Shooting photographs on your journey and capturing the right image involves so much more than just clicking on the camera. Travel photography by its very nature is very exciting and inspirational, and each place you visit has its unique characters, look, and ambiance. To take a good photo, it has to grasp all these qualities, and most importantly tell a story.

 It's unlikely to remember the thrill of adventure, exciting experiences, and the amazement of gazing at spectacular views of mountains and beaches. Photographs bring back the sensations and feelings as they trigger our memories.

Photographer, Matthew David Parker, shares some of the best tips that will help you take great images of memorable journeys.

1. Research

Doing some research about your travel destination helps you figure out what is out there and what it has to offer, so you know where to go to shoot the best photographs. Gather the most information and learn everything you can about the location by reading travel books, brochures, or researching the web. Also, you can investigate further by learning the traditions, cultures, landmarks, and traditional festivals and carnivals of the country. There are probably many interesting places and aspects you're not aware of, that's where research comes in.

2. Know Your Equipment

It's crucial to know how to use the camera, the scene modes and the camera settings before you go on your trip, especially if it's new. Taking the right lenses, batteries, chargers and lots of memory cards are also important.

3. Take Notes

Time and age fade memories, so taking notes is essential for travel photography. When you see a place for the first time, feel the excitement, the taste and smell of the food, notice the way people dress, or whatever it may be, make sure to jot it down. Writing down first impressions, descriptions, details, experiences and what you've learned about the people, will awaken your senses and memories of the time you were there.

4. Be Quick

You always have to be ready and quick to capture moments that may not happen again. Static subjects such as mountains, landmarks, or trees are not going anywhere. But a soaring eagle, the perfect waves of the ocean, or the emotional reactions on people's faces are not likely to be seen again.

5. Shoot At Night, Or Early In The Morning

The illuminated cities and towns or the glistening lights on the water reflecting off the boats look spectacular at night. Shooting during sunset or right before it gets completely dark also provides amazing images with less dense shadows.

Getting up early in the morning to avoid traffic and crowds is worth it. The stunning colors in the sky right before sunrise rewards you with the best light – soft and warm. And photographing local people setting up their market stalls and locals going to work, gives you authentic and natural pictures.
There are so many beautiful sights and scenes in this world that you would like to remember. Captivating the perfect images allows you to rekindle those moments that live on through generations.

For more information about Matthew David Parker follow him on Twitter.