They say a picture is worth a thousand words – and when it comes to travel, that’s certainly true.
Whether it’s capturing that perfect family moment or the golden sunrise, a picture can help make a memory last a lifetime. But you don’t need to be a pro to capture stunning photos during your travels.
As you embark on your next adventure, here are some tips for taking great travel photos. (Yep. Even with your phone!)
Make use of your phone’s camera features.
Gone are the days of needing a professional camera to get cool photos. Phones have become so incredibly powerful, that you have a world of features at your fingertips. Before you head on your next trip, make sure to familiarize yourself with the best features.
Here are some of our favorite phone camera features.
Wide angle photos
Most phone cameras now can take photos on 0.5x zoom or even lower. By zooming out, you can capture more of the landscape in one photo. You’d be surprised at how much more your camera can capture.
While zooming out for a wider shot is a great idea, it’s best to avoid zooming in. As a general rule, you can always crop a photo but you can’t make it bigger.
Live photos
One of the coolest features of phones like an iPhone is the ability to take live photos. These photos capture a few seconds of footage before and after a photo, helping you make a moment more than a photo. So be sure to turn this feature on!
Tip: Turn these live photos into videos and create a montage of all your adventures when you get back to your campsite. Then connect to WiFi and share it with your loved ones, so they can be a part of your travels.
Panoramic photos
Like taking a wide-angle photo, a panoramic photo helps you capture much more of what’s around you while travelling. (Without the fancy photography equipment!)
In your camera app, head to Panoramic photos. Your phone will prompt you to hold the camera steady and slowly move your camera horizontally by following the arrows. Afterward, your phone will stitch the photos together to create one large (and stunning) panoramic photo.
Panoramic photos are best for capturing landscapes.
Our favorite spot for taking a panoramic photo? The jaw-dropping view of the Kiamichi Mountains from the Mountain View RV Park Terrace Deck.
Remember the rule of thirds.
Whether you’re shooting people or places, keep the rule of thirds in mind. Most of the best photos use this rule.
So what exactly is it? Well, it’s a guide for how to position the subject in your photo. It makes your photos feel more balanced and more interesting.
Imagine dividing your photo into 3 sections horizontally and vertically. Your subject should always be in or around where the lines intersect. (If your phone has gridlines, it can usually help do this for you!)
For example, if you’re taking a photo of a person. Don’t put them in the middle! Position them ⅓ of the way to the left or right and then ⅓ of the way up or down.
The rule of thirds is one of the easiest photography tricks to get the perfect shot every time.
Apps are your friend
The best thing about taking photos on a phone is that you have direct access to so many other tools to help you get the perfect shot.
From photography tips to editing apps, take advantage of the tools at your fingertips.
Some popular apps include Lightroom or Snapseed to help you edit your photos. Even the most professional photographers will edit after they shoot – it’s the secret to getting the most Insta-worthy pics. You can even download presets to help you nail your edits.
Get some accessories
Phone cameras are pretty swanky these days. They’re loaded with features and can take some stunning shots. However, there are some accessories that can make taking travel photos easier and better!
Tripods
A tripod is a stand that holds your phone while you take a photo. Tripods for phones are usually pretty lightweight, so they’re a great option to expand your photography skills while travelling.
There are so many reasons a tripod can come in handy.
- You’re traveling alone and there’s no one to take a photo for you.
- You want to take a photo of the entire group.
- You need a steady hand.
- To take more advanced photos like long-exposure or panoramic photos.
Lenses
You can buy lenses that clip onto the back of your phone camera. These lenses can do anything from expanding the width of your lens (to take larger photos) to creating cool effects, like a fish eye.
Try ordering a few and playing around with your favorites!
Portable battery
If you’re taking tons of photos and videos, your phone battery can get used up pretty quickly. A portable charger or battery can help you recharge, even when you don’t have access to an outlet.
Waterproof cases
Capture a whole new world. Take your phone underwater (safely) with a waterproof case.
While many phones are waterproof these days, a special case can make it much easier to take photos underwater. Make sure to get one with a strap so you don’t end up having to fish your phone out from the bottom of the lake!
Photograph Oklahoma from Mountain View RV Park!
Mountain View RV Park is a premium RV experience located in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. Our picturesque campsites offer one of the best views over the Kiamichi Mountains. Wake up early and capture the sunrise over the hills or stay up late and gaze up at the stars.
And if you’re looking for a change in scenery, you’re just a short drive from some of the most photogenic Southeast Oklahoma destinations, including Hochatown and Beavers Bend.
Mountain View RV Park is any travel photographer’s dream destination.
So pack your camera or phone and book your next stay at Mountain View RV Park today.
