Travel photographers share their favorite products and iPhone hacks that even novice shutterbugs can replicate.
Whether you just booked a ambition vacation to thewilds of Patagonia , or are only plan to relax at anall - inclusive resort , moments spent traveling are ones you ’ll desire to remember evermore . But if you chance your iPhone is n’t capturing those moments quite as vividly as you ’d like , there ’s a lot you may do to make your photos absolutely arresting . And no , the answer belike is n’t tote around a bulky , expensive DSLR — which is seldom worth it when your iPhone has the ability to bundle a genuinely disingenuous punch .
We reach out to professional lensman and change of location bloggers to pick up their cunning tricks for wrench an iPhone into a professional - grad travel camera . The good news ? A combining of tv camera hacks , headphone supplement , and editing apps should yield photograph that can easily liken with those taken with a pricy Canon or Nikon .
From the bestpackable tripods , to the telephone set configurations that ’ll make landscapes pop , to the gadgetssolo travelerscan utilization for better selfies , here ’s how the pro recommend you hack your iPhone camera to get unbelievable shots .
Unsplash/Nadine Shaabana
When I reached out to photographers to need for their iPhone picture taking hack , “ employ a tripod ” was the most coarse tip I receive . speech sound - favorable tripod are typically super lightweight , can well fit into your suitcase or packsack , and are perfectly necessary when shooting photos that be given to be ruined by trembling hands ( opine long exposures , down in the mouth - light pic , and nature dead reckoning ) .
There are tons of neat alternative on the market , but here are some phone tripods specifically recommend by change of location photographer :
Gahenwo 64 - column inch Selfie Stick Tripod with Remote
The Joby GorillaPod has flexible, spider-like legs that can be bent into any shape you want.|Cavan Images/Cavan/Getty Images
Travel and fashion expert Nneya Richards swears by “ the sizing , lastingness , and toll ” of theGahenwo 64 - column inch tripod , which helped her capturethis epic photoin Thailand . “ I always set up the photo on ‘ Live ’ so I can get the best pullulate out of a few different movements , ” she say . The tripod fit most iPhone role model , and it come with a outside control for additional control ( and selfies ) .
Joby GorillaPod with Phone Mount
Raymond Cua , founder ofTravelling FoodieandJourney Traveler , prefers theJoby GorillaPodfor its “ form agent and adaptability for alone picture taking scenarios . ” This pop tripod has flexible , spider - like pegleg that can be bent into any shape you need . enfold it around tree ramification or railings to take pictures from any angle .
DJI OM 5 Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer
If you need to trance professional - level telecasting in improver to photograph , consider a gimbal ( basically a selfie spliff that keeps a camera steady while shooting picture ) . Lauren Grijalva , full - clip RVer and locomote blogger atThe Wanderpreneurs , uses theDJI OM 5for all her social media channels . The gimbal assist take hold of smooth photo , but it also come with a snip - on tripod for cursorily dislodge to photo mode .
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Gahenwo Selfie Stick Tripod
DJI OM 5 Gimbal
Most professional photographers agree : You shouldneveruse the auto - flash on your camera telephone set . This burst of light usually produces poor - quality , pixelated photos and completely washes out your study — and flash photography is often banned at museum and artistic production galleries anyway . To disable auto - flash , open your camera app , tap the flash ikon on the left of the screen ( it looks like a little lightning bolt ) , and choose “ flash off ” ( which will be a symbolisation of the flash with a line through it ) .
So does this mean you’re able to no longer take photos in the dark ? Not at all . Newer iPhones have set about much better at handling grim light , but any sound will still profit from a little assistance at Nox . The honorable alternative for more natural - looking ignition is to bond an external flash unit to your phone . Jeremy Scott Foster , Founder and CEO ofTravelFreak , recommends theXinbaohong ring brightness , which is promote as a selfie luminousness but can be easy turned around to utilize for unconstipated photos . “ It ’s something that can be particularly utilitarian for even shots where you are revel the cultural night life , or find beautiful landscapes in the darkness , ” he says . “ It will be the difference between a blurry photo … and a clear and frosty nighttime image that show the beauty of what you are really see . ” Clip - on selfie light are usually very inexpensive , make this an well-situated locating for grainy nighttime shots .
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Xinbaohong Selfie Ring Light
Auxiwa Selfie Ring Light
Lvyouif Selfie Light
You ’ve plausibly seen tons of travel influencers post lackadaisical pics of themselves absorb in nature — perhaps walk down a tree - lined path or stare out over a canon . And unless the influencer always travel with an “ Instagram husband " or better half , it ’s extremely potential that they achieved those shots using a remote shutter .
Camera remote tend to be cheap and can touch base to your phone via Bluetooth . Will Hatton , founder and CEO ofThe Broke Backpacker , personally recommends theAshutb Bluetooth 5.0 outside shutter . “ It ’s essential for the esthetic ‘ walk away from the camera into nature ’ photo , ” says Hatton . “ Since I often trip alone , this leverage has serve me well in my seeking to take photos of myself on adventures . ”
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Ashutb Bluetooth Remote Shutter
Zttopo Remote Shutter (2-Pack)
CamKix Camera Shutter Remote
You may be aware that pressing the volume buttons on the side of your phone can sink in photos when your tv camera app is receptive , but did you know that legerdemain also shape with the volume clitoris on yourApple EarPods ? Street photographerTodd Colemanloves to take photos this way , explaining that it “ helps in low sluttish spot so that there is n’t a camera shiver . ”
All you have to do is plug away in your EarPods , start the Camera app , and push either the volume up or volume down button on the corduroy to snap the photo . Not only does this technique assistance with shakiness , but it ’s also majuscule for plainspoken shot , as people around you will just think you ’re listening to music and not fiddling with your screen . “ It has really freed me up and transform my locomotion photography , ” say Coleman .
If you do n’t need to deal with wired earphone on the fly , you’re able to also use an Apple Watch to snap photograph with your iPhone . You ’ll just demand to start the Camera Remote app on your scout . From there , you ’ll be capable to utilize your watch as a viewfinder , zoom in on your issue , or even line up pic — and spark your iPhone to take the shot .
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Apple EarPods
Apple Watch SE
Apple Watch Series 8
If you ’ve ever seen a pic where moving objects ( like clouds , waterfalls , shooting stars , and railroad car headlights ) reckon smooth or defame , it was probably take on with farseeing picture — a technique that slow up down the shutter hurrying to make still objects appear precipitous and moving objects appear foggy . It ’s a popular way to penetrate life into picture , and you’re able to easily mimic the style on your smartphone .
There are a few third - party camera apps that slow down your phone ’s shutter stop number — likeSlow Shutter Cam , ProCam 8 , andCamera+ Legacy — but you’re able to convert hot Photos to long - exposure photos in just a few endorsement and at no additional cost . away from present movement in shot of water or nighttime sky , photographer Sam Oppsays the trick “ also work well if there are a wad of people walk around that you do n’t require in the pic . foresighted exposure will make them more blurry and not the main focus in your photo . ” ( suss out out herInstagram tutorialto see what she ’s talking about ! )
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6. Zoom in on your surroundings with an external lens.
While the latest iPhone example have three lens options ( wide , ultra - broad , and telephoto ) , former models do n’t have a built - in telephoto lense , which means zooming in even a diminutive bit drastically reduces your photo caliber . If your travels will require photographing objects from a distance ( go on a hunting expedition , see the Grand Canyon , etc . ) , or if you ’ll need to photograph tiny objects up close ( little ocean shell , flowers , insects , etc . ) it ’s worth adorn in a mellow - caliber international lens of the eye .
After get a line great things aboutMoment ’s air of smartphone lenses , I decide to bribe theMoment Tele 58 millimeter Lens(which provides 2x zoom ) for a trip to Yellowstone in early 2020 . It helped me take photos of landscape and wildlife that I was super glad with , especially when comparing them to the blurry zoomed - in pics my phone usually takes . All of Moment ’s lenses demand aspecial phone case , but once you get that you may easily clip on each lens and switch them out in a couple of seconds if need . And if I ever upgrade to an iPhone with a built - in telephotograph genus Lens , I can position this over that third lens to achieve 4x zoom , which is middling incredible .
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Moment Tele 58mm Lens
Moment Macro 10x Lens
Moment Rugged Case for iPhone
“ One of the easiest agency to better photo quality is using the robotlike HDR function , ” says Rick Wong , editor in chief - in - tribal chief ofCameras Trends . When an iPhone is in HDR ( eminent dynamic range ) mode , it takes several photos at different exposures and blends them into one icon , which “ ensures that the exposure of the photo is ideal , ” allege Wong . This is particularly utilitarian if you are judge to catch scene with lots of shadows or unlike inflammation levels within a unmarried soma . If you do n’t have HDR turn on , then you might get — for example — a nature shot with a dark foreground and a completely washed - out sky with no cloud details .
While you may manually control whether or not a photo is accept using HDR , it ’s a expert idea for beginner photographers to set their phone up to do this automatically . Go to options > Camera , then on/off switch on Smart HDR . Voila ! Your travel photos are now much more potential to show beautiful details and coloring .
In the humankind of picture taking , the “ convention of thirds ” refers to a type of writing in which a framing is divided into third ( both horizontally and vertically ) and the subject is place at the intersection of those grid lines . This creates a final photo where the subject field fill some one third of the frame , while the surrounding scene or background use up the other two thirds — generally considered to be a visually pleasing composition .
To help with your own photo composing , you could choose to have very tripping grid lines look on your Camera app every time you open up it . Go to preferences > Camera , and toggle on Grid under Composition . The gridiron production line will also help you keep your phone level so your landscape painting do n’t come out crooked .
While many new smartphones are water resistant , they ’re not intend to survive a dive into the ocean . Having said that , it is totally possible to take underwater photo with your telephone if you use a little extra aegis .
If you ’ll be snorkeling or swim ( and not , for example , dive ) , you should be all right with a simple-minded waterproof phone case , like the extremely popularJoto Phone Pouch . It can fit nearly all smartphones , and the clear window still let you use your phone ’s touch screen to snap photos up to depth of 100 understructure . This kind of phone pocket can also be comforting to have if you ’re doing water - related activity where there ’s a risk of drop your earpiece , such as kayaking or boat paddle boarding .
Attach an external flash to your phone to get more natural-looking lighting at night.|Amazon
For peace of creative thinker , ensure you do the “ tissue test ” before dunking your earpiece in the body of water . plainly put a patch of tissue paper into the earphone font , drown it in water , and check that the tissue emerges completely dry . Once you ’re sure the phone caseful works right , seal up your phone and cosset in some coolheaded underwater photography .
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Joto Waterproof Phone Pouch (2-Pack)
Syncwire Waterproof Phone Pouch (2-Pack)
Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch (2-Pack)
clamber to appropriate the entirety of a edifice , tree , or mountainside ? Eva Phan , blogger and professional photographer atEva Darling , suggests taking a vertical panoramic pic to correspond everything in the physical body . Simply exchange your photographic camera to panoramic mode ( it will seem as “ Pano ” at the bottom of the app ) and contain your phone horizontally . Then , alternatively of moving exit to right like you normally would in bird’s-eye modality , move the phone from the terra firma towards the sky . You ’ll end up with extend portrait - mode pic that show towering tree or landmark all the way from bottom to top .
“ One unproblematic style to take better locomotion picture with your iPhone is to learn how to employ exposure compensation to your advantage , ” says Rex Freiberger , Colorado - CEO and editor program ofGadget Review . “ This tool adjusts how wanton or dreary a exposure is before you take it , but sometimes the reflex allowance do n’t utterly capture certain outside scenes . ” To manually adjust the photo , launch the Camera app , tap the covert , and hold off for a yellow box with a sunshine ikon to bulge up . From there , plainly slue your finger’s breadth up and down on the concealment to test different exposure options .
“ One of the proficiency I ’ve used to get unique image with an iPhone is buck from a scummy angle with the headphone upside down , ” says Sean Lau , locomotion photographer and blogger atLivingOutLau . Since an iPhone ’s camera lenses are lay at the top of the phone , it ’s hard to get a super - depressed slant even if you lay with your telephone upright — flipping your telephone set means the camera is flush with the land . “ This is perfect for taking reflection photos where there is a puddle of water on the soil , ” say Lau . “ This type of pic is usually very hard to get with a traditional DSLR tv camera , but the portability of the iPhone makes it a lot easier . ”
While using ring lights and playing around with exposure are corking peter , nothing can fully repeat the photographic magic of natural sunlight — especially during the “ favorable hours ” right after first light and before sundown . “ The magic hour of early dawn or dusk are just as efficacious when hit with your iPhone as a big impressive Nikon , ” suppose Garrett Hayes , an greedy wench photographer and father ofBirding Hub . utilize the piano , warm luminousness of these time window ( as opposed to the rough , uncomplimentary visible radiation of high noon ) will ensue in beautiful shots that do n’t require any filter . Before your next trip , download theGolden Hour appto get location - specific recommendation for the best times to go out and snatch up some photos each day .
natter Modern restaurants is one of the best parts of move around . But taking ‘ gram - worthy photos of your meal ? That can be a nuisance . Culinary picture taking is its own beast that necessitate tons of practice ( and perfect lighting ) , but New Orleans - based intellectual nourishment photographerVieta Collinshas a few helpful tips that are super easy to replicate .
First of all , Collins accent that “ nutrient looks best in natural light , not stilted , ” so call for to be seated near a windowpane if you ’re dine out . She also advocate using the camera power system line ( see bakshish # 10 ) for overhead shot that do n’t look warped or askew .
But most of all , play around with plating and rearrange items on your mesa to make a play image burst with lifespan . “ The overall composition of your pic is just as important as the food itself , ” says Collins . “ use your silverware and napkins . merged hands and have people hold thing as well . ” She also suggests letting some plates hang out of the frame to make the tabular array look enjoyably cluttered , because “ meddlesome tables are always more interesting . ”
“ Having a portable battery to take with you is full of life , mainly if you use your phone for pictures , ” says Ally Wardrop , owner ofCafes and Getaways . Using the Camera app drain shelling life faster than many other headphone functions , and “ the last affair anyone need is to miss out on catch a special moment because their telephone has cash in one’s chips ! ”
Wardrop personally vouches for thisAnker power money box , which currently has over 58,000 five - ace reviews on Amazon . It is modest enough to slip into your backpack or comport - on pocketbook , and the manufacturer claims it has enough juice to institutionalise an iPhone 11 at least four times .
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Anker Portable Charger
Miady Portable Charger (2-Pack)
iWALK Small Portable Charger
Now that you know the ins and out of your Camera app , it ’s time to learn how to delete picture . You could spend year watching Photoshop tutorial or occupy online picture taking courses , but there are tons of redaction apps that make transforming your photo well-heeled and intuitive .
When we asked photographers for app suggestions , a vast majority were quick to talk the praise ofAdobe Lightroom . “ It ’s awful how professional the photos come out , ” enjoin Isabella Biava , travel blogger atBoundless Roads . “ I would suggest [ you ] bulge from one of the include presets and then adjust the light or vibrancy according to the last results you want to accomplish . ” The app is destitute , but you may give a monthly fee to unlock all the premium features .
Other keen redaction apps areAdobe Photoshop Camera , VSCO , Snapseed(my personal favorite ) , andAfterlight .
A remote shutter is “essential for the aesthetic ‘walking away from the camera into nature’ photos,” says Hatton.|Unsplash/Peter Vanosdall
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There’s always a risk your cell phone could die while you’re out in nature or exploring a new city. A Kodak FunSaver would never do such a thing.
You can take photos using your Apple EarPods.|Hinterhaus Productions/Stone/Getty Images
Utilizing a long exposure is a popular way to imbue life into photographs.|Unsplash/Sawyer Bengtson
If your travels will require photographing objects from a distance, it’s worth investing in a high-quality external lens.|Moment
“One of the easiest ways to improve photo quality is the automatic HDR function,” says Rick Wong of Cameras Trends.|Unsplash/Kenny Eliason
In the rule of thirds, a frame is divided into thirds and the subject is placed at the intersection of those grid lines.|Unsplash/Randy Tarampi
It is totally possible to take underwater photos with your phone if you use a waterproof phone pouch.|Unsplash/Juan Burgos
A vertical panoramic photo is a great way to fit tall buildings or scenery in frame.|Unsplash/Mika Baumeister and Stephen Leonardi
You can manually adjust exposure on your iPhone’s camera app.|Unsplash/Joshua Earle
Flip your phone upside down to get a low-angle shot.|Unsplash/masahiro miyagi
The natural sunlight around dawn and dusk is better than any filter.|Unsplash/Dominik Dancs
Use camera grid lines for overhead food shots, and play around with the arrangement of dishes and props.|Unsplash/charlesdeluvio
Using your iPhone’s Camera app can drain the battery quickly, so be sure to have a power bank for backup.|O_Lypa/iStock/Getty Images
Most of the photographers we interviewed were quick to sing the praises of Adobe Lightroom.|Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
