Black-and-white travel photography is an amazing way to uniquely document a new or interesting place you have visited. Monochromatic images have an added layer of emotional complexity that, when paired with exciting destinations, can bring striking results.

If you’re an aspiring travel photographer but aren’t yet sure how to make the most of your next shoot abroad, these 10 creative ideas will help you take some awesome photos. For even more inspiration, you can check out my portfolio.

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10 Ideas and Travel Photography Tips

If you want to take National Geographic-level black and white photos, these ideas and tips are for you.

1. Silhouettes at Sunrise or Sunset

Silhouettes are perfect for adding drama to your travel photos. Find a clear background like the ocean or a mountain and wait for the sun to rise or set. Place your subject between you and the light source.

The result is a bold shape against a bright sky or glowing horizon line. These shots can turn everyday scenes into amazing photos. Silhouettes work well in black and white because they focus on shape and contrast.

Many professional photographers use this technique in landscape photography to highlight mood and emotion. It's one of the simplest travel photography tips you can try.

2. Architectural Geometry

Architecture offers endless inspiration, especially when you look for shapes and patterns. Black and white helps you focus on clean lines, curves, and shadows without distraction. Walk around historic buildings or city streets and pay attention to symmetry or repeating designs.

Street photography often benefits from this approach, especially in bright sunlight when shadows are strong.

One common mistake photographers fall into is focusing too much on the building and forgetting to add a main subject. Including a person can add scale and visual interest. National Geographic often features architectural photos like this that feel both modern and timeless.

3. Local Faces and Textures

Faces tell powerful stories in black and white. Wrinkles, freckles, and expressions become more visible without the distraction of color. Ask for permission when taking photos of local people and look for interesting light that brings out texture.

A cloudy sky can be great for portraits because the soft light reduces harsh shadows. Street vendors, artisans, or musicians can become strong subjects. Try adjusting your exposure settings to keep details sharp and highlight contrasts.

These types of travel photographs often feel more personal and memorable. Many professional photographers use close-up portraits to bring emotion into their travel photos and show cultural diversity.

4. Foggy or Rainy Scenes

Bad weather can actually lead to the perfect photo. Fog, rain, and overcast skies add mood and mystery to your shots. In black and white, a cloudy sky creates a soft, moody atmosphere perfect for quiet scenes. Look for reflections in puddles or blurred figures in the mist.

This is especially effective in landscape photography, where fog can hide distracting elements and make your primary subject stand out. Try slower exposure settings to capture motion or light differently.

Even though the same photo in color might feel dull, black and white brings out emotion and texture in unexpected ways.

5. Shadow Play in Marketplaces

Markets are full of energy and detail. When the sun is high, look for sharp shadows between stalls, awnings, or people. Strong light and dark contrast help create amazing photos in black and white.

You don’t need to capture everything in one frame. Focus on shapes, outlines, or how people move through the space. Sometimes your primary subject can be a shadow itself. These scenes often work well for street photography, especially if you're trying to show a moment without revealing everything.

6. Motion Blur of Crowds or Vehicles

Using motion blur in busy areas can add a sense of life and movement to your travel photos. Find a spot where people or vehicles move continuously—like a crosswalk or train station—and slow your shutter speed.

The still parts of the image will anchor the motion, creating a dynamic contrast that works beautifully in black and white. This technique adds visual interest without needing color. Professional photographers often use this in street photography to highlight urban energy.

7. Reflections in Water or Glass

Reflections are a creative way to double the impact of a scene. Look for puddles after rain, calm lakes, or glass surfaces in cities.

When you shoot in black and white, reflections become more abstract and artistic, drawing attention to shapes and symmetry.

It works especially well during golden hour or when the blue sky creates contrast with dark buildings. Travel photography tips often suggest looking down as much as you look up. Playing with reflections not only adds depth to your travel photographs but also encourages you to slow down and notice details others might miss.

8. Historic Landmarks with Moody Skies

Famous landmarks are often photographed under perfect conditions, but a moody or cloudy sky can add a fresh twist. If you're visiting a historic site and the weather turns gray, don’t put the camera away.

Overcast light works well in black and white and can make buildings look more dramatic. Be mindful of your horizon line to keep the photo balanced. Even if the same photo in color looks flat, black and white enhances textures and atmosphere.

9. Hands at Work

Sometimes the most powerful images come from simple moments. Try focusing on hands preparing food, crafting, or doing daily chores. These scenes work beautifully in black and white because they highlight texture and emotion.

You can capture stories through gestures alone. For best results, use manual exposure settings to make sure details like wrinkles and tools are clear. Hands can become your primary subject, especially if the face isn’t visible.

10. Cultural Details and Symbols

Look for symbols that represent the place you’re visiting, like traditional clothing, carvings, or religious items. Zoom in to capture texture and craftsmanship. Black and white helps strip away distraction so the meaning comes through clearly.

Use these shots to break up wide-angle travel photos in your album. Details add variety and tell a fuller story. If you’re shooting in bright sunlight, try finding partial shade to avoid harsh shadows.

Pay attention to the composition and exposure settings to keep the subject sharp. Good travel photographers often stress storytelling, and close-ups like these add richness to your visual narrative.

Level Up Your Next Travel Photographs

All of these amazing ideas must have made you eager to put them to good use. Next time you’re travelling, pick a few and practice. It might not work out as planned from the beginning, but with practice, you’ll start getting the desired results.

Even if you’re not going anywhere in the near future, you can start by having a shoot locally. Pretend you’re a tourist wherever you live and take pictures accordingly. For more useful photography tips, keep an eye on my blog.

Who is your favorite travel photographer? Let me know in the comments below!

10 Ideas for Creative Black and White Travel Photography