclement weather and any odd, unexpected situations. Get comfortable with the unknown before you embark. Keep covered and consider investing in waterproof gear, bags and backup sports cameras.

Check out small, waterproof cameras like Fujifilm X-T4, GoPro, DJI Osmo Pocket, Leica D-Lux 7 and Canon EOS M6so you can grab shots with no fear of water. You can find out more information about the X-T4 in our Fujifilm X-T4 review.

2. Pack light

When you’re traveling and hiking, you can expect a lot of walking on foot, exploring and waiting. Make sure your gear doesn’t slow you down. Optimise your kit bag by replacing bulky lenses with lightweight options. Also, trim down the kit you probably won’t use often. If you have multiples of a certain focal length, whether zoom or prime, compare them to see which you’d prefer. A multipurpose zoom lens and a few super special primes will get you in good shape. Choose the kit you will use the most and don’t be afraid to sell or trade.

For instance, mirrorless lightweight zoom lenses match traveling light with impressive quality. Check out options like the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS, the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS FE, and the Pentax 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 ED SDM.

If you’re keen on small videography kit options, consider grabbing the popular Ricoh GR III. Or, if you find yourself swooning over film photography, choose a compact digital camera that looks like film, such as the Fujifilm X100V. You can find out more information about the X100V in our Fujifilm X100V review.

3. Respect different customs and cultures

We are all different, which makes people and places beautiful. As a tourist, it is your responsibility to be aware of the social and political states of the places you visit. Practice self-awareness and courteous communication in new places. Respect the land like it’s your backyard and practice cleanliness everywhere.

4. Get a range of frames

Travelling for content is a big undertaking—make sure you get variations of the amazing spectacles you see while on the road. Don’t just get close-ups and typical wide shots. Grab a few variable shots of every interesting angle and crop you can just in case.

5. Master settings straight-out-of-the-camera 

Streamline your photo editing process by making all your photos similar in exposure straight out of the camera. Capture details with precision. The goal is to always take fewer photos better, and improving sometimes means knowing your camera and its settings best, understanding light and shadow and honing in on what makes a final product your favourite.

If you enjoyed this article, you might be interested in our video tips for content creators. Or, read more helpful guides on the MPB content hub.