If you found your way here from my Instagram, you’ve probably noticed I love to document my trips through my travel photos. I get asked quite a bit how I take my photos and who takes them (shout-out to my twin), and I’ve learned some simple tricks over the years that have helped me best capture myself in every destination.
Before we get started, I want to point out that in no way should you ever feel like you need the perfect *Instagrammable* shot from your trips. Take the photos that YOU enjoy. However, I love coming home with my own personal photo memories. Anyone can take a picture of the Eiffel Tower, but YOU are what makes the picture unique.
1. Do your research
What makes the place you’re visiting unique? Is it known for its beautiful architecture or stunning landscapes? I usually search my destination on Pinterest for photo inspiration and save some of my favorites. You can also find photo guides on Google for just about any major tourist destination. Seriously, just search “best Instagram spots in XYZ city” and you’ll probably find dozens of blogs who have already done the research for you.
2. Dress for the occasion
Picture your destination. What kind of clothing style do you envision? I’ve always found it fun to plan the “perfect” outfits for my trips, and I’ve learned it can really improve your travel photos too. I’m not saying you should go out and buy new clothes (save that money for plane tickets!), but a flowy sundress on the beach is going to stand out in your pictures way more than an oversized t-shirt and athletic shorts. Wear what you feel good in — traveling is the perfect chance to wear those trendy outfits you’ve always wanted to have an occasion for.
3. Test it out: Use your friends and family as models
So you’ve found the perfect photo spot, but how do you get the shot you’re picturing? Unless you’re lucky enough to be traveling with a photographer, you’re probably going to have to provide some direction to whoever’s holding the camera. I often travel with my sister, so when I find the right place, I ask her to stand in front and take some pictures of her exactly how I want them. Then, I show her the pictures I took so she knows how to frame them when it’s my turn in front of the camera. She gets nice pictures of herself and I also get the pictures I had imagined, it’s totally a win-win.
4. Focus on the background
Although you’re an important part of making the photo unique, the best travel photos will show off the places you’re in. You’ll notice on my Instagram page that I rarely take up much more than the bottom half of the space in my pictures. A close-up shot of you will block most of the landscape.
I also always ask my “photographer” to aim the camera to get more of the background and less of the ground. The background is the view, and a lot of people tend to aim the camera down rather than up, capturing more of the ground than the sky. Repeat after me: more sky, less ground!
5. Move it!
As in, don’t just stand still in your photos. Call it a planned candid (or “plandid”), but movement can make your photos way more interesting. I usually go for the fake walk or gazing at the view. Very few of my photos are me standing still and smiling (although I always smile in my photos because I haven’t mastered the smize). If you scroll back to my Instagram photos from mid-2017, you’ll start to see the evolution of my travel photos. It’s noticeable how much of a change my poses have made in the quality of my pictures from then to now.
Find this post helpful? Check out my other top travel tips:
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO SURVIVE A LONG FLIGHT
15 OF THE BEST TRAVEL PRODUCTS ON AMAZON
Don’t forget these tips on your next trip! Pin the image below.
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