11 Instagram hacks for the ultimate travel photo
If you’re Insta-obsessed (don’t worry, we totally are, too), you know the importance of the ultimate holiday pic. We’ve got the skinny on how to take the most epic Instagrams on your next trip. The massive social photo sharing services that is Instagram serves more than 200 million people. Who will see your travel photo?
Use filter apps
We all know filters are the name of the game when it comes to Instagram. No matter what device you have, we promise your app store is bursting with apps with superior filter capabilities than Intagram. A few that we know and love include: Camera+, Diptic, and Mextures.
Don’t use Instagram to take photos
You can breathe, we’re not seriously suggesting you forego Instagram (otherwise, what would this article even be?), just avoid its camera app. Your Instagram camera lacks a lot of features that your smartphone camera has. It can’t zoom, it automatically crops to a square and it can’t film slo-mo.
Make a human tripod
If you’re using your ultra-sensitive smartphone camera, remember to make a human tripod. If the situation allows it, do this by anchoring yourself (to a bench, a tree, a kindly stranger, whatever) before snapping the pic. This is critical if you are shooting at night, when shutter speeds are slower.
Pick your lighting right
Get snapping during the golden hours. You’ll get the best views of a new city and the best pictures. Natural lighting is best in the hour after sunrise and before sunset.
Remember you’re working with square dimensions
If you are working with your smartphone camera, shoot in horizontal mode first and then crop to square. The best rule of thumb when working with a strange crop area is to back away from your subject more than you might normally. After all, you can always zoom.
Try centering your subject
Centering your subect is a big no-no for professional photographers, but it works really nicely when working in square. If you’re looking to make a bold statement (or, I suppose, taking a picture of your lunch), pictures with your subject at the centre draw your eye to the subject.
Fill your entire frame
Don’t make other people squit. Get a close up on your subject or go home (or, just run the risk of nobody liking your stuff). Remember that pictures posted on Instagram are seen primarily on phones, so fill your photo.
Capture colour
Take pictures of all the vibrant colours you see when you are away and skip the filters. Memory is closely linked with colour, so snapping a pic of the vibrant porch or the beautiful building you find on holiday can bring you closer to the real experience when you look back.
Enough with the selfie sticks
Actually, enough with selfies in general. If you do decide you absolutely need a holiday selfie, make sure you’re doing something memorable. The only way to garner Instagram envy is to have a life worthy of Instagramming.
Stop worrying so much
In the end, does your Instagram documentation matter? No. Travel to see the world, not to put it on the internet. Travel to see new sights and explore new cultures…and because it makes you a better person.
Upload like a pro
For the most Insta-envious holiday, remember to upload your photos as you go. Grab a global SIM card and never worry that your friends (or frenimies, or strange followers) are out of the loop. Learn how global SIM can up your mobile game today. Kick back and relax with youGo.