Taking an Instagram-ready photo isn’t always as simple as tapping a button on your smartphone. And whether you’re a fellow content creator or simply a world traveler, we all want clear, colorful photos to document our adventures. Luckily, in all my years of over 60 travel, I’ve learned a thing or two about capturing the moment. But don’t take my word for it—check out my Instagram for proof! Here are my tips for getting that perfect shot, no matter your mode of travel.
Tips for the Solo Traveler
Let’s start with tips for the solo traveler. I’ve been to over 60 countries during my lifetime, all while avidly posting on social media. Once you find the perfect locale for your photo, here’s what to do next:
1. Flex Your Directorial Muscle- Don’t Be Shy!
The vast majority of the time, the people around you would be happy to help you get a great shot. When you find a willing participant, be sure to set the shot up completely. Give them polite instructions on where to stand, how high to hold the camera, and how much of the scenery to get in the photo.
2. Don’t Worry About Onlookers
Some people love being the center of attention, but even so, it can be awkward to notice strangers staring as you set up your shot. Don’t let their gawks get to you! If you’re really comfortable around strangers, you might even bring a tripod so you can get your shot without someone else’s help. As long as you’re not blocking any paths or in the way, you should have nothing to worry about. Your perfect photo will last a lot longer than their stares!
3. Offer an Exchange
Most people don’t agree to taking your picture thinking, “what’s in it for me?” But, if you can sweeten the pot for them, you increase your chances of getting an outstanding photo. Look around for people who seem to want a photo taken as well. Offer an exchange—you take theirs and they take yours. Everyone leaves with an Instagram-worthy pic!
4. Set the Camera to “Live” Mode
Before you take any snapshots, check your camera settings. I recommend always having your iPhone camera set in “LIVE” mode. This increases the possibilities of capturing the exact pose you want. There are lots of online resources to help you edit your live photos to perfection!
Getting the Perfect Photo During Group Travel
When you go on a group or guided tour, you have lots more options when it comes to getting a quality photo taken. Try these tips for interacting with your fellow travelers and scoring the perfect photo:
1. Make New Friends
Group international travel is an incredible time to meet new people. If you notice someone with a good quality camera, try directing your friend-making efforts to them. You might even scope out for any young people who seem to be social media savvy. While these types aren’t usually part of the guided travel crowd, you could get lucky!
2. Don’t Ask People Who Are Spoken for
It’s tempting to ask the first person you see for a photo, but I recommend being more choosy about who you ask. I would stay away from anyone of the opposite sex that appears to be traveling with a significant other, unless you’ve already befriended the couple. Seriously—I’ve had some uncomfortable experiences and unpleasant vibes from wives of men I’ve asked to take a photo. While I’ve never had a real problem, it was enough to limit my interactions! Try asking someone on a mother daughter trip instead.
3. Look for Places to Purchase Photos
Popular tourist destinations often have photo booths available. The pros at iconic sites know how important capturing excellent travel photos is to tourists. While your photo might come out looking staged, it will add variety (and exceptional quality) to your scrapbook.
4. Make It Clear You Have a Quality Camera
If you’ve got it, flaunt it! If you have a good quality camera, make sure the rest of your tour group knows it. I live to wear mine around my neck for the first few days of a group tour. I find that this gives others the impression that I know what I’m doing behind the camera! Start conversations with other people who seem to be taking lots of photos and offer to snap some shots of them too.
5. Be Gracious About Retakes
Not everyone is the next Annie Leibovitz. A well-meaning tour mate may take your photo, only for it to come back blurry or just plain bad. If and when this happens, praise your volunteer profusely before asking kindly for a retake. Give gentle, yet clear, instructions about what you’d like done differently this time around.
6. Ask Friendly Service Workers
You’d be surprised at how many service workers have amazing photography techniques up their sleeves! If you hit it off with the server at a restaurant, they may be willing to take a few photos for you. Many tour guides tend to be great photographers as well. While I don’t recommend asking too often, they’re usually happy to get you perfect pics. I like to joke that I’ll double their tip so they know I value their help and don’t just expect it!
7. Hire a Professional
There are professionals all over the world who already know the best photography tips and tricks! You may want to research local photographers and get in touch with your favorite artists. In some places, you may be able to find a drone photographer who can get you some really fantastic shots from the sky! I love this idea for when you’re at a really stunning natural location, like Fiji or Amelia Island.
8. Always Accept an Offer
Even if you don’t need a photo at the moment, always accept when another person on your tour offers to take one for you. By accepting, you’re encouraging others to offer when you really want a new photoset for your Instagram post. If you notice someone taking a selfie, inquire if they might prefer you take it. I like to tell people the photo I take will be their new profile pic to stress that I care about getting a great shot.
9. Take to Social Media
Use social media to your advantage! Post to your Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook asking your friends for photographer recommendations in the area you’re traveling. This is an excellent way to find some hidden gems.
Now for a Word of Caution
It’s lots of fun to gather photos for your next big social media post, but you do always need to be aware of your surroundings. I’ve never seen it happen, but I’ve heard lots of stories where a stranger offers to take a photo and then runs off with a tourist’s phone or expensive camera.
I once got a bad feeling about a man who offered to take my picture and thought I noticed another person (maybe an accomplice) nearby. My gut feeling took over. I didn’t offer him my phone, but instead gave him my tiny camera. He looked visibly disappointed when I handed him my less-than-extravagant camera. Always use your intuition in these situations, and never put yourself (or your phone) at risk.
Start Snapping Post-Worthy Pics
Everyone has a different style when it comes to photography, especially when we add the stresses of travel into the mix. These are the tips I’ve learned over the years as a boomer traveler, but as new tech comes out, I’m bound to adapt my strategies for getting a top-notch pic. Whether you’re making a trip to Washington, DC alone or traveling with a group to colorful Colombia, I hope you get pictures that are worth a thousand words.