Mindful Photography Abroad

Hey gypsetters, adventurous souls, and chic explorers, welcome to your first-ever Field Guide, your chic but slightly nerdy travel black book full of practical tips. Today, we’re talking mindful photography abroad. We’re all about capturing beautiful memories, but let’s do it thoughtfully, respectfully, and with style.

Listen, we’ve all made photography mistakes. Believe me, I’ve removed my fair share of photos from the internet after gaining perspective and learning from experience, realizing they weren’t the wisest decisions. Let’s learn from this together.

Permission, Please!

Let’s start simple: always ask permission before photographing someone. Nobody wants a surprise cameo on your Instagram. If you want to capture locals, take a moment to connect first. Strike up a genuine conversation, learn their names, share stories, then politely ask if you can snap a photo together. Creating moments with locals turns a photo from “about them” into “with them,” transforming your travel memories into meaningful encounters.

And when it comes to kids, remember: never photograph or post images of someone else’s child without explicit permission. Always respect the privacy and boundaries of families.  

Keep Sacred Spaces Sacred

Be sensitive when photographing religious sites, temples, or cultural rituals. Some places explicitly forbid photography, and others may have unspoken rules. When in doubt, follow the locals’ lead, respect signage, and always err on the side of caution.

Mindful Posting & Geotagging

Pause before you geotag wildlife sightings, especially endangered species like rhinos or famous lions. Geotags can inadvertently tip off poachers or cause overcrowding in sensitive wildlife areas. Please don’t accidentally share with the wrong people by posting that picture of the beautiful rhino with the long gorgeous horn and letting them know exactly where you were and on what date and at what time 😉 You get the picture, pun intended. Always ask your guide about posting specific locations. If they advise against posting, listen to them. Ignoring such advice is tacky and irresponsible, and gets people who are being generous with their time and expertise into trouble. This is particularly important during behind-the-scenes tours of anti-poaching facilities or research labs.  

Engage, Don’t Exploit

We’ve all seen those uncomfortable travel shots online that make us cringe. Resist capturing images that might inadvertently exploit someone’s vulnerability or hardship. The goal is to uplift, celebrate, and share respectfully, not dramatize or stereotype. Choose images that honor dignity and showcase the strength and beauty of people and places.

Wildlife Wisdom

Be extremely mindful of animal encounters. Avoid places notorious for unethical practices (please don’t be that person, do your research). I’ve learned a lot from the mistakes I made when I was younger. For instance, I once shared photos from lion breeding centers involved in canned hunting, completely unaware of their true nature at the time. Thankfully, we know better now. If you engage in animal experiences, ensure they’re ethical, genuinely focused on rescue and rehabilitation, and clearly share that context in your posts. Be part of the solution, not the problem.

Respect Fellow Travelers

Your travel companions are part of your adventure, too. If you’re asking someone to take your picture, be clear about the shot you want, so you’re not repeatedly asking for retakes. Offer to take their photo in return. Travel photography is a team sport, after all! Pro tip: take a picture of your travel buddy first so you can demonstrate exactly how you’d like your shot framed, show them the picture, then have them snap away. Collaboration makes memories sweeter.

The Best Souvenir? A Good Photo

When in doubt, hire the photographer. If you think you’ll want a thousand pictures taken of yourself (guilty), just book the shoot. I love using Flytographer to find talented locals, and I often hire a photographer when I travel. Not only is it a fun way to capture memories, but it’s also part of how I document my journey and build my business. And yes, sometimes I’m that girl asking everyone to grab a few snaps, but having a pro lets you be in the moment and get the shot (and not bother everyone else you’re traveling with). 

Wildlife Wisdom

Nature and wildlife photography demands extra care. Never stage or disturb animals for the sake of a perfect shot. Opt for authentic, respectful, and unobtrusive photography that lets wildlife remain wild. Always maintain a safe and respectful distance.

Location Awareness

Snapping shots at hotels, restaurants, or popular sites? Great! But be aware of your surroundings. Avoid capturing others unknowingly, especially in private moments like meals or relaxation. Nobody enjoys becoming an unintentional star in a stranger’s social media story.

The Adventurous Women’s Club Photography Pledge

So here’s our pledge: capture moments responsibly, thoughtfully, and respectfully. Ask permission, respect boundaries, connect authentically, and always consider the potential impact of what and how you share. Conscious travel photography isn’t just kinder, it’s also way cooler.