Five Tips to Improve Your Travel Phoneography
It’s time to ditch the bulky DSLR weighing you down on vacation and switch to the camera in your back pocket. That’s right, your smartphone.
Smartphone cameras have become so advanced that even National Geographic photographers are using their phones to snap photos. But you don’t need to be a professional to capture eye-catching pictures that not only create memories but gather some likes too.
We’ve made a list of five go-to tips to boost your travel phoneography skills that’ll help you get the photos you’ve always wanted.
1. Rule of Thirds
The Rule of Thirds is one of the most important photography rules, so it’s time to get your subject out of the center of the frame. Instead, by enabling the grid feature on your phone, the frame will be divided into nine equal segments by two vertical and two horizontal lines. Now you’ll be able to match up your subject with intersecting lines, creating a more interesting photo with an off-center subject.
2. Gorilla Tripod
Forget the idea of heavy and cumbersome tripods. Gorilla tripods are light, transportable and moldable, making them handy for traveling. Depending on your preferences, you can find gorilla tripods for as low as $16. The best part about these tripods is you can stick them practically anywhere—around a tree branch, nestled into rocks or clinging to a rail.
3. Timelapse
Conquering a timelapse isn’t as tricky as it seems, if you’ve got the right tools. Smartphone apps, like Hyperlapse, have made timelapses seem effortless. If you’re in the iPhone family, Apple has integrated a timelapse feature into the Camera App. Using your gorilla tripod for stability, set up your camera and let your phone do the work. Capture sunsets, bustling streets or your drive down a winding mountain and make it look like it the whole thing happened in six seconds. Magic.
4. BeastGrip
If you can accessorize, your phone can too. We’re talking gear and rigs that will give your photos an instant upgrade. BeastGrip is a rig you attach to your smartphone, allowing you to add fisheye and wide angle lenses to your camera with added stability.
5. Burst Mode
Planning on ziplining on your next trip but unsure how you’ll capture the moment? Your answer is burst mode. Available on both iPhone and Android, burst mode can be achieved by holding down the shutter button. This will allow you to take a sequence of photos in a matter of seconds, helping you get the best shot, regardless of how much your subject is moving.
