The technology I travel with has changed quite a bit since I first started out on an endless journey with an iPod, random point-and-shoot camera, and little else. You can learn to take better travel photos with any camera, but certain device-specfic functions like time-lapse have opened up new ways for me to show you the places I’m traveling.
Here’s a look around several cities I have visited over several months in time-lapse, using two iPhones models, a 5s and 6s.
Sunrise At The Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is one of 5 tourist destinations that won’t disappoint you, even after your third visit. Having been multiple times, I was able to take my time at sunrise, entering first by arriving in line at 5 in the morning. That’s the best time to queue up (get to Agra, India the night before) since as you can see, the Taj Mahal grounds fill up with tourists fast.
Views Of Tirana From The Top Of Dajti Mountain
Not having an cash with me at the base station of the longest cable car in the Balkans (and no ATM for kilometers around) the girl at the ticket counter negotiated a credit card payment at the Dajti Tower Hotel. One of the staff escorted me to the top, where I got a rooftop view of Albania‘s capital (above this rotating 360 degree cafe) as a bonus.
Action Outside Of Istanbul Ataturk Airport’s Gate 222
The gates numbered in the 220s of Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport in Turkey have some of the best airport watching, video, and photographic opportunities. The upper 220s give you a view of seemingly countless Turkish Airline tail wings in a row, while 222 has everything from takeoff to landing.
The Sun Setting Over Tatooine
You can see how I set up this shot here, browse through a photo essay of the vanishing Star Wars sets in northern Africa, and learn how you can visit the Star Wars sets locations in Tunisia to see for yourself.
National Palace Of Culture In Sofia, Bulgaria Lights Up
This massive building in the center of Bulgaria’s capital is where you’ll find orchestral concerts, plays, and film festivals, with cafes lining the bottom floor. A long row of fountains leads up to it in the park around NDK (the Bulgarian abbreviation) but without a tripod, you’ll need to get creative.
Takeoff From Istanbul Ataturk’s Airport
If I knew I was going to get away with it, I would have prepared my battery for the entire flight (which ideally was a short one). Unfortunately, although in airplane mode, I haven’t been able to arrange an entire flight.. yet.
Time-lapse Tips For Your Own Travel Photos
There’s a noticeable difference in the resolution between the two iPhones (can you tell which is which) and it’s preferable to shoot time-lapse with a camera rather than phone for better lighting plus resolution in general. Also, you want as much movement in the frame as you can get around a few or single stationary focal point. Vehicles (boats in especially) help give a flow to enhance a travel time-lapse as only clouds can be dull or focusing only on a small group of people distracting, as they move too quickly to establish a visible pattern.
A lot of basic photography rules apply as well. For example using stationary points as leading lines which will help you take better sunset photos when traveling not just time-lapses. Finally, play around with time-lapse and be patient, the longer you wait (especially at dawn or dusk) the more motion, thus patterns, you’ll be able to capture.