Want to boost your Instagram feed and capture jaw-dropping shots on your next adventure? Whether you're using a smartphone or DSLR, these 12 expert travel photography tips will help you take better photos and turn every trip into a visual story your followers will love.
1. Do Your Research Before You Go.
Great photos often start with great planning. Research Instagrammable spots, local photo trends, and hidden gems before your trip. Use platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Google Maps to scout out the best photo locations in advance.
Pro Tip: Look up location-specific hashtags to discover unique angles others have captured.
2. Shoot from Multiple Angles and Distances.
Don’t settle for just one perspective. Get low, shoot from above, or move around your subject to experiment with framing and composition. Changing your perspective helps your photos stand out and adds depth to your content.
3. Add the Human Element.
People help bring scale, emotion, and relatability to your shots. Including a friend, local, or even yourself in the frame can make your photo more engaging and connect viewers to the moment.
4. Catch the Golden Hour.
For truly stunning photos, shoot during golden hour - shortly after sunrise or just before sunset. The soft, warm light is flattering for portraits and landscapes alike and adds a magical glow to your shots.
5. Keep Your Gear Ready.
It sounds simple, but always charge your phone, camera, and power bank the night before. You don’t want to miss a once-in-a-lifetime shot because your battery died.
6. Zoom with Your Feet.
Instead of relying on digital zoom, which can reduce image quality, physically move closer to your subject whenever possible. You’ll get sharper, more detailed images which is especially important if you're shooting on a smartphone.
7. Seek Out Natural Light.
Lighting makes or breaks a photo. When indoors, position your subject near a window. Outdoors, use natural, diffused light to avoid harsh shadows. Avoid flash unless necessary.
8. Beat the Crowds.
Want clean, distraction-free shots? Wake up early to visit popular spots before the tourist rush. You'll have better lighting and better photo opportunities without the crowds.
9. Explore Off the Beaten Path.
The best travel photos aren’t always from the top tourist spots. Wander side streets, hike lesser-known trails, and follow your curiosity. Authenticity and originality always shine in photos.
10. Book Accommodations With a View.
Where you stay matters. Choose a hotel, Airbnb, or hostel with rooftop access, cityscapes, or scenic surroundings. This gives you convenient access to great backdrops, especially during sunrise or sunset.
11. Tell a Story With Your Captions.
A great caption adds depth. Share interesting facts, emotions, or context behind the photo. This makes your content more memorable, relatable, and shareable. Think beyond emojis and tell a story.
12. Capture Candid Moments.
Some of the best travel memories are the unplanned ones. Snap candid photos of friends and family as they explore, laugh, or interact with their environment. These real-life moments often hold the most meaning.
Photography is more than just getting the perfect shot - it’s about telling the story of your journey. With these 12 travel photography tips, you'll not only improve your Instagram feed but also create lasting memories of your adventures around the world.