Capture the Majesty

Learn how to photograph Peru's most iconic destinations—from Machu Picchu to the waterfalls of Patagonia—with tips from travel photographer Cassie Steele.

Written by Cassie Steele

Cassie spent over a decade as a flight attendant, traveling extensively across Asia—South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and India. She stepped back to focus on family and now writes as a freelance editor and travel specialist, drawing on her firsthand knowledge of these destinations to inspire other travelers. Her perspective on capturing the world comes from having seen it from every angle.

Master the Fundamentals

Four essential techniques to elevate your travel photography from snapshot to story.

  • Invest in a mirrorless or DSLR camera

  • Master the rule of thirds and angles

  • Plan your shots for their final display

Master the Technical Fundamentals

Three core areas to elevate your travel photography from snapshot to story.
Master the Technical Fundamentals

Choosing the Right Equipment

While smartphones like the Huawei P30 Pro or iPhone XS deliver impressive results, a mirrorless or DSLR camera with good zoom range, simple auto mode, and lightweight design will capture truly spectacular shots. Add a small foldable tripod for stability and a gimbal for video work. For action sequences, a GoPro produces that characteristic ultra-wide-angle fisheye look that works beautifully on Instagram.

Selection of the Right Composition and Angle

Divide your frame into nine even blocks and avoid placing your subject dead center (unless photographing a person). Play around with angles until you find the most dramatic shot. With a GoPro, experiment with action shots from below or within water features, asking someone to dive so you capture the bubble-filled moment.

Considering the Ultimate Destination of Your Photo

Know how you'll present your work before you shoot. Photo collages need multiple shots with shared tonalities; blown-up portraits demand zoom and close-ups; panoramic posters call for wide shots. Consider your printing surface too—glossy paper, matte, canvas, or cloth for accessories like tote bags and pillows all change how your images land.
Master the Technical Fundamentals

Choosing the Right Equipment

While smartphones like the Huawei P30 Pro or iPhone XS deliver impressive results, a mirrorless or DSLR camera with good zoom range, simple auto mode, and lightweight design will capture truly spectacular shots. Add a small foldable tripod for stability and a gimbal for video work. For action sequences, a GoPro produces that characteristic ultra-wide-angle fisheye look that works beautifully on Instagram.

Selection of the Right Composition and Angle

Divide your frame into nine even blocks and avoid placing your subject dead center (unless photographing a person). Play around with angles until you find the most dramatic shot. With a GoPro, experiment with action shots from below or within water features, asking someone to dive so you capture the bubble-filled moment.

Considering the Ultimate Destination of Your Photo

Know how you'll present your work before you shoot. Photo collages need multiple shots with shared tonalities; blown-up portraits demand zoom and close-ups; panoramic posters call for wide shots. Consider your printing surface too—glossy paper, matte, canvas, or cloth for accessories like tote bags and pillows all change how your images land.

Look Beyond the Landmark

Most travelers photograph only the iconic sites—the ones everyone knows, the ones that fill guidebooks. But the images that stay with you, the ones that truly capture your journey, are often found in the overlooked moments. A butterfly suspended on cloud forest flowers. The weathered hands of a local artisan. A river's source hidden in the mountains. These are the shots that transform your travel photos from postcards into a personal story. When you're standing before a famous landmark, yes—take the shot. But then turn around. Look down. Notice what others miss. The most impactful photographs come not from chasing the world's most photographed sites, but from discovering something uniquely yours.

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