A trip is incomplete without photos to share on social media. This article will give you some tips and tricks on how to take more beautiful travel photos.
It’s autumn, meaning Christmas is around the corner. Soon, you’ll have to make picture-perfect memories with your family and use at least one of the following: a selfie-stick, an iPad in front of a picture-perfect background, and somebody holding up a tablet or smartphone behind you.
If this all sounds familiar, don’t worry! This ultimate guide to taking the best photos will help you get the job done no matter your skill level.
Choose the Best Camera
First off, it’s essential to know what kind of camera you’re using. If your camera is a smartphone, tablet, or compact camera, some apps will work better than others. Just remember that there are no magic tricks for getting good pictures if your equipment isn’t up to par.
Equipment You Might Need
Whether it’s a DSLR, a compact camera, or a smartphone, you’ll need some kind of sturdy tripod to take the best pictures possible. People have tried taking pictures without one before, but it is impossible to keep your camera completely still.
You’ll also want to make sure you have a good set of lenses for your equipment. Some DSLR cameras come with zoom lenses already installed, while some compact cameras might come with wide-angle or fisheye lenses.
A Worthy Travel Backdrop
This is one of the most important (yet often forgotten) aspects of taking good pictures: your background. Your choice of backdrop will play a significant role in whether you get a decent picture or not, so make sure you put some thought into it!
Natural backdrops work best, so try to set up your shot next to the water if you’re at the beach. If you’re in a jungle or forest, consider using a tree or some leaves as a backdrop; and for those of you that are into urban exploration (a fancy term for exploring abandoned buildings), walls and windows can do the trick too.
Your choice of backdrop will also determine how “clean” your pictures look, so for that reason. It’s usually best to go with neutral backgrounds (gray walls, green grass, blue sky).
Choose the Right Clothing
If you’re taking a picture of yourself, things can get tricky as your clothing choices will significantly impact how others see your photo. The one thing you don’t want to do is wear loud clothing, as those types of clothes tend not to look good in pictures (you know the ones we’re talking about: the pink dress, the striped shirt, the white t-shirt with the words written on it).
Choose your clothes depending on your scenery and location. If it’s cold outside, think about wearing warm sweaters and scarves; or if you’re at the beach or in a hot climate, pastel or brightly colored swimsuits are recommended. And don’t forget to match your accessories.
People often buy luxury bags when traveling, which can be a waste of money. You might not be aware of it, but you can rent a designer bag. You’ll save money, and the designer bag will be a stunning accessory that will go well with your outfit.
Good Lighting Matters
Now that you’ve got a good backdrop and nice clothing, it’s time to set the stage-just like they do in movies. If you’re planning on taking pictures at night with flash, you’ll probably want to use a stand light so that your photos don’t turn out grainy.
Make sure you check the lighting conditions before taking a picture. If it’s too bright, consider going somewhere with softer lighting or waiting for dusk; and if it’s dark outside, you might have to resort to flash photography. Play around with the light settings on your camera to find the best lighting conditions.
Natural lighting is by far the best type of lighting, so consider taking your photo near a window with indirect sunlight (not full sun) hitting you from behind.
Different Camera Angles
Once you figure out your backdrop, clothing, and lighting conditions, it’s time to choose the best camera angle for your shot. With nearly every image we see online, most people tend to have the camera pointed slightly upwards towards their face.
This is a huge problem as it creates unflattering photos that can ruin even the best outfit! Try to have your body at an angle about your face when taking a picture with a slant from above. This will produce better results and create a flattering photo for you and your friends.
The Right Applications
In this digital age, there are countless photo editing apps available. Let’s look at the best ones to choose from: VSCO Cam is a free app that includes a variety of presets and an intuitive user interface.
Snapseed is Google’s photo app, with Auto-Adjust making it easy to enhance your images one step at a time. Luminance lets you create black and white, vintage, or even cross-process looks in a matter of taps.
Facetune is a paid app that’s well-known for its power in removing blemishes and wrinkles from your skin (yep, that’s right!) before you post to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. With Focalmark, it only takes four taps to ensure your subject is perfectly sharp every time.
Final Thoughts
Other than that, all you need is some motivation when it comes to travel photos and the right places to take your shots. Remember: the best camera is the one you have with you, so make sure yours is always charged up before hitting the road.