One of the best things I’ve ever done for my travel content? Waking up early.

It sounds simple, but here’s why early mornings have become my secret weapon 👇

No Crowds, No Distractions

When you wake up before everyone else, you don’t have to fight for the perfect angle without people wandering into your frame.

It’s just you, your camera (maybe a few other creators) and the landscape at its most peaceful.

Think about the last time you visited a famous spot at midday. Crowds everywhere, general chaos and definitely no room to get creative with your shots.

Now imagine that same spot empty, quiet and peaceful - that’s the gift of an early morning.

You’ll be packing up to leave just as the first wave of tourists are arriving.

The Magic of Golden Hour

Photographers go on about golden hour for a reason.

It’s that time of day around sunrise and sunset when the light is soft and warm, shadows are long and the colours pop in a way they just don’t at other times of the day.

Landscapes, cityscapes, portraits - it really doesn’t matter. Everything just looks better.

I’ve captured some (probably all) of my best work during these early hours.

The conditions are perfect, but they don’t last long. If you’re not set up and ready to go early, you’ll miss it.

It’s Not Always Easy - But It’s Always Worth It

Let’s be honest: waking up early isn’t always fun. Especially when you’ve had a late night or are traveling through multiple time zones.

There are mornings when it’s tempting to hit snooze, stay in bed and wait until later.

But the truth is, I’ve never regretted getting up early to shoot content. Every time I’ve pushed through, the results have been worth it.

The peace, the light, the opportunity to create something special—it always outweighs the struggle of getting out of bed.

Some Tips for Early Mornings

If you’re not naturally a morning person, here’s how to make it easier 👇

  • Plan Ahead: Know exactly where you’re going and what you want to shoot. Preparation makes it easier to get moving.
  • Lay Out Your Gear: The less you have to think about in the morning, the better. Pack your bag the night before so you’re ready to go.
  • Remember the Payoff: Remind yourself of the quiet, the light and the freedom of shooting early. It’s always worth it.

The next time you’re tempted to sleep in, think about what you could be missing.

Your future self - and your audience - will thank you.