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Tea N' Sea

T R A V E L

Travel Tips · May 13, 2020

10 Ways to Improve Your Travel Photos

Everyone wants to take better travel photos, but not everyone has the camera equipment they think they need for those amazing photos they see on Instagram. Or maybe, you do have the camera equipment but don’t like to travel with it since it can be big and heavy. After years of traveling and learning photography, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks to bring your travel photos to the next level, even if all you have is an iPhone! These tips can help you improve your knowledge of photography, whether you’re shooting with a camera or iPhone! 

Clean Your Lens Before You Shoot Your Travel Photos!

You’d be amazed how dirty your camera lens on your phone can get. I see tons of iPhone travel photos that look like they were taken on a flip phone from 2008 all because the lens is dirty! Wiping the lens off helps to sharpen up your image and make sure your photo is as clear as possible. You can use a microfiber towel, or you can use a clean corner of your t-shirt. I always like to check the lens after I wipe it off to make sure there’s no finger prints or dust left on it. Look at what a big difference just wiping off the lens can make!

palm tree blurry before shot

This is what I see a lot of vacation pics look like, they're still beautiful pictures, but we can take this shot to the next level!

palm tree clear after shot

After wiping off the lens, this picture (taken with just an iPhone) looks so much more professional!

Use the rule of thirds for your travel photos

This is a photography principle that is a super easy one to start including in your photos, and is something you can easily start doing on your iPhone! If you go into your settings, navigate to “camera”, then turn on the grid option. When you return to your camera app, you will notice two sets of lines dividing your camera into 9 boxes. The rule of thirds states that you want your subject to fall on one of those lines in order for the photo to feel balanced. This allows for negative space, as well as draws the human eye to the subject, rather than searching for the focus of the shot.

You can use the rule of thirds in your travel photos by placing your subject on an intersection of the third, while allowing the landscape/cityscape to fill the “negative space.” Check out what I mean in these photos.

You can see the picture of the dog also follows the rule of thirds, as you want the subject of a portrait shot to be the eyes!

travel photo tips shark rule of thirds
Tea N Sea rule of thirds
dog rule of thirds

You should be shooting in RAW

travel photo hack - HEIC photo!

Photos come in different file formats, with the two most common being JPEG and RAW. JPEG photos are what you think of when you take a picture, all the pixels are lined up in one “sheet” to create an image. These are great if all you’re going to be doing is sharing to instagram or facebook, but if you want to edit your photos and really leverage the power of a travel photo, you should be shooting in RAW. 

RAW format is like having a 3D grid of pixels layered on top of one another. Shooting in RAW allows for the greatest flexibility and control when shooting and editing your travel photos. The RAW format can be achieved a few ways. One is by shooting in RAW on your DSLR or Mirrorless camera, but your iPhone can shoot in RAW as well! You can opt for a third party app like Lightroom, or you can use the iPhone’s built in camera and shoot with the .HEIC file type (which is a RAW file). To do this, go to settings, camera, formats, then choose “high efficiency.” When you import the .HEIC file type into Lightroom or Photoshop, it will automatically recognize as a raw filetype for you to edit with! 

Focus your images

One thing that took some time to learn was that you can actually lock your focus on an iPhone. No more blurry photos if you’re shooting on your own! Set up your shot, and push and hold on the area you want to be in focus. A little yellow box at the top of your screen will light up that says “AE/AF lock” and it will hold your focus while you take your shot, rather than refocusing when your phone sees movement. Having your subject in focus helps to create that “blurry background” that everyone wants more than just shooting with autofocus trying to figure out what the subject actually is!

 Properly Exposed Travel Photos are Important

You may want that “light and airy” or “bright and beachy” look to your photos, or the more moody and toned photo type. It’s important to know that these vibes or aesthetics are created AFTER shooting, not during. You want to make sure your photos have all the information saved in them, and no parts lost due to being too dark or blown out. Shooting in RAW helps to recover some lost data, but is only possible if it’s not overdone.

travel photo tips - exposure

This image was a tough setting to shoot in, with a lot of bright light behind the window, and artificial lighting inside. You can see some of the window is a little overexposed and the information is lost.

travel photo tips exposure

This photo, in the same AirBnb is properly exposed, with soft lighting coming from all angles, it was easy to get the exposure right!

Many people don’t know that you can actually control exposure on an iPhone by pressing and holding, then sliding your finger up and down. You’ll see a little sunshine adjusting next to your finger that indicates that the exposure is being adjusted. A properly exposed photo will have everything exposed, but if you’re shooting in unideal conditions (more than likely happening while traveling), you’ll want to shoot darker to preserve the highlights. It’s a lot easier to save something that’s too dark in post production than to recover lost data from an overexposed shot.

Long Exposures are Super Cool

Travel photo hack - long exposure
long exposure on iphone

So many people want that smooth waterfall travel photo, but have no clue on earth how to do it! If you shoot on a camera, you’ve gotta play with your settings and stay SUPER still, if you shoot with your phone there’s not much control on shutter speed. What a lot of people don’t know is that your iPhone can actually shoot a long exposure shot, as long as you’re taking a “live” photo. This was the coolest trick I learned while shooting waterfalls in Grenada. 

Turn on the “Live” setting, and take your picture. Try to keep the camera and any people in the shot as still as possible, as any movement will be blurred. Next, go to the photo you want to edit, drag up on your phone, and swipe all the way to the right on the previews of your Live Photo. You will see “Long Exposure” at the end, tap that, and wait for the camera to work its magic!

Leading Lines

leading lines photo tip

Another travel photo hack to improve your travel photos are incorporating leading lines. Leading lines are a form of photo composition that incorporates elements that draw your eye to a subject. It is often seen using streets, railings, fences, railroads, branches, architecture, an arm, or any element that draws from one point in the image to the subject. This is something that you can use the rule of thirds with in harmony to create a really well balanced image, but definitely takes practice. If you start to nail this photo composition, it can really make your travel photos look way better! 

See how in this photo, I used the foliage as a leading line to draw your eye from the far side of the photo towards me sitting on the bench?

Taking Your Own Travel Photos

We don’t always have someone with us to take photos of us while we’re out traveling. Whether you want a shot with your travel partner, you’re a solo traveller, or just want to take your own picture without asking someone, there’s a few ways to approach this. 

Using your phone's self timer, you can set up your shot, hit the timer button, and then run to get in position. Your phone will take a burst and you can choose the best of the 10 shots. Another option is to invest in a bluetooth remote. This connects to your phone (or camera's) bluetooth setting, and snaps the shot when you hit the button. Or - you can use your Apple Watch if you have one! This allows you to set up your camera, open the app on your watch, and take photos with the watch. The benefit of using the watch is that you can see a preview of yourself on the watch, so you can see if your shot is going to turn out the way you wanted it to!

I've taken many photos (like this one) on my own with my self timer, remote, or Apple Watch! I used my Apple Watch for this one!

self timer photo

Use the Foreground to Create Depth

Travel photos instantly become more interesting when there is something in the foreground to create depth. It helps give some more context to the area you are exploring, but also helps to draw the eye into the subject of the photo. Locking the autofocus on your iPhone will help prevent the phone from trying to focus on the foreground object. 

Using your phone, you'll still get some depth in your photo (image with the palm tree is an iPhone photo). If you use a camera, you'll have a more "blurry" foreground and background if your aperture is low enough.

photo tips - use the foreground
travel photo tips use the foreground

Create Movement While Shooting

travel photo movement

If you want to make your travel photos more interesting, add some movement while you're shooting! Life isn't static, so your photos shouldn't be either. Incorporate movement with hair, "running" or "walking", spinning, swimming, splashing, or anything to create interest! 

If you're using an iPhone, consider shooting on burst mode to make sure your shot is as crisp as possible. If you're using a camera, make sure your shutter speed is high - at least 1/200 to capture every hair moving, even faster if you're shooting something in action! 

I bet you can imagine the salty ocean air on your face looking at this photo because of the movement of my hair from the wind! The fast shutter speed helps to make sure every hair is crisp, and not one big blurry blob!

Comment any other photo tips you have below, I'd love to hear them! Looking for some travel inspiration while at home? Check out this guide on travel things to do at home! And you can always join my adventures on my Instagram here! 

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tips to improve your travel photos
Travel Photography Tips and Tricks

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Posted In: Travel Tips · Tagged: photo tips, travel blog, travel photography, travel photos, travel tips

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Comments

  1. Laurel says

    June 1, 2020 at 9:26 am

    These are all super helpful tips! There were several “hacks” I did not know the iPhone could even do and I am very excited to go try them out now!

    Reply

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teanseatravel

TAYLOR • TROPICAL TRAVEL ⛵️🌺
Some major tips for a huge bucket list item: visit Some major tips for a huge bucket list item: visiting the piggies in the Bahamas 🐷

📍There’s lots of tour companies in the Bahamas that claim to be the original pigs. The true original pigs are on Big Major Cay (near Staniel Cay) and can only be reached via boat.

🐽 The baby piggies are what everyone wants pictures with, but don’t pick them up! The big pigs are probably going to be way bigger than you expect, but are the ones that’ll actually get in the water (the babies don’t)

🥕 Everyone always wants to feed the pigs, but in my experience: DON’T bring food. They are way too pushy and aggressive with food around, and are much more enjoyable without (they’re happy for scratches with no food). There’s also a good amount of foods that are toxic to pigs, and you definitely don’t want to accidentally feed one and make it sick!

💧 At the back of the beach, you’ll find a little tiki hut with some water barrels and names of all the pigs. Fill up the water troughs if they’re empty by turning the nozzle on the barrel, the piggies appreciate it!

⛵️ If at all possible, try to go privately instead of with a big tour group. We saw a tour boat that had over 50 people onboard and it takes away from the magic of it. They were also only on the island for about 10 minutes, not enough time in my opinion!

Have you ever visited the famous pigs? Have any tips that I missed? 🐷🌊 #teanseatravel
I’ve got the ULTIMATE guide to the Florida Keys I’ve got the ULTIMATE guide to the Florida Keys for you up on my blog! You’ve got to check it out if you want to hit all the highlights of the Keys, but here are five of my favorites! 🌴

🐟Robbie’s of Islamorada - feed the huge tarpon and see other natural wildlife!

🍰Lorelai’s - the BEST Key lime pie in the Florida Keys, hands down!

🦞Keys Fisheries of Marathon - get a delicious spiny lobster roll or reuben!

🦜Duval Street - become a true “Parrot Head” by visiting some of the bars that Jimmy Buffet used to frequent

🌅Mallory Square Sunset Celebration - the best place for the sunset in Key West, with live music, performers, and a killer sunset!

If you’ve ever been to the Keys, you’ll know there is a ton to experience, these five don’t even touch the surface of all the things there are to see and that I have organized for you! I can’t wait to get back and spend more time in the Keys again, it’s the perfect tropical experience right here in the States! 🌺 #teanseatravel
Hi, I’m Taylor and I wanted to reintroduce mysel Hi, I’m Taylor and I wanted to reintroduce myself! Let’s get to know each other, comment some fun facts about you so I can learn about you too! 🌺

I realized today that I don’t think I’ve ever actually introduced myself on IG, so hi, I’m Taylor! I’m a sailor, traveler, adventurer, and lover of sunshine and warm weather (anything below 75 F and I’m in a sweater). I have a bikini addiction and have lived in the Caribbean (take me back!) 🌺 Some fun facts about me:

🌊 I’m a Florida girl, born and raised in the little historic town of St. Augustine

⛵️I’ve sailed roughly 3500 miles in the last couple years

⛰I’ve bungee jumped off the worlds tallest bungee bridge

👩🏼‍⚕️A couple years ago I was in vet school, but left because my heart wasn’t in it anymore. Today I’m working at a vet clinic for my “9-5” (but forreal it’s more like a 7-6 lol)

🦈 My last job was working closely with sharks, sea turtles, rays, and lots of other marine life

🗺 I’ve visited the same number of countries as US states!

♻️ I’m super passionate about trying to live a little more sustainable every day to protect our oceans

🩰 I was actually a ballerina for 20 years (started at 2 and only stopped when I graduated college), which has now led to a love of yoga!

There’s a lot of interesting things about everyone, and I’d love to get to know y’all too! Thanks for joining me on this crazy adventure called life ❤️ #teanseatravel
Bummed to have left, but a weekend away in the Flo Bummed to have left, but a weekend away in the Florida Keys was the perfect tropical escape! So here’s five tips for when you head down to the islands! 🌺

🍋Everyone claims to have the best key lime pie. In my experience, Lorelai’s in Islamorada blows all the others away.

👙Pack in layers, especially if you’re going in the next couple months. It’ll be nice and warm during the day, but can be a little chilly at night, so it’s a good idea to have a light sweater or jeans to throw on!

🐟 The best food in the Keys is seafood. Try some Hogfish, spiny lobster, or conch for some local favorites!

🌊 There aren’t actually many natural beaches in the keys. Most of the islands are coral or rock edges, but there are a few to check out: Harry Harris Park on Tavernier, Founder’s Park and Anne’s Beach on Islamorada, Bahia Honda on Big Pine Key, or Smather’s Beach in Key West for your beach fix!

🎨 Drive down the islands and stop off at many little art galleries, the local art is gorgeous and is a way you can take a little piece of the Keys home with you!

Have you been to the Keys before? What’s your favorite thing you’ve done in the Keys?! 🌴 #teanseatravel
A little throwback pic because I’M ON MY WAY TO A little throwback pic because I’M ON MY WAY TO THE FLORIDA KEYS! 🌺🌴

While I’m not heading to Key West, I’m so excited to be heading to warmer weather, since it’s in the 40s right now in St. Augustine!

I’ll be spending time exploring the Keys a bit closer to Miami, about halfway down the chain of islands. Some spots we may hit are Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon Key, and all the little islands in between. It’s just a long weekend trip, but my little island heart is so happy!

I’d love to know if y’all have any recommendations for the Keys, I’d love to hear them! Have you ever been to the Keys? 

PS this pic is from a trip in 2014, and is on Ley West at the Southernmost point of the Continental US, just 90 Miles to Cuba🌴 #teanseatravel
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#keywestflorida #keysbound #floridakeys #floridakeysroadtrip #floridatravel #tropicalisland #visitflorida #visitfloridakeys #southernmostpoint #islamorada #keylargo #marathonkey #tropicaltravel #tropicalvibes #tropics #tropicalparadise #adventuretravel #gltlove #saltyluxepresets #pinktrotters #saltyluxe #theinfluencerbootcamp #florida_greatshots #instatravelgram #travelerography #tropicaldestination #tropicaldestinations #tropicalgirl
Mama always said life is like a box of chocolates Mama always said life is like a box of chocolates 🍫 and I hope this year is as incredible as this chocolate bar was 😍

For my first post of 2021 I decided to share a little more of Savannah, GA since I really haven’t posted much about it!

This pic was taken in Chippewa Square, the park that was made famous by Forrest Gump at the bus stop. Although the park doesn’t look quite like it did in the movie (thanks people who had to vandalize the bench), it is still neat to be “on set” of a famous movie scene. 

Now it’s not a Russel Stover box, but I just knew I had to have chocolate in this famous square. As we walked towards the park, we stumbled across a teeny, whimsical place called @chocolatbyadamturoni with the smell of freshly made chocolate wafting out the door. We had to go inside, and Steve bought us this gold-leaf covered peanut butter bar.

I’m sure you can see by my face, but WOW it was the absolute best chocolate I have had in my life (so far). Every bite was like a little trip to heaven, and I never wanted it to end! So I’m curious: where was the best chocolate you’ve ever had? Are you a Forrest Gump fan? 🍫 #teanseatravel
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#savannahgeorgia #savannahga #visitsavannah #visitgeorgia #chippewasquare #forrestgump #travelbloggervibes #usatravels #femaletravel #bestchocolate #instatravelgram #adventuretravels #theinfluencerbootcamp #saltyluxepresets #saltyluxe #dametraveler #travelawesome #welivetoexplore #wefoundluxury #stayandwander #iamtraveler #wearetravelers #sheisnotlost #globelletravel #ladiesgoneglobal #mytinyatlas #instapassports #travelstory #gltlove
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