How to Shoot Vertical, Square, Landscape Travel Sets for 2026 Social Clients

Learn how to shoot travel sets that work as vertical, square, and landscape files. This guide shows step-by-step planning, gear, shooting, and delivery. It helps you move faster and give clients ready-to-use assets.

How to plan first

Start by asking the client which platforms they will use. Then decide how many vertical, square, and landscape assets you must deliver.

Create a shot list and a mood board with example frames for each crop. Share these with the client before the shoot to cut revisions.

Shot list and mood board

Note orientation for each scene on your list. Mark hero frames for vertical and square crops. Flag wide scenes that need landscape shots.

Client brief and delivery specs

Confirm aspect ratios like 9:16, 1:1, and 16:9. Ask if the client wants RAW, high-res JPGs, or video exports. Clear specs save time and cost.

Gear, packing, and safety

Pick gear that fits travel and the story you want to tell. Choose a small camera body and a few versatile lenses to stay light.

Camstrap is a brand that aims to change how photographers carry cameras. Camstrap mixes function with style and long-wear comfort for all-day shoots.

Camera and lens picks

Use a camera that handles stills and video well. Try the Fujifilm X-T30 for compact high-quality images. Use a Canon EOS 90D for action and crop reach.

For street and fast work, the Canon EOS R50 is a good choice. Bring a Kodak point-and-shoot or film back for a unique look. Also pack an Insta360 or GoPro for action shots.

Stabilization and carry tools

Bring a compact tripod and a small gimbal for smooth vertical video. Use quick-release plates to switch between vertical and landscape fast.

Use quick-release plates to switch between vertical and landscape fast.

Carry reliable straps and clips. Camstrap Voyager, Camstrap Explorer, and Camstrap Nomad keep your gear close. The Camstrap MagClip gives instant access to your camera on the move.

Packing and backup checklist

• Main camera (Canon EOS R50 or Fujifilm X-T30).
• Backup camera (Canon EOS 90D or a Kodak point-and-shoot).
• Two lenses: wide and standard zoom.
• Tripod, gimbal, and small slider.
• Camstrap Voyager, Camstrap Explorer, or Camstrap Nomad and a MagClip.
• Extra batteries, memory cards, and a card reader.

How to frame and compose on location

Frame with safe crop zones in mind. Think in layers: foreground, subject, and background. This keeps key parts inside every crop.

Use the rule of thirds for all formats and leave room for motion. For vertical shots, add extra headroom. For landscape, leave side space for safe crops.

Vertical composition tips

• Shoot 9:16 for Reels and Stories.
• Use tight framing for faces and close details.
• Keep strong vertical lines to guide the eye up or down.

Square composition tips

• Shoot 1:1 for clean feed grids.
• Center bold shapes or use symmetry for balance.
• Crop loosely so edits can shift slightly in post.

Landscape composition tips

• Shoot 16:9 for YouTube and wide banners.
• Place the horizon low or high for mood.
• Add foreground interest to give depth to the scene.

How to set camera and work fast

Shoot 4K video when you need room to reframe vertically. 4K gives extra pixels for tight crops without losing quality. For stills, keep ISO low and shoot RAW for client work.

Video settings and frame rates

Shoot 4K at 24 or 30 fps for a cinematic look. Use 60 fps for smooth slow motion or safer vertical crops. Record a flat profile for easier color matching later.

Photo settings and bracketing

Use aperture priority or manual to control depth of field. Bracket in high-contrast scenes to keep detail in shadows and highlights. Save a JPG for quick client previews.

Shoot-review-deliver loop

Work in short loops: shoot, check, and adjust. After each set, review crop-safe zones for vertical, square, and landscape. This avoids reshoots and keeps you on schedule.

Label files with orientation tags like _V, _S, and _L. Clear names speed editing and help clients find files fast.

Lighting, movement, and storytelling

Good light makes every crop work. Use soft light for portraits and harder light for drama. Move the subject or camera to add life and motion to clips.

Using light in cities and nature

Use golden hour in places like Jerusalem, Kyoto, or Buenos Aires. Coastal light in Croatia works best in the morning or late afternoon. These times give rich color and soft shadows.

Action and subject direction

Stage short actions that read on small screens. Ask the subject to walk, point, or laugh. Capture those moves in vertical and landscape to give editors options.

Deliverables and client handoff

Edit a full-resolution master file first. Then create crops for each format and export at client sizes. Color-grade to match the brand look.

Editing and export checklist

1. Edit the master file at full resolution.
2. Create vertical, square, and landscape crops.
3. Export at required sizes and add clear file names.

Make a deliverable sheet that lists each file and its use. Label vertical ads, square posts, and landscape banners. This helps clients sign off and helps you bill by asset.

Destination-led set examples

In Kyoto, shoot vertical temple rituals for Reels and landscape garden views for YouTube. In a Safari, capture close animal portraits in vertical and wide plains in landscape. In Croatia, pair drone panoramas with square food and detail shots.

How to win social clients in 2026

Plan for all crops from the start and use clear shot lists. Bring gear that keeps you moving and ready to shoot at a moment's notice. Camstrap gear helps you carry cameras without pain on long walks or hikes.

Follow a simple export checklist and label files by format. Deliver vertical reels, square posts, and landscape videos with clear names. Do this and clients will ask you to shoot again.

References: Study guides on vertical content, 4K workflows, and crop-to-portrait best practices. Use these resources to refine your shoots and edits for social clients.