19 August 2025
Whether they’re blurry, overexposed, or your fingers are awkwardly photobombing in the frame, no one wants their travel memories spoiled by a bad photo.
Your camera roll isn’t just a collection of images - it’s your personal time capsule, filled with moments you’ll want to relive again and again.
The good news? You don’t need a fancy DSLR to take great travel shots. With just your smartphone and a few key techniques, you can capture stunning visuals that do your adventures justice. Here are our top tips for nailing that picture-perfect shot.
The golden rule of photography, and for good reason. Instead of placing your subject dead centre, try positioning them along one of the imaginary lines that divide your screen into thirds (both vertically and horizontally). This creates a more balanced and dynamic image.
Tip: Turn on the grid feature on your phone’s camera:
iOS: Settings > Camera > Grid (toggle on)
Android: Camera app > Settings > Grid lines or Composition guide
Use natural or man-made lines in your environment - like roads, railings, fences, or even a line of trees - to draw the viewer’s eye toward the subject. These “leading lines” create a sense of direction and help tell a visual story.
Few things are as satisfying as a perfectly symmetrical shot. Think architecture, bridges, doorways, or reflections. Symmetry creates a pleasing sense of balance and harmony. Just make sure your phone is centred and held steady with both hands.
That soft, warm light just after sunrise or before sunset? That’s golden hour—and it’s your best friend. It casts a beautiful, flattering glow that makes everything look a little more magical.
Tap on your screen to focus, then slide your finger up or down to adjust brightness manually. This gives you more control, especially in high-contrast settings.
If your phone has a “Pro” or “Manual” mode, give it a go. It lets you control settings like ISO (how sensitive your camera's sensor is to light), shutter speed (how long your camera’s shutter stays open to let light in), and white balance (making sure the colors in your photo look natural, especially the whites) - perfect for tricky lighting conditions.
Use HDR (High Dynamic Range) to balance highlights and shadows, especially when shooting scenes with both bright skies and dark landscapes.
If you're taking photos of people (whether it's others or you're snapping a selfie), it's best to have your subject face towards the light to help avoid shadows on faces and make sure they’re evenly lit. Natural light is the most flattering but remember there is such a thing too much - if the light is too strong (like the intense afternoon sun) and it’s making you squint or your eyes water, find another spot, take your photos at another time, or slip on your sunnies.
Use both hands for steadier shots. Wipe your lens often - you’d be surprised how much pocket lint or smudges can ruin a photo. Use burst mode for action shots or group photos. Pick the best one later.
Keep your phone easily accessible - some of the best moments are the most spontaneous. Respect local culture and privacy - always ask before photographing people, especially in sensitive locations.
Editing can enhance a good photo, but don’t go overboard. Use editing apps like Snapseed, Lightroom Mobile, or VSCO for easy tweaks.
Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation to make colours pop naturally. Crop to improve framing or straighten horizons. Avoid heavy filters that distort skin tones or make landscapes look unnatural.
