Exploring a new city is like opening a treasure chest filled with vibrant sights and unique experiences. Capturing these moments with your camera or phone is a fantastic way to keep those memories alive.
Whether you’re wandering through the skyscrapers of New York City or soaking in the historic charm of Rome, here’s our 2025 guide to help you take amazing photos that you’ll love to share with friends and family.
Table of Contents
1. Get to know your camera
Before you dive into taking photos, spend some time getting familiar with your camera or phone. Every device has different features that can help you take great pictures. For instance, most smartphones have modes like night mode for low-light situations or portrait mode for cool background blur effects.
Spend a few minutes experimenting with these settings at home so you can easily use them on your trip. Knowing how to quickly adjust settings like focus and brightness can make a big difference in your photos.
2. Chase the golden hour
One of the secrets to beautiful photography is using the right light. Photographers often talk about the “golden hour,” which is the time just after sunrise and just before sunset. During these times, the sun is low in the sky, creating soft, warm light that’s perfect for taking stunning photos without any harsh shadows.
If you’re an early bird, try catching the city as it wakes up. If you prefer late afternoons, aim for the sunset glow that makes everything look magical.
3. Composition
Think of your photo as a blank canvas where you can arrange elements to make them more appealing. A simple way to improve your composition is by using the “rule of thirds.” Imagine your photo is divided into nine equal parts by two horizontal and two vertical lines. Placing important subjects along these lines or at the intersections can make your photos more balanced and interesting. This technique is easy to remember and can quickly enhance the quality of your pictures.
Additionally, look for leading lines, such as roads, bridges, or rivers, that draw the viewer’s eye into the image. Cities are full of leading lines if you look around!
Photo by Enrique Hoyos on Pexels.com
4. Discover details and people
While it’s tempting to snap pictures of iconic landmarks, don’t forget about the little details that make a city unique. These could be anything from a quirky street sign to a detailed door knocker or vibrant street art.
Zoom in on these elements to capture the character of the city. These small details add depth and personality to your collection of photos, telling a more complete story of your travels.
Also, rather than trying to hide the inevitable crowds when photographing iconic landmarks, try to use them to your advantage. Including a person or 500 in your photos is a great way to show scale. So next time you’re snapping a photo of an impressively huge landmark, show how big it truly is by including some tiny little ant people in your shot.
Photo by Mark Neal on Pexels.com
5. Patience and observation
Great photography often requires patience and a keen eye for detail. Spend a few moments observing your surroundings before you start taking pictures. Notice how the light changes, how people interact, or how shadows fall.
Sometimes, waiting for the right moment—like when a bird flies by or when a street performer strikes a pose—can lead to that perfect shot. Being patient allows you to capture moments that are both spontaneous and memorable.
6. Capture candid moments
Some of the most powerful photos capture people in their natural, unposed moments. This type of photography is called candid photography, and it can add a lot of life to your photo album. When snapping candid shots, try to be discreet and respectful—you don’t want to intrude on anyone’s privacy.
Sometimes, the best candid photos happen when people are simply going about their day, like chatting with a friend or enjoying a street festival. These kinds of photos can really bring the city’s energy and stories to life.
7. Embrace the nightlife
Cities transform after dark, offering a whole new world to capture. To take stunning night photos, you might need to use a tripod or find a steady surface to keep your camera still. This is important because you’ll often need to use longer exposure times in low light, which can cause blur if your camera isn’t steady. Experiment with capturing light trails from passing cars or the vibrant glow of neon signs. This can result in dramatic and dynamic photos that highlight the city’s vibrant nightlife.
All of that said, modern cities are usually very well lit, meaning you can often snap handheld photos at almost the same shutter speed as during the day and get some very good shots.
8. Tell the story of the city you are visiting
Every city has its own story, and your photos can help tell it. Think about what story you want to convey through your images. Is it the hustle and bustle of a busy market, or the serene beauty of a quiet park?
Try to take a series of photos that reflect different aspects of your experience. By focusing on a theme or a sequence, you can create a visual narrative that’s both engaging and meaningful.
9. Edit to enhance
Once your trip is over and you’ve captured all those amazing moments, it’s time to refine them with some editing. Use editing apps to enhance your photos, but remember to keep things natural. Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation to bring out the best in your pictures.
Many apps offer filters that can add a creative touch, but the goal is to make your photos look as close to reality as possible, while still highlighting what made the moment special.
And don’t forget…
Finally, don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family! Sharing your photos is a great way to relive your adventure and inspire others to see the world. Whether you’re posting on social media or creating a photo album, let your photos do the talking. They’re more than just images—they’re memories of the places you’ve been and the things you’ve seen.
With these tips, you’re ready to dive into the world of urban photography and capture the vibrant life of any city you visit. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. So grab your camera, explore, and start snapping those unforgettable moments. Happy photographing!
Want to learn more photography? Check out our 7 tricks to take better photos with any camera!
