Make Your Travel Photography Pop

We all want to come back with those amazing travel photos. We want the images we can share on social media. But how do we get those envy worthy shots? We have a few tips to make your photos both on your phone and camera, stand out.

Use the Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds helps you get a balanced photo. A horizon line for example should be in the bottom third. Or a skyline shouldn’t extend much into the top third. If you are on a smart phone, you can turn on your camera’s grid to help you find the right balance for those stunning scenic shots. And if you’re taking pics of people, you’ll get more of the scenery in by place the subject to the left or right.

Take Pictures of People

Don’t just take the scenic shots. Make sure you’re getting photos of you in the scenery. Everyone has pictures of the Eiffel Tower, but no one will have a picture of you in front of it.

If appropriate, take pictures of other people as well. Artisans working their craft for example give an interesting story to tell about the culture of where you are.

Use Different Angles

Back to the Eiffel Tower example, get a picture at a different angle than everyone else. These also make for interesting compositions in a photograph and can be fun to take. Get closer to monument, safely of course. Or get on ground level. Try to think outside the box.

Upgrade your Equipment

You might have the latest phone, but when’s the last time you upgraded your DSLR camera? Even if it was recent, upgrade the lens that came with the camera. The standard lenses are fine, but with a few hundred-dollar investment, you could get a lens that makes sharper photos, or gives you that better background professional blur.

If you can’t upgrade, take a half hour when you’re not traveling and learn more about the settings of your camera, both smartphone and handheld. On your smartphone you can change the look and color both in pre and post shots. Plus, editing apps can give your photo that extra bunch.

For both smartphone and handheld editing, consider using Adobe Lightroom. It’s cloud-based app that offers a full range of Adobe editing features, that’s relatively easy to learn.

We want to see your Purple Light Pictures! Tag us on Instagram to show us your photos that pop! @purplelightvacations