How To Take Better Travel Photos On Your Mobile Phone

Why do you travel? Perhaps it's the love of the unexpected, the thrill of discovering something new, or the energy of waking up to endless possibilities. As I always say: the best camera is the one you have with you — your phone. If you need a kick of inspiration to get outside the rut, check out some tips that help craft better-looking iPhone pictures for your next trip.

1. Chase Good Light

Consider the thrill of waking up at 4:30 AM, pulling on those worn boots by the door, and heading out to capture the sunrise as it shines on Mt. Whitney. Or imagine grabbing a quick coffee and rushing to Kyoto’s Bamboo Forest to be the first there, capturing the vertical lines of the forest as sunlight filters through the clouds — a scenario I’ve personally experienced.

Great lighting and exposure techniques are key — they can truly make or break an image. While simple to follow, seeking out the best light sources adds a fun dimension to interacting with your environment. Capturing the bright light of dawn or the soft glow of dusk is not just rewarding; it's an integral part of the photographic experience.

It’s all about engaging actively in the moment.

2. Snap The Candid Shots

The best photos take real moments. They emphasize a sense of place and purpose, letting the viewer become lost in a particular memory or feeling. Vacation and travel photos are no exception. The three rules are lighting, composition, and connection. Abide religiously by these three simple rules; you’ll undoubtedly portray that longing tenderness.

3. Talk to the Locals

Talking with a local can provide invaluable insights for photographers. Locals can point you to the best places to capture unique images, often suggesting locations that are off the beaten path or inherently photogenic.

Beyond just finding great spots, engaging with the people who know the place better than you allows you to become an active participant in the environment you're documenting. This interaction fosters a deeper connection to the surroundings, enhancing your understanding of the cultural and historical context of your pictures. Plus, they'll give you tips to remain respectful of the place you're entering (a must).

4. Accept the Imperfections

Travel images are most impactful when they are candid and natural. Embrace the daily imperfections; those small nuances create unique and beautiful scenes. Whether it's your friend marveling at an ancient Greek ruin, enjoying a tasty Mexican taco, or capturing wildlife on their phone, seize those moments. Capturing people in their unguarded moments makes a vacation photo stand out. These images offer your audience a glimpse into fleeting moments uniquely experienced through your lens.

These seemingly small flaws — like a crooked smile, a windy day tousling hair, or a street crowded with the chaos of daily life — often tell a more compelling story than a perfectly staged scene. These elements capture the reality of the moment, highlighting the image with a sense of place and time that polished photos can sometimes lack.

For example, a blurred figure in the background might suggest movement and energy, or an overcast sky can set a mood that bright, sunny weather cannot. These imperfections also trigger a more visceral reaction from viewers, making them feel as though they are part of the scene, experiencing it firsthand.

Isn’t that what makes photography so unique? Your phone is better at auto-capturing these scenes than with a camera, especially if you want to capture quickly.

5. Celebrate Color, Vibrancy, and Environment

Missionize your space’s tour de force by anchoring every inch of color within the frame’s tiny corridors. Don’t think yellow, red, or brown—imagine Bavarian cream, Arizona tan, burnished bronze, or castle stone. Culminate the luxurious kitchen tile or bathroom towel rack with love, and intentionally seek each room's lovely color palettes.

Make it bright, and stain it tight. You can read more about photographing interesting architecture and interiors here.

6. Don’t Rush It

Prepare thoroughly.

Many seasoned photographers emphasize the importance of early starts and solid research. Waking up early to scout your location can significantly increase your chances of capturing better images. Spend extra time wandering through the area, exploring various perspectives — high and low, and experimenting in every possible corner. Even subtle changes, like a gentle breeze or a slight shift in someone's posture, can dramatically transform a shot. This flexibility is one of the great advantages of digital photography, isn't it?

With digital cameras, you have the liberty to experiment extensively. You can take numerous shots and simply delete the ones that don't meet your standards later. The same goes for your phone.

Patience in photography isn't just about waiting for the right moment; it's about actively engaging with your environment, continuously adjusting, and taking chances until you capture that perfect scene. This iterative process often leads to truly great images that not only depict a scene but also tell a compelling story.