Travel Photography - tips & tricks to get that perfect photo

As you can probably tell from my blog posts, photography is a really big part of my travels. It's my way of documenting my adventures and gives me the ability to look back at the places I've been, people I've met, and memories I've made...and make my friends jealous on Instagram. Through the years, I like to think that my skills have slowly but surely improved, and so can yours! Read on to learn more!

THE GEAR

Cellphone - specially, my iPhone 6. Doesn't take as great of a picture as it used to, well compared to what's available on the market now, but it's still a pretty powerful tool right in your pocket!

Canon G7X - I wouldn't call myself a professional photographer, but I do enjoy coming home to look back on high quality, crisp photos. I also aspire to decorate my future home with travel photos I've taken myself, and for that I'll need pictures that are higher in quality. That's why I love my G7X! It's a powerful point and shoot packed with everything a DSLR can do, without the bulkiness of a DSLR. Often known as the go-to vlogging camera for YouTubers, the G7X shoots amazing, stable 1080p video and has survived many deadly, but accidental drops from yours truly. The touchscreen is also a great feature for quick focusing on pictures and video, and for those who are just getting started out in photography. This first generation G7X set me back about $700 CAD after tax when I bought it in 2015, but I see photography as an investment so I was willing to cough that up. There is now a second generation G7X that retails for $750 CAD plus tax.

Selfie Stick - I don't use it to take selfies...ok, maybe sometimes. My selfie stick has a head screw attachment that is compatible with my Canon G7X. I like to have quick access to the camera at any given time, especially on hikes. So I added a carabiner to the end of the selfie sick, and attach the carabiner to my backpack strap (as seen below)! It's a great DIY hack and an essential for hikes.

DON'T BE AFRAID TO MOVE AROUND - TAKE A STEP BACK, GET LOW

Photography is about perspective and framing, and these two important elements are in your complete control as a photographer. My biggest photography tip - don't feel like you have to stand in the position you are currently standing in when you are taking a picture! You get different perspectives and framing by moving around.

As seen below, both pictures were taken in the same location in Iceland. The picture on the left was taken up close and on a lower angle to grab a nice up-close silhouette of the subject (me!). The picture on the right was taken further back and really tries to focus on the breathtaking landscape. Both are stunning pictures and I wouldn't say one is better than the other, but it just goes to show how far perspective and framing can go. Also keep in mind, it's always easier for the photographer to move around than to get your subject to shift left/right to get the perfect shot.

INSTAGRAM: SHARE, BUT DON'T BE ANNOYING

I love Instagram! It's my favourite social media platform and I get so excited every time I travel because I can't wait to use Instagram Stories to document everything! Now that said, I have a few rules that I set for myself. Here's why: your followers don't want to know what's happening every second of your trip. Harsh, but it's reality! You don't want to fatigue and/or your followers. Share, but share selectively as I like to say.

My rules: one feed post per day and no more than six stories. You'll get better engagement this way and fewer annoyed friends :)

EDITING ON-THE-GO

I hate editing photos, which is why most of my photos on Instagram are #nofilter. However, there are times where I want to do a few touchups before I show the world what I'm up to. Phones are really great with their photo editing capabilities nowadays. On iPhone, you can adjust lighting and colours right in the default Photos app. My go-to photo editing app is Snapseed. I love their presets, but you can also use the selective filter brush to select certain areas of your photo to adjust. It's a great app and FREE!

I am by no means a photography expert, but I hope you enjoyed my perspective on Travel Photography! If you want to learn more about this topic, check out Sawyer Hartman's Youtube Channel. Personally, he's been a great resource to learn more about this hobby of mine. Comment below if you're looking to use any of the tips I shared!