8 travel photography tips: How to capture the moments that matter

There's something magical about family holidays in Norway that tugs at your heart long after you've returned home. Picture this: children giggling as they chase seagulls along the shore. Grandparents settling into that perfect fjord-side spot, smiling as they enjoy views that they have longed for for decades. And those precious toddlers, faces sticky with melting ice cream, racing against time and summer sun with pure determination.

These are the moments that matter—the real, beautifully imperfect moments of love and laughter. But how do you capture that genuine magic without falling into the trap of forced poses and awkward "say cheese" moments?

Let us share some easy and practical travel photography tips from professional photographer Vibeke Montero. With twenty years of experience capturing images from all over the world for Norwegian publications, she knows exactly how to help you preserve these treasured family memories just as they naturally unfold.

“Whether you’re using a smartphone or a digital camera, the key is to keep it natural, light-hearted, and in the moment"
Vibeke Montero

#1 - Capture the moments, not the poses

Forget perfection. The most authentic images often come from uninfluenced moments, when no one knows the camera is even there.

Let your family be themselves: playful, grumpy, curious.
Use burst mode to catch movement and laughter – most modern smartphones and cameras have this feature. You will have more choice when choosing the perfect frame. Just remember to delete images you discard along the way, because you don’t want to run out of memory halfway between Bergen and Tromsø.
Take lots of photos during everyday vacation activities. Don’t wait until you arrive, or for the perfect moment. Shoot away as you’re on the train, waiting for a ferry, or playing in a mountain stream.

Photo by Maverix Media | Visit Norway

#2 - Light is everything

Natural light can make an enormous difference in your photos, and Norway’s light has a magical quality.

“In Norway, the soft light early in the morning or just before sunset gives your photos a beautiful, golden glow,” says Montero. “This time of day, often called the ‘golden hour’, makes everything - and everyone - look more beautiful.”
Vibeke Montero

Try to avoid the strong sunlight in the middle of the day, which creates harsh shadows. If you do photograph on a sunny day, try adding a burst of flash – it will lift the shadows.

Let's be honest, the sun doesn't always shine in Norway. But maybe it's precisely a coolcation you've traveled to Norway for? Anyway, cloudy weather provides very good lighting conditions for portraits - yes, truly! The soft light gives a flattering effect on faces in particular. A great opportunity to pass on the camera to the grandchildren so they can take pictures of their grandparents 🙂

If you travel north of the Arctic Circle in the summer in Norway, you may experience the midnight sun. The season varies from place to place. Luckily for you, we have created a guide to the midnight sun season in northern Norway.

Photo by Langedrag Nature Park

Indoors? The artificial light from various light sources can be challenging, but try to place the person you want to photograph near a window with natural light.

If you are traveling to Norway to experience the Northern Lights, you can read this guide on how to photograph the aurora.

Daylight from the window provides good lighting conditions even when you are indoors. Photo by: Christian Roth Christensen | Visit Norway

#3 Get on their level

When photographing your children or grandchildren, crouch down so that the lens is at eye level with them. This makes your photos much more engaging and allows you to see the world from their perspective.

“It’s amazing how much more connected the image feels when you're not towering over your subject”
Vibeke Montero

Photo by Maverix Media

4: Include Norway’s scenery, but keep it personal

Norway is stunning, from Lofoten’s jagged peaks to the stillness of Hardangerfjord. But remember; your family is the real story.

Try this:

Position your subject off-centre to let the landscape shine with them, not instead of them.
Use natural frames like windows, trees, or doorways.
Don’t be afraid to move in closer when the moment calls for it.

Pro tip:

“When you zoom in, the background looks closer to your subject. This effect is known as 'compression,' and it can make your photos feel more dramatic or intimate,”
Vibeke Montero

Photo by Marius Rua Buckethaus | Explore Trøndelag

5: Details matter

Zoom in on the little things: children's small hands picking wild strawberries, sandy toes, a cozy cabin breakfast, or your grandchild’s reflection in a puddle. These small details bring back vivid memories in a way posed portraits can’t.

Photo by Terje Rakke | Visit Norway

6: Use the camera you have

Whether you’re using a smartphone or a compact camera, focus on simplicity and storytelling.

Smartphone camera tips for better family photos:

Tap on the screen to set focus before you snap.
Keep the lens clean (you’ll be amazed by the difference!).
Use portrait mode if your phone has it. It creates softly blurred backgrounds.

Photo by Fredrik Ahlsen | Maverix | Visit Norway

Digital camera tips for better family photos:

Start with auto mode if you're not sure about the settings—the goal is capturing moments, not fiddling with buttons.

Once you feel comfortable, try these gentle upgrades:

Switch to Aperture Priority mode (A or Av): This lets you control how blurry the background gets. Use a lower number (like f/2.8 or f/4) to make your child pop against a dreamy, soft background. Use a higher number (like f/8) when you want everyone in the family group shot to be sharp.
Bump up your ISO when light gets dim: Instead of struggling with dark photos, try ISO 800 or 1600 in those cozy evening moments or shadowy forest walks. A little grain is better than missing the magic.
Use continuous focus (AI Servo/AF-C) for little movers: Kids don't stay still, and this setting helps your camera keep up with their adventures, whether they're running toward the waves or chasing that perfect butterfly.
Try exposure compensation (+/-) for tricky light: If your photos look too dark or bright, this little dial can save the day without diving into full manual mode.

Photo by CH | Visit Norway

7: Let the kids be creative

Give the camera to your child or grandchild. You'll get candid, sometimes hilarious results, and you’ll also make sure you appear in the album, too!

8: Make the memories last

“Don't let your photos live only on your phone,” says Montero. Instead, she suggests making a printed photo book after the trip. “When you hold those memories in your hands, they become part of your family story.”

You can easily create printed photo books online. They make great gifts for the whole family. This is especially true for grandparents who enjoy flipping through pages instead of scrolling on a screen.

Photo by Matias Fosso | Visit Norway

Final thought: Connection over perfection

The best travel photos aren’t flawless - they’re honest. Slightly blurry photos of spontaneous hugs or a sudden gust of wind can mean far more than any posed shot ever will.

Next time you explore Norway with your family, relax and let go of perfection. Keep your eyes open and enjoy the moment as you capture it.

Photo by Fredrik Ahlsen | Visit Norway