Why I Photograph Signs When I Travel
When I’m out, I always keep an eye out for signs. Not just road signs, but storefronts, old marquees, neon, handwritten posters, even graffiti. Signs tell you a lot about a place. They capture local personality, history, humor, and sometimes a bit of grit.
Why Signs?
Signs are visual anchors. They give context to my travel photos. A shot of a dusty street hits different when paired with a faded motel sign. An image of a lively square feels more alive when you catch a colorful shop sign or quirky hand-painted directions.
How I Approach It:
- I look for character: weathered textures, vintage fonts, neon tubes, mismatched letters.
- I shoot wide for context or close-up for detail.
- I love odd translations, cultural quirks, or humor in signs.
- I pay attention to lighting. Signs can pop dramatically at dusk or with just the right shadow play.
Tips for Your Next Trip:
- Wander off the main tourist path. That’s where the good stuff lives.
- Look up — great signage is often above eye level.
- Mix wide establishing shots with close-up textures.
- Think about how the sign fits into the story of the place.
Final Thought:
Collecting sign photos over time is like building a visual travel journal. When I look back at my images, the signs bring me right back to those streets and moments.
Next time you’re out with your camera/phone, don’t just shoot the postcard views. Point your lens at the signs. You’ll be surprised at the stories they tell.
