Last year, when I sat down to design our family Christmas card, I had a startling realization: out of the entire year’s worth of amazing travel photos I had taken, I didn’t have a single decent one of all of us together. Not one! Instead, I had a camera roll full of scenic views, food pics, and—embarrassingly—just selfies of me and my husband, Jason. It was a wake-up call that even though we were traveling and making memories, I wasn’t capturing the moments in a way that truly told our story.
Since then, I’ve made it my mission to take better travel photos—ones I’ll want to frame, share, and use for more than just blog posts. The best part? You don’t need expensive gear or professional training. A few simple tips (and lessons learned from my mishaps!) can make a big difference. Here are 10 easy ways to instantly improve your travel photos– without fancy equipment!
1. Clean Your Lens. Seriously
This one seems basic, but it’s one of the biggest culprits behind blurry or hazy travel photos, especially on smartphones. On our road trip to St. Augustine a couple of years ago, I made a frustrating discovery: there was a smudge on my lens. Thankfully, I noticed it after the first day, so I didn’t ruin all of our pictures. Lesson learned!
A simple workaround is to carry camera lens cleaners. They come in various styles, from pre-moistened lens wipes to full cleaning kits, and they’re all pretty affordable. I use the same kit I bring for cleaning my eyeglasses. If you’re looking for a lens cleaner, here’s a link with a selection of options you might find helpful. LINK
2. Watch Those Fingers in the Frame
True story: I have an entire batch of pictures with my fingertip peeking into the corner. I didn’t realize I was holding my phone in a way that partially blocked the camera. Before you snap, double-check that your fingers (or camera strap!) aren’t sneaking into your shot.
3. Use Natural Light to Your Advantage
Golden hour—the hour after sunrise and before sunset—is a photographer’s dream. The warm lighting is perfect for capturing beautiful photographs. Whenever possible, you want to avoid harsh midday sun when shadows are strong and lighting is unflattering. However, if you can’t avoid the midday sun, try finding a shady spot, or what photographers call “open shade,” to stand and take your photos from that position instead. If you’re indoors, shoot near windows and use soft, indirect light. This tip won’t cost you a cent, although getting up early may cost you some sleep.
4. Learn the Rule of Thirds
The rule of thirds is a simple compositional guideline in photography that divides an image into nine equal parts using two horizontal and two vertical lines. One of the easiest ways to instantly improve your travel photos is by turning on the grid setting on your camera or phone—this helps you apply the rule effortlessly as you shoot. This little adjustment can make a big difference, creating more balanced, visually interesting shots that look like they were taken by a pro—even if you’re just snapping pics on the go.
5. Use Travel Photos to Tell the Story, Right Down to the Menu
Travel is about more than just the big landmarks. I always snap pictures of menus wherever I go—not only does it help me remember what I ordered and what the dish was called, but it also brings back the vibe of the place and reminds me of those unexpected moments that made the meal special. I do the same with signs, historic markers, plaques, and even quirky roadside attractions. These little details might not seem all that important at the time, but when you’re flipping through your travel photos later, they help paint a complete picture of the experience. It’s those small, in-between moments that often end up being the most memorable.
6. Keep it Clean and Simple
Don’t overcrowd your frame. Before you snap, take a quick look around and see what’s in the background—bags, trash bins, or random distractions can take away from your shot. A clean, simple background lets your subject stand out and keeps the focus where it belongs. You don’t need a complicated setup to get a great travel photo—sometimes the simplest compositions are the most striking.
Don’t let your travel photos collect digital dust—use them to create something fun, like postcards, a photo book, or even a framed canvas. I once made a collage of pictures from a girls’ trip and turned it into a puzzle for a friend who loves puzzles—it was way more meaningful than any souvenir.
7. Get a New Perspective
Crouch low, climb a few steps, or tilt your camera for a different perspective. Some of my favorite travel photos came from angles I hadn’t planned—sometimes I just point and experiment to see what happens! I recently watched a fantastic video by a travel photographer called Is Travel Photography Dead? It got me thinking about how tourism and social media influence the way we take pictures. Instead of capturing the same shot as everyone else, try looking away from where the crowd is focused. You might find something more interesting just outside the obvious frame—a new angle, a quiet detail, or a moment others completely miss. That’s often where the best stories live.
If you’re curious about the topic, here’s a great video: Is Travel Photography Dead?
8. Shoot with Intention
Instead of snapping 20 quick shots, take a moment to pause and think about what you’re trying to capture. I always try to compose a picture with purpose—something that truly encapsulates the essence of the moment. A single well-composed image not only tells a better story but often feels more meaningful than a dozen random shots. If you do take multiple shots, they need to make sense, like a series of two or three photos that work together to tell the story. It’s about focusing on what really matters in that moment, whether it’s the light, the people, or the details around you.
9. Try an Editing App
While I sometimes edit with Photoshop, I often reach for quicker, easier solutions when I’m traveling. Free apps like Snapseed, VSCO, or Lightroom Mobile make it simple to adjust brightness, contrast, and color balance in just a few taps. I’m a big fan of Snapseed because it’s user-friendly but still gives me plenty of control. I especially love the Portrait filter—it softens photos just enough to give them a polished, natural look. I’ll also tweak the ambiance or warmth to better reflect the feel of the moment. It’s an easy way to enhance your travel photos without losing their authenticity.
10. Get in the Photo (All of You!)
Ask someone to take the photo, use a tripod with a timer, or take turns with your travel companions. Don’t be like me—left with only selfies when it’s time to send a holiday card. A lightweight, travel-friendly camera stand or mini tripod can really come in handy for getting everyone in the shot. I like ones that are compact and easy to toss in a day bag—nothing bulky or fussy. If you’re looking for one that travels well, here’s a link to a variety of options you might find helpful: LINK
Final Thoughts
The best travel photos don’t have to be perfect—they just need to capture the feeling. A little preparation and awareness can make a big difference. And who knows? Maybe I’ll have a full-family photo to put on the Christmas card this year.
Happy snapping—and don’t forget to clean your lens!
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