Let’s be honest, the best camera is the one you have with you, and on holiday, that’s almost always your phone. But great photos aren’t about the latest tech, they’re about moments, light and creative ideas.
Whether you’re trekking in the mountains, escaping for a beach holiday or enjoying a city break, here’s how to turn your smartphone into your favourite travel photography companion.
1. Learn to spot good light and how to use it
- Hard sunlight is great for bold colours and strong shadows.
- During golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) look out for soft, warm light.
- Overcast days are perfect for flattering portraits and moody scenery.
- Window light is a great choice for indoor shots. Try turning off the lights and use the window to light the scene.
Top tip: Turn your subject towards window light for better skin tones and catchlights in the eyes.
2. Think in stories, not just snapshots
Instead of shooting everything, focus on telling the story of the day:
- The early-morning coffee
- The worn sandals covered in dust
- The surprise meal in the back street that you found.
Try a mini photo series: 3–5 photos that show the vibe of the day.
3. Slow down before you snap
Before you tap the shutter, take a breath and try one or two of these simple tweaks – they can make all the difference:
- Take a quick look at your background – anything distracting?
- Use the grid and place subjects on the thirds.
- Try a low or high angle – surprising perspectives add drama.
Top tip: Take a few steps left or right, crouch down, or move in closer. A small shift can completely change the shot.
4. Curate your best photos
Resist the urge to share everything. Instead take a little time to:
- Pick your best 3–5 photos of the day.
- Edit lightly (brightness, contrast, maybe a crop).
- Use free apps like Snapseed (clean editing), VSCO (moody filters), or Lightroom Mobile.
Less is more – let your best photos breathe.
5. Share smarter with a travel journal app
Instead of flooding Instagram or your WhatsApp feed, have some fun with the latest apps:
- Polarsteps auto-maps your travels with photos and notes.
- Or Journi – great for building photo books later.
These apps help you share a story about your travels.
Finally, how about a holiday photo challenge to help you take a fresh look at your holiday photography? Here’s a couple of photo challenges to try out!
The Everyday Photo Challenge
Make the ordinary look extraordinary – this one is all about seeing differently.
- One view, three angles – pick any scene, like a café, beach, or market and take three shots: from above, from below, and straight on.
- The 10 minute project – sit in one spot for 10 minutes. Take only one photo. It’ll make you really think and look before you shoot.
- Window views – whether it’s a hotel room, train, or restaurant – frame a shot through a window.
- Reflections – find reflections in water, mirrors, or sunglasses and use them creatively.
- Tiny details – focus in on something small: sand patterns, fruit on a table, textures of walls or hands.
The Golden Hour Challenge
This challenge encourages you to play with light to get more out your phone camera.
- Golden hour glow – set a reminder to take one photo just after sunrise or just before sunset. Watch how the light transforms everything.
- Chasing shadows – look for long shadows or dramatic patterns of light and shade — especially in early morning or late afternoon.
- Silhouette snap – shoot a person or object against the light. Focus on their outline and let them go dark for dramatic effect.
- Night lights – try a photo after dark. Think twinkling city lights, lanterns, or neon signs.
- Backlit beauty – position your subject between you and the light source (like the sun) to capture a subtle glow or lens flare.
