Light and timing
Shoot in the first hour after sunrise and the last before sunset for soft, warm light and empty streets. Midday is harsh; use it for interiors, markets, and shade. Overcast days are perfect for even, colorful street scenes. Return to a spot at different times to catch its mood shift. Patience with weather often rewards you with the best frame.
Composition
Get close and fill the frame with one clear subject. Use doorways, arches, and reflections to frame a scene. Include a person for scale and life. Shoot from low or high angles to avoid the usual postcard view. Restraint beats a hundred nearly identical shots; choose a few pictures and make them count.
Gear and etiquette
A phone plus a small backup card covers nearly everything; heavy kits slow you down. Carry a power bank and clear storage nightly. Ask before photographing people up close, and respect no-photo rules in churches and museums. Shoot discreetly in markets and transit. The best travel photos often come from simply paying attention, not from the biggest lens.
