Are you going on a trip during the upcoming holidays? Here’s my fast tip for travel photography to capture better photos. Best of all, it applies to all kinds of subjects.
Set your camera to Aperture Mode
That’s it? Yes! That’s my fast tip for travel photography in a nutshell. Let’s explore what that means.
Aperture Mode helps control how much is in focus in the scene. Using it, you can guide your viewer’s eye to one specific part, maybe someone’s face. Or you can guide the viewer through the whole scene, stopping at different details along the way.

I shot this photo of a borie (stone hut) in a lavender field in Provence, in Aperture mode, with an aperture of f/4.0. I wanted to blur out the lavender near me and the newer homes on the hilltop in the distance. The lower aperture helped me create a narrower depth of field.
With Aperture Mode, you’re in charge. Setting your aperture will set your photos apart from everyone else’s.
Different settings for different photographers:
If you can go on a trip with other photographers, you’ll realize that each person has a unique view of the scene. There is no right or wrong way to see it. That’s what makes photography so exciting.
By the way, sharing photos to see what is possible is a great way to learn and grow.

One person may see a distant view of a valley with the sun rising. To show the details throughout the scene, they set their aperture to a high number, like f/20, such as in this scene. An extra bonus is that this creates a sunburst.
The next person might turn around and see the light of the rising sun warming the texture of a rock wall. They’ll set their aperture to a low number, such as f/4.0, to draw the viewer’s eye to the rocks.

What’s the difference between the photos besides the shooting direction? One is created with a deep depth of field, and one is not. In both cases, the aperture setting makes a difference. Setting it intentionally is an important fast tip for travel photography.
Using Aperture for portraits:
Don’t forget to take photos of your fellow travelers and the people you meet along the way. Aperture Mode will help them stand out from the background. Setting it to a lower number will create a shallower depth of field.

I shot this photo of my friend Jackie in Provence in Aperture Mode, using an aperture of f/4.0.
Practice before you go!
Here’s a bonus fast tip for travel photography. Learn to shoot in Aperture Mode before you leave for your trip. That way, you’ll have a better understanding of what is possible. When you are standing in a lavender field surrounded by buzzing bees or on a rock ledge in the dark, you’ll be glad you practiced before you left home!
Now it’s your turn.
I’ve shared more reasons for using Aperture Mode in this post: https://www.carolinemaryan.com/practical-reasons-for-using-aperture-mode/
I’ve been told that the stone huts in fields are called bories in France, but this article gives them a different name, cabanes en pierre seche: https://www.connexionfrance.com/article/Practical/Property/Architecture-of-France-Dry-stone-wall-huts
If you’re unsure about using the settings on your camera or shooting in Aperture Mode, my online workshop will teach you everything you need to know about using your camera for photos you love! Since it’s all prerecorded and online, you don’t even have to leave home to learn. Better yet, you can learn at your own pace. You can finish it in a weekend or as slowly as you’d like! https://www.carolinemaryan.com/camera-mechanics-workshops-info/
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