Destination/Travel Photography Inspiration, Tips, & Tricks with REFINED Co Presets

Research is your best friend when shooting at a destination. Familiarize yourself with:

• The Climate: Know the best time of day to shoot and what lighting conditions to expect.
  
  

• Local Culture: Understanding customs can help you avoid cultural faux pas and find inspiration for poses or compositions.
  
  

• Must-See Spots: Scout iconic landmarks or hidden gems for backdrops.

Insider Tip: Use Google Earth, social media geotags, and client insights to identify unique settings in advance.

Helping your clients feel confident and prepared ensures a smooth session:

• Outfit Guidance: Suggest attire that complements the location and season. Flowing dresses for beach shoots or tailored suits for urban settings are always a hit.
  
  

• Timing: Schedule the session during golden hour for flattering, soft light.
  
  

• Relaxation Tips: Encourage clients to embrace the journey, not just the session—this leads to authentic emotions and candid shots.

Pro Tip: Share sample images edited with REFINED Presets to set client expectations and get them excited about the final results.

Packing efficiently ensures you’re ready for anything:

• Gear Essentials: Bring versatile lenses, backup batteries, and memory cards. A lightweight tripod and weatherproof camera bag are also must-haves.
  
  

• Editing Tools: Carry a laptop with Lightroom or Capture One and REFINED Presets installed for quick previews and edits.
  
  

• Backup Plan: Consider portable hard drives or cloud storage for extra security.

Destination shoots are the perfect time to experiment with:

• Foreground Elements: Use local flora, architecture, or even waves to frame your subjects.
  
  

• Movement: Encourage couples to dance, walk, or interact with the environment.
  
  

• Wide Shots: Highlight the grandeur of the location while keeping your subjects central to the story.
  
  

Creative Edge: Enhance the natural beauty of your travel images with REFINED Presets. Collections like REFINED I and Kodak Gold bring warmth and authenticity to golden hour shots, while REFINED III maintains true-to-life tones for vibrant scenes.

Every destination presents unique hurdles—be ready to:

• Weather the Weather: Always have a plan for rain or intense sun. Embrace these moments creatively instead of fighting them.
  
  

• Blend with Crowds: Use intentional blur or tight cropping to focus on your couple in bustling environments.
  
  

• Maximize Limited Time: When shooting in tourist-heavy areas, arrive early or scout less-visited locations.

Post-processing is where the magic happens. REFINED Presets are designed to streamline your editing process while delivering stunning results:

• Consistency Across Sessions: Whether it’s a moody mountain elopement or a bright beach wedding, REFINED’s presets ensure a cohesive look.
  
  

• Mobile Editing On-the-Go: Take advantage of Lightroom Mobile for quick edits during your travels.
  
  

Featured Presets: Check out the REFINED x Tec Petaja collection for moody tones, or REFINED x KT Merry for timeless elegance.

Destination photography is as rewarding as it is challenging. By prepping thoroughly, thinking creatively, and utilizing tools like REFINED Presets, you can deliver breathtaking galleries your clients will treasure forever.

Ready to explore? Share your favorite destination shots edited with REFINED Presets on Instagram using #REFINEDPresets for a chance to be featured!