Tips for Great & Easy Travel Photos (Without the Extra Suitcase)

I see a lot of women wondering how to get the perfect travel pictures. How do people take amazing photos while only packing a carry on? Where does everyone get props? Do you really need those seemingly uncomfortable shoes? And are you actually enjoying where you are traveling?? Instagram has often effected how many of us travel, for better or worse. Many influencers whose inspirational travel pictures are spread across social media have a host of tricks up their sleeve to create the perfect content - but this is often a full-blown photoshoot, and there's a lot more work to that than meets the eye. What may come across to viewers as a vacation is often a photography trip - complete with rented clothing, a professional crew, and hours spent getting those perfect shots. 

While either way can be enjoyable to different individuals, there is a way to take great photos without the extra luggage, props, or waiting in lines! Whether you are traveling solo and want to move on and enjoy the sites, or simply have an impatient photographer (aka my husband), here's some of my tips for taking that Instagram shot quickly and easily.

1) Pack practically and photogenically! There are plenty of ways to pack lightly, and tutorials on youtube that will help you achieve your desired method. This is tougher in the winter, but it's still possible (pick a good coat)! All my clothes and shoes are mine, I rewear them, and I stay in Airbnbs at least once a trip with a washing machine or get my laundry done somewhere at least once over the course of a trip (some countries have cheap laundering services). Often times there's an iron if I need it! But I usually pack non-wrinkling items and almost never have truly formal outfits, or anything that needs dry cleaning. I roll pack, and I pack a carryon. Think about what clothes you'd most like to show off, or which clothes convey the kinds of photos you want (dresses that twirl, or cozy sweaters and cute hats)!

2) Most importantly: When you know where you are going each day, dress for it. Photoshoots in rental clothing have taken off in popular tourist destinations, but you can grab beautiful photos in your own clothes, if you think a little ahead of time. For example, in Hoi An I wore a yellow dress that coordinated with many of the buildings. For Angkor Wat, I wore a long dress that was a natural, breathable fabric perfect for the hot day, but it was also an earthy vibe, just right for the setting, and covering for temple reasons. Think on whether you'd like to match, or stand out against your surroundings. Going somewhere very green? Wear yellow or red. Try contrasting colors in settings with overwhelmingly similar color scheme (like deserts or forests). 

2) You don't have to be wearing an amazing dress to get an amazing photos. I take pictures in jeans and tees all the time. I still like to look good in my photos, but sometimes, where I am isn't always conducive to a dress (or I'd rather be more comfortable). Just practice some poses (see below) if you're worried about now having an amazing dress.

3) Practice poses! I practice in front of a mirror at home. I photograph myself a lot, so it's gotten easier over time for me, but it makes a difference, even if it sounds silly. If you're uncomfortable, it's gonna show in photos, so try and stick to something that feels easy and natural. If you're feeling awkward when it comes time to snap a pic, play with a scarf, swish a skirt, or enact some kind of movement to make the image feel more natural. Walking works, too! And it's up to you where to look when the camera is shooting - while sometimes I smile and or look at the camera, sometimes I look away - this way you don't have to fake smile/laugh or look too posed. 

5) Hiking & outdoors activities are going to be what they're going to be. I'm not bringing cool shoes or a dress up a mountain (people do though, and it can look amazing, like the woman in the red dress series). I prefer bright activewear to a) stand out against my surroundings, b) which also gives a sense of scale if I stand out and am far away and c) wearing an orange fleece sure as hell distracts from my ugly shoes! There's only so cool you're going to look in climbing gear, helmets, or life vests - just try and look like you're enjoying yourself. :p Letting the vista do the work is the right idea here, too.

6) If you want the perfect shot without people in it, especially in popular destinations, get up early. It pains me too - I love sleeping in, but it definitely eliminates the amount of people making goofy faces in the back of shots.
As a photographer, Tim Gunn is always in my head saying... MAKE IT WORK!