Get ready for your next holiday with our top tips and tricks for taking Instagram-worthy pictures whilst enjoying your break overseas.
These days, pretty much everyone has access to a camera on their phone which means it couldn’t be any easier to take a quick shot whilst out and about.
Capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments is the perfect way to create lasting memories and whether you are an avid Instagram user or a complete novice, here are some tips to raise your photography game and create memories to last a lifetime.
1) Use natural light
Where possible, use natural light instead of using your flash. Natural light makes for the best results for your pictures, although of course, you won’t get as much of that should you be taking your shot indoors.
If that is the case, try using natural light coming in from the window.
2) Keep the horizon straight
Keeping your phone straight will instantly make your picture better. Luckily there is a really easy way to make sure you get a straight picture every time.
Based on an iPhone, go to Settlings then Camera and just tap on the Grid toggle to make sure it’s active. Gridlines will now overlay the photo when you’re taking it, making it easy to align your shot.
You can also use a similar feature on a range of other phones - Samsung for example allows you to turn on gridlines within the settings of the camera app.
3) Remember the rule of thirds
Using your gridlines you can now improve the composition of your photographs by using the rule of thirds, and you can use the gridlines to make sure your shot fits the bill.
The idea behind that rule of thirds is that you place the subject of your image into either the left or right third of the shot, with the remainder of the photo being more open. Using your guidelines means it will be easier to get the subject into one of these thirds, leaving you with a well-composed shot to serve as a reminder of your break.
4) Switch on HDR
HDR, or High Dynamic Range, is a feature on your phone that will help to create a better photograph under certain conditions.
If an image has high levels of contrast, HDR will take multiple different exposures and merge them together into one image for a better photograph. For example, a bright sunset and dark mountain can be merged together to get the perfect shot.
On an iPhone, go to Settings, then Camera and just tap on the HDR toggle to make sure it’s active. On a Samsung phone, it can be accessed via the mode in your camera settings.
5) Use burst mode
To get the perfect shot when the subject is moving, use burst mode which can be found in your camera settings. For example, on most iPhones simply swipe the shutter button to the left to take a series of continuous pictures until you lift your finger. You’ll be sure to capture the perfect action shot.
Again on a Samsung model, burst mode can be found within your camera settings.
6) Don’t be afraid of negative space
You don’t need to fill your full screen with lots of different elements - as the rule of thirds
Empty space in a photograph is an excellent way to make one area a focus and make it stand out. These images also tend to look great on social media as there is more impact on a small screen.
7) Shoot during ‘Golden Hour’
Golden hour is just after sunrise and sunset. The light is soft and golden and gives amazing warmth to your pictures. Try taking a shot of something at both sunrise and sunset to compare and see which turns out best.
8) Use Depth
Adding depth to your images will make them more interesting.
Instead of focusing on one element of the scene, create layers to make it more appealing to the eye.
9) Practice makes perfect
In the weeks leading up to your holiday play around with your phone and get comfortable with the features.
Learning new features your phone is capable of is the perfect way to really get excited about your upcoming holiday.
10) Have fun!
Try new things and have fun with it. Take as many pictures as you like and simply delete the ones that didn’t work. Be creative with your shots and create memories you can cherish forever.