Ryan McGinley's Top Tips for Taking Stylish Travel Photos

The renowned photographer Ryan McGinley may be based in New York City, but he spends most of his time traveling — usually chasing the perfect shot. "I'm in New York City five months of the year, and the other seven, I'm road tripping through the United States or in other countries," he says. When traveling, McGinley doesn't just rely on professional gear — he also shoots extensively on his iPhone and has been experimenting with different cameras for decades, including an old favorite: the classic Polaroid.

"I've been shooting with Polaroid cameras since the end of the '90s," he explains. "I started this project of mine when I was a young artist, where I would photograph everyone who came over to my apartment from 1998 to 2003. I kind of lived in a flophouse in the East Village and everyone would sleep over and come through. I shot several thousand Polaroids of people during that period." Part of the project he's referring to is his 1999 self-published book, The Kids Are Alright, which led to his big break — a solo show at the Whitney in 2003 when he was just in his early 20s.

McGinley's love for the traditional format eventually came full circle with an exhibition and zine full of young artists' work. He searched Instagram, his Parsons School of Design alumni network, and indie galleries to curate a show featuring emerging photographers. "I got to curate a show and work with all my favorite young photographers, which is the best. When I was young, there were photographers who looked out for me and included me in shows. It just gave me the opportunity to show to a wider audience."

Here, McGinley shares his top tips for taking better photos while on vacation — advice that applies whether you're shooting with a professional camera, a Polaroid, or just your phone.

Chase Vibrant Colors

"During the fall, I love to go to upstate New York — just for the color explosion," McGinley says. "A lot of times, I'll just get in my car, drive, and pull over on the side of the road, sometimes maybe 50 times a day, just to be guided by color. When I see something that looks interesting, I'll stop and try to shoot a photo there."

This is a powerful lesson for any travel photographer: let color guide your eye. Don't over-plan your shots. Sometimes the most compelling images come from simply following what catches your attention — a vibrant market stall, a painted wall, autumn leaves against a gray sky. Color is an emotional trigger, and when you let it lead you, your images naturally become more compelling.

Look for the Light

"Shooting at dawn or magic hour is always a way to get a really beautiful, pastel-y background." This is advice you'll hear from virtually every professional photographer, and for good reason. The golden hour — that brief window just after sunrise or just before sunset — bathes everything in warm, directional light that adds depth and dimension to your photos. The pastel tones McGinley describes are especially flattering for portraits, creating a soft, dreamlike quality that's nearly impossible to replicate with artificial lighting.

Rethink Flash

"I love shooting with flash on my iPhone. I just like the way it looks more like a disposable camera." This is a surprisingly counterintuitive tip from a fine artist. While most photographers treat flash as something to avoid, McGinley embraces the raw, snapshot aesthetic it creates. Direct flash on a phone produces a distinct look — slightly blown out, candid, reminiscent of party photos from disposable cameras. It's not about technical perfection; it's about mood and authenticity.

Blur Your Eyes to See Shapes

"Choose your landscape wisely. I like to blur my eyes for the first two seconds when I'm taking a picture, so I can focus less on the person and more on the shapes — to see if the shapes feel balanced. I think that helps me compose something interesting."

This is a technique every photographer should try. By slightly defocusing your eyes, you stop seeing "a person in front of a building" and start seeing shapes, masses, and negative space. Are the visual weights balanced? Does the composition feel right? This quick check can transform a good photo into a great one by ensuring the underlying structure of the image works before you even press the shutter.

Edit Wisely

"Spend time to color correct your photos. I usually open up the shadows a little bit. Add some contrast. Bring down the highlights." McGinley's editing philosophy is restrained and purposeful. He doesn't advocate for heavy filters or dramatic transformations — just careful adjustments that enhance what's already there. Opening shadows reveals detail in darker areas. Adding contrast gives images punch. Taming highlights prevents blown-out areas that distract the eye.

Talk to Your Subject — Even If You Know Them Well

"I shoot a lot, and I talk to the person through the entire process. One of my photo shoots is sort of like aerobic, mixed with a therapy session and beautiful light." Constant communication keeps your subject engaged, relaxed, and responsive. When someone feels connected to you behind the camera, it shows in their expression. A silent photographer creates tension; a conversational one creates chemistry.

Don't Underestimate Nature

"There are a lot of things that you wouldn't expect that you stumble upon. You just have to put in the time to go through the process to find those things. When you do, it's worth the journey." Travel photography isn't just about famous landmarks. The most memorable images often come from unexpected discoveries — a hidden waterfall, a field of wildflowers, a dramatic cloud formation over an otherwise ordinary landscape. Allow yourself to wander. Some of McGinley's best work came from pulling over on the side of the road 50 times a day.

Take Photos of Things You Love

"You'll see the authenticity in the photograph." This might be the most important piece of advice McGinley offers. When you genuinely care about your subject — whether it's a person, a place, or a bowl of fruit — that emotional connection translates directly into the image. Viewers can sense when a photograph was made with love versus when it was made out of obligation.

Practical Tips

• Let color be your guide when exploring new locations
• Shoot during golden hour for soft, pastel-toned backgrounds
• Try iPhone flash for a disposable-camera aesthetic
• Blur your eyes briefly before composing to check shape balance
• Edit with restraint: lift shadows, add contrast, reduce highlights
• Keep talking to your subject throughout the shoot
• Allow time for serendipitous discoveries — don't over-schedule
• Only photograph subjects you genuinely care about

Conclusion

Ryan McGinley's travel photography advice is refreshingly unpretentious. He doesn't prescribe expensive gear or complex techniques. Instead, he emphasizes observation, patience, and emotional connection. Chase color. Chase light. Blur your eyes and see shapes. Talk to your subject. And above all, photograph what you love — because authenticity is the one thing no filter can fake.

FAQ

What camera does Ryan McGinley use for travel photos? McGinley shoots with a variety of tools, including his iPhone, Polaroid cameras, and professional gear. He's been using Polaroid cameras since the late 1990s and embraces the aesthetic of direct iPhone flash. His approach proves that the camera matters less than how you see.

What is "magic hour" and why is it important? Magic hour, also called golden hour, refers to the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset when the sun is low in the sky. The light is warm, soft, and directional, creating beautiful pastel tones, long shadows, and a flattering quality that's ideal for both portraits and landscapes.

How do I "blur my eyes" to check composition? Slightly defocus your gaze so you stop seeing specific details and instead perceive shapes, masses, and tonal balance. This helps you evaluate whether the composition feels balanced without being distracted by the subject matter itself.

Should I use flash for travel photography? McGinley recommends using iPhone flash for a raw, disposable-camera aesthetic. Direct flash creates a distinct snapshot look that can feel more authentic and spontaneous than perfectly lit images. Experiment with it — you might be surprised by the results.

How do I find unexpected photo opportunities while traveling? Allow unstructured time in your itinerary. Drive or walk without a fixed destination. Pull over when something catches your eye. Some of the best travel photographs come from serendipitous discoveries rather than planned stops at famous landmarks.