21 Secrets To Taking Insta-Worthy Photos While You're Travelling Around The Globe

    It's all about waking up early and getting creative.

    Isha Bassi
    by Isha Bassi

    Post Writer

    Besides exploring new and wonderful places, the best thing about going on holiday is taking some amazing photos to remind you about all the incredible experiences you had.

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    [Extreme basic bitch voice]: Did you even go on holiday if you didn't post it on Instagram???

    But how does one take the best photo while travelling? And do you need a whole lot of gear to get those Insta-worthy shots that make everyone jealous?

    @chrissyteigan / Via instagram.com

    I know nothing. Please teach me.

    To answer these questions and more, we chatted to Tyson Mayr, who runs @tysontravel, to get some tips on taking photos while travelling around the globe. Here's what we found out...

    1. When travelling, your gear should be light and minimalistic. It shouldn't get in the way of the experience and what you're trying to capture.

    2. Since tripods are way too bulky, opt for something like a GorillaPod instead.

    Isha Bassi / BuzzFeed

    These are much lighter and easier to travel with, plus they'll give you the stabilisation you'll need to take a great photo.

    3. And if you're pressed for space, the most important thing you can take is spare batteries.

    4. For backdrops, you want to look for something that's simple and doesn't pull focus away from the subject.

    5. And in terms of composition, always think about the rule of thirds and the placement of the subject.

    Isha Bassi / BuzzFeed

    If you're not familiar with the rule of thirds, imagine an image being divided by two horizontal and two vertical lines. You then want to place the most important elements in your shot along those lines OR at the points where they meet.

    And FYI, most phones have access to a grid that'll help you visualise this. For iPhones, go to Settings --> Camera --> Grid to turn it on.

    6. As well as making sure none of the elements of your photo intersect with your subject.

    Isha Bassi / BuzzFeed

    You don't want anything cutting through the head of someone you're taking a picture of.

    7. Even if you're using your phone, always remember to clean the lens.

    Isha Bassi / BuzzFeed

    Imagine going to edit a photo and noticing some sort of blur because you didn't clean your lens?! ROOKIE MISTAKE.

    8. And although it sounds simple, double check to make sure your subject is in focus.

    Isha Bassi / BuzzFeed

    The auto focus tech in phones is the same as what you would get in a regular camera. Just make sure to tap on the subject or whatever it is you're trying to focus on before snapping.

    9. When visiting tourist hotspots, get there as early as possible to avoid crowds.

    10. And give yourself PLENTY of time to take the perfect shot.

    11. If none of that is possible and there's heaps of tourists around, your best bet is to get creative.

    12. Regardless of where you are in the world, the best lighting will always be during golden hour.

    13. And if you need a quick and easy way to test the lighting before setting up your gear, use your phone.

    Isha Bassi / BuzzFeed

    Aim your phone at either your face or hand and then do a 360° spin. That way you can see the exact angle of where the lighting looks the best.

    14. If you happen to be shooting in low light, keep your phone or camera as steady as possible to avoid motion blur.

    Isha Bassi / BuzzFeed

    You can use anything to stabilise your phone or camera. Grab a jumper, hat, –even a table – and just lean or rest your camera/phone against it. That extra stability will make a world of difference!

    15. And considering investing in a flip case for your phone to provide extra stability.

    GoCustomized / Via gocustomized.com

    Although they look kind of dorky, a flip case will act like a tripod and keep your phone steady while you get that perfect shot.

    16. Use the burst mode on your phone to capture action shots easily.

    Isha Bassi / BuzzFeed

    It's easy – hold down the shutter button once you've opened "Camera" and your phone will start taking a "burst" of photos. Just make sure to keep an eye on the composition and background as you're clicking.

    17. Use your phone's flashlight to provide extra lighting in low light situations.

    Isha Bassi / BuzzFeed

    This can be great if you're taking a photo of someone or something in a dimly-lit restaurant for example.

    18. And if you're taking a picture on your phone, play around with the exposure levels to get it just right.

    Isha Bassi / BuzzFeed

    Don't just use the default settings because that can often result in a "blown out" photo! Just double tap on the screen and move the slider up or down depending on what suits the environment.

    19. Experiment with different editing apps and programs to see what works best for your photos.

    BuzzFeed / Via Afterlight, Adobe Lightroom

    There are A LOT of different options and so many of them are free! Tyson uses Adobe Lightroom (both on his computer and phone), as well as Snapseed. VSCO Cam and Afterlight are also worth a try, as well as UNUM, which gives you the ability to lay out your Instagram feed.

    20. For sunrise and sunset photos taken on your phone, opt for the HDR setting while taking photos.

    21. And watch YouTube tutorials to get yourself familiar with the process of editing.

    Isha Bassi / BuzzFeed / Via YouTube

    Even a five minute video can give you SO much insight into all the manual settings on these sorts of apps.

    May the odds now be ever in your favour for getting the perfect shot while on holiday!

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