In the age of smartphones, capturing beautiful travel moments has become more accessible than ever. With high-quality cameras in our pockets, the ability to take breathtaking photos is at our fingertips. In this blog, we'll explore some essential tips for taking better travel pictures and mastering mobile photography so you can put together a beautiful travel photobook for a great memento of your holiday, or post on Facebook and make your family and friends jealous of your travels!
Clean Your Lens:
Before you start snapping away, take a moment to clean your phone's camera lens. Fingerprints and smudges can significantly impact the clarity of your photos. Use a soft cloth, ideally a microfibre one, to gently wipe away any dirt or oil. If you're in a pinch, your T-shirt can also do the job, just be cautious not to scratch the lens.
Use the Grid for Composition:
Most smartphones come with a grid feature that divides the frame into thirds, following the rule of thirds principle. To enable this feature:
On iPhone: Go to Settings > Camera > Grid and toggle it on.
On Android: Open the Camera app, go to Settings, and find the Grid option.
The rule of thirds helps you compose visually appealing photos by placing key elements along the gridlines or their intersections. Imagine dividing your image into a grid of nine equal sections. This grid results in four intersecting points, known as the "points of interest" or "power points," where the lines intersect. The rule of thirds suggests that by placing key elements along these gridlines or at their intersections, you can enhance the overall composition and make your photos more engaging.
NEOM, Unsplash / Remarkable Rocks credit Heidi Who Photos
Align the Horizon:
For landscape shots, a crooked horizon can be distracting. Ensure a straight and level horizon by using the gridlines as a reference. Most camera apps have a feature to display these lines, making it easy to align your shot.
You can always edit this after you took the photo by going to Edit > Crop and use the slider to adjust it, guides will come up automatically!
Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australian Tourism Commission Josie Withers
Experiment with Upside-Down Shots:
To add a unique perspective to your travel photos, consider turning your phone upside down. This unconventional approach can provide a fresh and interesting view, especially in situations where the foreground or background is more captivating in this orientation.
Place the Phone at Subject's Eye Level:
When photographing people, positioning your phone at their eye level can make a significant difference. This angle creates a more engaging and personal connection with the subject. To achieve this, bend your knees or crouch down if necessary.
Brooke Cagle, Unsplash / Credit Jyotirmoy Gupta Unsplash
Utilise Natural Lighting:
Lighting is crucial in photography, and natural light often produces the best results. When outdoors, take advantage of soft, diffused light during the golden hours (sunrise and sunset). Position your subject so that the light falls evenly on their face, avoiding harsh shadows.
Credit Samuel Shelley
Experiment with Different Perspectives:
Don't be afraid to get creative with your angles. Explore different perspectives by shooting from low to the ground or capturing overhead views. Changing your viewpoint can add depth and interest to your travel photos.
Charlesdeluvio, Unsplash / Quan Nguyen, Unsplash
Capture the Detail:
Try turning your lens towards the finer details for an unexpected narrative. While the grandeur of the Eiffel Tower is undeniable, instead of solely focusing on the towering structure, explore the delicate intricacies surrounding it—the ornate iron lattice or the vibrant blooms around it. Use the gridlines to ensure a straight horizon in your wide shots and then shift your perspective and get close to capture the play of light on the surface, the iron patterns and any detail you can find.
Will B, Unsplash / Dex Ezekiel HB, Unsplash
By incorporating these tips into your mobile photography routine, you can elevate your travel pictures to new heights. Remember to keep experimenting, stay observant of your surroundings, and most importantly, have fun capturing the beauty of your journey through the lens of your smartphone. Happy shooting!
