As a creative person, I love all art forms, especially photography. I knew from a very young age I wanted to be part of the process of creating beautiful images. Today, anyone can be a photographer; the iPhone has completely democratized photography.
When I started my travel blog in 2012, I purchased my first iPhone…and I never looked back. Though I am rather frugal, when it comes to travel photography, I buy the best I can afford. Whether you’re using an Apple iPhone XR , or another model, creating professional-quality travel photography is fun and easy with an iPhone.
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What Makes Taking Photographs With iPhone Easy?
In 2017, Business Insider predicted that people would take 1.2 trillion photos on smartphones. That’s a lot of photos!
The iPhone is easy to use because you simply don’t have all the technology of a DSLR camera to learn. You do need to learn the basics of exposure and focus. Once you have mastered that, you can begin to be creative—and even break a few rules.
In addition, less technology means there are no memory cards, nor do you have to set the aperture or shutter speed—you just open the app and start shooting. You do need to make sure your phone is charged, though! With less stress over technology, you are free to enjoy yourself and spend more time creating great photos…not to mention, the iPhone is lightweight compared to a DSLR and doesn’t require extra lenses.
One of my favorite features is the ability to edit your photos on your phone. The app that comes with the phone is fantastic, but you can download others if you wish. Being able to edit on the phone is a huge benefit. There is no need to download an editing program on a computer, as everything is done on the phone. Genius.
Photo edited with iPhone camera app.
The best camera is the one you have with you. That’s why the iPhone is your best camera choice for travel photography. Whether in your pocket, your purse, or your carry-on bag, do you ever leave home without your phone? I never do.
Take Photos With Intention
It is so easy to just point and shoot when taking photos with your phone, but will you get eye-catching photos like that? Not likely. I promise you that if you will slow down and really be attentive to what you’re doing, you will have more fun—and your photos will be exponentially better.
Can you imagine spending time and money traveling to a bucket list destination, and taking hundreds of photographs, only to realize you didn’t get one shot that you love? I’m here to help you avoid that!
Taking a lot of photographs is essential to learning, but you want to graduate from mindless photos to intentional right away.
Can you see the leading line? Painted Desert
Learn To See
Slow down. Breathe. Look at what’s in front of you, behind you, above you. Anyone can become a good photographer, technically. It’s the creative part that takes time to develop. Study and practice elements of design and composition. Look for them. In time, you will see them automatically.
Travel Photography Tips
Do Some Pre-Travel Research
The internet makes it easy to research anything. Just as a writer writes an outline for a book or a director has a storyboard for a film, your photography will benefit from a plan.
For example, if you’re going to Rome and you want to photograph the Colosseum, your research may include mapping the quickest way to get there from your hotel. Do you want to go inside the Colosseum? You’ll need to take into account crowds, hours of operation, and fees, for starters. It can also be useful to look at other people’s photographs to study the different angles and lighting.
Emily took this photo for me in Provence.
What Are You Photographing?
Tip: If you’re photographing landscapes, you will probably need a car. Alternatively, you can hire a driver. I had a great time in Provence with Emily, a local guide and driver. We spent a day stopping at hill towns throughout the Provencal countryside. The only plan we had was to get up early so we could be in Roussanne by sunrise. However, I had had an in-depth email conversation with Emily about what I wanted to do and what I liked to photograph before my departure. She is so experienced that I didn’t have to worry about the details. If your time is limited, I highly recommend an experienced guide or at least a driver.
The iPhone camera performs really well outdoors in natural light, so it’s perfect for taking landscape photographs.
What about photographing food?
I used to carry a small portable light with me to try and create even light in my food photos. With the newer iPhones, you really don’t need another light source unless the location is very dim. Unfortunately, as good as the iPhone is, a key limitation is shooting in dim light. However, if you have good lighting or natural light, you can compose your shots with confidence.
The Takeaway
If there is one thing I want you to take away from this article it’s this: you have the power of creativity in your hands every day–it’s called an iPhone. Have fun and use it with intention. You will never regret it.
Before You Go
In this article about what to do in Geyserville, California, I used only iPhone images. At the time, I was taking a photography course and the instructor told me to focus! Tell the story. These photos got a thumbs up.
Leave a comment and let me know if you shoot with an iPhone. Which model do you have?
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