5 Tips for Taking Stunning Travel Photos of Yourself

As summer is quickly approaching we thought it would be a great idea to break down how to take stunning, Instagram-worthy photos on your summer travels.

In a perfect world, we’d all be able to hire private photographers to follow us everywhere on trips, snapping every candid moment, and making us look like the supermodels. However, this isn’t the reality and having the right tips and tricks will help you get that perfect shot.

1. IN ANGLES WE TRUST

When near a popular monument, make sure you tell the person to place the camera just a few feet above the ground and angle it upwards. If by yourself, place your camera on the ground against a rock, or anything that can prop it. By angling it upwards, you can cut the heads off of all the people around you, making it seem like it’s just you and the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

2. SELF-TIMERS ARE YOUR FRIENDS

Self-timers work great when you’ve got a place to yourself, or you’ve got a lot of time to kill. This usually involves placing your camera a few feet in front of you, allowing you 10 seconds to get in position, and if your camera is in burst mode, add a few fluid movements to add some variety to your shot selection. Ideally, there is a rock or nearby ledge you can prop your camera against. If not, then try and use a tripod.

3. CHOOSE BACKGROUNDS THAT COMPLEMENT YOUR OUTFIT

When your outfit coordinates with a monument, lake, or wall, the photo will pop even more. Find backgrounds that might have a similar colour to your outfit and you’ll have an amazing Instagram post.

4. LAUGH AT THE CAMERA, INSTEAD OF SMILING

LAUGH instead of smile. Save the smiles for things that matter in life. Laugh out loud towards the camera to produce the most genuine smile your face is capable of. Your face muscles will look relaxed and the “smile” in the end that’s generated from the laugh will end up looking more natural.

5. DON’T BE AFRAID TO SHOW SOME PERSONALITY!

Anybody can grab a picture from Google and say they went somewhere. Being in the picture is not only undeniable proof that you were there, but it conveys so much more. Your mood, your expression, and your body all change daily, and you get a chance to see how all of that looked while on a trip, to laugh or gawk at later.

So embrace the moment. Be silly and have fun!